Super Mario Sunshine Review #2
Content missing: Review score, original publication date
Although SMS isn’t the best in the Mario series and certainly doesn’t measure up to Mario 64, it is definately a great game on its own merits. Fair graphics, good sound, and exciting gameplay are the keys in SMS.
The graphics aren’t the best out there; games such as Metroid Prime blow SMS’s graphics away. The water effects are excellent though, and are some of the best I’ve seen in a game. All the character models look sharp, crisp, and creatively detailed.
The music of the new Mario has a nice tropical feel to it. The cut scenes an enriched by excellent voice acting; from Peach’s innocent, sweet tone to Toad’s quirky tone. The jumping, Yoshi yelps, Mario sounds, and piantas are in harmony with the overall atmosphere and mood of SMS.
The gameplay is the most innovative part of SMS. The new squirt gun, aka FLUUD, comes accessorized with four different nozzles, each with it’s own innovative use. As well, the return of Yoshi and the ability to ride him add an extra dimension to the game. There are a few so-called “Retro levels” within each of the seven worlds where you’re without the use of your squirt gun. Although these stages are hard, it reminds you of old-school Mario gameplay.
The replay value ranks fair due to the massive areas, and the huge amount of secrets to uncover. Almost every shine sprite is gained differently.
Ingenuity and originality very present in SMS. All the different features of FLUUD are all unique in their own right, and are used differently upon certain occasions. They force you to think about how best to bypass an obstacle. Along with the aforementioned, all the activates, puzzles, your surroundings and people you meet bear no resemblence to previous Mario games, which adds in a breath of fresh air to the almost 20 year old series.
In the end, the gameplay of SMS is highly addicting, and everything you do is quite excellent. If you own a GameCube, or are planning on buying/recieving one, pick this title up. It’s worth it.