The 'Shroom:Issue LXII
|
| ||
| Issue LXII | May 19th, 2012 | About |
|
| ||
Director's Notes
Hello readers of The 'Shroom! Welcome to our May 2012 issue. This month, I have a few announcements.
When this term started back in February, the Core Staff immediately began discussing the plans for the year. This included some ideas shared by myself, Tucayo (talk), and Marioguy1 (talk) during the Director's Election of 2011, new ideas the other members of the Core Staff came up with, plans that were designed last year (and even a few years ago, in some cases) and were never implemented, and much more. One of the topics that one might imagine coming up in these discussions is the concept of the Special Issue. After considering a few ideas for this project, we all ended up agreeing that Issue LXIV (July 2012) is when the next Special Issue will be.
As of such, one thing we have planned is the Feedback Survey. Last month, I announced that the Feedback Survey would be held this month. However, the Core Staff determined that it would be better to merge the initially-planned May 2012 and September 2012 surveys into one that will be run from the release of the Special Issue through the August 2012 issue. That is what we ended up deciding to do, so there is no Feedback Survey this month.
Finally, the Poll Chairperson Election of 2012 will begin next month and will run until the Special Issue. Anybody that wishes to be the Chairperson of the Poll Selection Committee must run a campaign that follows the rules that will be posted when the election starts. Those who intend to run a campaign must have an account on the Super Mario Boards (or must create one during the election cycle in order to qualify for the nomination), must select six members that will agree to serve in their committee (one of whom must agree to serve as Vice-Chairperson), and must agree to uphold the responsibilities that come with the position of Poll Committee Chairperson. Debates will also be held if there are multiple candidates, although attendance at these debates is not required to maintain one's status as a candidate in the election. If you are considering a run for the position, be sure to start planning. More information on this election and what the Poll Committee does will be provided in the election article next month.
Please be sure to check back on June 16th, 2012, when the next issue is to be released.
Until next month,
Activity Announcements
Hello, lucky beings and welcome to the second installment of Activity Announcements! I am your Activity Director, Marioguy1 (talk) announcing the official beginning of 'Shroom Mafia II! This game is bound to be fun, and the first phase will begin tonight!
I also have a special announcement about the game, specifically focusing on all 'Shroom writers playing in the game. As a thank you to all 'Shroom writers, they will be given a special item to start of the game - an item not obtainable in any shop. Use it well!
As for the 'Shroom Spotlight, we really need more people to sign up for it and we need those who signed up to help out. Last month we covered Super Mario Bros. and I didn't see any significant edits to the articles from any of our members. We need to work harder, people! Remember, the person who edits the most will receive an honourable mention in the Activity Announcements, and for those who constantly help out, the end-of-year awards might have something waiting for them.
Sign up here and edit! This month we will be covering a nice, classic 3D game, Super Mario Sunshine! Often considered an outsider in Mario games, Super Mario Sunshine had a completely different method of attacking - water! Let's see what you guys know about it, edit any article relating to Super Mario Sunshine over the next month and I will announce the winner next issue!
Section of the Month
| Section of the Month | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HI, everyone! I'm your always-shiny Statistics Manager Tucayo! And this time, I come in peace to present the winner of the April 2012 Section of the Month. In case you're wondering, why are you doing this? Well, I am the guy who handles the voting process, so yeah. And let me tell you one thing, the amount of votes we got last month was nowhere as high as I expected it would be. It's in your hands to decide, and it takes you less than a minute to vote, so please do, so the result can properly reflect everyone's opinion. On an unrelated note, this is my 50th Main Section! Congratulations to me! (that's another thing the Statistics Manager does). Now, for the SOTM winner.... With 30% of the votes, Toad85 (talk)'s section, A History of Video Games, has won its second SOTM award, congratulations! In this section, Toad85 told us the story of how Shigeru Miyamoto got initiated in Nintendo. And let me tell you, it's a pretty good story. So if you didn't read it, what are you waiting for? It's a great chance to know how the company we all now love got first started in the video game industry. Did you know Nintendo first pursued the license for "Popeye", but failed? May's Section of the MonthAs I previously mentioned, we received way too few votes last issue, so please take some of your valuable time to acknowledge those writers that do a great job. Please be honest while voting, and don't vote for entire sub-teams. Votes like "Fun Stuff" or "Fake News" are invalid. Here ya go. Voting starts May 19th and ends June 9th. |
Fake News
Editorial
Hey guys, welcome to another Fake News! Today, I'll be doing the regular editorial stuff, and also explaining why I couldn't do Should Have Been, Forum Update, or whatever else I do, I can't remember why can't you remember you're the worst coffee mug I've ever had I'm getting a divorce.
Soo, staff changes: firstly, BMB, who wrote the Fake Interview, resigned when he left the forum, and then was fired by the Core Staff anyway. Don't worry/do worry, he's returned to the forum. As well as this, KoopaTroop, ex-writer of the Character Battle, retired from the community. Too bad to see them go, but maybe there's some new talent around the corner. Is it you? Yes, it is you. Get to work.
Want to sign up? First, find a vacant position on the Sign Up page (Fake News only), then go to my talk page. Don't ask for a position on the talk page, or you will be ferociously ignored. Do follow the instructions in the orange box at the top of the page. If you can figure out how, you can also use it to play Half-Life 2: Episode Two, Portal and Team Fortress 2. Just don't spill anything on my carpet.
As for the other sections, my keyboard on my laptop was screwing up a lot recently. It ranged from keys not working, to keys working too much. For example, my S key kept repeating without even pressing it, and my D key stopped working (not making any Creeper/Porplemontage jokes). But now I've got a new keyboard, so that's all fixed now.
