Developer: Square | Publisher: Nintendo | Released: March 9, 1996 (NA)
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Score: 10/10
In 1996, Nintendo and Square (then SquareSoft) joined forces to create what many believed was a once-in-a-lifetime crossover: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. On paper, it sounded strange. Mario, the king of platformers, teaming up with the masterminds behind Final Fantasy to make an RPG? But what could have been a clunky experiment turned into one of the most beloved and genre-defining games of the 16-bit era. Decades later, Super Mario RPG remains a near-perfect fusion of lighthearted Nintendo charm and deep, engaging RPG mechanics.
Presentation – 10/10
The game is gorgeous for its time. Using isometric, pre-rendered graphics, Super Mario RPG pushed the SNES to its limits. Characters are richly animated and full of personality—Mario’s pantomimed expressions alone add incredible charm. The environments—from Mushroom Kingdom castles to Blade-wielding sky ships—are colorful, creative, and never overstay their welcome.
The soundtrack, composed by Yoko Shimomura (of Kingdom Hearts fame), is an absolute masterpiece. Tracks like “Beware the Forest’s Mushrooms” and “Fight Against an Armed Boss” are timeless. The music blends whimsy and drama seamlessly, capturing both the world of Mario and the epic scale of the RPG format.
Story & Characters – 9/10
The narrative starts with the classic rescue of Princess Toadstool, but quickly veers into unexpected territory with the appearance of Smithy, a sentient weapons manufacturer who crash-lands into the Mushroom Kingdom and splinters the Star Road. This introduces the overarching quest: collect the seven star pieces to restore people’s wishes.
But it’s the cast that steals the show. Mario’s silent charisma is complemented by a unique party of characters: Mallow, a fluffy cloud-boy raised by frogs who can summon lightning; Geno, a mysterious star spirit possessing a wooden doll with finger guns; and even Bowser joins forces with Mario for mutual benefit. Their dialogue is witty, and the localization is sharp—even by today’s standards.
Gameplay – 9/10
Super Mario RPG is a turn-based RPG with action command elements. Timed button presses during attacks and defense make battles engaging, adding a rhythm-game-like dimension that keeps you invested. It’s accessible for newcomers, but has enough strategic depth to satisfy veterans.
Exploration feels smooth thanks to semi-platforming elements—a rarity in RPGs—and puzzle-solving adds variety. Equipment management is light, and leveling is streamlined, letting you focus more on story and fun than stats.
The difficulty curve is generally fair, though some bosses like Culex—a hidden Final Fantasy-style super boss—offer a surprising challenge for completionists.
Legacy & Replay Value – 9/10
This game laid the foundation for Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi series. Though it’s a relatively short RPG (10–15 hours), its replay value comes from secret items, hidden bosses, and pure nostalgia. It’s a timeless adventure that remains accessible for all ages.
Final Thoughts
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is more than a novelty—it’s a triumphant blend of two iconic gaming philosophies. It introduced countless players to the RPG genre and proved Mario could succeed outside his usual stomping grounds. With unforgettable characters, clever writing, and engaging gameplay, it’s one of the crown jewels of the SNES library.
Verdict: An essential classic—both a love letter to Mario and an RPG masterpiece.
Score: 10/10 🎮✨
If you’ve never played it, find a copy, grab a controller, and get ready for a journey across the stars.
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