20 Years Later, Super Mario Sunshine Is More Relevant than Ever, but Not for the Reasons You Think
Since coming out 20 years ago, Super Mario Sunshine has developed a strange reputation as the dark horse of 3D Mario games. Yes, Mario’s beach vacation has a dedicated fanbase, but it’s routinely ranked near the bottom of “mainline” Mario games (however you may define that.). Indeed, my first playthrough wasn’t exactly the relaxing island getaway I’d hoped for. In fact, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to the dolphin-shaped Isle Delfino, at least not without a little kicking and screaming. It’s as charming as the day is long thanks to its lovingly well-defined world and setting, but underneath that pleasant Pacific pastiche lies an often frustrating, generally mediocre game—albeit one with something to say.
It’s hard to weigh what’s good for its time against what’s legitimately good when revisiting a game that’s had 20 years to age not only into legend, but also out of contemporary design ethos. But honestly, a lot of Sunshine’s biggest problems feel more innately tied to its structure and core mechanics than its limitations as a game that was released two decades ago.
Most of the levels see Mario catapulted into massive platforming playgrounds, with plenty of space to mess around with the king of digital locomotion. As always, Mario’s a joy to control. Unlike other Mario games, though, he feels slippery; he doesn’t turn on a dime the way he does in the confoundingly tight Super Mario 64, or any of his other previous (or future) outings. That’s usually not a problem, since a majority of Sunshine’s levels emphasize speed and exploration more than they do platforming. But in sections that do require some precision, things get messy quick—especially if the camera isn’t behaving itself, which is frustratingly common.
Occasionally, Sunshine plucks Mario out of the sprawling tropical environments to throw him into a no-frills platforming-only section without the help of F.L.U.D.D., the iconic, nasal-voiced jetpack/hose that Mario uses to clean up Delfino. These levels—which foreshadow the coming of Mario’s next 3D adventure, Super Mario Galaxy—represent Sunshine’s gameplay at its best and at its worst. Because of its cel-shaded look, uncooperative camera and Mario’s seemingly wet shoes, these levels can drag. Strange lighting and textures make it genuinely difficult to properly judge a jump sometimes. But when the technical issues don’t interfere, these levels can go toe-to-toe with many of the Mario franchise’s best.
With the benefit of hindsight, a number of Sunshine’s greatest innovations, most of which were improved upon in later Mario games, felt small in comparison to its frustrating level design and imprecise, slippery feel. Even the always welcome addition of Yoshi isn’t that dazzling.
Again, it’s hard to revisit this game, whose best parts are reminiscent of better games (specifically the two Mario Galaxy games), as someone who never played it as a child. I don’t have any nostalgia for Sunshine beyond Delfino’s appearances in spinoff titles. Hell, my fondest memories of Delfino and its characters remain hitting grand slams with Piantas in Mario Super Sluggers or drifting through Delfino Plaza in Mario Kart DS.
It’s clear that—like with many Nintendo games—rose-tinted glasses carry a lot of sway when it comes to Sunshine’s reputation as a game. But without rose tinted glasses, I’m not shielded from boss fights that make me feel sick and dizzy, nor am I able to avoid fumbling with confusing control schemes or seemingly luck-based challenges.
What kept me going was Sunshine’s relentless charm. Both its world and characters are a delight. It’s fascinating to play a Mario game with something to say—and I don’t mean because of the game’s voice acting. The story’s setup begins the same as ever; with a Bowser (in this case Bowser Jr.) kidnapping Princess Peach. As always, it’s up to Mario to save the day. But unlike other games, Mario thwarts the bratty Bowser’s attempt almost immediately. Instead, Mario gets arrested for vandalizing the island because Bowser Jr.’s been leaving graffiti all over the place while dressed as Mario.
To clear his name and pay back his debt, Mario has to restore Isle Delfino to what it once was. What little story exists in Sunshine plays second fiddle to the world it takes place in. The Piantas and Nokis don’t care about Peach getting kidnapped, they just want their home back.