So, a bit of a longer editorial this month. Hope you enjoyed it, and I hope you will enjoy this months Fake News:
Summer is just around the corner. No, seriously. It's literally right around the corner. Summer's been stalking me lately. Anyways, now that the temperatures skyrocket, all of your favorite vacation spots get unbearably hot. Need a place to cool off? All signs point to Plack Beach!
First off, the beach has the water to cool you off. It's why it's called a "beach". You can also stand on the huge cliff to get a great view of the beach (and hope you don't get pushed off by a Pendril). You can also see the legendary statues of the sage Chakron, and rarely, Chakron himself. Oddly, he's standing on his head. If you ask why he's doing that, he'll say it was because of some basket thingy.
Accommodations are easy to find. The beach is rock-free and easy to snooze on. Don't worry! You'll be safe. There's only a 95% chance you'll be attacked by a Toothy overnight. The Sea Pipe Statue also likes to hang around on the beach and might attack travelers for no reason. I wonder who added the nuts to that statue.
And that is why you should cool off at Plack Beach. Do it now, before the heat gets to you!
Written by: 
Chivi-chivik (talk)
Hi everybody! Here’s your hostess, Chivi-chivik! And this is Cooking Guide, where we teach you how to cook excellent dishes!!
So, let’s go!
Today I’m going to Saffron’s because I’m sure Dyllis wouldn’t be very glad of seeing me...
Me: *opens door* Hi!
Saffron: Hi, Chivi! How are you?
Me: Fine, thanks!
Saffron: Really? Because Dyllis told me that he was very pissed off with you...
Me: Eh... don’t worry, I’m fine! ^^;
Saffron: Okay then. So... what are we going to cook today?
Me: We are going to cook... Some Meat Dumplings!
Saffron: Oh! This is a very tasty dish!
Me: Yes!
Saffron: Okay, please give me the Power Steak and the Cake Mix.
Me: *gives her the ingredients*
Saffron: Well, first of all we have to mince the meat.
Me: *writes down* Okay...
Saffron: After this, we have to spice and fry it in the pan.
Me: *writing down*
Saffron: When you have it, separate the pan from heat. Now, get the Cake Mix and put all of it in a bowl. Add some water and begin to mix until you have a well mixed dough.
Me: *nods*
Saffron: Now make discs with the dough, put some meat inside and close it. Do as many dumplings as you want.
Me: Okay.
Saffron: When you have all the dumplings done, preheat the oven. When it gets hot enough, put the dumplings in there. Wait for 10 minutes.
Me: *smiles*
--After those 10 minutes...--
Saffron: *takes the dish out* The dumplings are ready to eat! ^^
Me: Yay!! *takes one* Oh, so hot!
Saffron: Be careful!
Me: *tastes* Amazing as always! *w*
Saffron: Glad you like it, sweetie! ^^
???: *knocks*
Saffron: Who could it be?
Dyllis: Saffron!! SAFFRON! I know that TOADSTOOL is there with YOU!!
Saffron: Oh no! He discovered me!
Me: Oh crap! I’ll leave through the window! Thanks for all!! *jumps out*
Dyllis: *enters and looks everywhere* She left... damn it!
Saffron: ^^;
Dyllis: I’ll come back!! When she appears again! *she leaves*
Saffron: What a woman...
Summary:
Meat Dumplings
Ingredients: A Power Steak, a Cake Mix
- Mince the steak, spice and fry it.
- Mix the Cake Mix with water until have a dough.
- Make discs with the dough and put some meat in them. After this, close them.
- Preheat the oven. When it heats up, put the dumplings in it for 10 minutes.
- After that time, take them out.
Use/Effect: This dish increases your power.
Never tell to Dyllis where I am!!
Thanks for being here reading, until next Cooking Guide!!
Written by: Toadbert101 (talk)
Written by: Travix Man (talk)
Hello, Chief TravixMan here, and I say, I am here reporting that crime rates have been increasing... Increasingly low. The fellows who made the crime have fled. However, I know that my great officers will get them into their cells. Their seats are warm, plus we have fresh chocolate chip cookies! Boys and girls, just listen to this crime story.
1. Wario and Waluigi's Greatest Escape
All was peaceful in the Mushroom Kingdom Treasury. All the coins have been placed into their correct storage. That was, until Wario and Waluigi broke inside. They used Bob-ombs to break the doors, took all the gold coins, and even knocked out Bank Toad, who was guarding the treasury. They even went to Princess Peach's Castle and kidnapped Princess Daisy, who would've been at the treasury to help out, if she wasn't sleeping that is. When Princess Peach called HQ, they fled the scene. If any sightings of two weird looking yellow and purple plumbers, contact the Mushroom Police Squad.
So that's all a story like that is about. Greedy Thieves stealing gold coins, and kidnapping beautiful women. See you all next month, at the same spot of Fake Police Blotter!
Written by: 
MST3K (talk) (usually)
'3K couldn't submit his section this month. You can ask him questions by sending him a personal message on the Super Mario Boards.
Fun Stuff
Director Notes
by Gamefreak75 (talk)
Sinanco (talk) and Yoshimitzu (talk) have been fired from their positions for failing to turn in their sections continuously.
Pyro (talk) now writes for the Find the Differences section of the Shroom.
That is all.
Mystery Images
Nothing to say. I hadn't sent my section to Gamefreak, so I apologize for that.
Think you know who the characters are?
Quiz
By Post-Damage Invincibility (talk)
Hold on to your Golden Bananas, because this month, it is all about Donkey Kong 64!
- Which Kong can bypass B. Locker with a glitch if he or she does not have enough Gold Bananas to enter the new world?
- Fungi Forest was originally going to appear in what game?
- Who are the only Kongs who can enter the Crystal Caves?
