Super Mario Galaxy 2

Congratulations, Super Mario Galaxy 2, you are the readers' choice winner for the top video game of 2010! Claiming 32 percent of the vote, SMG2 beat out top titles like Alan Wake and Fable III to take top honors.

We agree! Super Mario Galaxy 2 is fun to play, with 70 main stars to capture and plenty more to find. It was more challenging than expected, and, of course, also featured the return of Yoshi!

Before the ball drops, be sure to catch up on everything 2010 with the rest of our Best Of coverage.

It's been three years since we took our last trip around the galaxy with our favorite plump plumber, and Mario is back with an even more exciting adventure in Super Mario Galaxy 2. An early look at a few of the beginning levels didn't prepare me for what was in store for the full release — there are 70 main stars to capture and lots more to dig up, but I didn't know that it would be this challenging.

Mario's star celebration is once again thwarted by his nemesis, Bowser, who captures Princess Peach right before she and Mario are about to indulge in some homemade cake. Who knew the Princess was such a wiz in the kitchen? Bowser, being the jealous type he is, snatches the Princess and takes her to the other side of the galaxy. Let the fun begin!

Find out more about the new layout, Yoshi, and why I think this game is the best Mario title yet (despite one small gripe), after the break.

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Yoshi is back, y'all! I was super excited to get to see Mario again during my hands-on time with Super Mario Galaxy 2 at yesterday's Nintendo Q1 media summit, but I have to tell you — I was even more excited to see Yoshi! The dynamic duo is back together in SMG2, and this time, Yoshi has to get acquainted with the gravitational pulls of space.

I got a few minutes with the game after the press conference, and although the controls are pretty much the same for Mario, you will need to incorporate the pointer to grapple items for Yoshi to eat. The game feels really familiar — but totally fresh — and comes with some new bosses and planets to explore, as well as new tools like the drill, which lets you tunnel your way through planets to get more prizes and pass certain obstacles. Yoshi's appetite will also have him eating some new plants and items that help him fly and move at hyper speed, among others.

Don't get me wrong — these levels may be fun, but some of them were pretty tough! I'm looking forward to the game when it hits stores in May, but until then, check out some screenshots and the official trailer when you read more

So excited! Nintendo just announced the release date for the much-anticipated Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the Wii at its Q1 Summit in San Francisco. Since Super Mario Galaxy was such a huge hit — it was the most preordered Wii software title — SMG2 is sure to be a big seller and a ton of fun.

New to the game: more tools (including new modes to get through planets) and the return of Yoshi, who can fly when he holds his breath. There are no pricing details yet, but the game will be released on May 23. Check back soon for video and more news from the Nintendo Summit.