Shine Sprite
Shine Sprites are golden entities in the image of the sun that first appeared in Super Mario Sunshine. They act as guardians of Isle Delfino and are the source of the island's sunshine. They are also Super Mario Sunshine's equivelent to Super Mario 64's Power Stars. Their presence is a necessity to sustain the lifestyle of Isle Delfino's population, and thus are held very dear. Under normal circumstances, Shine Sprites gather in great numbers at the Shine Gate, a large structure in the center of Delfino Plaza. They can be scared away from their gathering spot though. When Shine Sprites scatter, their collective power weakens and the island gets covered in a haze that blocks out sunlight.
There are 120 Shine Sprites on Isle Delfino. Although they are mainly associated with that island, Shine Sprites can appear in other places as well.
History
Super Mario Sunshine
The Shine Sprites of Isle Delfino play a key role in Super Mario Sunshine. They are a factor in Bowser Jr.'s complot to get Mario sent to prison. At some point prior to the game, Bowser Jr., posing as Mario, attacked the Shine Gate and defaced the monument with goop. Having their gathering spot polluted caused the Shine Sprites to scatter throughout the entire island, leaving the population. When Mario then arrives on Isle Delfino at the start of the game, he is promptly tried for upsetting the Shine Sprites. Mario's objective from that point on is to collect the scattered Shine Sprites and restore the original conditions of Isle Delfino.
Gameplay-wise, Shine Sprites function in a similar way as Power Stars did in Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Galaxy 2. The 120 Shine Sprites can be found all over Isle Delfino. Some are hidden in obscure or remote places, while others are held captive by bosses or, in some cases, the islanders themselves. Each world has eleven of them; eight regular ones, two secret ones, and one that appears if mario collects a hundred coins. 43 Shine Sprites can be found in Delfino plaza and Delfino Airstrip; 24 of them can be traded for Blue Coins (ten coins per Shine Sprite). Only the seventh regular Shine Sprite of each world is required to access the final boss in Corona Mountain, the rest is optional.
If the game is completed with all 120 Shine Sprites, the picture of Il Piantissimo shown after the credits will be replaced with a large group picture showing several characters from the game. They will also be rewarded with a red sun sign next to their file in the file select screen.
Mario Kart series
Shine Sprites are also the focus of various mini games in the Mario Kart games, namely Double Dash!! and Mario Kart DS.
The game, based somewhat on Capture the Flag, has characters attempting to hold onto a Shine Sprite until the timer is expired. Being struck with any of the game's weaponry, including Koopa Shells, Banana Peels, and the like will cause the character to forfeit their hold on the Shine Sprite, allowing another character to pick it up. In the DS version there are nine sprites, with a timer resetting every 30 seconds or so. Whoever has or is tied for the least sprites is then eliminated. In Double Dash!! there is only one sprite and whoever holds it when time runs out wins. Shine Sprites were also featured on a few billboards in the races.
Mario Power Tennis
Shine Sprites appeared in Mario Power Tennis. They appeared in the special game, Tic Tac Glow. In that game, the player must hit the water balls at Goop puddles at the opposite side of the court. If the player manages to get rid of enough Goop, Shine Sprites will appear granting points. They also appear on the menu screen, as outlines of the six modes.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
In Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, three Shine Sprites could be traded for a partner's level-up. There are 42 in the game, with each of the 7 parters being able to upgrade twice. The Shine Sprite also makes a minor (but commonly-seen) other appearance as the icon for Mario's partners' "Attack" choice. If the player lines up three Shine Sprite icons in the Bingo! wheel during battle the effect would refill all Mario's and his partner's HP, FP, and SP, and every seat in the audience would be filled.
Mario & Luigi series
Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
Shine Sprites also appear in Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time as the result of hitting any of the semi-rare Shine Blocks. Their purpose is to bring light to dark areas.
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
One of the Ranks available to Mario and Luigi is the Shine rank, which they attain at level 20. Once this rank is reached, they may shop at the Shine store in Toad Town.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis
In Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, a Shine Sprite appears as the sun in the background of Tropical Island, but without the eyes.
Official Profiles and Statistics
Super Mario Sunshine Description
The revered symbols of Isle Delfino normally gather at the Shine Gate. Their collective power sustains the island.
