Super Mario Sunshine – Review

Super Mario Sunshine is one of my favorite Mario games. In the game Mario is accused for making some goopy messes and he finds a new friend named F.L.U.D.D who can spray water that cleans the goop. Anyway, in my review you can find out more.

Why Super Mario Sunshine?

Super Mario Sunshine is a colorful 3D platform adventure originally released for the Nintendo GameCube. It serves as the follow-up to Super Mario 64 and continues Mario’s exploration of large, open environments. However, instead of exploring many completely different worlds, this game takes place mostly on a tropical island. With its sunny atmosphere, creative mechanics, and memorable locations, Super Mario Sunshine offers a unique twist on the Mario formula.

The story begins when Mario, Princess Peach, and Toadsworth travel to Isle Delfino for a vacation. Instead of relaxing on the beach, Mario quickly finds himself in trouble when a mysterious figure that looks like him begins vandalizing the island with strange paint-like graffiti. The island’s authorities mistakenly blame Mario for the mess and order him to clean up the pollution. To prove his innocence and restore the island, Mario must collect Shine Sprites while uncovering the truth behind the mysterious impostor. Personally, I think the story is kinda similar to Sonic Adventure 2’s storyline.

One of the most distinctive features of Super Mario Sunshine is Mario’s water-powered backpack called F.L.U.D.D. (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device). This tool allows Mario to spray water to clean up the island’s pollution, defeat enemies, and solve puzzles. The device also provides several movement abilities, such as hovering through the air, blasting forward at high speed, and spraying water while running.

These abilities give the gameplay a different feel compared to other Mario games. Instead of relying only on jumps and platforming, players must learn to use F.L.U.D.D. creatively. For example, hovering can help Mario cross large gaps, while spraying water can reveal hidden objects or defeat certain enemies.

The game’s setting, Isle Delfino, acts as a large hub world with several different areas connected to it. Each area represents a different part of the island, such as beaches, harbors, amusement parks, and mountain villages. Although all areas share the same tropical theme, they each have unique layouts, challenges, and secrets to discover.

Players collect Shine Sprites, which serve a similar role to Power Stars in Super Mario 64. These are earned by completing missions, solving puzzles, defeating bosses, or discovering hidden areas. Many missions involve cleaning pollution or chasing the mysterious figure responsible for the graffiti.

Another interesting feature is the game’s occasional F.L.U.D.D.-free levels. In these sections, Mario temporarily loses access to the water device and must rely entirely on traditional platforming skills. These levels often focus on precise jumping and timing, providing a challenge for players who enjoy classic Mario gameplay.

The game’s bright and cheerful presentation is one of its greatest strengths. The environments are colorful and lively, filled with palm trees, sparkling water, and tropical music. The island feels vibrant and full of personality, with characters known as Piantas and Nokis living throughout the area.

The music also contributes to the relaxing atmosphere. Many tracks feature upbeat and tropical sounds that match the sunny island setting. The soundtrack helps create the feeling of a vacation adventure, even when Mario is busy saving the island.

However, the game does have some drawbacks.

One of the most common criticisms involves the camera system. While the game allows players to adjust the camera, it can sometimes position itself awkwardly during tricky platforming sections. This can make certain jumps more difficult than intended.

The mission structure can also feel somewhat repetitive. Players often return to the same areas multiple times to complete different Shine Sprite missions. Although the objectives change, the locations remain the same.

Another issue is that some missions can be unexpectedly difficult. Certain challenges require precise movement or quick reactions, which may frustrate players who expect a more relaxed experience.

Additionally, the tropical theme, while charming, means the game has less environmental variety compared to other Mario titles that feature completely different worlds.

Despite these issues, the game remains a memorable adventure.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-players on one Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Gamecube.

Pros

Bright and colorful tropical setting.

Creative gameplay with the F.L.U.D.D. water device.

Large areas that encourage exploration.

Fun mix of puzzles and platforming challenges.

Memorable music that fits the island atmosphere.

Hidden secrets and collectibles reward curiosity.

Cons

Camera can sometimes make platforming more difficult.

Some missions require revisiting the same areas multiple times.

Certain challenges can feel unexpectedly difficult.

Environmental variety is smaller due to the island setting.

Summary

Overall, Super Mario Sunshine is a unique and creative entry in the Mario series. Its sunny setting, inventive water mechanics, and lively environments give the game a personality unlike any other Mario adventure. While it has a few technical frustrations and some repetitive missions, the charm and creativity of Isle Delfino make it an enjoyable experience. For players who enjoy exploration, colorful worlds, and experimenting with Mario’s abilities, Super Mario Sunshine offers a memorable tropical adventure.

• Super Mario Galaxy
• Super Mario 64

If you have Super Mario 3D All-Stars and want to find reviews for each game try checking out some of mine below: