Hate them or love them, Nintendo is known for its many legendary video game releases. When it comes to reinventing the wheel, the Japanese company is well-versed in pioneering with a gamer-friendly approach, putting playability and innovation front and center with every installment.
Though it gets rather tricky to do so after 40-plus years in the business, especially with millions of eyes dissecting every sequel to their beloved IPs, our favorite plumber is the prime example of it. Since our first introduction to the Italian hero, Mario has had his fair share of star-high ups and underground downs.
Setting the industry standard for what a platformer feels and looks like, whilst innovating enough to keep both old and new gamers entertained, the Mario franchise has been Nintendo’s pride for over four decades. Enter Super Mario Sunshine, a tropical hot topic amongst fans.
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This is only the second entry of nine in the 3D platformer category, as the 2002 release aims to follow Nintendo 64’s groundbreaking debut with Super Mario 64, whilst offering a refreshing twist. Spoiler alert: Mario’s first vacation did not let him catch a break.
The Sunshine storyline follows Mario and Peach on a trip to Isle Delfino, where their paradisiac stay quickly turns into another heroic adventure for Mr. Video Game himself. The mysterious kidnapping of Princess Peach is then followed by one of this installment's many strokes of genius: the framing of Mario.
As chaos disperses from the scene of the crime, the Pianta police arrive to lock up Mario and his newfound companion, F.L.U.D.D., as the island and its inhabitants are fed up with the mischievous Mustache polluting their streets and monuments.
Little did they know that Mario was being set up from the start by none other than his arch-nemesis's son, Bowser Jr, who was breaking the law while using his likeness. In his in-game debut, Prince Koopa manages to retrieve the princess and turn an entire population against the protagonist in what is, to me, the most compelling approach to a Mario storyline ever.
In the first 10 minutes of playthrough, the narrative introduces:
- The protagonist’s primary objective, to save the princess (duh)
- A secondary goal, to prove the Piantas wrong by showcasing his values of honesty, respect, and responsibility
- A new tropical world and water-based mobility system to explore it with
- Two new now-beloved characters in one go with F.L.U.D.D. and Bowser Jr.
For reference, this is like a filler movie arc to your favorite animated show, and it wasn’t well into my 20s that I realized not everyone likes a slice-of-life non-canon adventure like yours truly.
Super Mario Sunshine isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, often criticized for its janky camera, challenging platforming, and repetitive nature. This, combined with the fundamental use of the F.L.U.D.D. system, really puts Sunshine to scorch under the summer sun. My biggest gripe with this take, however, is how averse Nintendo fans are to change despite how often they ask for it.
The “janky camera and movements” are a vast improvement on the 1996 Mario 64 controls. The platforming structures and F.L.U.D.D. mechanics are more “challenging” given the players’ 6-year gap since the first release. Even when F.L.U.D.D. is stolen for some good old-fashioned platforming during the secret levels, players still complain about the game’s difficulty. Make it make sense.
The unique atmosphere, characters, and storyline are the perfect recipe for competing in the edgier 2000s gaming era. The progression as you help clean up your name and the island across NPC dialogues and streets is unmatched, making the hub worth exploring even after story completion.
Its Frutiger Aero vibes and beach setting, both products of their time, helped make it the third-best-selling title on the Nintendo GameCube, only behind Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Mario Kart Double Dash.
Super Mario Sunshine hate was rehashed in conversation with the Super Mario 3D All-Stars pandemic release. As we patiently await its entry into the Nintendo Switch 2 digital catalogue, I'd better see more Nintendo fans relaxing instead of stomping around Delfino Plaza. More “Wahoo!” and less “Mamma Mia!”, if you know what I mean.
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