- How many Gold Bananas are needed to enter Crystal Caves (w/o taking advantage of any glitch!)?
- What is the number that Wrinkly Kong tells DK will come in handy (and it does) outside of Fungi Forest?
- The last enemies/obstacles to getting a certain Golden Banana with Donkey Kong in Creepy Castle resembles what Banjo-Kazooie character?
- T/F: In the mission from the previous question, it is required for DK to use the Kong Barrel to get the Gold Banana.
- T/F: In the Jetpac game, the player is never required to leave the first screen to get the Rareware Coin.
- What Kong does cowardly Chunky try to get the player to select instead of himself if the player is going to pull Chunky out of the Tag Barrel?
- In the final two Beaver Bother games (which appear in Creepy Castle), in order to complete the games, the player controlling the Klaptrap must herd into the hole one Beaver every how many seconds?
- Bonus: In the Donkey Kong Arcade, on what screen is the Kill Screen? That means, on what numbered screen does the game become unwinnable because there is simply not enough time to possibly complete the screen?
| Click to find answers! | |
|---|---|
Trivia
by Raven Effect (talk)
Did you know that...
- Mario was originally a carpenter?
- Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels is the first game to feature Luigi with a higher jumping ability?
- The International Super Mario Bros. 2 is actually a port of Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic with Mario characters?
- Despite being called Tetris Attack" the game Tetris Attack has very little to do with Tetris in terms of game play?
- "Yoshi's Safari" marks the first time Princess Toadstool was called Princess Peach outside of Japan?
Guess that Game
- This game was released in 2006 in all regions except South Korea and China.
- The player does not have to visit all of the worlds; rather, only six are required to beat the game.
- This game has eighteen 1-player minigames (most of them were taken from another game on the same system).
- Six of the bosses made their first appearance in this game (none of them appeared outside of it, barring the first boss of World 8, who went on to become a playable character and boss in spin-offs).
| Click to find answers! | |
|---|---|
Guess Who
- This character has not appeared in any Mario spin-off yet.
- However, this character has appeared in almost every game from their own series to date.
- This character has their own action figure in Japan.
- This character's personality was drastically changed for their series' cartoon adaptation (moreso than any of the others).
| Click to find answers! | |
|---|---|
Find the Differences
Hiding Koopa Bob-omb
By General bob-omb (talk)
Upcoming game alert! Finally, a new installment to the Mario Tennis series! Whoa... that's a ton of koopas. On second thought, search for a bob-omb this month.
Music & Artwork
Director's Notes (Smasher)
Hello everyone! This is Smasher, the new director for Music & Artwork. Thanks to Fawfulfury65 for directing this section for the past year and few months, you did a great job. I hope that I do a good job directing this section as well. I don't really have anything else to say, so enjoy, and I look forward to directing this section!
Character Artwork of the Month (Rise Up Above It)
Character of the Month: #200 - Spiny
This month's character is a fairly well-known enemy and Koopa subspecies, the common-or-garden Spiny! Now, while you may loathe them with a passion for mainly being thrown at Mario's face just as you get him to jump over a long bottomless pit, you can't deny that they are rather cute. Especially the paper ones. And it's not exactly their fault that cloud-driving lunatics have a penchant for plucking the poor little critters off of terra firma to use as throwing ammo. Who wouldn't find it hilarious to toss around some very spiky creatures around from the vantage point of high up in the clouds? Just me? Oh.
Also, I think that it's a pretty cool moment when you're playing Super Mario Bros. 3 and you meet your first Lakitu, who promptly bombards you with Spiny Eggs, and see the eggs uncurl and start shuffling along so you're like "OH MY POOCHY THEY MOVE!!!!"(...wait, if you're only playing SMB3 for the first time and haven't played other Mario platformers, how could you possibly know of Poochy yet???? o_0). Thanks for reading! Next Month - #210 Ancient Minister
Random Image of the Month (Ralphfan)
The image you see here is one of the most iconic pictures of Baby Mario, a scene of him using his Hammer from Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time. Hammers were one of the primary methods of attacking in the game.
Music Factoid (Post-Damage Invincibility)
The Super Mario 64 Slide Theme is easily the most recognizable slide-related video game song in the entire world... period. The theme was just not used for the secret slide, but also the penguin races on an icy/snowy slide.
[[1]]
The song became reused in Super Mario Galaxy 2 in the Tall Trunk Galaxy. The song perfectly lent itself to this even more awesome slide challenge.
Let us not forget the beetle races in Donkey Kong 64. These slide challenges were far more difficult than any challenge taking place on a slide in any Mario adventure. They are considered some of the hardest Golden Bananas to collect in the entire game with it's hundreds of bananas. Some people think the beetle race with Tiny in Angry Aztec is more difficult, and other's think Lanky's race with the beetle in the Crystal Caves is harder. Without all things considered, it should be noted that unlike Tiny, Lanky can outrun the beetle in the race's final stretch.
[[2]]
Sprite of the Month (FunkyK38)
FunkyK38's Sprite of the Month
Sprite of the Month:
For the month of May, I have this sprite for you: Pokey from Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time 
! The flowers are growing right now, and unfortunately, so is this one. Don't run into it while driving a MarioKart. Trust me on that one if you don't know already.
Screenshot of the Month (Fawfulfury65)
Here we have one of the greatest scenes in video game history. Mario dodged a countless number of Koopas and Goombas, hopped over numerous pits, and conquered a whole castle to find out... he went to the wrong castle. That's why I just had to choose this for this month's Screenshot of the Month.
I don't have much else to say about this picture besides that, but it's such a classic that I couldn't resist. Oh well. I hope you enjoyed this month's screenshot. Hopefully I'll be around next month to display a new image!
