I have the same quarrels with this game as I do Breath of the Wild. Some of those aspects are even more prevalent. But again, the initial magic and scope was recaptured for me. While the story's presentation was abhorrent, it was really epic and investing.

We're so close to what an ideal modern Zelda can be. But I'm someone would like less Minecraft and more Elden Ring.

I'm still picking away towards 100% but it's going to take even longer.

More: https://youtu.be/Ijka11BZ6po?si=BA3m7PO2eBz43tUS

Among the best open world games I've ever played, but far from my favorite Zelda game.

Some aspects, such as the divine beats, I've come around on after Tears of the Kingdom had well themed but weaker dungeon designs overall.
Perhaps my biggest issue is I don't think it's replayable. Shrines are not satisfying to replay like dungeons are. There's not enough incentive to relive the events in the game since you can just rewatch the cutscenes of the past. Bosses are also lackluster for the most part.

It's really easy to harp on this game, but I got all the koroks after 210 hours. The first time is a magical experience with unparalleled freedom and exploration.

I think it's a game that best encapsulates what I like about PC gaming.

Fun multiplayer
Insane Mods
Replay Value

There are a lot of dry moments for me outside of those aspects. I don't like running back and forth really far to the entrance on most moons, especially the one with the pumpkins. And the randomly generated rooms are supposed to be confusing with several dead ends, but that said balance of the experience is pretty close overall.

Looking forward to what else comes from the team.

Sakurai's best game direction outside of Smash.

There are trading cards for this game.
There's multiplayer.
There are smash-like trophy models.

The marketing at the time was also excellent. I thought I had beaten the game when you fight Medusa, they even roll credits. Then there's another two thirds of the game left. I played to crap out of it.

I think it came out a little to early to take off when it should have. It is all of Sakurai's design philosophies crammed into a retro revival love letter that is among Nintendo's best presentation in a game.

Need this remastered yesterday.

I slept on Earthbound for years. Could not get into it on Wii U.

I was lucky enough to reexperience it on an actual Super Nintendo. Once I got past where I got stuck and moved forward, I could not put the game down and it has become one of my favorite RPGs.

I would listen back on the soundtrack but stop put to where I was so I was not spoiled by the initial reveal. Easily one of my favorite OSTs and my favorite on the SNES.

I recommend everyone at least give it a shot. The cult classic culture behind this game is real and wholeheartedly deserved.

Forever my favorite Mario game. While I prefer design concepts of games more akin to Super Mario 64 or Super Mario Odyssey, I will never get the same feeling from those games as I do Galaxy. The soundtrack is 11/10. The amazing level designs of each galaxy are memorable and the optional story is heartwarming. Unlocking more of the comet observatory as the music evolves is magical. You could argue Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a better video game, but it is not a necessary life experience like the original.