Super Mario Sunshine

Game Overview

Super Mario Sunshine is a 3D platformer and action-adventure game set on the sun-drenched Isle Delfino. After arriving for a vacation with Princess Peach and Toadsworth, Mario is framed by a graffiti-painting doppelgänger (later revealed as Bowser Jr.) who steals the island’s Shine Sprites and covers the land in sticky goop. Equipped with FLUDD (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device), a sentient water-pump backpack invented by Professor E. Gadd, Mario sprays away pollution, battles enemies, and navigates levels using specialized nozzles. The main hub is Delfino Plaza, from which players access distinct areas such as Bianco Hills, Ricco Harbor, Gelato Beach, Pinna Park, and more. Gameplay centers on collecting 120 Shine Sprites through episode-based missions, secret courses, 100-coin challenges, and Blue Coin trades. Mario retains classic moves while gaining new options like the spin jump and water-slide belly flops. The game features full English voice acting for cutscenes, vibrant real-time lighting, water effects, and a single-player focus that showcases the GameCube’s graphical capabilities.

Quick Specifications

• Platform: Nintendo GameCube
  
• Genre: 3D Platformer / Action-Adventure
  
• Developer: Nintendo EAD
  
• Publisher: Nintendo
  
• Directors: Yoshiaki Koizumi, Kenta Usui
  
• Producers: Shigeru Miyamoto, Takashi Tezuka
  
• Release Dates: Japan – July 19, 2002; North America – August 26, 2002; Europe – October 4, 2002; Australia – October 11, 2002
  
• Players: 1
  
• Rating: ESRB E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief; PEGI 3
  
• Media: GameCube Optical Disc
  
• Product Codes: DOL-GMSE-USA (North America), DOL-GMSJ-JPN (Japan)

Key Features

• FLUDD water-pump backpack with multiple nozzles (Squirt/Spray, Hover, Turbo, Rocket) for cleaning, hovering, high-speed dashing, and vertical launches
  
• 120 Shine Sprites to collect across episodes, secret levels, coin challenges, and hub-world secrets
  
• Expansive tropical stages including Bianco Hills, Ricco Harbor, Gelato Beach, Pinna Park, and Corona Mountain
  
• Blue Coins that can be traded for additional Shine Sprites
  
• Yoshi as a rideable companion in certain areas after being unlocked
  
• New movement options such as the spin jump and sliding on wet surfaces
  
• Full voice-acted cutscenes and a bright, water-rich visual style with real-time reflections and lighting
  
• Single-player adventure focused on exploration, platforming, and pollution-cleanup missions
  

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

What is FLUDD and what does it do?

FLUDD (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device) is a sentient water-pump backpack Mario wears. It sprays water to clean goop, stun enemies, and enable special movement. Different nozzles allow hovering, high-speed turbo dashes, and rocket launches. The tank refills in water sources.

How many Shine Sprites are there?

There are 120 Shine Sprites in total. They are collected by completing episode missions in each course, finding secrets, gathering 100 coins in an area, and trading Blue Coins. Collecting them restores sunlight to Isle Delfino and unlocks new areas.

Is there multiplayer?

No. Super Mario Sunshine is a single-player only game.

Who is the real villain?

The graffiti artist who frames Mario is Bowser Jr., disguised as Shadow Mario. He uses a magic paintbrush (also from Gadd Science) to spread goop and steal Shine Sprites. Bowser appears as the final boss.

What are Blue Coins?

Blue Coins are collectible items scattered across the island. Gathering ten of them allows Mario to trade with a character in Delfino Plaza for one Shine Sprite. There are 240 Blue Coins in the game.

Does the game support progressive scan?

Yes. Super Mario Sunshine supports 480p progressive-scan output when the GameCube is connected with a compatible component cable.

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