Pipe Plaza
Director's Notes (Paper Yoshi (talk))You! Yes, you!! Welcome to the May Issue of Pipe Plaza! This is Paper Yoshi, your one and only Pipe Plaza Director, speaking. I've got important announcements regarding this sub-team, so let's get to that! First of all, the NIWA News section will be removed from the paper. However, Marioguy1 (talk), the former Pipe Plaza Director, will take over the section and bring you important news as they come, rather than every month. As for the second announcement, Ralphfan (talk) has been fired from his Pipe Plaza position, Anniversary Announcements writer. He will be replaced by the Awards Committee Director, Turboo (talk). Monthly Report, Featured and Projects Seeking Contributors are vacant Pipe Plaza sections, so be sure to sign up for any of the positions if you still haven't done so! Now go on to the other Pipe Plaza sections!! They're eagerly waiting to be read!! Community Report (Bop1996 (talk))Hello, welcome to May's edition of the Community Report. Policy Changes and Updates
Proposals from the Past Month
Currently Running Proposals and TPPs
Sitenotices from the Past Month
Promotions and Demotions
Mario Calendar (Paper Yoshi (talk))Hey there, readers, and welcome to this month's Mario Calendar! Paper Yoshi (that's me!) is here once again to show you all the Mario, DK, Yoshi and Wario games released in the fifth month of the year, May! Here they are!
And so we're done with this month's list! Upcoming Games is absent from this issue, so I'll see you next month; until then, farewell!! Tip of the Month (FunkyK38 (talk))When discussing proposals on the proposal page, make sure you are arguing relevant information. The proposal page can grow to massive lengths if proposers don't stay on topic. If you have to argue with another user on something, do it on their talk page. |
Can you guys believe it? My second month as Activity Director and I'm already hosting 'Shroom Mafia II! So this month, Fading into Obscurity is going to commemorate that by reviewing a pseudo-mafia of our own; the Axem Rangers.
The Axem Rangers are five teenagers garbed in colourful costume who work for Smithy. In the events of Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, they steal a star piece and then find Mario in their battleship Blade and battle him.
The rangers are:
- Axem Red, the leader, increases his attack and defense
- Axem Yellow, the hungry one, has very high physical stats
- Axem Green, the physical weakling, has very high magical stats
- Axem Pink, the only girl, uses recovery and status-inflicting magic
- Axem Black, the newbie, can attack multiple times per turn
After their appearance in SMRPG, the Axem Rangers and Blade flew off, into the dimness of obscurity.
Mario Super Sluggers (New Super Mario)
I have been playing Mario Super Sluggers recently, so I am going to review it.
Gameplay
Mario Super Sluggers is the second baseball game in the Mario series. The baseball played here follows most baseball rules, with much added Mario gimmicks.
Challenge Mode is great fun for when playing alone. While playing, Mario must recruit members for his team, by asking people, using special abilities to locate them, and beating characters in challenge. These characters are all throughout Baseball Island, and you will need the help of other captains, Peach, Yoshi, Wario, and Donkey Kong. Once you have recruited your team, you must challenge Bowser. By winning it, helps you gain Star Power, allowing you to make certain players even better than they were before.
There are nine stadiums in the game. Mario Stadium is a field with no gimmicks, just what you would find when you watch a regular baseball game. Peach Ice Garden is a field with ice floors. Because of this, the field team, especially the outfield, will tend to slip a lot while going after the ball. There are also [[Freezie]s in the outfield that trap the outfielders in a block of ice, preventing movement. It will be broke after a while, but you can manually break it with a shell or the ball. The short fence at the end also makes it good for Ground Rule Doubles. Peach Ice Garden is an average course in my opinion, but I can see how it could get annoying for some people. Yoshi Park is a very cool field. At the edge of the fence in the back, a Yoshi Train (Or a Wiggler one at night) rides in the back, which can make the outfield hit it and make catching the ball harder. There are also warp pipes in the field which can teleport the ball to a different pipe. The next field, Wario City I enjoy as well. Set in a concrete field, there are manholes and arrows on the field. If the ball lands on an arrow, it will push away in the direction the arrow points, making it harder for the fielder to get the ball. The manholes shoot out water, sometimes hitting players. DK Jungle is an ok field. In the field, barrels roll and can hit the players. There are also flowers that release fragrances that stun the player. These are all the starting fields, I won’t talk about the unlockable ones.
There are a lot of playable characters in the game. I like most of them, but I won’t talk about them since there are so many. The captains are Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Birdo, Wario, Waluigi, DK, Diddy Kong, Bowser Jr., and Bowser. Each Captain has their own unique special powers for pitching and hitting. Mario’s are pretty average powers. For pitching, he throws a fast fireball, which can screw up some people with late reactions. For batting, he does the same thing, just sending it out in the field at the players. It burns the player it hits, but it can easily be avoided and caught by botching it to another teammate, eliminating the flame, and having them catch it. Luigi’s powers are terrible in my opinion. Both involve tornadoes, and are the same as Mario’s, but with a tornado ball. His pitch is usually inaccurate, and the hitting isn’t very effective. Peach has great powers! For her pitch, she covers the ball up with many hearts, making it hard to see the ball. For batting, it is even better, and it stun all of the male players. It is effective when playing all male rosters, but don’t use it if you have females in the infield. Daisy’s pitch involves sending a flower ball at the batter, which, if it is hit, usually makes the ball go really high, making it an easy out. He batting power is good. Where ever the ball is supposed to land, a garden of flowers will be put around it, making it unreachable to the fielders. There are many other good Captain powers, but you can check those out yourself.
