Super Mario Sunshine Review

The Nintendo Game Cube launch has come and gone. Nintendo fans are probably baffled that their Red Capped mascot has yet to appear, even after nearly a year after the GCN launch. On August 26, Game Cube’s world will be rocked by, perhaps, the largest game to ever be released on any platform. This might sound like a load of garbage, but I kid you not; this title is the finest example of what Nintendo can do when they put their minds to it. Everything about this game has a glowing aura to it.

Unlike the titles before it, Super Mario Sunshine isn’t just about defeating Bowser and saving the Princess. Instead of saving Peach, you’re off on a vacation with her. This doesn’t mean that all is well though. Mario soon finds out he has been framed for desecrating the island by means of reckless painting and by, what appears to be, a clone of him. His sentence is? To clean up the entire island immediately.

Talk about a ruined vacation. Mario landed on the Dolphino Island only to start a war on paint, and this evil Mario clone. The story spans seven immense levels all connected by the Hub (The main area, like the castle in Mario 64). In order to unlock these worlds you must gather enough shines to progress through the stories and rid the island of its paint predicament.

The game successfully pulls off the look and feel of a tropical island. From the palm trees to the quirky locales, everything just feels “sunny.” Pardon the pun, but this game has a unique feel and while it all takes place on an island the levels vary greatly in visual style and flair.

Graphically the game is slick, smooth, and only suffers from minor frame rate drops. The cut scenes are also superb, as they appear to be real time. The water effects outdo what even Wave Race: Blue Storm accomplished and look marvelous. The whole, tropical theme is put together quite nicely by the look and feel of each level.

There are bland textures from time to time but nothing major.
Not a single detail was missed when it came to the graphics, even every ounce of water casts it’s own reflection. If you shoot a puddle of water on the ground, and stand next to it, you’ll see yourself. Other nice touches include heat waves, smoke, and misting effects. Nice blurring was done to show speed.

Even though SMS isn’t ground breaking it is definitely more sophisticated than almost any other game of its kind and has way more to offer in the visual department than one would think. Although slow down occurs, the pros defeat the cons in this battle. When everything is laid on the table for the graphics department Mario is nothing less than a ten for ten. The draw distance, water effects and compelling structure outweigh anything the bad has to offer.

Fans of the Mario series will salivate over this game’s tunes, everything, from the old to the new is simply amazing. Nothing in this game sounds bad, Nothing! The score is all new, but some classic tracks and sounds can also be found. Dolby Pro Logic II also enhances the experience.

Sound effects are up to the normal standards of Mario but they also go a step further. When Mario hops, or skips his way around levels he has charming “Waaaa Hoooo…” to tag along. Not to mention the environments are very sound filled as well. If water sprays behind you, you will know its water and if seagulls call you will know they’re seagulls.