Super Mario Sunshine

Super Mario Sunshine was developed by Nintendo and released in 2002 exclusively for the GameCube game console. The game marks the second time 3D technology has been used in the Super Mario series after Super Mario 64, released six years earlier. It was appreciated for the game's graphics, gameplay, storyline, soundtrack, and the addition of FLUDD as a mechanic. Super Mario Sunshine has sold over 5 million copies worldwide since its release, making it one of the best-selling GameCube games.

The Plot

The story of Super Mario Sunshine takes place on Isle Delfino, a tropical dolphin-shaped island inhabited by the Pianta and Noki people. That's where Mario, Toadsworth, Princess Peach, and five cute Toads are on vacation. Mario meets his first challenge at Delfino Airport when he uses the FlashLiquidizing Ultra Dousing Device (F.L.U.D.D.), a tornado created by Professor E. Gadd, to defeat a slime-covered Piranha Factory covering the area. However, Mario is arrested on suspicion of vandalizing the island with graffiti, causing the island's source of power, Shine Sprites, to disappear and the island to be shrouded in darkness. Poor Mario is forced to perform his community duty to clean up the island while tracking down the real criminal, known as Shadow Mario.

Shadow Mario is a shaded blue doppelgänger version of Mario. He used Professor E. Gadd's magic brush to create graffiti and caused a mess to blame Mario. Shadow Mario kidnapped Princess Peach and brought her to Pinna Island while Mario was busy collecting ten Shine Sprites to bring the island's power back. Your mission in the game is to defeat Shadow Mario, whose true identity as Bowser is revealed later in the story, to rescue Princess Peach and bring light to Isle Delfino.

Gameplay

Super Mario Sunshine possesses the same action role-playing gameplay as its predecessors. Your mission in the game is to control Mario to help him collect 120 Shine Sprites to bring peace to Isle Delfino and prove his innocence. You'll start in the central world of Delfino Plaza, working to collect Shine Sprites by completing the game's strictly linear order quests. Some hidden areas and challenges on Isle Delfino can help Mario collect more Shine Sprite.

Mario's companion through the game's challenges is a robotic backpack named FLUDD. This robot will provide nozzles with different functions to help Mario through the game's challenges, and you can quickly switch between these functions. Squirt is a nozzle that allows Mario to spray a stream of water to clear mud and attack enemies. Hover is a nozzle that allows Mario to float in the air for a short period, helping him overcome terrain and wipe out everything under his feet. Rocket is the nozzle that needs to be unlocked in later levels, and it helps to shoot Mario high. Finally, the Turbo nozzle will give Mario an instant boost, allowing him to run across the water and break into specific areas. These nozzles use the FLUDD device's reserve water, and you can refill it from the endless water sources in the game.