Genre: Adventure

Year Released: 2002(Gamecube)

Number of Players: 1

Mario and Peach are taking a vacation on sunny Isle Delfino. But it isn't so sunny. Some maniac is messing up the whole island, covering it with paint, and stealing all the Shine Sprites. And that maniac looks suspiciously like... Mario?

Graphics: Beautiful graphics are what you expect from a system as powerful as the Gamecube, and this game doesn't disappoint. Beautiful and realistic effects can be found all throughout this game. There are some awkward camera angles in places, but you can easily rotate the camera with the C-stick so it's no big deal.

Play Control: This time, Mario teams up with a water-spraying device called FLUDD to clean up the island. I don't know what it is with Mario characters using devices on their backs these days, but the contraption is always easy to control. You can switch between nozzles that allow you to perform different abilities with the push of a button, and Mario's moves are just as easy to pull off as they were previously. Sometimes the Mario imposter steals FLUDD from you, and you have to get it back in classic platform-style levels.

Sound: Great music and sounds can also be found everywhere in this game. Everything from remixes of classic Mario tunes to environmental sounds like birds and the ocean.

Challenge: Since there's 120 Shines in all to find, this game has a great challenge. Like SM64, you'll have to earn your Shines through many varied challenges, from platform-jumping to fighting bosses, even racing.

The Bottom Line: This is truly the sequel to Super Mario 64 everyone was waiting for. Don't be fooled by the cutesy-sounding title, either-This is a definite must-play. Cleaning up gunk has never been so much fun!

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