Review of: Super Mario Sunshine

  

Reviewer: Amy Pistone

Title: Super Mario Sunshine

System: Gamecube

Genre: Platformer

 

            Following the highly successful Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine for the Gamecube was a vastly different game, thus it did not get the appreciation it deserved. Many critics and players expected the game to be of the same caliber as Mario 64, and while it very might well be that awesome, because the storyline and gameplay was so different it was often looked at as the black sheep in the family. Rather than just saving the princess, Mario must uncover the truth about the mysterious painter and eliminate the pollution once and for all – wait, this is a Mario game? While some of the new features were strange and different from previous titles, Super Mario Sunshine was an addicting game that is now considered a classic by many.

            The graphics within Super Mario Sunshine are phenomenal, on the same level as the following Galaxy titles. Colors are vivid and used in copious amounts throughout each island. Unlike Mario 64, the lines in Sunshine are smoothed with no sharp edges, granting a sense of realism in much of the scenery. One world, Sirena Beach, has a bright sunset that almost becomes distracting in its beauty, while underwater levels in Noki Bay are just as beautiful in the calm serenity that the watery graphics convey. Also, in contrast to the wide open levels, specific levels create forced gameplay on floating platforms, without the help of Fludd. This does not mean that these graphics are any less lovely, as the platforms are all unique in design and the backdrops are vast and somewhat dreamy, often dotted with stars.

            Gameplay in Mario Sunshine is fantastic. Rather than traditional games where Mario must rely solely on his jumping power, this game combines jumping, hovering, and shooting techniques to create a truly unique experience. He must use FLUDD, a water using device with various nozzles, to navigate and complete each level. Mario may use the hover nozzle to float across short areas while the rocket nozzle shoots him straight up into the air. The main attack within the game is achieved by using the squirt nozzle, which can destroy Goop and kill enemies. In addition to these nozzles, there also is a turbo nozzle that allows Mario to travel at great speeds. While mastering all of these nozzles,

Mario travels throughout the islands of Delfino completing each different mission. Some missions require Mario to defeat boss enemies, while others force him to collect red coins within an allotted time, and others are so quirky they will have you asking what the developers were on when creating them (watermelon mission, anyone?). Overall this gameplay style keeps the player guessing and makes it one of the most interesting titles of the Mario series.

            In addition to the graphics and gameplay, the storyline in Super Mario Sunshine is greatly improved compared to other titles. Mario goes on a vacation with Peach, Toadsworth, and some other Toads, to Isle Delfino. Once there, a mysterious painter appears who looks exactly like Mario. Upon arrival, Mario and company are met with a surplus of pollution on the Delfino airstrip, and are informed of what has been going on. He is then arrested and charged with creating the madness as the Piantas believe he is the mysterious painter. Once released, Mario is told he must clean up the island and rescue the Shine Sprites, the source of power on Isle Delfino, in order to leave. Throughout the levels Mario will get bits and pieces of the truth, yielding eventually the most shocking plot twist any of his titles have seen. Overall, Super Mario Sunshine’s storyline is much stronger and more developed than others, making it a more memorable game overall.

            In conclusion, Super Mario Sunshine is simply a superb game. The graphics are eye-catching and high-quality, while the gameplay is strong in itself with the large variety of things Mario can do. In addition to this, the storyline is memorable and intriguingly different from previous titles. Because Sunshine was so different, it often does not get the credit it deserves for being a strong title with true innovation. However, it has retained its popularity because it is one of the most expensive Gamecube games a player can buy today, simply because few players will sell theirs to Gamestop. Overall, Super Mario Sunshine is an amazing game and any Mario fan should try it out.