Summary
Years after the SNES classicSuper Mario RPGunfortunately fell into obscurity in the long history ofMariogames, theFinal Fantasy-esque adventure has been given new life on the Nintendo Switch after 27 long years. While quite a lot has changed since the title’s first release, the critics have ratedSuper Mario RPGone of the best titles of 2023, and fans have been adoring getting to go on an adventure with Mallow and Geno one more time.
One aspect ofSMRPGmight not have aged well when it comes to more recentMarioconventions, though, and that ends up being the plumber himself.Super Mario RPGwas developed at an interesting turning point for the franchise in 1996,releasing just asSuper Mario 64didand helping settle just how Mario and friends were meant to act on their adventures and other media. This means thatSMRPGpresents a completely different idea of these characters than the series ended up going with at large, and that may surprise a few players.
Mario in Super Mario RPG Isn’t the Gentle Silent Protagonist Fans Know
How Super Mario 64 Changed What Fans Expect of Mario
In 1996, Mario fans were given quite a treat as bothSuper Mario RPGandSuper Mario 64were released in the same year. While both games are fundamentally different, with one being the usual Mario platformer and the other being a turn-based role-playing game,Super Mario 64ended up helping solidify Mario as a rather nice silent protagonist who would happilygo visit Princess Peachfor some cake and then defeat Bowser as he took over her castle before he arrived without a second thought or question.
This version of Mario would go on to be the way the plumber would be seen in many other games,includingPaper Mariowhere he responds with jumps, nods, and simple phrases like “oh yes” and is typically a calm and gentle figure. Other games such asSuper Mario OdysseyandSuper Mario Bros. Wonderalso typically portray Mario in the same way. TheMario and Luigigames also echo this version of Mario to a degree, with a bit of a brash streak added in to balance Luigi’s shy, cowardly nature. As a result, it’s understandable if this is how fans typically perceive the character.
Why Super Mario RPG’s Mario Might Surprise Long-Time Fans
WhenSuper Mario RPGbegins, things don’t feel different right away. The story starts with Bowser stealing Peach and Mario rescuing her, but everything changes when Exor drops in and takes over Bowser’s castle, starting the story of theclassic SNES RPG. Once Mario comes to and tells the Mushroom Kingdom what happened to Peach, he tells the story in an exaggerated detail that doesn’t look too out of place from theMario and Luigiseries, but then fans get to watch how he deals with the threat at large like someone used to picking fights.
The Mario found inSuper Mario RPGjumps into danger the second he finds it, having to be held back by Mallow on two separate occasions. One of which was against the child owner of the doll that thestar warrior Genopossessed, all because she pointed out that Mario needed help on this adventure. As multiple animations play up just how much Mario wishes to battle almost everything he finds on his journey, there’s a very strong contrast to the usual gentle Mario that’s not seen too often with silent protagonists. WhileSMRPGpresenting a new take on Mario is perfectly fine, after 27 years of fans seeing the plumber be a bit kinder and calmer, the new perspective on the character may certainly turn a few heads if players go into the game without knowing that the way some characters are written is outdated.
Super Mario RPG
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 may 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.
