CAPPY & F.L.U.D.D
Probably the most obvious reason fans will think of Sunshine while playing Odyssey is the similarities between F.L.U.D.D. and Mario’s new hat buddy, Cappy. Both of these characters are essentially new equipment for Mario to use to figure out new ways around the world with their own little personality. Like F.L.U.D.D., Cappy talks to Mario during the game, giving hints and story exposition. Although there’s no info yet on how exactly Mario meets Cappy and begins his adventure with it aboard the Odyssey, it’s likely it will happen the same way as with F.L.U.D.D. where he stumbles upon it and realizes Cappy could be of assistance in saving Princess Peach for the 1000th time.
Nintendo is great at infusing character in these objects so not only do they add gameplay elements to the game, but story elements as well. Giving Cappy its eyes and F.L.U.D.D. its nozzle mouth humanizes them and makes you actually care about their well-being besides the uses they can bring to you while playing. The role of Cappy is the same as the role of F.L.U.D.D., but this is fine as Cappy’s design and gameplay mechanics are brand new, making it a callback to the past while still feeling like a fresh new character for the series at the same time.
