Super Mario Sunshine (con't)

When you first see the Doot Doot Sisters performing on Serina Beach, where the sunset inspires young Noki lovers to run up and down the shore with wild abandon, you may well wonder why there aren't more games this downright cool. When you hop on Yoshi's back (did we mention that Yoshi's back?) you'll squeal with delight at how damn cute he is (this time around, you've got to keep him hydrated with fruit juice, which he projectile vomits on enemies). And when you first pass some of the transdimensional abstraction boards (you'll know what we mean when you see 'em), you will pat yourself on the back for possessing such mad buttah skills. Just remember: no matter how impossible anything in this game may seem, you're meant to ultimately pass it, so try and try again, or come back to it after you're done hyperventilating.

As you accomplish your objectives, the sun above Isle Delfino will shine ever more brightly, so much so that a local sunglasses vendor will provide Mario with the option of wearing a pair of shades to dull the graphics. Odd as it seems, things really do get intensely bright on the Isle, and it's another nice touch.

Our only gripe is that Princess Peach is once again presented as a helpless damsel in distress, even if it does help propel the narrative (yawn). What we'd really love to see is a sequel in which it's possible to play as either Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach or Toad, as in the old school Super Mario Bros. 2 (recently revamped for the GBA as Super Mario Advance). Remember how much easier it was to beat the levels as Peach? She could jump for miles. She even has her trademark umbrella here, as if to taunt us with the possibility. Super Mario Sunshine is way too fun for us to hold a grudge against, but let's face it--that would rock.

Although some have complained that this game is ultimately too small, it will take the average player well over 90 hours to complete in its entirety. Perhaps the main source of this general grievance is that 900 hours of a game this addictive would be preferable, particularly on a system that frankly does not have too much else to offer at the moment, and certainly nothing else of this caliber. While we recognize the appeal of this argument, we happen to have non-virtual lives to attend to (not to mention other games to play), so 90 hours is OK in our book. Just please, Miyamoto-san, don't make us wait six years for the next one.

SCORE 9.0