The final thing I will talk about it Chemistry. When characters like each other, they have chemistry. By placing these such characters in different spots can help your game a lot. To use an example, I will take Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, and Baby Peach. Let’s say these players were all after each other in the batting order. Because they all have alliance, it will allow them to use items. Items are a good way to screw up fielders, good ones being the shell, POW ball, and banana peels. They are key to helping home runs, so always do this! It is also good to put alliance characters in the outfield together. Let’s say Baby Mario was in center field, Baby Luigi in right, and Baby Peach in left. Now, let’s say the ball is hit between center and right. Then Baby Mario and Baby Luigi can run to the ball, and do a Buddy Jump to jump up and catch the ball! It is a good way to prevent home runs from the other team. Buddy Throws are also common. Let’s say King K. Rool is on 3rd base. Pianta is up and hits a ball in front of Baby Peach. Because Baby Peach and Baby Mario have alliance, they can perform a Buddy Throw, by having Baby Peach botching it to Baby Mario. It will result in a SUPER fast throw, which is likely to get King K. out considering he is so slow. Chemistry is key to winning games in Mario Super Sluggers.
Good Features: Challenge Mode, Good fields (for the most part), Great roster, Gimmicks, Special Powers, Chemistry, Items
Bad Features: Long time to unlock everything, minor character and field flaws.
NSM’s Rating: 9.5/10
Got any suggestions for what game to review? PM me, New Super Mario, on our forums!
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Nabber)
Good morning, MarioWiki! It’s your friendly neighborhood Nabber here with a review of a much-loved game: Super Mario Galaxy 2! It’s the sequel to what many remember as one of Nintendo’s finest works - but does it hold up to the legacy? Let’s find out!
Review
I’ve often said that I don’t judge a game by its graphics. I still stand by that, but on of the problems with Super Mario Galaxy 2 it that it just completely ignores every aspect of a game besides the gameplay. There’s just no atmosphere. You can clearly tell from the box art that Mario’s adventure this time is filled with bright, happy colors, but that’s as far as the mood goes. Remember the original’s touching story, how we found out exactly how Rosalina created the Comet Observatory? Nintendo decided that the best way to follow up to that is to have as little story as possible. Bowser’s grown to the size of Peach’s castle, kidnapped the princess, go save her. And speaking of Rosalina, she appears in the game, but it’s easy to tell that her only purpose it to please her large fanbase that she had amassed.
But what about the gameplay itself? Well, I can definitely say that Super Mario Galaxy 2 has some really neat concepts. The cloud flower is especially cool - you can create your own platforms in midair!
Shame that’s the only thing in the game that appears for more than three levels.
Because Nintendo just had too many ideas. They just couldn’t perfectly fit it all into one game. So instead of seeing a variety of uses for an item, you’ll only see a couple of levels - separated far apart from each other, mind you - that actually use that item. So you may first encounter a Blimp Fruit in the beginning of World 3, but that’s the only level you’ll see it for until the end of World 4. Let me make a small chart for a few power-ups and how many galaxies they appear in:
- Rock Mushroom - 3
- Bee Mushroom - 2
- Boo Mushroom - 1
- Spring Mushroom - 1
- Rainbow Star - 4
- Dash Pepper - 3
- Blimp Fruit - 4
- Bulb Berry - 2
See what I’m getting at? There’s 122 missions in this game, and many of them are repeats with an extra requirement or condition. While it’s fun to use these power-ups, I just wish we would get more experience with them.
Speaking of experience, that’s one of the things I loved about Super Mario Galaxy: the galaxies themselves. They were all unique, with their own inhabitants and quirks. Between the 6 or 7 missions you would spend in them, plus the rerun with Luigi, you would spend quite a while learning the ins and outs of these places. But in SMG2, the galaxies only have 2 or 3 missions. So you would only really be spending half of the time in these places as you would in the prequel. And considering that the biggest difference in these galaxies is their look, you’re not going to be able to tell the Sky Station Galaxy from the Space Storm Galaxy. It really takes away the great feeling you got when playing SMG1.
Am I done with my rant yet? Nope. Galaxies in this game now resemble solar systems instead of actual, full-sized planets. So each galaxy is really just a string of challenges connected to each other by a launch star. Yay. And the biggest insult is that despite the many planetoids you’ll be running on, most of the challenges in this game are really just simple platforming challenges that don’t use gravity at all. It’s just not fun anymore.
Okay, I’ll concede that this game is fun. To an extent. There’s a good difficulty curve here, and some of the later levels are genuinely challenging. The final level will take actual skill to beat. Unfortunately, you have to rack up 9,999 Star Bits in order to unlock it, something that wasn’t exactly needed.
You also need to get all of the Green Stars to unlock. These are 120 stars that are spread out through the galaxies, doubling the amount of missions in them. They’re just placed in random spots, so it isn’t really a new mission, but it’s a good incentive to go back and review the galaxies.
Super Mario Galaxy 2, sadly, was not better than its predecessor. It’s a fun time-waster, but it lacks the elements that made the original the mind-blowing game that it was. SMG2 receives an 8/10 from me. It’s cool to play, but if you had to choose between this and Super Mario Galaxy, then you should go with the the prequel.
Oh wow, it's that time of the month again? No, not that time of the month, you gutter-brains... Time for another interview! Hosted by none other than me! (Because no one else would do it.) I guess the first thing I should note is that this may be my wackiest interview yet. So, don't go in expecting a ton of serious conversation...but don't prepare for top-notch humor, either. Do I look like a comedian to you?
The Target
This month, I thought I'd take a break from reminiscing with some oldsters around the community, and hit up some newer blood. At first, I considered interviewing a guest, since there is no newer blood than that...but then I realized my horrendous line of questioning would result in scaring off a new member. So, I opted for someone a bit older...but still pretty new: Smasher.
