Few gaming figures have the pedigree that Mario does. No, scratch that, few developers have the pedigree that Shigeru Miyamoto does, and when he teams up with his lovable Italian plumber for a brand new adventure then the gaming industry sits up and takes notice. With such an epically successful past we should expect nothing less than a defining title when Mario Galaxy is released with the Wii and, with not long left to wait, it doesn't look like we're going to be disappointed.

Mario Galaxy sees Mario leave terra firma for a low gravity adventure in space, utilising both the nunchacku controller and remote to work his way through space. We're promised a wealth of new moves for Mario, all based around the shaking, tilting and swinging of the remote and, because it's set in space, a host of mind bending jumps allowing you to traverse the alien terrain. Perhaps the most exciting new feature is the point and drag, allowing you to grab hold of anything you can see and pull yourself towards it, which is reported to be the way to kill one of the early bosses. As with so many of Nintendo's flagship games, the fact that Mario is an in-house production should make for seamless and full use of the Wii's innovative control system. Those with hands-on experience of the demo at E3 reported a quick learning curve to pick up the controls, a relief to anyone concerned that the new system might be more hassle than it's worth.

The remote's A button will be used for jumping, and pointing the remote at the screen will make a star shaped target reticule appear, which can be used to interact with objects when you press the trigger button. Meanwhile, the nunchaku is used to move Mario and its trigger buttons are used to centre the camera and to duck or, when jumping, to butt-stomp. As well as the basic controls, a number of special moves should be available, such as shaking the controller to make Mario spin around with his arms out.

So what's the storyline? It appears that the ditsy blonde has, once again, been captured, this time being hauled out into space with a whole bunch of familiar looking creatures. So, once again, the obviously love-struck Mario drops everything, packs away his wrench, combs his moustache and races off to save her. [You'd think by now he'd have traded her in for a lower maintenance girlfriend! Ed]. Similar to Mario 64, there will be a system of collecting music notes and stars for completing challenges and levels, and the levels themselves will consist of completing challenges on each planet in a way that sounds similar to The Wind Waker, presumably with huge jumps, swings and drags allowing you to travel through the space between them. There is currently no hint that we will see an integral part played by Yoshi, something that must sadden those that loved his presence way back in Super Mario World, nor of how, or indeed if, the Wii's online capabilities will be utilized - but whether these things appear or not, Galaxy is looking great.

One thing is for sure, Mario Galaxy looks full of innovation, originality and fun, something that we are all in need of after the endless FPS titles that make up the shelves of your local store, and indeed something that we have come to rely upon Nintendo for providing like no other publisher can. If Mario 64 did indeed define 3D platforming then we can look forward to Mario Galaxy defining next-generation platforming, setting the benchmark for the innovative controls and gameplay that makes up Nintendo's bid for next generation supremacy. One to look out for? Definitely.

Previewed by Jason Collins for AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).