Super Mario RPG

Super Mario RPG emerged as a groundbreaking game that redefined the Mario universe by integrating RPG elements into the classic platformer style.

Plot and Characters

At its core, Super Mario RPG follows a familiar theme with Mario embarking on a quest to rescue Princess Peach. However, the plot takes an unexpected turn with the introduction of Smithy, who shatters the Star Road, a crucial element in the game’s world for wish fulfillment. Mario’s journey to repair the Star Road sees him teaming up with an eclectic mix of characters:

Mallow: A character who initially believes himself to be a tadpole, bringing a unique set of abilities.
Geno: A star-being with a mysterious origin and powerful skills.
Bowser: The iconic adversary of Mario, who becomes an ally in this unexpected scenario.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

The game’s mechanics

Combat System: Combines classic turn-based RPG strategies with the unique ‘Timed Hit’ mechanic, adding a layer of skill and timing to both attacks and defenses.
Character Development: Players guide their characters through growth and progression, gaining new abilities and improving stats, with an array of equipment to enhance capabilities.

Super Mario RPG distinguishes itself with its visual and audio presentation. The game adopted pseudo-3D graphics, which at the time of its release were a significant advancement, giving depth and vibrancy to the Mario world. The soundtrack, crafted by Yoko Shimomura, is noted for its catchy and thematic compositions, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Super Mario RPG continues to hold a special place in the hearts of gamers, remembered as a title that skillfully blended different gaming genres to create a unique and unforgettable experience.

Super Mario RPG Remake

The game Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars has been a part of the gaming lexicon for decades, primarily known for its colorful platforming and quirky spin-offs. However, its role in pioneering the RPG genre is often overlooked. Released in 1996, this game marked the Mushroom Kingdom characters’ first foray into RPGs, crafted by the genre masters at Square. In 2023, this once somewhat forgotten masterpiece re-emerged, boasting noticeable improvements. But in a year brimming with new releases, does revisiting this classic make sense?

Remakes vary in their approach. Some completely transform the original, fixing its flaws and adding new content, while others focus mainly on graphical enhancements, leaving the core game largely unchanged. The Super Mario RPG remake belongs to the latter category. Almost everything remains as it was: the same fixed camera angles, the same characters, and the same levels. This decision seems fitting, especially considering that the game was relatively unplayed in Europe upon its original release, not officially arriving there until the era of the Wii and SNES Mini.

Firstly, the remake boasts surprisingly clear graphics that seem leaps ahead of the original. While many characters and elements are familiar to franchise fans, everything has a slightly different touch. Mario, for instance, appears flattened and adorable, and his world is filled with unusual creatures. The story starts traditionally with Princess Peach’s abduction, which Mario must thwart. However, the usual antagonist, Bowser, is defeated in the first hour, making way for a new villain with different henchmen.

The formula of Super Mario RPG is straightforward: as Mario, players explore a vibrant world, interact with its quirky characters, and engage in turn-based battles. The game mechanics are as simple as possible, easily understandable to anyone. However, don’t be fooled by the cartoonish graphics – the game is challenging. On standard difficulty, it quickly punishes those who attempt to speedrun, especially since its first major boss is impassable until Mario and his odd companion reach a certain level. This means that a certain amount of grinding, familiar to JRPG fans, is inevitable.

The main strength of Super Mario RPG lies in its humor, a trait shared by all its sequels, many of which have been reviewed on our site. There’s no hint of the pomposity often found in Square games. Instead, the characters frequently deliver witty lines. Even Mario behaves uncharacteristically at times – like when he (if players choose certain dialogue options) refuses to return a stolen wallet and then mocks the victim! This blend of Nintendo game elements with atypical Mario features has made this release iconic. It’s a strange game, but without this, it wouldn’t have remained relevant for so long.

Visually, the remake has been transformed. The game was reworked on Unity and runs almost flawlessly on not-so-new hardware. It delivers maximum resolution both in handheld mode and on television, only occasionally disappointing with a drop in frame rate. It also features new cutscenes that add dynamism to key moments. Additionally, the music stands out: the exceptional soundtrack by Yoko Shimomura sounds even better thanks to new arrangements. However, for those who miss the original SNES sound, there’s an option to switch to the original audio in the settings.

Super Mario RPG: Common Queries

What Sets Super Mario RPG Apart from Other Mario Games?
This title stands out as a fusion of traditional Mario platforming with intricate RPG elements. Developed jointly by Nintendo and Square Enix for the SNES, it diverges from Mario’s typical genre, introducing a more complex plot and turn-based combat system.

Can Modern Gamers Access Super Mario RPG?
Initially released on the SNES, Super Mario RPG later became available on platforms like the Wii, Wii U, and New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console. However, its availability varies by region.

What Is the Core Story of Super Mario RPG?
The game begins with Mario’s routine mission to rescue Princess Peach, but quickly evolves as a new foe, Smithy, disrupts this plan. Mario’s adventure then pivots to gathering star pieces to repair the broken Star Road.

Does Super Mario RPG Require Previous Experience with the Series?
No, the game is designed to be approachable even for those new to the Mario series or the RPG genre. Its engaging narrative and intuitive gameplay make it accessible to a broad range of players.