Anyone who knows Smasher, knows that he's a beloved icon on our forums nowadays. In a little over one-year's membership, he's accumulated more posts and friends on the forum than anyone I've ever seen. His post count is almost as large as the state he hails from, Texas. His list of friends might be even larger, I honestly have no idea.
On the wiki, Smasher is a semi-frequent editor, mostly taking care of maintenance work, as well as voting on a large amount of proposals. He is also a #mwchat Operator, a position he earned very early into his membership, I might add. I would say more about that, but unfortunately, I don't go on chat much these days. Smasher has also taken up a large amount of responsibilities in this years' Anniversary preparations. He helps keep track of award documentation, help keep the awards chatroom civil and on-topic during meetings, as well as keeping track of all the votes that happen during each meeting (which...is a lot more tedious and important than it sounds, trust me). In addition to all that, Smasher will also be helping prepare and manage some events being coordinated around the Awards Ceremony. ...But you'll have to wait until then to find out what!
Oh, and I almost forgot: He's recently been appointed the new Music & Art Director for The 'Shroom. Give 'im a round of applause, folks! I'm certain he'll do a fine job.
The Interview
Me: I have come to claim YOUR SOUL.
Me: Do you accept?
Smasher: no
*Smasher shoots Stooby*
*Stooben dies*
*Smasher dances*
*Stooben cancels the interview in place of his own funeral*
*Smasher unshoots Stooby*
*Stooben undies*
Smasher: undies
Me: oh god what lol
Smasher: couldn't resist :p
Me: what did you make me dooo
*Smasher laughs*
*Stooben shoots Smasher*
*Smasher dies*
*Smasher gets interviewed from beyond the grave*
Me: The long distance bill is going to kill the producers.
Smasher: TOO BAD.
Me: I'm going to be the only one left soon. :(
Me: Wait, if you're dead, does that mean I can have your sunglasses?
Smasher: No.
Me: Aw.
Me: I'm assuming you're ready to be tortu—er, interviewed now?
Smasher: sure
Smasher: wait
*Stooben waits*
Smasher: FIRST I MUST GET READY TO DO SOMETHING THAT I NEVER DO ON CHAT
Me: THIS SOUNDS EXCITING!
Me: MAY I DOCUMENT IT?
*Smasher begins capitalizing proper nouns and using periods.*
Smasher: Okay.
Me: That was a shock.
Me: Alright, folks, it's time for another interview. This time, I'll be interviewing everyone's favorite person to draw.
Me: No, not Rose from Titanic. Smasher!
*Smasher waves*
Me: And no tomatoes were thrown on this day.
*Smasher gets hit by a tomato*
Me: WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?!
Me: Should I call security?
Smasher: Maybe.
Me: Well, then. I guess I'll get the ball rolling with the basics. When did you join the wiki, and how did you run across it?
Smasher: Uh, if I remember correctly, I joined on September 9th, 2010.
Smasher: And I think I found the site while looking for info on Warioware D.I.Y..
Me: WarioWare D.I.Y.... I think I remember when that game first came out. I think Garlic Man edited that page like crazy.
Me: So you've been here closing in on two years. Not bad.
Me: Do you remember who your first friend was?
Smasher: Mario Fan 123, who I no longer like much. :P
Smasher: I think MCD was my first friend who I'm actually still friends with.
Smasher: oh wait why did i say that
Smasher: I HATE MCD GO AWAY YOU CRAZY—
*Smasher is hit by another tomato*
Me: ...
Me: SECURITY!
Me: Get that Heinz-chucker out of here.
Me: Also, about MCD, you just can't resist his British charm, can you?
*Smasher slaps Stooby*
Me: I deserved that.
Me: I may deserve another one after this question:
Me: Tell me...would you consume green scones and tea with your pal MCD?
*Smasher slaps Stooby again*
*Stooben throws a tomato at Smasher*
*Smasher falls out of his chai*
Smasher: r
Smasher: Chair.
Me: Chai.
Me: So, you would drink chai, not tea.
Me: Got it.
*Smasher slaps Stooby a third time*
Me: I can'th feel my fayshe...
Smasher: :)
Me: :(
Smasher: :D
Me: I will throw a tomato orchard at you.
Smasher: :(
Me: So, um...you're clearly a celebrity on our forum. How does that make you feel?
Smasher: It makes me wonder what the heck is wrong with everyone.
Me: Maybe you slapped them too much and gave them all brain damage. :)
Smasher: I have a sudden urge to slap you again.
Me: This is going to be a very violent interview, isn't it?
Smasher: Most likely.
Me: Good. People like violence. Which means people will like this section. Which means I will get 'Section of the Month' again. Please, continue to slap me.
*Smasher slaps Stooby*
*Smasher slaps Stooby*
*Smasher slaps Stooby*
*Smasher slaps Stooby*
*Smasher slaps Stooby*
*Stooben is punch-drunk*
Me: It was just one cookie, MOM... Oh, look at the pretty circling birdies...
Smasher: That might have been one slap too many.
Me: wait WHO ARE YOU and why are you sitting on my cookie jar
Smasher: Uh...
Smasher: I'm uh...
*Smasher suddenly rewinds time*
Me: This is going to be a very violent interview, isn't it?
Smasher: Most likely.
Me: Well, we wouldn't want that!
Me: So, I will continue with my questions.
Smasher: Okay then.
Me: What do you think about all the pictures and drawings people make for you? There's even an entire thread on the forum dedicated just to that.
Me: Is it creepy?
Smasher: why me
Smasher: why
Smasher: Actually, I don't really mind it that much.
Smasher: I'm not entirely sure why people want to waste time making a picture of me, but whatever.
Me: I think people get put under a spell when they look into your sunglasses.
Me: You...uh...you don't get fan mail too, do you?
Smasher: Only from a crazy woman in Kentucky.
Me: Run.
