Super Mario Sunshine/Gameplay

Super Mario Sunshine takes on a feel very similar to that of Mario 64. This time around, however, Mario has a little help that makes this game more interesting. This is the first game where Mario extensively uses an accessory (FLUDD) to complete his mission. The pair work together as team, not unlike the teamwork in the Nintendo 64 title Banjo-Kazooie, which featured a partnership between the characters Banjo and Kazooie. When Mario first acquires FLUDD, he can spray and hover in the air using its nozzles. Two other nozzles can be unlocked later in the game to extend FLUDD's functionality - the Rocket Nozzle which propels Mario high into the air, and the Turbo Nozzle which lets Mario sprint super-fast on land and water, as well as break down wooden doors.

The game contains a number of independent levels, which can be reached from Delfino Plaza (the hub or overworld). Gameplay is based around collecting Shine Sprites by completing various tasks in the levels and overworld.

At first, each level features one task (called an "episode") which may be completed to acquire a Shine Sprite. There are 8 episodes per level. The player is then returned to Delfino Plaza and a new task is unlocked on the level they just played. Each level consists of up to eight of these tasks, which may be played again at will once they are completed. Once the player has collected enough Shines in total, a new level is available at Delfino Plaza, either by the acquisition of a new ability or some plot-related event. Shines (as they are called in the Japanese version) are also available by collecting blue coins. Ten of these coins may be traded for one Shine in the over world.

Gameplay proceeds in this fashion until all of the Shadow Mario–related missions are completed, which unlocks the level containing the final boss. As the total number of Shines available at any given point is greater than the number of Shines needed to unlock the next level, the player may choose which tasks he/she wishes to attempt.

In homage to Super Mario World, Mario can also ride Yoshi in this game. Yoshi can be used to eat certain insects and birds to produce yellow or blue coins or Shine Sprites. Yoshi can also eat fruit and squirt the juice of that fruit. This juice can be used to dissolve orange Generators acting as obstacles as well as to briefly transform enemies into platforms for Mario to step on. The color of the Yoshi and the effect of its juice depend on the type of fruit last eaten. Yoshi will disappear if he touches a deep body of water or if Mario dismounts him while in water. While Mario is riding Yoshi, a woodblock will accompany the background music as in Super Mario World.

Health
Whenever you collect a coin you get 1 health point back. When you get hit by an enemy, stay underwater for too long, or stay in goop for too long, you start to lose health.

Red Coins
Within each level are eight red coins. After collecting all eight coins in a given level, a shine will appear somewhere within the level. They will bring back two health points.

Blue Coins
In lots of levels there are symbols that FLUDD can wash off and if there are 2 identical shapes wash 1 off and you have a small amount of time to run to the other one and the coin that pops out do the same with the other shape and you can get another blue coin. There are coins hidden out over levels as well. They will get you two health points back.

Yoshi
Yoshi can be acquired at any time, however he'll be stuck inside of his egg and won't want to come out unless you have something to coax him with. If you go up to a Yoshi Egg you'll see a thought bubble with the food he desires. Go ahead and grab one from somewhere in the area and bring it to him. He'll pop out and you'll be able to mount him for some extra firepower. Yoshi can eat enemies and spit (or vomit) powerful liquids that can burn through enemies or jelly.