Super Mario 3D All-Stars Review

Super Mario Sunshine

Something of a black sheep of the Mario canon and the game that "let everyone down" after Mario 64 made such monumental waves across the 90s, Sunshine feels novel and fresh removed from the hype of 2002, but it's still the weakest offering here.*

*(Honestly though, the "weakest offering" against Mario 64 and Galaxy is still a level of quality very few could hold a candle to.)

Centring on a cleanup mission where a vacationing Mario is tasked with mopping up the gorgeous Isle Delfino, Mario Sunshine is a strange old beast. Almost like how Majora's Mask saw Nintendo steer deliberately away from trying to "one up" the majestic Ocarina of Time, Sunshine bases the majority of Mario's abilities and traversal options around "FLUDD", a robotic companion that doubles as a jetpack and water hose.

Again, the passing of time does this favours its release window never could, as amongst the company of Mario 64's purism and Galaxy's experimentation, donning a machine to clean up a gorgeous island feels like a nice change of pace.

Sadly, Mario's movement feels the worst of the bunch. He's far too twitchy and overly responsive - almost like an over-correct after the mould-breaking 64. Twinned with levels that introduce more verticality and repeat too many mini-bosses for their own good, for me at least, Sunshine simply doesn't flow like the others.

Lacking the finesse of Mario 64, I'm sure GameCube stalwarts will be happy this game has a new lease on life, but considering the company it's keeping here, you're far better off clocking Mario 64 or Galaxy first.