Me: Run far away.
*Smasher hides*
Me: That might work, actually. You won't get hit by tomatoes there!
* Smasher gets hit by tomato*
Me: Damn it.
Me: Let's see... You seem to be a huge fan of Mafia on the forum. What made decide to start playing?
Smasher: That's actually one of the things that finally got me interested in the fourm.
Smasher: I saw a few threads as a guest and thought they looked fun. I even play on another site now
Me: Oh wow, really? I did not know that. It must be nice to play with different people sometimes. :P
Smasher: Yeah, I enjoy playing over there a lot.
Me: I should probably start playing Mafia on other forums again, it's been a long time since I have. Maybe Superchao's forum...
Me: Actually, Superchao reminds me of the Awards: How has your time on the Awards Committee been this year? Are you excited for the upcoming ceremony?
Smasher: I've enjoyed my time on the Awards Committee for the most part.
Smasher: And, I'm excited for the ceremony, though I probably won't be able to attend the full thing. :(
Me: Ouch, that sucks. :( Well, unless you're doing something fun that day. But if it's school, or a doctor, or something like that... that really sucks.
Me: Too bad the forum doesn't have TIVO.
Smasher: I will most likely spend the entire day working. :[
Me: Aw dude...that really bites. Sorry, man.
Smasher: At least I'll be able to view it when I get in the house. ...And I might be able to attend, you never know...!
Me: Well, that's something, at least! Good thing the whole event doesn't take place on chat, that way you can check things out on the forum afterwards.
Me: Speaking of the forum, I look around at people's profiles, and notice two popular themes. Both of which, I'm 98% sure you like.
Me: So, I ask you: Homestuck or My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic?
Smasher: Honestly, I prefer MLP. I like them both, though, yeah.
Me: Cool beans. What makes you like MLP more?
Me: I would assume not having a completely convoluted story would be part of it, lol. (But I'm one to talk, being a huge Lost fan.)
Smasher: ...I don't really know why I prefer it, lol.
Smasher: I just...do. *shrug*
Me: Fair enough. Sometimes it just works out that way.
Me: As for other things you like...hm, well, this is an obligatory I have to ask, 'cause I'm me. What kinds of music do you like?
Smasher: Let's see...most people know that I love grunge, classic rock, and alternative rock. I also like punk, new wave, indie rock, some metal, and just about anything to do with rock, really.
Me: Very nice! All genres I enjoy quite a lot as well. :)
Me: Any artist/song recommendations for our readers?
Smasher: Hm.
Smasher: My favorite artists are Nirvana, R.E.M., Foo Fighters, Paramore, and Linkin Park.
Smasher: My favorite songs are Nirvana's "In Bloom", R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion", Foo Fighters' "The Pretender", Linkin Park's "In the End", System of a Down's "Toxicity", and Paramore's "Misery Business".
Me: Linkin Park and System aren't quite my cup of tea, but those two songs are major guilty pleasures for me. (Actually most of the albums they are off of are guilty pleasures.)
Me: Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Paramore, R.E.M., on the other hand, all get massive <3 from me.
Me: Alright, continuing this trend of "SMASHER, WHAT DO YOU LIIIIKE", what's your favorite Mario game?
Smasher: All of them.
*Smasher is hit by a drum*
Me: I didn't throw that.
Smasher: Seriously though, probably Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, with Mario Kart DS as a close second.
Me: Awww yeah, TTYD. *fist pump*
*Smasher is punched in the face*
Me: You're supposed to fist pump me back. I thought we rehearsed this. :(
Smasher: But I'm a Smasher.
Smasher: I fail at most things.
Smasher: You should know this.
Me: During this interview, you fail at nothing. :)
Me: Except dodging tomatoes.
*Stooben wipes the tomato stuff off with a French fry.*
*Stooben throws the French fry in the garbage*
*Smasher evaporates*
Me: Aw damn, now who will answer the rest of my questions? :(
*Smasher clone number 21381083108 suddenly appears*
Me: THAT WAS CONVENIENT!
Me: Well, let's see, what's your favorite non-Narmio game?
Me: er...Mario.
Smasher: Narmio.
Me: lol
Smasher: ...Of course, I spelled "Mafia" as "Nafia" recently.
Smasher: If Super Smash Bros. Brawl doesn't count, I'd say Rock Band.
Me: Rock Band is so much fun. Especially since you can learn the real instrument parts with Pro Mode now. :)
Me: But even regular mode is tons of fun.
Me: Brawl...haven't played that in too long, but man, that game was addicting. Cue cheapness that is Meta Knight, tho.
Smasher: I haven't played Pro Mode yet. </ashamed>
Smasher: Though, Rock Band is one of the main reasons why I love rock music so much, along with Guitar Hero.
Smasher: Also, Lucario >>>>>>>>>>>> Meta Knight
Smasher: Nothing anyone can say will change this.
Me: To me, Kirby >>> Lucario, but I'm assuming I count as 'anyone' :(
Smasher: Yes, you do.
Me: No fair.
Smasher: ...Though Kirby is awesome too :)
Me: Oh, yay! Most people I ask seem to think he's too weak.
Smasher: Kill them.
Me: That reminds me: Should we kill Shoey after this interview, or should we wait until the camera stops rolling before plotting such a thing?
Smasher: You just mentioned it.
Smasher: There's not much of a point of keeping it secret if everyone knows that we're plotting to kill him.
Me: But...but...I can bribe the producers into editing this out...! (PRODUCERS' NOTICE: This never happened.)
Smasher: in that case can we kill him now please
Me: yes
Me: man the cannons
*Smasher somehow gets blown out of a cannon*
*Smasher lands into the belly of a shark, as another clone takes his place in the chair*
Me: o_0
Me: Now that's entertainment.
