Super Mario Sunshine

 GameCube
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1033 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 843 out of 1033
  2. Mixed: 126 out of 1033
  3. Negative: 64 out of 1033
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  1. Basketballbeast
    Aug 15, 2013
    10
    Best Mario game on GameCube along with Paper Mario! It is truly a great game and delivers plenty of gameplay, overall amazing game! I really love the graphics in this game they truly seem like graphics that are from the modern date and for the GameCube, the graphics are by far the best there ever has been on the GameCube.
  2. yaloolenoogoo
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    THE GOOD: This 3D platformer is very original. Its a main series Mario title that actually has a real story! The gameplay usually involves Mario using a water jetpack named FLUDD to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Level designs are fantastic and are all built around one big island. The levels are varied, including beaches, hotels, airstrip, a volcano, a theme park, and many others. VoiceTHE GOOD: This 3D platformer is very original. Its a main series Mario title that actually has a real story! The gameplay usually involves Mario using a water jetpack named FLUDD to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Level designs are fantastic and are all built around one big island. The levels are varied, including beaches, hotels, airstrip, a volcano, a theme park, and many others. Voice acting and music are surprisingly great. The game rewards you for exploration. Its a very satisfying experience. Plenty of shine sprites to collect so plenty to do in the game.

    THE BAD: Hmm, surprisingly, I really don't have much bad to say about this game. Sure, i'll admit that it lacks the impact on the gaming industry that Super Mario 64 had, but thats really about it.

    This is a MUST OWN! MUST BUY! One of the best games that the platforming genre has to offer.    … Expand
  3. Squilliam
    Dec 3, 2013
    10
    Severely underrated. It should be right up there with Super Mario 64 and the Super Mario Galaxy series. Seriously, I had such a great time playing this game. The tropical island based levels were a welcome change form The Mushroom Kingdom, and offered plenty of unique, fun, and challenging opportunities. The F.L.U.D.D back pack is awesome too, and I really like how the fist half of theSeverely underrated. It should be right up there with Super Mario 64 and the Super Mario Galaxy series. Seriously, I had such a great time playing this game. The tropical island based levels were a welcome change form The Mushroom Kingdom, and offered plenty of unique, fun, and challenging opportunities. The F.L.U.D.D back pack is awesome too, and I really like how the fist half of the game had a very different story from the rest of the games in the Super Mario series. And the music in this game is phenomenally amazing. Seriously, expect the Ricco Harbour and Noki Bay themes to be stuck in your head for days after you play this game. The secret levels are also rally fun, and insanely challenging. This is one of the best video games of all time!… Expand
  4. guitarguy001
    Jul 3, 2014
    9
    I love this game so much. It is the first GameCube game i have ever played and have fond memories of it and to this day i enjoy it a lot. The music is great, the level design is excellent, the setting is cleverly implemented into the gameplay and the controls are smooth and responsive. The game is hard though, probably the hardest 3D Mario game so far. Easily one of the best games on theI love this game so much. It is the first GameCube game i have ever played and have fond memories of it and to this day i enjoy it a lot. The music is great, the level design is excellent, the setting is cleverly implemented into the gameplay and the controls are smooth and responsive. The game is hard though, probably the hardest 3D Mario game so far. Easily one of the best games on the GameCube.… Expand
  5. ViolentSofa
    Mar 17, 2014
    10
    The best Super Mario game in general. the best platforming game in general. better then the galaxy games by far and deserves 10 out of 10s. I'd even say this game is better then Super Mario 64.
  6. plime
    Jun 30, 2014
    10
    This is my favourite game of all time, and I say this having played pretty much every Nintendo game released since the N64 came out!

    I prefer this to Super Mario 64 for a multitude of reasons- it has more charm, the areas are creative and varied, the hub world is far more interesting and also, get this; it has voice acting and BOWSER SPEAKS!!!

    Anyway, in short- best game ever!
