6) Super Mario Sunshine

Super Mario Sunshine is sometimes treated like the black sheep of 3D Mario games. It’s not as groundbreaking as Super Mario 64, nor is it anywhere near as ambitious as either of the Galaxy games, which makes some critics consider Sunshine something of an underachiever. While Sunshine might not be as revolutionary a title when compared to its siblings, it remains a fun, engaging Mario adventure nonetheless. Released in 2002, the game is set in Isle Delfino, where Mario is tasked with scrubbing graffiti from the resort’s walls after an impostor frames him. The unique premise and setting is intrinsic to Sunshine, making the game feel much different than any other title in the series’ canon. Mario’s sentient water spraying device FLUDD brought a host of new play mechanics that resulted in some challenging puzzles and battles. The lush island backdrop of Sunshine would be a perfect candidate for HD upscaling, in particular its abundance of clear, shimmering water lapping everywhere. The GamePad’s screen and motion controls might also be a fun alternative control method for FLUDD, with the player aiming it at the screen and pressing the shoulder buttons to fire out water. Sunshine might not have ended up being the vacation Mario wanted, but it certainly left players basking in its rays. There’s a whimsy and playfulness to Sunshine that would be a perfect fit on Wii U, and it would be a shame to never see it realized.
Fantastic list. You’re missing the original Super Monkey Ball, though. Also, from a personal standpoint, I’d say NHL Hitz 2003, but I don’t think that’ll ever happen. :)
Haha, hey, if Tony Hawk can do it, I say NHL Hitz 2003 deserves a shot! I totally forgot Monkey Ball; I’ll sacrifice Viewtiful Joe for it.
Great article. A good controlling Twilight Princess would be awesome. Eternal Darkness however needs a full revamp, and a simple upgrade to HD would be a waste of a time. Wind Waker was made with timeless graphics; ED is a bit dated.
Gc was a great console, i have almost all this games and i think they all could look amazing on hd, but you missed the most impressive looking gc game of all time. Rogue Leader Rogue Squadron II.
Good picks overall. Needs more Skies of Arcadia: Legends though. ;)