Playing Super Mario Sunshine feels exceptionally different from other games in the franchise, mainly due to the introduction of the FLUDD device. Whether it's fighting a boss, collecting hidden coins, or completing tough platforming challenges, there's a great level of variety in Sunshine's level design. Each world contains 8 unique “episodes” or missions, tasking players with exploring various beaches, harbors, and bays. After the initial tutorial and cut-scenes, players can explore the hub-world of Isle Delfino, accessing various worlds through painting-like portals. In terms of structure, Super Mario Sunshine is very similar to Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy, and other 3D Mario platformers. Determined to uncover the true identity of this shadow-version of himself, Mario chases the culprit through various worlds. While scrubbing the streets with his new water-spraying backpack, Mario encounters a shadowy doppelganger who attempts to kidnap Princess Peach.
Despite having just landed on the island, Mario is immediately accused of the crime based on eye-witness accounts and sentenced to clean up the area as punishment. Upon arrival, the crew learns that Isle Delfino has recently endured a string of graffiti incidents, forcing the bright and revered Shine Sprites into hiding. In this lighthearted adventure, Mario and his friends take a trip to the tropical Isle Delfino for a relaxing vacation. Dozens of new enemies, bosses, and characters.8 tropical worlds with dozens of levels.By making these interesting changes while paying homage to previous games like Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine ends up being a fantastic and vibrant adventure.
However, Sunshine introduces some very unique gameplay mechanics to provide a distinctly different experience. As with almost every Nintendo-developed 3D Mario platformer, Super Mario Sunshine is a joyful, fun, and content-rich experience. The Super Mario franchise is often considered one of the greatest of all time, and out of all of them, Super Mario Sunshine might be the most unique.