Super Mario: Every Game Ranked From Worst To Best

9. Super Mario Sunshine

Mario Feat Copy
Nintendo

Mario should have learned from his previously aborted holiday to Sarasaland that work never stops. Yet again, speedos and sunglasses had to be quickly stuffed back into suitcases as a fortnight in the sun soon devolved into disaster, the poor plumber framed for the wanton vandalism running amok on the idyllic Delfino Isle. Lad literally can't catch a break.

Just as Mario paid his debt to society by cleaning the island's graffiti, it's time to erase some misconceptions about Mario Sunshine. Following Mario 64 was like Jesus coming up with a better trick than resurrection, so no matter what Nintendo delivered in dungarees to the Gamecube in 2002, it was going to be underwhelming. And yes, Sunshine isn't as good as its groundbreaking forebear, but it is a wonderful game on its own terms. It takes the winning formula and evolves it, not, er, revolves it, adding in the intriguing new FLUDD mechanic, brilliant bonus stages which'd form the basis of Mario Galaxy, and one of the series' most exotically enduring environments.

Has water ever looked so lush? A shining star lost in the shadows of its bigger brothers.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.