  7. dinosauryoshi
    Jun 30, 2014
    8
    I loved Fludd and the bright colourful levels and visually it was perhaps the most impressive game on the Gamecube. I felt however that a lot of the stars were 'filler' and it began to feel like a chore to collect them all once I'd cost past the 80 mark. Something I don't generally feel in Mario Games, also I felt the controls weren't as smooth as they could have been and many deaths feltI loved Fludd and the bright colourful levels and visually it was perhaps the most impressive game on the Gamecube. I felt however that a lot of the stars were 'filler' and it began to feel like a chore to collect them all once I'd cost past the 80 mark. Something I don't generally feel in Mario Games, also I felt the controls weren't as smooth as they could have been and many deaths felt as if they weren't really your fault. As with any Mario game it's a lot of fun however and I thought the Fludd was a great and innovative idea. I'd absolutely love to see a remake of this on the Wii U with some of those issues sorted out.… Expand
  8. MarioBrax
    Nov 18, 2017
    8
    The game is pretty buggy at times, but it's really fun and enjoyable. F.L.U.D.D was a fun addition to the game. It felt like I was actually accomplishing something when I grabbed a Shine Sprite. I love the cartooniness of this game and the game-play is great.
  9. Shinglinhg
    May 17, 2023
    10
    In my opinion, the best Mario game, I love the tropical atmosphere of this game, and the addition of F.L.U.U.D was amazing. It's very satisfying to use it. The game's camera is good, the controls are good, and the soundtrack is, in my opinion, the best soundtrack ever made in gaming history. It's a shame that the game was released for such a failed console like the Nintendo GameCube.
  10. E_Hero_Killjoy
    Apr 21, 2011
    10
    Super Mario Sunshine was my first and one of my favorite games growing up. I worked through it and always enjoyed the great look and feel. Unfortunately my memory card went corrupt and I had to start over, which I put off until recently. The game is just as good if not better then I remember and I just wish Nintendo had gone back to Isle Delfino in another main title and not just asSuper Mario Sunshine was my first and one of my favorite games growing up. I worked through it and always enjoyed the great look and feel. Unfortunately my memory card went corrupt and I had to start over, which I put off until recently. The game is just as good if not better then I remember and I just wish Nintendo had gone back to Isle Delfino in another main title and not just as cameos in sports games. The closest thing to it are some of the planets from Super Mario Galaxy, and there my favorite planets in the game. The game is just is full of charm. Go out and find a copy right now, then buy it and don't ever stop playing.… Expand
  11. Blakenator
    Jan 19, 2013
    8
    While it is not one of Mario's brightest adventures, the game shines in its own unique way. The worlds are stunning and the platforming is challenging. Disappointingly, the camera bogs what are truly good controls and prevents the player from reaching difficult places more easily. Otherwise, this is a solid entry in the 3D Mario saga.
  12. ViperSniper[HF]
    Nov 22, 2002
    10
    The graphics rules, just like the game. When u play, just look at the water from upside down... it looks teriffic!
  13. JohnL.
    Nov 18, 2003
    10
    Awesome!!!!!
  14. Giorgos216
    Apr 16, 2012
    10
    For me, it is by far the best Mario game ever made. And I have played them all since Mario 64. It should have won a way larger fanbase, but it seems like Nintendo went wrong with the Gamecube, in somy way...
