Apologies for coming back to this topic but I just watched
ExoParadigmGamer's long and in-depth review of Sunshine and it only reminded me more of (A) how unique in theme, feel and enemy designs this game is compared to other, often increasingly bland Mario games (Odyssey notwithstanding), (B) how cool FLUDD is in terms of adding abilities to an already great controlling Mario and (C) how overblown the criticism against this game is especially in light of the almost always universally praised Super Mario 64 (that, as Exo brings up, does a number of the things worse that are criticised in Sunshine as well as some that Sunshine does well).
Sure, the game has wonky dialogue and voice acting as well as some actual problems due to its rushed development cycle as Exo himself admits, but just like he posits in his review - often supported by data analysis mind you - many of these problems are taken way out of proportion if you look at them more objectively (or in comparison to SM64). Discounting the for some too similar summer holiday theming (that I on the contrary view as a big plus and as one of the best reasons for firing up this game again every once in a while, but to each their own), the only big problems that would need fixing are the boss repeats (which are still less prevalent than in SM64 and which are also complemented by really interesting and unique encounters that SM64 lacks), some of the Yoshi sections / limitations and some of the levels or level sections such as the final boat ride, the Pachinko level and the poison river level.
I agree with Exo though that the blue coins are neither a problematic inclusion in most cases (the exception being around 37 of them that are hidden away too well, as Exo's data analysis brings up) nor something that is even unique(ly "problematic") for Sunshine as most collection heavy (praised) platformers have equivalents to them. I actually agree that they can offer nice little incentives to interact with and explore the game world in ways you'd normally wouldn't do if they weren't there and that they, as such, nicely complement the added interactivity potential that FLUDDs water spraying brought to the table.
Sure, the haters here will continue to hate the game even after they watch a video like Exo's (IF they'd even do that), and I'm sure I'll get flak for this post as usual given the overly negative tone in this thread, but I for one would definitely love to see this game be polished up and remade for Switch, especially if they could add some of the cut levels back in. It's still one of the most strikingly unique Mario games (devoid of any of the formulaic nostalgia that plagues many other modern Mario titles) and one of best games to play during summer. Now that Odyssey will hopefully re-awaken people's passion for more open world 3D Mario games, an improved version of Sunshine could be a great thing to have in the near future imo.
