For decades, the Mario franchise has been a titan of the video game industry, a guaranteed source of joy and innovation. We’ve celebrated the revolutionary leaps of Super Mario 64, the timeless perfection of Super Mario World, and the breathtaking scope of Super Mario Odyssey. But nestled amongst these undisputed classics are gems that, for various reasons, flew under the radar for many. Now, thanks to the ever-expanding Nintendo Switch Online service, one such
often-overlooked masterpiece has finally arrived, ready to reclaim its rightful place in the hearts of gamers: Super Mario Sunshine.

Yes, you read that right. The vibrant, sun-drenched adventure that put Mario in a flood of water – literally – is now playable on the Nintendo Switch. And if you’ve never experienced it, or perhaps dismissed it based on the initial buzz surrounding its GameCube origins, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Super Mario Sunshine isn’t just a footnote in Mario’s illustrious history; it’s a unique and surprisingly deep experience that offers a refreshing change of pace from the plumber’s usual platforming fare.

Released in 2002, Super Mario Sunshine was a bold departure. Instead of the familiar Mushroom Kingdom, players were transported to the idyllic, yet strangely polluted, island paradise of Isle Delfino. The core gameplay mechanic was also a radical shift: the introduction of the F.L.U.D.D. (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device). This water-spewing backpack wasn’t just a gimmick; it was integral to almost every aspect of the game.

Initially, the F.L.U.D.D. felt like a clumsy addition to some. Its ability to propel Mario upwards, push objects, and spray away the slimy goop that plagued the island was novel, but also a departure from the pure acrobatic platforming fans had come to expect. However, with time and repeated exposure, the brilliance of the F.L.U.D.D. became apparent. Mastering its different nozzle attachments – the basic spray, the hover nozzle, the rocket nozzle, and the squirt nozzle – opened up a surprising amount of strategic depth. Cleaning up graffiti became a meditative act, and using the water jets to navigate challenging environmental puzzles or defeat enemies proved incredibly satisfying.

Beyond the F.L.U.D.D., Super Mario Sunshine boasts a unique aesthetic and atmosphere that sets it apart. Isle Delfino, with its vibrant colors, tropical soundtrack, and distinct cultural influences, felt like a living, breathing world. The game’s focus on collecting Shine Sprites through a variety of challenges, from platforming segments and races to elaborate boss battles and environmental puzzles, offered a more measured and exploration-driven experience than the linear progression of some of its 2D predecessors.

What makes Super Mario Sunshine particularly underrated is its departure from the typical Mario formula, which some found polarizing at the time. The story, while not the most complex in the series, offered a charmingly quirky narrative featuring a mistaken identity scenario that led to Bowser and his son Kamek causing trouble. The game also experimented with different environments within Isle Delfino, each with its own unique challenges and visual identity, from the bustling Pinna Park to the serene Gelato Beach and the mysterious Shadow Mario sequences.

Of course, Super Mario Sunshine isn’t without its criticisms. Some players found the camera controls to be occasionally frustrating, and the reliance on the F.L.U.D.D. could sometimes feel restrictive for those craving pure platforming. However, these minor quibbles fade in comparison to the game’s many strengths. The sheer creativity on display, the infectious charm, and the sheer joy of exploring its colorful world are undeniable.

Now, with its inclusion in the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, Super Mario Sunshine is more accessible than ever. For long-time fans, it’s an opportunity to revisit a beloved, yet perhaps underappreciated, entry in the series with the convenience of modern hardware. For newcomers, it’s a chance to experience a side of Mario that is both familiar and refreshingly different.

Don’t let this tropical gem continue to be overshadowed. Dive into the shimmering waters of Isle Delfino, master the versatile F.L.U.D.D., and discover why this “underrated” Mario game is a true testament to Nintendo’s consistent ability to innovate and delight. The green shell of glory awaits.