Sometimes expectations can kill a game. When Super Mario 64 was not only hailed as one of the greatest games of all time, but actually created the 3D platformer genre, people expected great things for Mario. But they were forced to wait through an entire console generation – six whopping years – before Mario would arrive again. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, it’s no wonder people were disappointed.

In addition to a long delay, there are two problems with Sunshine. First, the camera control was awful. Half of the challenge came from having to fight the camera, trying to get even a decent view of the action. Also, the setting – Isle Delfino – did not lead to much diversity. Every level looked like a tropical island because, well, the game took place on a giant tropical island. For all the complaining we do about mine carts and fire levels, a little old school level design would have gone a long way in Sunshine.

But the negative reaction towards Sunshine was still overblown. It may not have raised the standards Mario 64 had set, but it was still the best 3D platformer of the generation. The level design was top-notch, the objectives were diverse, and even Yoshi made an appearance.

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