I was originally going to do another feature on Mario Galaxy, but I think we can all agree it was a near perfect game and worthy of GOTY 2007 awards.

Ok, now that's out of the way. Happy (Late) New Year! Chuck out the Christmas tree, and bring on the 'Back to School' specials............or maybe not. Here's my top 3 favorite songs of 2007 that were MADE in 2007:

1. Elton John - Tinderbox
2. John Butler Trio - Better Than
3. Silverchair - Straight Line
Honorable mention: Sneaky Sound Syatem - UFO

I'll be back with another 'best of 2007'. Cheers, and happy gaming.

Europe (and Australia) have been shunned. It's amazing how many sunken hearts can come from one sentence - "We are not currently planning to release Brawl in Q1 or Q2 of 2008." - random Nintendo rep.

However, there is still hope that the delay won't be that long. Here are 5 reasons to give all PAL regions hope or solutions that they will experience Brawl sooner rather than later.

1. Nintendo said 'currently'. Brawl could still make it for Q2 if this link is anything to go by: http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/?v=news&p=19915
Chance of occuring: 70%

2. Freeloaders. Datel has been working on Wii Freeloader for quite some time now, but the only problem is Wii's firmware updates. However as long as Datel gets the OK from Nintendo or can get the legal OK to distribute them, we can all experience Brawl. The only problem is how it'd work online.....
Chance of occuring: 50%

3. Australia. All Australia needs is a PAL conversion of the U.S port and Aussies are set. We don't need 5 different languages. It happened with Animal Crossing (Australia got it 6+ months before the U.K), and U.K could very well import from Australia when we get the game.
Chance of occuring: 20%

4. Mod chips. Yes, this is touchy subject, but is the best way to give Nintendo the finger. You are THEIR customer, and if you feel you're getting subpar service, don't buy their delayed version of the game.

5. Buy a U.S Wii. This is probably a last-minute desperation effort due to U.S Wii shortages and the extra cash to buy another console, but if you'd be playing one of the best multiplayer experiences months before your local mates.

Part 1 - Feature of an opinion

Hello, and it's been a while. I have checked many of you blogs and would have either read them or dare I say comment on them. Anywhoo, I have just recently beat Mario Galaxy - the best Mario game since Mario 64. Having said that, Galaxy isn't perfect. Why? Because I'm a stupid fusspot who likes the nickpick. But that's for part 2 of this feature....

So what did Mario Galaxy do better over Mario 64? Well let's see...
- Apart from the obvious graphical leap, Mario Galaxy offers a far richer and diversecolour pallete
- Stars are generally less frustrating and checkpoints are more forgiving
- Controlling with the wiimote and nunchuck is more comfortable than the N64 controller (look at that pin-prick joystick!)
- Battles feel more epic and were in greater number,even though it's just another 'Mario' title. More cutscenes in Galaxy help this.
- Luigi actually makes an appearance and an unlockable in Galaxy!
-References in Galaxyactually span2D titles more, bringing back memories and subtle nostalgia.
- Overall better power-ups
- Improved jumping system and accomodating level design for different jumps and timing of jumps.

So what does Mario 64 still claim to the throne......
- Arguably better sound tracks and more memorable themes, being 64 was based in the Mushroom Kingdom and offered soothing tracks incontrast to whimsical tracks and edgy ones too.
- Unlike Super Mario Galaxy, 1UP mushrooms felt rewarding and weren't as obvious as a checkout chick in a supermarket.
- Final boss battle was far more rewarding (not taking away from Galaxy's awesome final battle) in SM64.
- Where's Yoshi?
- Because SM64 features less powerups, they didn't feel 'underused'.
- Credits in SM64 was far more enjoyable when Lakitu took us on a montage of each stage with that awesomely catchy music.
- Galaxy just doesn't have the impact that Mario 64 did with its control and camera system. SM64 is STILL nearly flawless in that respect.
- Worlds in SM64 were bigger, and feltlike it had'go anywhere, do anything' nature where many of the stars could be done in any order.

So where do they equal...
- One can't outdo the other on level design
- Both have that Mario charm and Nintendo polish
- Both are immensely and equally replayable.
- Both have their frustrating moments, and occasionally frustrating swim mechanics.
- Both are awesome and will be remembered as the best of its generation.....and far superior to Sunshine!

That should do for a few days, but check back where I talk a look-back at Galaxy, and what it did right and wrong in its own respect. Thankyou, and happy gaming.