Unlockable Characters
In Super Mario Sunshine, while Mario is the sole playable character for the vast majority of the adventure, there are a few instances where other beloved characters become available in unique ways, or provide essential assistance that feels akin to having them "join" your efforts. This section details how to access these special character interactions and the benefits they provide.
Yoshi
Yoshi is the only other character Mario can truly "control" in Super Mario Sunshine, albeit temporarily. Riding a Yoshi grants Mario new abilities, including a powerful Flutter Jump and the ability to spit fruit juice, which can dissolve certain obstacles and enemies. Different colored Yoshis have different juice properties.
How to Unlock Yoshi
Yoshi eggs are found throughout Isle Delfino, but they will only hatch if you bring them their preferred fruit. The type of fruit needed is indicated by the color of the spots on the egg. Once hatched, Yoshi will follow Mario until he touches water (which causes him to disappear) or runs out of juice.
- Initial Unlock: Delfino Plaza Yoshi Egg
- Requirement: Complete Episode 4 of Pinna Park, "The Wilted Sunflowers."
- Location: After completing the requirement, a Yoshi Egg will appear on the fruit stand in Delfino Plaza, near the entrance to Bianco Hills. This egg always has Orange Spots.
- Fruit Needed: A Durian.
- Walkthrough for Durian:
- Head to Pinna Park.
- Navigate to the area with the spinning carousel.
- Look for a small, thorny fruit tree located near the back of the carousel. This is where Durians grow.
- Spray the tree with FLUDD's Squirt Nozzle until a Durian falls to the ground.
- Carefully pick up the Durian (it's thorny, so avoid rolling into it!) and carry it back to Delfino Plaza. Be mindful of enemies and environmental hazards, as dropping the fruit will require you to retrieve another.
- Return to the fruit stand in Delfino Plaza and present the Durian to the Yoshi Egg. The egg will hatch, and a Green Yoshi will appear, ready for Mario to ride.
- Subsequent Yoshi Eggs:
- After the initial unlock, Yoshi eggs will appear in various levels once certain conditions are met (usually completing a specific episode).
- The color of the spots on these eggs will vary, indicating a different fruit requirement.
- Common Fruit Locations:
- Durian (Orange Spots): Pinna Park (near carousel), Noki Bay (underwater cave in Episode 3).
- Pineapple (Yellow Spots): Bianco Hills (near the windmill), Gelato Beach (on top of the tall fruit tree).
- Banana (Blue Spots): Ricco Harbor (on crates near the market), Sirena Beach (near the hotel entrance).
- Coconut (Red Spots): Delfino Plaza (on palm trees), Bianco Hills (on palm trees).
- Strategy Tip: Always check the egg's spot color before heading out to find fruit. Plan your route carefully, as carrying fruit can be challenging. The Hover Nozzle can be useful for navigating with fruit.
Yoshi's Abilities and Uses
- Flutter Jump: Press and hold the jump button while in the air to extend Mario's jump, allowing access to higher platforms and longer gaps.
- Fruit Juice Spit: Press the B button to spit a stream of fruit juice. This can be used to:
- Dissolve orange goop (different from the standard brown goop).
- Defeat certain enemies (e.g., Electrokoopas, some Piranha Plants).
- Turn some enemies into platforms or coins.
- Activate certain mechanisms (e.g., specific switches).
- Juice Meter: Yoshi has a juice meter that depletes over time. It can be refilled by eating more fruit. If the meter runs out, Yoshi will disappear.
- Water Weakness: Yoshi will instantly disappear if he touches any body of water, regardless of his juice meter. Be extremely careful near rivers, lakes, or the ocean.
Princess Peach
While Princess Peach is a central figure in the story of Super Mario Sunshine, she is not a playable character or a party member in the traditional sense. However, her presence and interactions are crucial to the narrative and provide motivation for Mario's quest.
Peach's Role in the Story
Peach is initially kidnapped by Bowser Jr. (disguised as Shadow Mario) and is frequently held captive throughout the game. Rescuing her from various predicaments is often the primary objective of many episodes. Her safety is a constant concern for Mario and the residents of Isle Delfino.
- Early Game: Peach is taken by Shadow Mario almost immediately upon arrival on Isle Delfino.
- Recurring Captive: Mario frequently has to rescue Peach from Bowser Jr.'s clutches in different levels, such as Pinna Park and Corona Mountain.
- Moral Support: When not captured, Peach often provides words of encouragement to Mario alongside Toadsworth and the Toads.
Key Interactions with Peach
Although you don't "unlock" her as a playable character, there are significant story moments involving Peach:
- Pinna Park Rescue: In Episode 4 of Pinna Park, "The Roller Coaster Rescue," Mario must navigate a thrilling roller coaster sequence to save Peach from Bowser Jr.'s mechanical Bowser suit. This is a pivotal moment where Mario directly confronts Bowser Jr. and Peach is temporarily safe.
- Corona Mountain: The final confrontation of the game involves rescuing Peach from Bowser and Bowser Jr. in Corona Mountain. This is the ultimate objective of the entire adventure.
Toadsworth and the Toads
Toadsworth, Peach's elderly steward, and the various Toads accompanying the group are constant companions on Isle Delfino. While not playable, they offer important dialogue, context, and occasionally provide hints or small rewards.
Their Contributions
- Story Progression: Toadsworth often expresses concern for Peach's safety and urges Mario to act.
- Hints and Lore: Toads scattered around Delfino Plaza and within levels sometimes offer subtle clues about upcoming challenges or the island's history.
- Item Givers: Occasionally, a Toad might give Mario a 1-Up Mushroom or a small amount of coins as a thank you or encouragement.
Notable Interactions
- Delfino Airstrip: Toadsworth and the Toads are present at the beginning and end of the game, witnessing the initial chaos and the final resolution.
- Delfino Plaza: Toads are frequently found near the main fountain, the fruit stand, or the various level entrances, offering snippets of dialogue.
Luigi
Luigi does not appear in Super Mario Sunshine as a character, either playable or as an NPC. His absence is notable, as he is a staple of the Mario series. The game focuses solely on Mario's adventure on Isle Delfino.
Important Note: There are no unlockable "party members" in Super Mario Sunshine. Mario is the sole protagonist and playable character throughout the game. The information above regarding Luigi and Peach's "field abilities" or "combat strategies" is not applicable to the actual game, which is a 3D platformer, not an RPG. Yoshi is the only other character Mario can temporarily control by riding him.