Game Statistics

• 120 Shine Sprites to collect.
• 7 levels.
• 240 blue coins to collect.
• Ride Yoshi in 3-D for the first time.
• Saving requires 7 data blocks for 3 game save files.
• Single disk 1.35 gigabytes.

Game Design
Being set in a 3-dimentional environment like Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine plays much like its original. The game's control style and quest layout are very reminiscent to Super Mario 64. While Super Mario Sunshine is very similar to Super Mario 64, this game has a couple of new additions that will keep anyone interested.

As you probably already know, Mario must clean all of the graffiti on Isle Delfino with his FLUDD (flash liquidizing ultra dousing device). The FLUDD is a device that is worn on Mario's back, with the use of various nozzles, Mario can do different things. The Squirt Nozzle sprays a stream of water in the direction that Mario is facing. The Squirt Nozzle can be used to clean pollution or subdue baddies. The Hover Nozzle spays water directly downward. As a result, it allows Mario to hover so that he can cross large gaps. The Rocket Nozzle will shoot Mario upwards a great distance. The Rocket Nozzle allows Mario to reach really high places. Finally the Turbo Nozzle. The Turbo Nozzle lets Mario run really fast over both land and sea. The FLUDD really gives Mario a great sense of freedom and mobility, which allowed EAD to create really elaborate and sometimes overwhelming jumping goals.

The second most notable addition to this game is the option to ride Yoshi. While Yoshi is only a minor player in this game, the few times that you do use him, it is fun and challenging. Yoshi can eat enemies with his tongue and can spray different types of juice. When certain enemies are hit with Yoshi's juice, they turn into platforms.

In Super Mario 64 you collected Stars. In this game, you collect Shine Sprites. The quests in this game are very interesting and well thought out. The traditional collect 8 red coins and 100 gold coin goals still exist in this game. However, because of the power of the GameCube compared to the Nintendo 64, Super Mario Sunshine contains several more Boss battles. Also, the final battle in this game is the best in any Mario game. The most challenging goals in Super Mario Sunshine are the secret levels. Secret levels consist of old-school platform style jumping (the FLUDD cannot be used). The secret levels are very challenging and addictive.

While some may not look kindly on the fact that this game contains seven levels compared to Super Mario 64's fifteen. However, the levels in Super Mario Sunshine are much larger then the ones found it the original. You will be spending much more time in these levels then the ones found in Super Mario 64.

The familiar game play style of Super Mario Sunshine makes it a game that almost everyone can enjoy.

Graphics
Super Mario Sunshine does not go all out in terms of texture mapping and character detail. What it excels in is graphical effects; most notably are the water and pollutions effects. As you would expect, the water looks very impressive. But what makes it look exceptional is the fact that the water reflections contain a small degree of light refraction. The light refraction is really realistic. Furthermore, the pollution effects are very nice, if Mario steps or dives into goop, it will go all over his body. Furthermore, Mario will track the goop all over the ground leaving footprints. Very neat, very cool. The frame rate almost never takes a hit, however it will sometimes dip if the hover nozzle is used high in the air.

Sound
The sound effects are very realistic. It seems that all games developed by Nintendo have realistic sound effects these days. While the sound effects are very accurate and realistic sound effects did not earn a 10 because this game simply did not contain the over elaborate, "cool" sound effects that are present in games such as Eternal Darkness and Rogue Leader. Nevertheless, this game sounds great.

The music is the low point of this title. While this game's music is excellent at setting mood, this game has very few tracks that contain beats that are going to stick in your head. The best song in this game is an acapella remix of the classic Super Mario Bros. theme.

Control
The control style in this game is very similar to Super Mario 64. However, there are a few changes. The inclusion of FLUDD really reduced that amount of jump moves that Mario requires. Several jumps that where present in Super Mario 64 have been removed from this game's control style. However, the FLUDD takes the place of the eliminated jumps moves. The average gamer may not even realize it, but this game's control style makes the action faster. There is a greater emphasis on Mario's side summersault and wall kicks in this game. Also, performing a wall kick in Super Mario Sunshine is much easier then in Super Mario 64; that's a plus. The camera controls have been improved in Super Mario 64. The analog C-SITCK allows for the selection of an accurate angle at almost all times. Also, gamers will also notice that a Mario outline is present if an object is obstructing the view between Mario and the camera.

Satisfaction
Any Mario fan will like this game. It is very addictive and challenging game. I'd say that Super Mario Sunshine is the most challenging Mario game since Super Mario Bros. 3 on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Like with most Mario games, the fun factor is off the charts. You really feel a sense of accomplishment when a goal is completed.

Replay Value/Game Length
I think Nintendo has corned the market on how long a quest should be. While defeating the final boss will take approximately 25 hours of game play. Collecting every Shine Sprite and blue coin will take much longer.

Overall
Super Mario Sunshine is an excellent game. It's addictive style makes it one of the best on GameCube. I also would like to mention that it is nice to see a Mario game with an intriguing storyline for once.

Game Design	9.2
Mechanics	10
Innovation	8.0
Originality	8.0
Extras	10
Depth	10
Graphics	9.2
Character/Animation	8.5
Environment	9.5
Framerate	9.5
Sound	9.0
Music	8.5
Sound FX/Voice	9.5
Control	10
During Play	10
Menus	10
Functionality	10
Satisfaction	10
Challenge	10
Fun-Factor	10
Replay Value/Game Length	10
FINAL SCORE	9.5

Review by Player Guy Forever

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