493 Words About: Sunglasses in Super Mario Sunshine
In Super Mario Sunshine there’s a dude (with a totally sick mustache) on the beach, or a pier, or a bar, or just chilling by a tree who will offer Mario sunglasses. This moment is a perfect example of how progression systems in videogames should work.
When Mario arrives on Isle Delfino the place is dark, literally. There’s a distinct shadow that covers the town and walking through the streets I quickly get why the vibes against Mario are so harsh. For clarification Mario’s been set-up to take the blame for this darkness. The end-goal of the game is to collect all 120 shine-sprites which should return light to the island. By the time I’ve collected at least 15, the East side of the town has become visibly brighter, and when I reach the goal of 30 shine-sprites I’m able to unlock the sunglasses.
Speaking to the gentleman wearing sunglasses before collecting 30 sprites will result in him telling Mario he isn’t ready (or cool enough) to sport his shades. This isn’t a tragedy, but it wounded my ego each time I spoke to the man. When I first played Super Mario Sunshine Nintendo Power had shown me images of Mario wearing a tacky tropical shirt and sunglasses and now that I was finally playing the game this dude was deciding whether or not I was cool enough to…to…(deep breath).
Point is, I wanted those glasses.
And although I never beat Super Mario Sunshine, I did at least get the shades.
The first time the guy offered me a pair of sunglasses I felt like I had won the actual game. There were still 90 more Shine-Sprites to collect, but it didn’t matter. I was finally able to run around DelFino Plaza looking like the tourist I was always supposed to be before I got roped into Bowser’s baby-momma family drama.
I realize now in the contemporary videogame market, this desire for clothes for my avatar would most likely be achieved through a microtransaction. Rather than actually play the game, and work up to this achievement, I would be expected to shell out $20 or more. This is unfortunate because achieving the glasses rather than just buying them reveals how to create a perception of growth in the player.
Every Shine-Sprite has a visible effect on Isle Delfino, so much so that I can actually see how brighter the world is becoming. This gives every mission a sense of purpose, and getting to wear the sunglasses is only further proof that Mario is healing this space through steady work. Videogames succeed aesthetically when they emphasize the importance of choices players are making.
Do I heal damage through steady and consistent growth?
Or do I just pay to make a problem disappear?
Getting to wear those sunglasses made me realize I was actually making a difference in this simulated world. I had grown, and no financial transaction would ever make me believe that.
Joshua “Jammer” Smith
11.30.2024
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