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:

Super Mario Sunshine – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

Why Super Mario 64?

Originally released for the Nintendo 64, it introduced players to a fully three-dimensional adventure starring Mario. The game helped define how 3D platform games could work and set the foundation for many games that followed. With its open levels, creative design, and memorable characters, Super Mario 64 remains a classic that continues to be enjoyed by players many years after its release.

The story is simple but effective. Princess Peach invites Mario to her castle for cake, but when he arrives he discovers that Bowser has taken over the castle and trapped Peach inside. Bowser has hidden powerful objects called Power Stars throughout the castle and its magical worlds. Mario must collect these stars, unlock new areas, and eventually confront Bowser to rescue the princess.

One of the most revolutionary aspects of the game is its 3D exploration. Instead of moving through flat side-scrolling levels like in earlier Mario games, players can move Mario freely in all directions. The castle acts as a central hub, with magical paintings that serve as portals to different worlds. Each world contains several missions where players must complete challenges to earn Power Stars.

The levels are varied and imaginative. Players explore floating islands, underwater environments, icy mountains, deserts, haunted houses, and many other unique locations. Each world includes multiple objectives, such as racing enemies, collecting coins, solving puzzles, or defeating bosses. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and encourages players to explore every part of the environment.

Mario’s movement abilities are another highlight. Players can perform a wide range of actions including jumping, diving, wall kicking, long jumping, and swimming. These abilities allow players to experiment with movement and find creative ways to reach hidden areas. Learning how to control Mario effectively becomes part of the fun, and skilled players can perform impressive moves to reach difficult places.

The game also encourages exploration and discovery. Many Power Stars are hidden in clever ways, requiring players to carefully examine the environment. Sometimes players must solve puzzles or use Mario’s abilities in creative ways to reach secret areas. This design rewards curiosity and experimentation.

Another strength of Super Mario 64 is its sense of freedom. Unlike many platform games that force players to move in a straight line from start to finish, the worlds in this game are open. Players can choose how to approach challenges and often discover shortcuts or alternate paths.

The game’s music is also memorable. Each level features a unique theme that helps set the mood for the environment. The cheerful and energetic soundtrack has become iconic and is still recognized by many players today.

Visually, the game was impressive for its time. While the graphics are simple compared to modern games, the colorful environments and expressive character animations helped bring the world to life. The castle hub area also adds to the feeling of adventure, as players gradually unlock more rooms and discover new secrets.

However, the game does have some drawbacks when viewed from a modern perspective.

One of the most common issues is the camera system. The camera can sometimes be difficult to control, especially during precise platforming sections. While the game provides some camera adjustments, it does not always position itself in the most helpful way.

The controls, while groundbreaking at the time, may also feel slightly less precise compared to modern platform games. Players might occasionally miss jumps or struggle with tight platforming sections.

Additionally, the graphics show their age. Although the environments are still charming, the polygon shapes and textures are much simpler than those found in modern games.

Some missions can also feel repetitive, as players may revisit the same world multiple times to collect different Power Stars. While the objectives change slightly, the environment remains the same.

Despite these minor issues, the game’s creativity and design still shine.

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 64.

Pros

Groundbreaking 3D platform gameplay.

Open levels that encourage exploration.

Wide variety of creative environments.

Many movement abilities for Mario.

Memorable music and atmosphere.

Strong sense of discovery and adventure.

Cons

Camera system can sometimes be difficult to control.

Graphics show their age compared to modern games.

Some missions require revisiting the same levels multiple times.

Certain platforming sections can be challenging due to camera angles.

Summary

Overall, Super Mario 64 is a landmark game that helped shape the future of 3D gaming. Its open design, creative levels, and fun movement mechanics created an experience that still feels special today. While some technical aspects have aged over time, the game remains a beloved classic and an important chapter in the history of video games. For many players, it represents the beginning of Mario’s adventures in three dimensions and continues to be a joyful and memorable journey.

Super Mario 64 – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

Why Super Mario Galaxy?

Super Mario Galaxy is one of Nintendo’s most beloved 3D platformers — a game that redefined what “out of this world” fun could mean. Originally released on the Wii, it combined gravity-bending gameplay, beautiful music, and pure imagination to create one of Mario’s most magical adventures ever.

The story begins during the Star Festival, when Bowser once again kidnaps Princess Peach — this time by literally lifting her castle into space. Mario soon finds himself traveling among the stars, aided by Rosalina and the Lumas aboard the Comet Observatory. It’s a simple plot, but it’s told with a surprisingly emotional tone, giving the game a sense of wonder and heart that few platformers achieve.

The gameplay is where Super Mario Galaxy truly shines. Each level (or “galaxy”) is its own little world, filled with creative gravity puzzles and platforming challenges. Mario can run upside down, launch from planet to planet, and use a variety of power-ups like the Bee Suit, Boo Suit, and Fire Flower.
The motion controls are smooth and intuitive — shaking the Wii Remote to spin feels natural, and pointer-based star collecting adds a fun interactive touch. Every galaxy feels unique, and the pacing keeps players constantly surprised.

For a Wii game, Super Mario Galaxy still looks stunning. The art direction uses glowing stars, swirling galaxies, and soft lighting to create a breathtaking sense of scale.
The orchestral soundtrack is one of Nintendo’s best, with sweeping melodies that make even simple jumps feel epic. The music, sound effects, and visuals all come together to make you feel like you’re really on a cosmic adventure.

Collecting all 120 Power Stars is a challenge that rewards both skill and curiosity. After completing the main story, players can even unlock a special character for replaying levels, giving fans more reason to dive back in.

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 2-players on one Nintendo Switch.

Pros

Beautiful, creative level design.

Excellent use of gravity and motion controls.

Gorgeous visuals and orchestral soundtrack.

High replay value.

Cons

Camera can be tricky on small planets.

Motion controls may take getting used to.

Some levels are shorter than others.

Summary

Super Mario Galaxy is a masterpiece of creativity and design. It takes familiar Mario mechanics and reinvents them with gravity-defying innovation and a cinematic sense of wonder. Even years later, it remains one of the most joyful and imaginative games in Nintendo’s history.

Overall, Super Mario Galaxy is a stellar journey through space that perfectly blends challenge, creativity, and charm — an absolute must-play for any Mario fan.

Super Mario Galaxy – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.