SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE
© 2002 Nintendo

Mania Grade: A
Platform: GameCube
ESRB: Everyone
Genre: Platformer
Players: 1
Online: No
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Suggested Retail: $49.99
Graphics: B+
Sound: A
Gameplay: A
Replay: A-
Fun Factor: A+
Reviewer's Wild Card: A+

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SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE

It is finally here. The first true MARIO platformer for Nintendo's GameCube has arrived, and without sounding like too much of a Nintendo fanboy, it is one of the most refreshing, yet nostalgic videogames to be released in this generation of consoles.

Mario and the Princess are finally taking the much-deserved vacation that was needed after all of Mario's adventures. They head to a sunny island, only to find that a Mario impersonator has been filling the land with graffiti. Mario is charged and found guilty, and is ordered to clean it up. In the process, he'll chase down the true perpetrator.

The biggest difference between SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE and SUPER MARIO 64 is the introduction of Fludd. Fludd is a water spraying backpack that Mario acquires to help him clean up the goop. It also can be switched to a hover capability, giving Mario all sorts of new jumping puzzles and challenges to face. The biggest change is the loss of the punch and kick moves, in favor of Mario using the Fludd and his butt stomp as the main weapons.

The biggest addition besides Fludd and its four different spray modes is Mario's new spin jump. By twirling the control stick in a circle and then pressing jump, Mario will do his highest possible jump while spinning in a circle. Mario can also now tight rope walk, and use the ropes to bounce and reach higher points. As a whole, the new moves are extremely intuitive and add much to the gameplay.

The gameplay revolves around collecting Shines (essentially Stars). Each level starts with a different set of conditions that leads to you getting a shine. Some of these require beating a boss, collecting red coins, or racing someone. Very typical fare from MARIO 64 that works well, and benefits from the addition of the water backpack.

My favorite of the level objectives are the "Cave" areas. At certain times, you'll have to complete a puzzle of sorts to reach a cave or unmarked area. A cut scene will show the phantom Mario stealing Fludd from you. You'll then be presented with a very typical and straightforward platform jumping section that you must complete to reach the Shine on the other side. Seems simple, but these sections can be insanely difficult, while at the same time addictive. All of this while a new version of the classic Mario music plays in the background.

While the new gameplay additions are great, that isn't what makes the game. Quite simply, MARIO SUNSHINE is pure fun. From riding Yoshi in 3D, to climbing the revolving gates, to pulling off some incredible jumps, to the first time you see the giant sandbird, everything lends to an amazing experience. My jaw dropped so many times, and I quite literally at times could not put my controller down.

The only minor gripe I have is the same one that could be found with MARIO 64. The camera just doesn't work as well as it should. Most of the time it's fine, but there are occasions, especially during wall jumps, that the camera is a giant nuisance. Really, with all the time since the last game, this shouldn't have been an issue.

Naysayers may comment that MARIO SUNSHINE's graphics really aren't that mind-blowing. In particular, many of the different aspects of the game aren't that spectacular in and of themselves. However, the game as a whole has a very unique look that epitomizes the world of SUPER MARIO. While it isn't mind-blowing, it's more than adequate, and the water effects are fantastic.

I think I had chills the first time I went through one of the jumping sequences with the classic Mario music in the background. I found myself humming some of the other new music to the game, usually a good sign. The sound effects are also very nice and round out the title well.

SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE is not to be missed. There is no doubt in my mind - this is the best game GameCube game yet, and so far the best game of 2002.