Summary
- Super Mario RPG is beloved for its detailed world and immersive combat, rather than its simplistic story.
- The game allows players to explore and interact with the world of the Mario franchise, providing a unique experience.
- The charm and whimsy of the game's visuals, along with unexpected moments and CGI cutscenes, enhance the overall adventure.
For the last 27 years, one unlikely RPG has stolen the hearts of players everywhere and has managed to remain memorable despite a small lack of re-releases and attention from Nintendo. Super Mario RPG has stayed in the minds of its players for so long because of the detailed world full of Easter eggs and secrets, as well as its immersive combat and adventurous story found within it. With the Switch remake once again giving the SNES title its due after so long, it's not hard to see why fans love Super Mario RPG the way that they do.
There are many reasons why SMRPG has been so beloved, but for those hoping to pick the game up this holiday season, there is one thing that the game isn't as fondly remembered for as some might think. While players might typically think that a classic RPG would be remembered for its story, this isn't the case here. With a rather simplistic tale behind it, Super Mario RPG emphasizes its world more than it does the reason for the adventure.
Super Mario RPG's Mallow Gets the Short End of the Stick
Between Mallow and Geno, there's no contest on who's the most popular, but Super Mario RPG's little Frog Sage apprentice deserves much more.
Super Mario RPG is About the Journey, Not the Destination
The story of Super Mario RPG is fairly simple for the genre, and some characters' parts of the story are cut shorter than fans may be used to in more long-winded games such as Kingdom Hearts or Final Fantasy. The Smithy Gang appears and breaks the Star Road as they take over Bowser's keep, and it's up to Mario, Peach, Bowser, Mallow, and Geno to get rid of the weapon-based monsters from another world and restore peace. There are no real twists in this story, but that leaves plenty of room for players to take their time exploring and solving side quests in Super Mario RPG.
The Biggest Draw for Super Mario RPG is the World Itself
To many Mario fans, being able to explore and interact with the world of the franchise isn't entirely revolutionary. With numerous other role-playing games such as the Paper Mario and the Mario & Luigi series available, there are tons of titles where players get to explore the world of the Mario Brothers, but only one title started the trend, and that was Super Mario RPG itself. Back in 1996, SMRPG was the first time when players could set foot and carve their own path in what lies beyond the Mushroom Kingdom, which led to unique characterizations of Mario, Bowser, and even Princess Peach.
It seems that the opportunity to have fun running around the world was a staple point of Super Mario RPG as that's where most of the content of the game lies, and that isn't at all a bad thing. As the Mushroom Kingdom is already a rather bizarre location, it meant that SMRPG could have fun showcasing things only the world of Nintendo's mascot can. This includes having a society of the smiling clouds from the platforming games, allowing players to visit Yoshi's island, and many other fun locations to explore.
With numerous other role-playing games such as the Paper Mario and the Mario & Luigi series available, there are tons of titles where players get to explore the world of the Mario Brothers, but only one title started the trend, and that was Super Mario RPG itself.
From start to finish, Super Mario RPG understands that players don't just want to go on an adventure with Mario and his friends, they want to see his world and what it has to offer. As a result, it adapts the charm and whimsy of the world in colorful and cartoonish visuals that also help set the fantasy feeling that most RPGs are known for.
While there may not be too many surprises in the story at large, there are plenty of unexpected moments that heighten the adventure and will surprise players that can be found by exploring. Super Mario RPG's CGI cutscenes only elevate that fact by allowing important moments to play out like never before in front of old and new players alike, heightening the experience all around.
Super Mario RPG
- Released
- November 17, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
Set out on a classic Mario adventure: Enter—or revisit—a world of whimsy with Mario on a quest to repair Star Road and defeat the troublemaking Smithy Gang. Team up with a party of unlikely allies, like the monstrous Bowser and a mysterious doll named Geno, in a story-rich RPG packed with laughs and quirky characters.
A strange party unites to save Star Road: Meet the team of oddballs setting out to thwart the troublesome Smithy Gang and protect everyone’s wishes. Even Bowser is lending a claw!
Take it easy with Breezy Difficulty Mode: Players new to RPGs or who want a story-focused experience can use the new Breezy difficulty, which makes battles easier and leveling up faster. You can set the difficulty at any time if you change your mind.
Adventure, battle, and traverse across a colorful world: Jump towards your next goal and continue the story. Run into monsters to enter turn-based battles with your party of three. Master the new Chain and Triple Moves system to claim victory.
A delightfully reimagined world: Enjoy familiar sights with colorfully enhanced graphics and spiffy upgrades.
- ESRB
- E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Franchise
- Super Mario
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 11 Hours
