Super Mario Galaxy 2

The sequel to Nintendo's galactic revamp of its plumber-based platforming franchise further redefines its genre though anything-goes perspective shifts. The story is same as it ever was ― Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach, though now Mario can toss around asteroids not just fireballs ― but the gravity-unrooted game play and experimental level design has been refined to near-perfection as you leap around and between different planets. Oh, and this time you sometimes get to do it on the back of Yoshi, the fan-favourite long-tongued dinosaur. Nintendo added several new powers and tools (like a drill that lets you burrow through planets) alongside fun retro flourishes like setting several levels on a 2D plane, but the franchise's proven formula continues to impress with its stunning creativity. If the first Super Mario Galaxy breathed new life into 3D platforming, this one just might have given it immortality.