Super Mario Sunshine ☼

Despite its vacation theming, Super Mario Sunshine is a challenging game (for me at least). I love the music and atmosphere of the game, the janky cutscenes with full voice acting for some reason, and the hub world full of NPCs going about their day.

HOWEVER- this game does not control well at all! I feel that its predecessor - Super Mario 64 - had better controls. Mario has too much momentum and slides around like a stick of butter- not great for the precise platforming! The camera always feels like it’s fighting you, and aiming the water projectile is way harder than it needs to be. I did play it via nintendo switch so that probably didn't help. It’s been a long time since I ragequit a Mario game but Sunshine really tested me.

It has to be said though- I LOVE F.L.U.D.D!! Its voice is so cute and it’s got such a fun design! I even drew some fan-art:

Pour one out for the GOAT... I miss it.

~~If you've seen the infamous FLUDD bong image... well maybe it's better if you haven't seen it.~~

For as annoying as it can be to play, Sunshine had a huge impact on the Mario franchise. This was the game that introduced Bowser Jr, as well as Petey Piranha, and Piantas. Can you imagine a world where Bowser Jr. was never invented? Well, I'm sure you can. But still.

I love the promotional and key art for this game- I picked out the ones here from the collection at pidgi.net

Knoxstation on Neocities has an awesome Super Mario Sunshine Shrine!