Super Mario Sunshine, Why it is an underrated classic
Ever since about 2003, when this game was released, there were many cries of 'It is so ruined by the water pack!' or 'It's too easy/boring/short!'. Well I want to put these repeated arguments to rest once and for all, and I will start by saying that you need to forget all about Super Mario 64, no matter how good it is and treat this game not as a sequel, but on its own merits.
The Comparison to Super Mario 64
Graphics
Well, Super Mario Sunshine has the undoubted advantage here, mainly as the Gamecube was more powerful than the Nintendo 64 and could handle way better graphics than the older machine. The worlds look more vibrant and less grainy, enemies look great and the game feels so more bright and cheerful.
Sound
I cannot lie. I like both games music to a general equal, but some from each game I like better. Some boss music, the Sirena Beach music and some from other levels in my opinion in better in Sunshine, while that of the final Bowser level is a 100 times better in Super Mario 64 (and DS).
Length
Now, both are generally equally as long, at 120 stars/shines each. Cannot change that. However, Super Mario 64 has more mission based stars while the shines in Super Mario Sunshine are heavily based on collecting Blue Coins.
Okay, now the comparison is over (I missed out gameplay for good reason), what about the complaints spread about the game?
My answers to their complaints:
FLUDD ruined the series!
This is the first, and most annoying thing I have heard. Sure, the device makes it easier to get places because you can hover for a short while, but think of all the times when it makes for some amazing gameplay? Cleaning up goop and dousing enemies, blasting 100s of feet into the air, and going at super fast speeds with the Turbo Nozzle are all some things which the Flash Liquidising Dousing Device inclusion brings to this game. Plus, if you like not using it and old style acrobatics, maybe do not actually use it for hovering in the first place? Or play those secret levels where you do not get the device to use as it gets stolen by Shadow Mario. Problem sorted.
This game is too easy!
Sorry, but I disagree. The game that was Super Mario 64 was generally much easier than some parts of this game which I can name. There are the classic Mario sections without the hover pack for one, the Manta Storm, the Goopy Inferno and various other shines needed to collect by beating tough objectives while Super Mario 64 has maybe the final level/battle and some parts of maybe Rainbow Ride. No contest, sorry.
I don't like FLUDD (complaint 2)!
This is a simple case of the nostalgia corruption problem which seems to affect many people's minds after a certain time. Or where people get so attached to an old thing that they cannot bear the fact time is moving on, that things change and that you cannot get constant 'perfect sequels/updates' of the same things for ever. These are those that need to learn that without the device, Super Mario Sunshine would be a Super Mario 64 clone, and you would still be complaining, but this time that the game is too repetive. Lighten up, accept change and let the past be the past.
So there you have it, some common arguments have been quickly shot down that get always brought up by critics and nostalgia freaks, with my answer to them all.