Super Mario Sunshine, a game that arrived on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack GameCube library, is a fascinating entry in the Mario franchise. While it may not have been the game that fans were expecting when it was initially released, it still shines brightly and offers a unique experience. In this article, I will delve into the game's story, gameplay, and audio, and explore why it is still worth playing today.
A Unique Storyline
The game opens with a series of cutscenes that introduce the player to the sunny shores of Isle Delfino. However, as the player soon discovers, the island is not as sunny as it seems. The story begins with Mario and his friends taking a plane to the island, only to find that the place is covered in paint. After finding FLUDD, a water-shooting jetpack, Mario is tasked with cleaning up the island and is thrown into prison overnight. While the story may not be the greatest ever told, the cutscenes help to set the stage for the game's unique and engaging gameplay.
Engaging Gameplay
Gameplay-wise, Super Mario Sunshine is a welcome return to the 3D platforming genre. The majority of Mario's moves from Super Mario 64 make a welcome return and operate smoother than ever. The introduction of FLUDD adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay, allowing players to float through the air, rocket themselves high into the air, and propel themselves forward at tremendous speed. While some may grumble that it plays differently to Mario 64, I found it to be a huge amount of fun to play around with FLUDD and explore its control possibilities.
A Welcome Addition: Yoshi
Yoshi also makes an appearance in Super Mario Sunshine, and while he doesn't add a great deal to the gameplay, he is a welcome addition nonetheless. Yoshi can shoot juice from his mouth after eating certain fruits, which alters the color of his juice and turns enemies into blocks of varying properties. While he may not be a game-changer, he fits right at home on Isle Delfino and adds a touch of variety to the gameplay.
Audio: A Mixed Bag
The audio in Super Mario Sunshine is a bit of a mixed bag. The soundtrack, composed by Koji Kondo and Shinobu Tanaka, is astoundingly good and will have players humming the tunes in their daily routines. It includes retro Mario, tribal sounds, samba rhythms, and more. However, the voice acting in the cutscenes is seriously lousy, and the locals sound like Cletus from The Simpsons. Despite this, the audio is a highlight of the game and adds to the overall immersive experience.
A Classic Mario Title
Overall, Super Mario Sunshine is a classic Mario title that is definitely worth having in your collection if you're a fan of the ol' plumber or platforming games in general. While it may not have been the game that fans were expecting when it was initially released, it still shines brightly and offers a unique experience. The game's engaging gameplay, unique storyline, and astoundingly good audio make it a must-play for any fan of the Mario franchise.
