I waited six long years for a new Mario game to finally arrive.  None of that Mario Golf, Tennis, or Knitting crap, but a real, jumping around killing stuff game.  Needless to say, over the course of six years, a lot of things change in the gaming world.  Not only are graphics and whatnot redefined, but many a poser are free to rise up and take the throne away from our favorite superhero plumber.  Thankfully, no Jak and Daxter or Banjo Kazooie could ever compare to Mario Sunshine.

 

The story is simple, as it should be:  Mario and Princess Peach are taking a vacation to Isle Del Fino, a beautiful tropical resort.  Upon their arrival, it is discovered that an imposter Mario has been painting graffiti all over the island, and stealing the life giving Sun Sprites, which leaves the once sunny vista in a state of darkness.  This leads to the good Mario being arrested and charged to clean up the island, and return the sprites to their rightful place.  Luckily, he aquires a shapshifting water tank known as FLUDD to aid him in his quest.

 

What astounds me the most about this game, is that despite how hard pressed Nintendo may have been to invent new gameplay ideas and situations, they never cease to please.  Almost every section of the island has you doing something you've never seen before.  Every single moment of play is some of the most fun you'll ever have in gaming.

 

In an attempt to balance out the challenge level, the developers added in several old school platforming levels that take away the hover usage of your water pack, and force you to make do with your jumping skills alone.  These are usually pretty tough, but rarely frustrating, as every failed attempt teaches you something new.

 

The only real problem you'll face will be the management of the camera.  It has the tendency to get behind walls when you're flying around, which can lead to missed landings.  The good thing, however, is that the camera hardly ever leads to death causing falls, so you can rebuild and recover like Rocky Balboa.

 

Overall, this is definitely a game to buy.  In fact, it's the reason I bought my own gamecube.  With no fatal flaws or major annoyances, Mario Sunshine is a game that anyone can enjoy.

 

-James Napier