  15. bonnin40
    Feb 21, 2013
    8
    While not quite as mind blowing and addictive as super mario 64, Super mario sunshine is still an excellent game on its own, with fantastic music, spot on controls, great design, and beautiful graphics (especially the water effects). The game play is innovative, but not quite as fun as other mario titles. however, this game has a very interesting design that borrows from Mario 64, butWhile not quite as mind blowing and addictive as super mario 64, Super mario sunshine is still an excellent game on its own, with fantastic music, spot on controls, great design, and beautiful graphics (especially the water effects). The game play is innovative, but not quite as fun as other mario titles. however, this game has a very interesting design that borrows from Mario 64, but also offers its own twist to the formula, which is always a good thing. This is a really awesome gamecube game, and one that i definitely reccomend.… Expand
  16. classicgamer321
    Sep 21, 2013
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. super mario 64 was great, but then after that, nintendo made a mario game that was very different than the others, super mario sunshine. Now this is one of my favorite mario games, but it's nothing like the regular games, it's probably the only mario game where the mushroom kingdom is not seen at all. So the plot is, mario is going on vacation to isle delfino And once ariving, he sees that the island is splattered with graffiti, after picking up FLUDD A water/backpack thing, they fight a giant graffiti Parana plant. after defeating this thing, the police take mario to court, after probably the most unfair court session i have ever seen, mario is sentenced to clean up the island. it turns out shadow mario (an evil version of mario) did the graffiti. so now here's where the gameplay starts. the gameplay in super mario sunshine is just like super mario 64. you finish the level by finding a shine spite. now the first thing i have to say is that this game is HARD, probably the second hardest mario game ever behind super mario bros 2 lost levels. so anyway, all of the missions aren't the same goal. the levels in this game are called episodes, and you have to do something different every time to get a shine sprite. like, find all 8 red coins or, complete a secret level, This gameplay setup is very cool especially in a mario game of all things. now for the secret levels, the hardest and most frustrating part of the game,so what happens is shadow mario has taken FLUDD away from you and puts you in an obstacle course with the shine sprite at the end. these are hard, these are classic mario platforming but all of them are unnecessarily hard, you have to platform through these blocks that rotate, spin, and sometimes even push you off the level, I died about 100 times at the noki bay's secret level. one secret level even has these guys that throw you to the next platform and you have to aim perfectly or else they will throw you off the level. anyway, isle delfino has some of the best areas i have ever seen in a mario game, like serina beach, or the beautiful noki bay. and some levels are just amazing, there was this one level in gelato beach where you are on a giant bird made out of sand flying high in the sky, and in another platform up a hill in noki bay. oh, and did i mention that there are yoshis in the game, the first time yoshis are used in a 3D mario game, only thing is that it's not the original green yoshi, just other color yoshis. and after a boss fight it is revealed that shadow mario is bowser jr, that's a pretty good twist, and this is bowser jr's first appearance in a mario game. this game is very underrated, probably because this was the first time a nintendo console was released without a super mario game alongside it. this made fans want the best mario game ever. but this was a great game anyway. the plot is great and has probably the best twist in any mario game, the levels are nice, the graphics are great, and the music is some of the best in the super mario series. It's probably my 2nd favorite super mario game.… Expand
  17. cmyk
    Dec 23, 2013
    8
    Childhood bias might creep into my review, but I really liked this addition to the Mario series. It's fresh, it's different, and perhaps a bit more satisfying to those with a touch of neat freak; clearing copious amounts of multi-colored goop and making areas clean again is very rewarding in itself. The visuals are colorful and fun, and though it's lacking in what story it tries toChildhood bias might creep into my review, but I really liked this addition to the Mario series. It's fresh, it's different, and perhaps a bit more satisfying to those with a touch of neat freak; clearing copious amounts of multi-colored goop and making areas clean again is very rewarding in itself. The visuals are colorful and fun, and though it's lacking in what story it tries to achieve, the atmosphere is enjoyable. Though not comparable to the SNES of 64 counterparts, I'd definitely recommend this game.… Expand
  18. ColombiaGames
    Jan 22, 2013
    10
    When I think abuot the "Gamecube" , first game I remember is SMS it was a hard game , but so good I never could playing it , it is an improvement from SM 64 and I agree with that! What a fun game it never gets old.
