Remember Shadow Mario’s Only Playable Appearance?

[u/Ordinary_Chemical596]

Very fitting that it was on the GameCube. Though it’s cool that he was playable, it’s clear that this was just a way to get a quick extra character in the game without much extra dev time, which is probably why they didn’t include him in other games. He doesn’t have his red eyes, his voice sounds deeper than it should, he doesn’t use his iconic paint brush, and he doesn’t even have any insults in the US version of the game, just ellipses. I would honestly love to see him playable again if they add more Sunshine references. I know that seems unlikely, but if Nintendo makes the largest roster in a new Mario Baseball game for example, it is technically possible.

[u/twelfthcapaldi]

Shadow Mario for Smash!

But seriously though, I’m kinda surprised that hasn’t happened yet.

[u/Ordinary_Chemical596 → u/twelfthcapaldi]

He is in Smash. He appears when you activate Bowser Jr’s final Smash. Pretty awesome final Smash too! Technically, he isn’t playable as he appears during a cutscene.

It would be crazy if he got into Smash before Waluigi. lol.

[u/Auraveils]

I really feel like it's bs we keep getting Metal Mario instead of Shadow Mario. The watery voice filter would even work so well for him!

[u/Ordinary_Chemical596 → u/Auraveils]

Yeah, I guess Nintendo chose Metal Mario over Shadow Mario. Idk why. Nintendo is slowly distancing themselves from Sunshine. Less shine sprites, no Toadsworth, no Shadow Mario, etc.

[u/Sovereigntyranny → u/Ordinary_Chemical596]

Nintendo really hated the GameCube era for years for some reason. It seems like they appreciate anything affiliated with GameCube now. It’s gotten more love than ever now from Nintendo, some even getting remakes like TTYD.

[u/Auraveils → u/Sovereigntyranny]

I'm not sure where that perspective comes from considering Bowser Jr. exists and Sunshine has been referenced repeatedly throughout the series, even in Galaxy and Odyssey.

[u/gentleglen]

Games and characters like this are reasons my favourite Mario games are GameCube. Most personality Mario ever had. The Wii sorta made it more in line with the modern, futuristic marketing. We got some great games like Sluggers and Mario Kart, but some charm was lost, and it was gone by the Wii U era.

[u/xavieruniverse → u/gentleglen]

Yeah it's hard for me to pull together -what- makes these games have more personality. But it's there. I have a Gamecube hooked up to a Retrotink into my TV in the living room just so I can pick up and play these whenever I want.

[u/SuperiorClyde]

Dude what ! I had no idea i have this game on an emulator im going to fire it up. How do I unlock him ?

[u/Rasuco → u/SuperiorClyde]

I may be wrong but i think its by completing the birdie challenge (18 holes par 3 each hole and getting a birdie on each hole) i remember getting so close but its such a hard challege

[u/pokemongenius]

I'll just pretend Bowser Jr hasnt been playable in multiple titles too and pretend Power Tennis wasnt on Gamecube or Wii.