Super Mario Galaxy 2 expects you to have played the previous game, as it ramps up the difficulty much sooner and goes even higher from there, with some of the challenges being insanely difficult (comet stars in the the spoiler world).
Yeah, the first Super Mario Galaxy definitely is much easier and more linear. The second game is linear too, but starts to use huger and flat environments more frequently. The hardest challenges from Super Mario Galaxy obviously are the the three Green Star Trials (which can be accessed by collecting the famed Green Stars) and the Comet Stars. You also unlock Purple Comet Stars once you have beaten the game, but sadly half of them are fairly easy with the often half ranking from hard to insane. But for the most part, most stars are a breeze. Don't except that you can just waltz through Super Mario Galaxy 2 just as easily, even for the normal Power Stars. It is also a lengthier adventure than before.
You could technically skip straight to the second game if you want to get into the game immediately (no story and such) and want to game to be harder right from the bat, but... You would miss out on some solid learning experience. Also, the first game is still worth playing through. I really love the first game, but the second game even more (because of the immediate platforming action and lack of handholding).
Yeah, the first Super Mario Galaxy definitely is much easier and more linear. The second game is linear too, but starts to use huger and flat environments more frequently. The hardest challenges from Super Mario Galaxy obviously are the the three Green Star Trials (which can be accessed by collecting the famed Green Stars) and the Comet Stars. You also unlock Purple Comet Stars once you have beaten the game, but sadly half of them are fairly easy with the often half ranking from hard to insane. But for the most part, most stars are a breeze. Don't except that you can just waltz through Super Mario Galaxy 2 just as easily, even for the normal Power Stars. It is also a lengthier adventure than before.
You could technically skip straight to the second game if you want to get into the game immediately (no story and such) and want to game to be harder right from the bat, but... You would miss out on some solid learning experience. Also, the first game is still worth playing through. I really love the first game, but the second game even more (because of the immediate platforming action and lack of handholding).