User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1033 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. AlexS.
    Sep 7, 2002
    10
    Best. Need I say more?
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. JonathanP.
    Sep 4, 2002
    10
    Simply an amazing game that is just about perfect in every aspect. Quite refreshing for a game to be so difficult in this day and age where every game is handed to you on a silver platter, the platform jumping levels and other minigames are harder than anything seen on a console in years. I loved being able to control the camera however I wanted and any 3D platform game from henceforth Simply an amazing game that is just about perfect in every aspect. Quite refreshing for a game to be so difficult in this day and age where every game is handed to you on a silver platter, the platform jumping levels and other minigames are harder than anything seen on a console in years. I loved being able to control the camera however I wanted and any 3D platform game from henceforth that does not include it will be graded down in my eyes. Expand
  5. Faisal
    Sep 6, 2008
    10
    I've been playing video games for over 20 years and have owned consoles from every generation of gaming starting with the humble Atari vcs. I should think my gaming experience is more than the average person writing reviews here. Getting to my main point, of all the great games I have played this game provided me with the most fun. Other games have been great fun too but none so I've been playing video games for over 20 years and have owned consoles from every generation of gaming starting with the humble Atari vcs. I should think my gaming experience is more than the average person writing reviews here. Getting to my main point, of all the great games I have played this game provided me with the most fun. Other games have been great fun too but none so consistently fun from start to finish and without as FEW tedious or frustating moments as this. I only encountered two or three moments in the game where I found the level design lacking. Not bad for a game this long. I didn't have any serious problems with the camera either. The camera was inferior in Super Mario 64 but it didn't stop the critics (some of the very same ones who are dissing the camera in sunshine) from eulogising about how it was the best game ever. In finishing I would just like to say that I have never had such a happy time with a videogame or any form of enterainment as I had with this work of genius. Expand
  6. Miyamoto'sFu-bunny
    Nov 12, 2002
    10
    Blows the pants off anything else out there nice one shigsy!
  7. ZachL.
    Oct 27, 2002
    10
    I thought it was a cool game just like an incoming thats normal like all the others. Later the game rocks I'm climbing trees and fences blasting water at enemys.I give it a 10 haha!
  8. DanielS.
    Aug 21, 2002
    10
    This is the best platformer to be released in years... It combines action, adventure and problem solving beautifully! As to where Entertainment Weekly came up with their review is a mystery... Mario has never been about Button Mashing and Sunshine is no exception.
  9. ChrisB.
    Aug 30, 2002
    10
    The Best!
  10. ScottP.
    Sep 1, 2002
    10
    Awesome game! Intense gameplay with tons of frustrating puzzles... Way to go Mario!
  11. MoisesdjcM.
    Sep 13, 2002
    10
    Um diversion que por muitas é ela que nos alegra para jogar mas eu queria saber se da para jogar online.
  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. JordanH.
    Nov 3, 2002
    10
    This game is just pure fun! The controls are easy, the storyline is cool, I love this game!
  14. JohnO.
    Sep 11, 2002
    10
    This game is perfect. Hey, Mike F., go back to playing Halo and GTA III, I want a challenging platformer, not an ultra-violent bloodbath. If I want that I'll watch CNN.
  15. MattP.
    Jul 14, 2004
    10
    Fan-Freakin'-Tastic! That's the only word tha will fully describe Super Mario Sunshine. Hardcore gamers will dismiss this title as childish, but just because it games about a chubby Itialian plumber it is by no means easy. Some levels made me question my abilities as a gamer, but once I beat said levels I felt like the best damn person on the face of the planet.
  16. RogerS.
    Jul 29, 2005
    10
    My 5 year old son and I loved playing it together....for us, it was challenging, but we don't play many games. The only drawback: There is no Mario Sunshine II yet!
  17. JohnL.
    Nov 18, 2003
    10
    Awesome!!!!!
  18. Apr 23, 2011
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time. I play through sunshine probably twice a year and let me just say it NEVER gets old. Not a bad story for a mario game and i must say this was probably one of the best games on the GC
  19. Feb 26, 2012
    10
    One of the best games ever made. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  20. Dec 17, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's just the best game ever.

    Loved the graphics and game it self.
    Story was amazing too. I really like the world in the game.
    Still the best Mario game I played, ha ha.
    Expand
  21. Jan 8, 2011
    10
    Super Mario Sunshine's story is yet again flawless, compelling and attractive, just like all Mario games are mant to be. F.L.U.D.D is an amazing addition to the already brilliant Mario, and the extra nozzles liven up the game. The ending is fantastic, despite the final boss battle being a bit of a pushover. There are many added levels to collect numerous shine sprites on, and even afterSuper Mario Sunshine's story is yet again flawless, compelling and attractive, just like all Mario games are mant to be. F.L.U.D.D is an amazing addition to the already brilliant Mario, and the extra nozzles liven up the game. The ending is fantastic, despite the final boss battle being a bit of a pushover. There are many added levels to collect numerous shine sprites on, and even after finishing the game many will strive to collect all the shine sprites. Could easily be 10 if the camera wasn't so unbearable annoying, but this game is the best i have played on the gamecube. Expand
  22. 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
  23. Oct 22, 2011
    10
    My favourite game when I was a kid, and still one of my favourites right now. Locations are beautiful, the music is amazing, there's a lot of variety in the missions, and it's all but together into a beautiful, colourful world. The only thing that troubles the game is the camera at times, but that is only a minor let-down.
  24. Sep 10, 2011
    10
    Mario is by far the most overrated game franchise to me, but to me this is one of the greatest video games ever made, and to me it is the best game of the next gen decade, and is my 2nd favorite game of all time
  25. Jun 4, 2013
    10
    What I have to say about this game is... MY FAVOURITE VIDEOGAME! It is the best Mario game that could have been made! The graphics are marvelous, the platforms are very, very different, from the other Mario games, this time are bigger, hilarious and fun, and I think this the only game when the characters talk all the time, that was funny, and even the new characters are very funny. I willWhat I have to say about this game is... MY FAVOURITE VIDEOGAME! It is the best Mario game that could have been made! The graphics are marvelous, the platforms are very, very different, from the other Mario games, this time are bigger, hilarious and fun, and I think this the only game when the characters talk all the time, that was funny, and even the new characters are very funny. I will never stop loving this game. Expand
  26. Mar 2, 2012
    10
    This game feels like a real life Hawaiian vacation! The experience is truly innovative. As fun as SM64 was, this is even better. Great visuals, greater gameplay!
  27. 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
  28. 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...
  29. May 27, 2012
    10
    Was a fun game. wish it was more in depth tho. But enjoyed the cartoony atmosphere
  30. 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.

Awards & Rankings

5
2
#2 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2002
2
#2 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2002
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 61 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 61
  2. Negative: 0 out of 61
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.