  19. One_SIC_Ma666ot
    Feb 26, 2012
    10
    One of the best games ever made. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  20. djWAX
    Nov 12, 2011
    10
    This is one of the greatest single player games I've ever had the pleasure of playing. As far as GameCube games go, this one has gorgeous graphics, fantastic sound, and nearly flawless mechanics. Nintendo took the basic formula for Super Mario 64 and improved upon it in virtually every way. Nothing about this game is terribly difficult once you get the hang of the controls, and theThis is one of the greatest single player games I've ever had the pleasure of playing. As far as GameCube games go, this one has gorgeous graphics, fantastic sound, and nearly flawless mechanics. Nintendo took the basic formula for Super Mario 64 and improved upon it in virtually every way. Nothing about this game is terribly difficult once you get the hang of the controls, and the level of exploration and free will that the player can exercise in any given world leaves this game bereft of linearity. The replayability is also great. Worlds change as you progress through their levels, and there are a lot of secrets shine sprites and blue coins that'll keep you searching every corner of Delfino Plaza and each of the worlds. Truly one of the best, if not THE best game that GameCube has in its extensive catalog.… Expand
  21. AlexS.
    Sep 7, 2002
    10
    Best. Need I say more?
  22. GregS.
    Aug 20, 2002
    10
    This game embodies everything that's great about 3D platformers. The water pack adds an extra dimension to the already great play mechanics. The best just got better!
  23. RobW.
    Aug 30, 2002
    9
    The best platforming game to date. More than just Mario64 with a water gun.
  24. CoryS.
    Oct 30, 2002
    10
    Wow, this is a great game. I spent maybe 8 hours playing the first day I bought it -- and eight hours the next day -- and the next. I still havn't gotten every shine either, I have 117 though. Its a great game, If I didn't have it, I would get it.
  25. MatthewV.
    Mar 2, 2005
    9
    Best game of 2002 for the gamecube. Isle Delfino is eye candy, the perfect place for a Mario game. The only flaw is that when you fail inside a level you come out to Delfino Plaza everytime and have to go back in the level which is annoying. Overall an excellent game a must have for GCN owners.
  26. JoshK.
    Jul 24, 2006
    8
    OK, maybe not Mario's finest 15 hours, but those traditional 3d platforming bits without FLUDD were fantastic.
  27. TTW107
    Feb 8, 2012
    9
    One of my favorite mario games and one of my favorite gamecube games. I was still in elementary school when i was playing this. I played this game so much back then it's ridiculous. I loved it.
  28. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    10
    Was a fun game. wish it was more in depth tho. But enjoyed the cartoony atmosphere
  29. indoGAMER
    Oct 28, 2012
    8
    The gameplay was great, F.L.U.D.D. Included, which helps Mario in his dirty vacation. The story is good to hear about. Same as its predecessor, Super Mario 64.
  30. shprea
    Jun 26, 2013
    9
    As a sequel to Super Mario 64, I feel as though Nintendo made the right move. They incorporated entirely new elements, new locations, and a new feel that made this seem like a departure from the pre-established N64 norm. The level designs are great, the inclusion of Yoshi was awesome, and the setting was nice. The only issues with this game are the occasionally annoying camera, the poorAs a sequel to Super Mario 64, I feel as though Nintendo made the right move. They incorporated entirely new elements, new locations, and a new feel that made this seem like a departure from the pre-established N64 norm. The level designs are great, the inclusion of Yoshi was awesome, and the setting was nice. The only issues with this game are the occasionally annoying camera, the poor last level of the game, and the periodic annoying lever (I'm looking at you, Watermelon level). If you have a GameCube, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. You won't regret it.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best GameCube Game of 2002
2
#2 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2002
2
#2 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2002

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 61 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 61
  3. Negative: 0 out of 61
  1. Inside Gamer Online
    76
    The FLUDD system is used throughout the game and can either be why the game is so great or why the game is so mediocre.
    Read full review
  2. GameCritics
    60
    To say that the camera in this game is atrocious is like saying being kicked in the teeth kinda hurts-it gives the person an idea about how bad it is, but it doesn't even begin to describe the agony in detail.
    Read full review
  3. GamePro
    100
    A masterpiece of superior game design, infinite gameplay variety, creativity, and life-and it's got a water cannon…and a damn brilliant one at that.
    Read full review
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