Welcome, Guest  log in | register

• Overview
• News
• Features
• Links
• Media
• Files
• Guide
• Preview
• Reviews
• Credits
• Forums

I love Super Maio RPG a bit more than I probably should. There's just something so outlandishly quirky about a Mario game inspired by a Square RPG, almost as though it's more of a dream than a game...

Super Mario RPG is, of course, a collaboration between Square's RPG prowess and the finest gaming franchise in history, Nintendo's Mario. A collaboration of the Super Mario RPG caliber is a pretty rare phenomenon in the gaming industry; such a thing that, until Kingdom Hearts, I really haven't noticed. And why not, I ask? Historically, joint efforts seem to have turned out well in the long run. Look no further than Chrono Trigger for a prime example -- a collaboration between various key SquareSoft and Enix developers (most notably Hironobu Sakaguchi and Yuji Horii). I need not say much about Chrono Trigger because you probably already know that it's considered to be one of the finest games in history (you're so smart!).

It's a little-known fact that my first RPG was Super Mario RPG. And that may very well be why I love Super Mario RPG a bit more than I should: sentimental attachment. The way I figure it, if there's anything that can favorably attach me to the few games that I truly enjoy these days in my jaded gaming stage, well, I'm not going to complain. Even if it is just stupid sentimental attachment.

Anyway, you probably want me to talk about gameplay, huh? Well, I suppose I could do that. But don't expect me to pull a full-assed gameplay review because it just isn't going to happen. I suck at analyzing shit.

First of all, don't expect much of a challenge. We Americans (and Canadians alike, I suppose) are used to getting watered-down Square RPGs that couldn't punch a hole through a wet newspaper (see: Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy IV [II US]), but Super Mario RPG brings this premise to a whole new ridiculous level. However, Nintendo's "easy game, extra challenges" formula is put to use here in a few ways, ranging from the easy (Culex the hidden boss) to the insanely difficult (100 consecutive super jumps), which makes the game accessible to a wide range of audiences, which is fine by me.

The battle "system" really has no science to it. Again, staying true to Nintendo's formula of simplicity. Kill enemies, collect coins, buy weapons, kill enemies, etc. Super Mario RPG advocates quite possibly the most simple of battle mechanics possible to the RPG genre. Don't get confused, however. Gameplay is not devoid of all innovation. I'm sure there's something invigorating about Super Mario RPG. I just can't think of it...

In conclusion, I would like to point out a few qualms I have with Super Mario RPG, which are... er... I didn't like how... umm... Who am I kidding?! I fucking love Super Mario RPG!