This is a strong contender for my favorite mario game despite its many problems.
I’ll start off by saying this is easily my favorite setting and atmosphere in the entire series. Isle delfino is a extremely vibrant, memorible and creative location that really makes this game for me. I love tropical settings and this game might just be my favorite example of that style.
This game is just determined to get everything it can out this one setting and the fact that it’s one big area that’s all connected is just extremely unique for a mario game. These games always tries to throw in a big variety of level themes and therefore constantly repeats the same ones. Sunshine tries to use just one level idea of a tropical vacation and is able to make the most believable world in the series.
I love all the areas and it’s pretty diverse even for the seemingly limited theme. You have a small windmill village in Bianca Hills, a commercial boat harbor in Rico Harbor, A more straightforward beach level in Gelato Beach, A theme park with Pinna Park, A haunted Hotel in Sireana Beach, Anceint Island ruins in Noki Bay and a more secluded grassy area in Pianta Village.
They are all really great levels and I prefer the smaller list of levels because it allows each area to feel more like a unique area on the map and it’s able to help sunshine’s world building.
The graphics and aesthetic look fantastic and it’s easily one of the best looking games of the generation. Again the Summer atmoshpere is top notch. Oh and the enemies are great I love how different they feel from other mario enemies.
So overall I do love this games setting and vibe it’s pretty much perfect. However gameplay is both great and frustrating.
So Flood is a great addition and I like how it adds as a extension to mario’s moveset.
In a lot of ways the game is a improvement over 64 imo. More diverse mission objectives, New gameplay possibilities with mario, better bosses, and the inclusion of more linear platforming challenges. However there are some low points with some annoying levels and the linear mission structure.
64 let you decide what missions to complete however for sunshine you have to complete all 7/8 levels in every stage and to beat the game. Progression is a huge step down compared to 64 and it makes optional shines and blue coins feel pointless unless you go for 100% because they don’t help you progress in the main story.
I really dislike how linear the progression is and I think it’s a drowngrade from 64. Keep in mind linear design isn’t always a downgrade but when compared to 64 I believe it is for this game.
It’s not that big of deal I guess if the levels are still good and for the most part I like the design but there are some annoying and frustrating segments that broke the pace. Sunshine at times can feel unpolished in its design.
Sections I always love are the “secret” levels. Offering fun and challenging linear platforming levels. These were my favorite parts of the gameplay.
As for the main missions there are some highlights for sure and I enjoy a majority even more than 64. But when the low points hit they really hit.
As for the blue coins I enjoy the challenge of collecting SOME of them. For my playthrough I picked up blue coins when I could find them but didn’t go out of my way. I found it to be rewarding just to find them in hidden locations but if you went for 100% these could quickly become annoying.
Lastly I will quickly touch on the music which is awesome, greatly enhancing the vibe and many of them have a music motif which is cool.
So overall I love this game but i’d be lying if I said it was entirely perfect. It’s got amazing atmosphere and for the most part fun gameplay but with some annoying parts and not always the most polished design. Kinda torn as for my rating tbh. I want to give it a 4.5 just for the world but idk I did find the gameplay to have some low points. I do love the experience even with the flaws.
Strong 4/5 or light 4.5/5 tied with Mario Odyssey
I’ll start off by saying this is easily my favorite setting and atmosphere in the entire series. Isle delfino is a extremely vibrant, memorible and creative location that really makes this game for me. I love tropical settings and this game might just be my favorite example of that style.
This game is just determined to get everything it can out this one setting and the fact that it’s one big area that’s all connected is just extremely unique for a mario game. These games always tries to throw in a big variety of level themes and therefore constantly repeats the same ones. Sunshine tries to use just one level idea of a tropical vacation and is able to make the most believable world in the series.
I love all the areas and it’s pretty diverse even for the seemingly limited theme. You have a small windmill village in Bianca Hills, a commercial boat harbor in Rico Harbor, A more straightforward beach level in Gelato Beach, A theme park with Pinna Park, A haunted Hotel in Sireana Beach, Anceint Island ruins in Noki Bay and a more secluded grassy area in Pianta Village.
They are all really great levels and I prefer the smaller list of levels because it allows each area to feel more like a unique area on the map and it’s able to help sunshine’s world building.
The graphics and aesthetic look fantastic and it’s easily one of the best looking games of the generation. Again the Summer atmoshpere is top notch. Oh and the enemies are great I love how different they feel from other mario enemies.
So overall I do love this games setting and vibe it’s pretty much perfect. However gameplay is both great and frustrating.
So Flood is a great addition and I like how it adds as a extension to mario’s moveset.
In a lot of ways the game is a improvement over 64 imo. More diverse mission objectives, New gameplay possibilities with mario, better bosses, and the inclusion of more linear platforming challenges. However there are some low points with some annoying levels and the linear mission structure.
64 let you decide what missions to complete however for sunshine you have to complete all 7/8 levels in every stage and to beat the game. Progression is a huge step down compared to 64 and it makes optional shines and blue coins feel pointless unless you go for 100% because they don’t help you progress in the main story.
I really dislike how linear the progression is and I think it’s a drowngrade from 64. Keep in mind linear design isn’t always a downgrade but when compared to 64 I believe it is for this game.
It’s not that big of deal I guess if the levels are still good and for the most part I like the design but there are some annoying and frustrating segments that broke the pace. Sunshine at times can feel unpolished in its design.
Sections I always love are the “secret” levels. Offering fun and challenging linear platforming levels. These were my favorite parts of the gameplay.
As for the main missions there are some highlights for sure and I enjoy a majority even more than 64. But when the low points hit they really hit.
As for the blue coins I enjoy the challenge of collecting SOME of them. For my playthrough I picked up blue coins when I could find them but didn’t go out of my way. I found it to be rewarding just to find them in hidden locations but if you went for 100% these could quickly become annoying.
Lastly I will quickly touch on the music which is awesome, greatly enhancing the vibe and many of them have a music motif which is cool.
So overall I love this game but i’d be lying if I said it was entirely perfect. It’s got amazing atmosphere and for the most part fun gameplay but with some annoying parts and not always the most polished design. Kinda torn as for my rating tbh. I want to give it a 4.5 just for the world but idk I did find the gameplay to have some low points. I do love the experience even with the flaws.
Strong 4/5 or light 4.5/5 tied with Mario Odyssey
AndyanaJonseph
1 year ago