Originally Posted by Yahoo!

For the first time in fifteen years, a Mario platform game is getting a direct sequel. That's enough to have fans frothing, but make no mistake -- the heavily anticipated follow-up to one of the best games of the past decade is no pushover.

Due out on May 23, Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the Nintendo Wii is sure to delight -- and thanks to a notably increased difficulty level, occasionally confound -- its many players. Rather than leave gamers grasping at mushrooms, however, the developers have built into the game a few helpful features aimed at making it accessible to both longtime Mario players and newer fans alike.

And it doesn’t get any more helpful than the Cosmic Guide. Similar to the Super Guide used in last year's smash hit New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the Cosmic Guide is only triggered after a player dies a few times in the same spot. A starry princess appears and will take over the game if the player so chooses, magically guiding Mario through the rest of the level while the player sits back and watches. At any point the player can regain control, but the price of using the Cosmic Guide is steep: players will only be able to acquire a Bronze star upon completing the level. Want to earn a Gold? You'll need to play it again on your own.

If that's a bit too much hand holding, you can opt to access little television sets located before particularly tricky sections. They'll show you how to proceed, though you'll still have to perform all the moves yourself.

Alternatively, you can call on a friend for help. A new co-operative mode (dubbed 'Co-Star') lets a second player join in as a useful ally, attacking enemies and collecting gems to protect Mario while he explores the universe. You're just on back-up duty, however -- only one player gets to do the running and jumping.

Another new feature lets players help themselves. During certain sections, Mario can don a 'Cloud Suit', which gives him the ability create his own plush platforms. Correctly timed, the clouds can help Mario reach seemingly inaccessible ledges rife with treasure -- not to mention helping him avoid falling to his doom.

Originally Posted by Luxray13579

They made it HARDER?!

Originally Posted by Billy2257

There are 242 stars in SMG1. You can do the Grand Finale star as both Mario and Luigi.

Originally Posted by Ningamer

Even I managed to get all 241 stars

Originally Posted by Buizel456

*121 Stars , I think you got confused with SMG2 and SMG

Originally Posted by Sunny

I don't quite get how the co-star thing functions though. =3=