Super Mario Galaxy 2 receives outstanding reviews

In an unfamiliar move by Nintendo, the second standalone Super Mario title on a single console hit shelves yesterday in the form of Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the Wii.

To give you an idea of how rare of an occurance this is, the last time more than one standalone Super Mario title was released on a Nintendo console was the original NES. This time it only took 2 1/2 years to boot!

Nevertheless, Super Mario Galaxy 2 has received raving reviews from nearly every sector of the video game media.

Luckily VGF is here for your one-stop-shop for all the reviews you need of the Italian plumber's next plunge.

Gamespot

10 of 10

1up.com

A

Gametrailers.com

Little Big Planet 2 launching later this year

In the video game industry, it seems all rumors are true.

The recent rumors swirling around a follow-up to the Playstation 3's 2008 award-winning, create-your-own blockbuster "Little Big Planet" were confirmed yesterday when a post on the official Playstation.blog announced "Little Big Planet 2" is coming our way later this year.

The next installment will expand the 2.2 million levels of user-generated content will all new tools to craft new masterpieces. These now include customizable characters in the environment.

Users can also create their own cinematic cut-scenes using the in-game directing interface.

However, the most notable change is the ability for users to create their own game. Examples include top-down racing games, multiplayer shooters, flying side-scrollers and even RPGs.

Find out more on the game's official website. The official trailer is below:

Boy Scouts to Offer Loops and Pins for Video Gaming

The times they are a-changin'.  The days of yore when Boy Scouts would help and old woman across the street or build a camp fire are soon passing us by and making way for a new generation when an astute knowledge of video games warrants a belt loop or academic pin.

What a beautiful age we live in.

The Boy Scouts of America have announced that Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts can earn a belt loop or academic pin for knowledge comparing video game consoles, how to teach others to play video games and pricing for video games, as well as how to manage video game usage along side homework, chores and other activities you "should" do.

Boys are also repeatedly encouraged to play video games that are age appropriate.

My personal favorite requirements are listed below:

Play a video game with family members in a family tournament. The new family game night.

Play an appropriate video game with a friend for one hour. Like that one is hard.

Play a video game that will help you practice your math, spelling, or another skill that helps you in your schoolwork. Good luck finding one of those. Although "The Oregon Trail" should count, but that might be a little dated for today's hooligans.

Compare two game systems (for example, Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Wii, and so on). Explain some of the differences between the two. List good reasons to purchase or use a game system. Birth of a fanboy.

Get all the details on the official requirements page.