Super Mario Sunshine

STORY / GAMEPLAY
Super Mario Sunshine has a lot in common with the 96 Super Mario 64 (for the N64) game, an incredible example that set new standards for every 3D platform game. Just like in Super Mario 64, each level is split into multiple sequential objectives. Each of the levels contain eight episodes and completing an episode always results in obtaining a Shine. The game opens with Mario and his entourage escaping the daily grind of the Mushroom Kingdom by flying to a tropical vacation in Isle Delfino. But Mario's dreaming is cut short immediately after landing at the island's airstrip. A Mario-like maniac has mucked up the entire island, so Mario must do his best to clean up the mess! Armed with a hi-tech water cannon called FLUDD (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device!), Mario sets out to free the island, clear his name and solve the mystery. The level goals are often pretty straightforward, as you can solve practically any problem you come across by simply shooting it with water. Controlling Mario is a snap. Most of his Super Mario 64 moves are retained in this game, including the extremely useful spinning and triple jumps.

GRAPHICS / SOUND
Super Mario Sunshine looks great. The game's levels are really large and the graphics are rendered with an impressive draw distance. Although some textures might look low-res and blocky up-close, the graphics are truly good. Super Mario Sunshine mostly runs at a solid and smooth frame rate and the characters are colorful and well animated. Apart from its great visuals, the sound is great too and most of the game's music is actually an updated version of the classic Mario theme that plays during the levels, along with a variety of cool sound effects.