Sunset Express
This article needs Paper Mario improvement. Specifically:
- Info on the history of the train itself
- Images of the train as seen in the other levels
- This article is about the train in Paper Mario: Color Splash. For the level, see Sunset Express (level). For the musical theme, see Sunset Express (theme).
- “That train sure ran into one disaster after another... I'm glad that we can laugh about it now!”
- —Huey, Paper Mario: Color Splash
The Sunset Express is a steam locomotive found in Paper Mario: Color Splash, described as a "Historic Train" by the Prisma Times. The train is operated by the Sunset Express conductor and, similar to the K64 in Paper Mario and Excess Express in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, runs along railways in the orange sections of Prism Island. The name refers to the final destination in its route, where it travels across sunset badlands to Starlight Cape. The Sunset Express is comprised of nine segments:
- The locomotive itself, with a golden Big Paint Star emblem at the front
- A tender which carries coal fuel
- A passenger cars for Bowser's Minions
- A luxurious lounge car with chandeliers
- An open-air platform with barrels
- A baggage car used to store crates
- Three more passenger cars at the caboose, including a corridor coach
History[edit]
- See also: Sunset Express (level)
Mario and Huey first encounter the Sunset Express while it is stationed in Marmalade Valley during their journey to collect the yellow Big Paint Star. At the time it is preparing for its final ride before being decommissioned, however it doesn't disembark until after Mario reaches Fort Cobalt. Since the railway on the route is damaged from Mario's previous time entering Kiwano Temple, he must locate all of the blue Rescue Squad Toads so they can form into a makeshift rail that the train can cross over. During this, a Thwomp descends onto the cabin of the locomotive and releasing an orange Mini Paint Star, requiring the Sunset Express conductor to make a pitstop at Toad Trainworks for repairs.
Upon arriving at Toad Trainworks, Mario and Huey find that the building is overrun, with sections of the train completely separated from the main engine. Mario has to fend off Shy Guys, Fuzzies, and other enemies while bringing the passenger car, coal car, and other parts back to the locomotive. Once the train is fully reassembled, the Sunset Express makes its next stop at the Tangerino Grill, where passengers eagerly await their meals including the VIP guest. The train then heads onto its final two destinations.
In the Sunset Express level, a blue Toad informs Mario and Huey about a rockslide on the tracks which has prevented the Sunset Express from reaching Starlight Cape. While clearing out the obstacle with the Megaphone Thing, Toads begin running down the track to warn Mario as Sunset Express rushes through, hijacked by Larry and his minions in order to reach the orange Big Paint Star first. The conductor comes by on a handcar and, with Mario's help, catches up to the train. Mario must then navigate the railroad cars to make it up to the front of the train and confront Larry.
Larry, who reveals that he was the VIP customer at Tangerino Grill, takes advantage of the smokestack while a Shy Guy throws health-restoring hearts into the firebox to heal him. Mario has to dispose of Larry's minions so that the train conductor can reach the cabin and deal with this Shy Guy. After defeating Larry, the conductor brings the train into the station at Starlight Cape.
When the train arrives at Starlight Cape, the Sunset Express conductor can be seen talking to a blue Toad. They decide that the Sunset Express should not be decommissioned. After this point, it remains in the Sunset Express level for the remainder of the game, and Mario is able to explore the runaway section of the train again by speaking to a Toad standing at the loading station. The Foreman also delays his retirement upon hearing the news that his repairs to the Sunset Express were so successful as to keep it on the tracks.
Passengers[edit]
During the course of the Sunset Express' service, most passengers found onboard are Toads, the main inhabitants of Prism Island, including the Sunset Express conductor. However, the train allows enemy species to ride even after being hijacked by Larry. This includes Goombas, Koopa Troopas, Shy Guys and Spikes, which can be spoken to at the front-most passenger car and discuss aspects of their lives as part of the Koopa Troop or what they think of Larry. The roofs of the railway cars are also occupied by hostile Rocky Wrenches and Sombrero Guys playing music, with Fuzzies roaming one of the passenger cars in the back.
Gallery[edit]
Sprites and models[edit]
World map icon.
Sunset Express concept art.
Model of a handcar used alongside the Sunset Express.
Screenshots[edit]
The Sunset Express at its first stop in Marmalade Valley.
The Sunset Express is crushed by a Thwomp while crossing over Kiwano Temple.
The Sunset Express conductor stands on the crushed cabin.
Mario lowers the cabin onto the train at Toad Trainworks via a crane.
The Sunset Express after being fully repaired.
A blue Toad talks to Mario about the final destination for the train.
The conductor panics over a rockslide blocking the tracks.
Mario standing near an Unfurl Block and a filled passenger car.
A Toad runs from the Sunset Express.
A red Rescue Squad member jumps out of the window.
A red Rescue Squad member warns Mario about Shy Guys.
A Sombrero Guy plays music.
Mario speaking with a Toad in the second car.
Mario is attacked by Fuzzies.
Mario tries to open a locked suitcase.
Mario chases a Shunned Guy around the baggage car.
Rescue Squad member #34 runs by the train.
An unfurled ramp leading to the roof.
Mario pulls Bowser Tape to free a Toad on the roof.
Mario and four Toads are surrounded by Snifits in the lounge car.
Mario battles Rocky Wrenches and a Sombrero Guy.
Mario finds a Toad trapped beneath a cardboard lid.
Mario talks with a Rescue Squad Toad near some passive enemies.
A Shy Guy has a deep discussion with Mario about their lives and futures.
The Sunset Express conductor makes his way to the cabin.
Larry admits defeat.
The Sunset Express arrives at Starlight Cape.
Names in other languages[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Note(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | サンセットエクスプレス Sansetto ekusupuresu |
Sunset Express | [1] | |
| Dutch | Avondlichtexpres | Evening Light Express | [1] | |
| French (Canada) | Express du Crépuscule | Sunset Express | [1] | |
| French (Europe) | Express du crépuscule | Sunset Express | [1] | |
| German | Abendrot-Express | Sunset Express | [1] | |
| Italian | Ponent-Express | West Express | [1] | |
| Portuguese (Europe) | Expresso do Pôr do Sol | Sunset Express | [1] | |
| Russian | Западный экспресс Zapadnyy ekspress |
West Express | [1] | |
| Spanish (Latin America) | Expreso del Ocaso | Sunset Express | [1] | |
| Spanish (Europe) | Expreso del Ocaso | Sunset Express | [1] |