Smasher: I'm funny.
Me: Yes. You don't fail at humor.
Me: But now is not the time for praise!
Me: Now is the time...for STALKING!
Me: What hobbies do you have in real life?
Smasher: But I like prais—
Smasher: uhhhhh
Smasher: does being on this all day count
Smasher: Though, I like gaming, and I collect stuff, and uh...
Smasher: Wow, I can't think of anything else.
Smasher: i have no real life
Me: You aren't going to tell anyone about your multi-million dollar sunglasses-manufacturing industry, or how you've met Harrison Ford in real life and dined on his life-sized model of the Milennium Falcon?
Smasher: OH YEAH!
Smasher: I did all those things too.
Smasher: Also, I secretly rule the WORLD.
Me: Explains all the brainwashed fans.
Smasher: ...And why there are clones of me programmed to automatically gain all my memories and stuff when I die.
Me: Smash Jung-Il.
Me: Also, what kinds of stuff do you collect?
Smasher: Uh, I collect stuff related to video games and rock music.
Me: More manly than me. I used to collect Beanie Babies. :P
Me: I still have a box with, like, 200 of them.
Smasher: I used to too, lol.
Smasher: Only when I was like 7, though.
Me: Oh...I was doing it up until the age of 16, lol.
Me: i'm sad
Smasher: yes you are
Me: (at least I won't have to format that!)
Smasher: :D
Me: Let's see...what's it like in Texas?
Smasher: Hot.
Smasher: Though, it's nice for the most part. Just hot a lot.
Smasher: And there's almost never any snow down here. :(
Me: That sucks, snow is awesome. It makes winter...well, winter.
Smasher: I did get a lot of snow during 2010-2011's winter, though.
Me: Oh? How many inches? Were you able to build a snowman? Or a snowmidget?
Smasher: I don't really remember how many inches.
Smasher: I did build a snowman, though.
Me: Nice.
Me: Did you put your sunglasses on it to see if it would come to life? :D
Smasher: I don't actually own sunglasses in real life.
Smasher: I used to, but I have no idea what happened to them.
Smasher: is this bad
Me: Yes. This will break the hearts of...pretty much everyone.
Me: I may edit this out of the interview. (PRODUCERS' NOTICE: He never did...!)
Smasher: I need to get a new pair soon.
Me: You really should. Texas sun is brutal.
Smasher: You don't need to tell us that the sun is brutal here :P
Me: Lol, I suppose not. You're the one getting all the heat rays.
Smasher: We already have a swimming pool up.
Me: :O
Me: So, are you going to have a pool party this summer with babes and barbecues?
Smasher: Probably not, because I'm too lazy to host one.
Me: What if I provide the babes?
Me: ...maybe this interview is starting to sound too fictional.
Smasher: Maybe. xD
Me: lol
Me: I guess I'll circle back around to the wiki before wrapping things up.
Me: What's your proudest achievement around the community?
Smasher: Hmm...
Smasher: Probably the fact that I was promoted to chatroom operator after being here for only 8 months.
Me: That is quite an achievement. :) Promotions always feel nice to get, especially when you know you've earned them.
Me: I also don't think I ever congratulated you on that, although I knew about it. So, congratulations! </inexcusably late>
Smasher: you should have done that 13 months ago
Smasher: b& >:( </op abuse>
Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQrhXSehUrg
Smasher: I can't view YouTube videos on dial-up. :(
Me: Oh.
Me: It's a clip from The Emperor's New Groove, saying "Boo hoo, now I feel really bad. Bad llama. *slaps self*"
Me: But now I do feel really bad. :(
Me: Well...to save myself from further embarrassment...and to set you free from this ridiculously long interview (which has actually cruised by compared to most interviews), I will bring out the big, final question.
Me: (Or so you think!)
Smasher: :o
Me: Isn't this NOT the last unquestion?
Smasher: 17.
Me: You know what's funnier than 17?
Me: 18.
*Smasher slaps Stooby again*
Me: cookies...cookies EVERYWHERE!
*Smasher throws explosive cookies at Stooby*
Me: Yay, snack time!
*Stooben noms*
*Stooben explodes into itty bits*
Smasher: ...
Smasher: Now who will finish the interview?
Smasher: ...
Smasher: Screw it.
*Smasher steals Stooby's TV and escapes from the studio*
In Closing
Having been a member of the community for roughly two years, Smasher's clearly made a name for himself. Chat Operator, 'Shroom Staff, core member of this year's Awards Committee, and even forum celebrity. Everybody loves Smasher, it seems. Really, this could be him in 20 years. And really, I get why. He's friendly to just about everyone, knows how to take and crack a joke, is a cool person to just sit and shoot the shit with...but in that same light, he's not just all fun and games. When somebody gives him a job to do, he does it, and he does it well. I think this year on the AC Committee and his near-tenure as a chat operator is proof enough of this.
So what if he's not a wiki Sysop or forum Moderator? You don't have to have a grand position of power around this community to prove yourself as a contributive member and gain respect. I like the way Smasher handles the things he does, and I personally think he's a great member of this community. If you pay attention to what Smasher does (and maybe take a brief break from making silly doodles of him in order to do just that), you should be able to see why I think that.
I guess that's it for this time! Don't want to rant for too long, but I think I already have. I enjoyed this interview, and once again, look forward to providing you with more fun and facts with another member of the community next month. Thanks for reading, and have a great month!
The Super Mario Land 2 Hippo serves one basic function: To blow a bubble which Mario can use to reach the fan favorite Space Zone from his own Hippo Zone. Like the Bubble Plant, he is an ally of Mario's. The bubbles he blows are out of his nostrils, indicating they may well be snot bubbles.
Powers & Abilities
He can