There’s a memorable scene early in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars that truly sets the tone for the wacky and unpredictable adventure that awaits players. In this scene, Mario teams up with his new friend Mallow—a “frog” who looks like a cotton candy cloud wearing pants—to hunt down a thief. Their trusty servant Toad reports a sighting of the thief, but when questioned about why he didn’t stop the thief himself, Toad jokingly responds, “Because I forgot my bazooka at home! Sheesh.” This seemingly throwaway line encapsulates the playful and sometimes absolutely unhinged nature of Super Mario RPG, a game that has garnered a devoted fanbase and is finally being brought to the modern audience with its release on the Nintendo Switch nearly 30 years after its debut.
The game has managed to retain its wonderful charm and shocking comedic elements, serving as a testament to its enduring appeal in the era of Nintendo’s mainstream achievements. Originally released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1996, Super Mario RPG broke the traditional mold of the franchise, introducing an isometric 3D art style and turn-based encounters. Players teamed up with familiar characters such as Peach and Bowser, as well as two original characters, to take on a threat larger than the typical kidnapped princess storyline. The collaboration between Nintendo and Square (known as Square Enix today) was unconventional at the time and has left a lasting impact, even inspiring the beloved Paper Mario series.
The Switch version of Super Mario RPG stays true to the original game while also incorporating a few quality-of-life updates to enhance the overall experience. Some of these updates include a new easier mode, team attacks, updated visuals, and a modern soundtrack. However, players who prefer the classic music can still toggle on the old soundtrack. The game’s story unfolds as Mario embarks on a mission to rescue Peach from Bowser’s clutches, only to have a giant, talking sword disrupt the peace and launch them into a quest to find seven stars to defeat the villain Smithy and his pointy lackeys.
What sets Super Mario RPG apart from other Mario games is its whimsical and surreal nature. It’s filled with goofy side quests, such as collecting beetles, overfeeding Yoshis, and hunting for ghost flags, as well as peculiar minigames that add depth to the gameplay. One standout sequence in the game involves Mario chasing Peach—who’s strapped to the back of the peculiar character Booster—uphill, dodging barrels and minions as she’s taken to a chapel against her will. The player must navigate through a series of unconventional challenges to save Peach, which is a departure from the typical Mario game of its era.
When it comes to the Mario franchise, Nintendo is meticulous in preserving the character’s iconic image and personality. Mario’s likability is a significant part of his appeal, and the company has carefully managed his brand, whether in games or other media. The Super Mario RPG game, with its lighthearted and sometimes absurd moments, showcases a side of Mario that feels like a delightful and bizarre dream, almost like an unlicensed homebrew experience. Even in moments of hotel squatter antics, Mario’s integrity and upstanding character remain intact, as the game teaches players the value of an honest day’s work through unexpected scenarios.
In summary, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mario franchise. With its whimsical and surreal storytelling, innovative gameplay, and enduring charm, the game has left a lasting impact. As it finally comes to the Nintendo Switch, both longtime fans and a new generation of players have the chance to experience this beloved classic and its unorthodox take on the Mushroom Kingdom.