In the year 2002, Nintendo released Super Mario Sunshine for the GameCube. This game was highly anticipated prior to its release - it had been six years since Super Mario 64, and Sunshine had a lot to live up to. Super Mario 64 forever defined the 3D platforming genre, giving the player full freedom to walk around. Super Mario Sunshine took many of the concepts of its predecessor and changed things up. The game utilized FLUDD, a water nozzle, and the setting was the tropical Delfino Plaza, unique for the series. The game also introduced some mainstays in the franchise, such as Bowser Jr. and Petey Piranha. Despite its legacy, Super Mario Sunshine has never been seen outside its original console. If it's one game that deserves a Nintendo Switch update, it's this one.
Fan Reception
Super Mario Sunshine was acclaimed upon release. However, despite positive reception, a number of fans see the game negatively in comparison to other titles. Many agree it did not live up to Super Mario 64, and that later Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 were superior. Some of the reasons for this negativity include FLUDD being a gimmick, the camera, and how the Blue Coins were implemented. Super Mario Sunshine is regarded by some fans as the black sheep of the 3D Mario family. Interestingly, the game's Metacritic score is 92, the lowest of the home console Mario 3D platformers.
However, having the lowest score in a group doesn't make something bad when it's still super positive. Super Mario Sunshine is viewed by a large majority as a great game. Many fans appreciated how FLUDD was utilized, and the bright, unique levels. Fans have fond memories chasing Shadow Mario, and cleaning up Eely-Mouth.
A Memorable Game
At its core, Super Mario Sunshine is a very good game. Some may not like FLUDD, but the water nozzle was used well for the most part. Gimmicks can be hit or miss, but Nintendo successfully built a game around shooting water. Each of the areas were unique, from Pinna Park, to King Boo's casino. Of course, the soundtrack is remembered very fondly. This is not to say the game isn't without issues, such as an odd English-speaking Bowser. But, as a whole, Super Mario Sunshine is a game worthy of respect.
Sunshine: The Most Neglected Main Mario Game?
It is interesting that Super Mario Sunshine has not been seen since the GameCube. It is the only classic Mario 3D title to not be re-released in some form. Super Mario 64 has been ported to the Virtual Console on both Wii and Wii U, as well as being remade on the DS. Both Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 were re-released on the Wii U eShop. Think of it this way: If you own a Wii U, you can play Super Mario 3D World, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario 64, but not Super Mario Sunshine. Nintendo knows that people want to play Super Mario Sunshine today. So, it is very likely that Super Mario Sunshine will get an HD remake on Switch.
Nintendo has been in the business of re-releasing past titles. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Luigi's Mansion, and Metroid Prime Trilogy have been ported from their original consoles. Super Mario Sunshine is the last notable Mario title to not be ported, re-released, or remade in some form. With many fans reminiscing of the game these days, it is only a matter of time before Nintendo announces the game is being brought over to Switch. Plus, Super Mario Sunshine was one of the brightest-looking titles on the CameCube. It would look incredible in HD.
Sunshine HD: Only A Matter Of Time
In many ways, Super Mario Sunshine is an odd game. A number of fans consider it to be the worst of the Mario 3D platformers. However, it is still remembered fondly by many. What cannot be denied is that Sunshine delivered perhaps the most unique Mario experience of all time. With FLUDD, Delfino, and the Shadow Mario chases, Sunshine is extremely memorable. With it being the only main Mario title neglected, it is highly likely Nintendo is going to announce an HD remake (Or even better: a sequel!). It would certainly be a good holdover until the next 3D title.