Summary

Release Year: 1996
Genres: Adventure, Platform, Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Wii, Wii U
Developers: Square, Square Enix
Publishers: Hyundai, Nintendo, Playtronic

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is a role-playing video game developed by Square (now Square Enix) and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was released in Japan in 1996 and in North America and Europe in 1997. The game is a spin-off of the Super Mario series and the first Mario role-playing game.

The game’s story follows Mario, Princess Toadstool, and a new ally named Geno as they set out to collect the seven Star Pieces and restore the Star Road, a pathway that grants people’s wishes. The Star Road was destroyed by Smithy, an evil blacksmith from another world who has hijacked Bowser’s castle and thrown the Mushroom Kingdom into disarray.

Along the way, Mario and his friends are joined by a variety of unlikely allies, including the strongman Mallow, the sorceress Bow, and the star guardian Starlow. Together, they must travel through the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond, fighting Smithy’s minions and collecting the Star Pieces.

Gameplay

Super Mario RPG is a turn-based role-playing game. The player controls Mario and his party of three other characters as they explore the game world, fight enemies, and solve puzzles. The game’s battle system is unique in that it combines elements of both traditional turn-based RPGs and action games.

In battle, the player can choose to attack, use items, or perform special moves. Each character has their own unique set of abilities, and the player must use them strategically to defeat their enemies. The game also features a variety of puzzles that must be solved in order to progress.

Reception

Super Mario RPG was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and beautiful graphics. The game has been ranked among the best Super Mario games and one of the best role-playing games of all time.

Legacy

Super Mario RPG has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It is credited with helping to popularize the role-playing genre on consoles and with inspiring other Mario spin-off games, such as Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi. The game’s unique gameplay and charming characters have also made it a fan favorite.

Characters

Mario: The protagonist of the game, Mario is a plumber who must save the Mushroom Kingdom from Smithy.
Princess Toadstool: The princess of the Mushroom Kingdom, Toadstool is kidnapped by Smithy and must be rescued by Mario.
Geno: A mysterious doll who joins Mario on his quest. Geno is a powerful fighter and magic-user.
Mallow: A young frog who joins Mario on his quest. Mallow is a strong fighter and can use water magic.
Bow: A mushroom princess who joins Mario on his quest. Bow is a skilled archer and can use healing magic.
Starlow: A star guardian who joins Mario on his quest. Starlow can use a variety of star-based attacks and can heal Mario and his party members.

Enemies

Smithy: The main antagonist of the game, Smithy is an evil blacksmith from another world. Smithy has hijacked Bowser’s castle and is using it to create an army of robots to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom.
Booster: Smithy’s right-hand man, Booster is a cyborg who is incredibly fast and agile.
Yaridovich: A giant, fire-breathing dragon who is one of Smithy’s most powerful minions.
Culex: A powerful sorcerer who is one of Smithy’s most loyal followers.

Items

Star Pieces: The seven Star Pieces are the key to restoring the Star Road. Mario and his friends must collect all seven Star Pieces in order to defeat Smithy.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms are the most common item in the game. They can be used to restore Mario’s health.
Fire Flowers: Fire Flowers give Mario the ability to shoot fireballs.
Super Stars: Super Stars make Mario invincible for a short period of time.
Geno Whirl: Geno’s signature weapon, the Geno Whirl is a powerful boomerang that can hit multiple enemies.

Locations

Mushroom Kingdom: The Mushroom Kingdom is the setting for most of the game. It is a peaceful land inhabited by a variety of colorful characters.
Star Road: The Star Road is a pathway that grants people’s wishes. It was destroyed by Smithy, and Mario and his friends must collect the seven Star Pieces to restore it.
Smithy’s Factory: Smithy’s Factory is a massive factory where Smithy creates his robots. Mario and his friends must infiltrate the factory and defeat Smithy in order to save the Mushroom Kingdom.

Development

Super Mario RPG was developed by a team led by Hironobu Sakaguchi, who is best known for creating the Final Fantasy series. The game was originally conceived as a traditional role-playing game, but Sakaguchi and his team decided to incorporate elements of action games in order to make the game more appealing to a wider audience.

The game’s development was a challenge, as the team had to create a game that was both faithful to the Super Mario series and innovative enough to stand on its own. The team also had to work closely with Nintendo to ensure that the game met the company’s high standards.

Despite the challenges, the development of Super Mario RPG was a success. The game was released to critical and commercial acclaim, and it is now considered one of the best role-playing games of all time.

Legacy

Super Mario RPG is a classic role-playing game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a must-play for any fan of the Super Mario series or role-playing games in general.