| Introduction:
The best way to sum up this game is basically take Square's type of
gameplay and combat system (turn based), add Nintendo's cast of Super
Mario Bros. characters, and build one of the wildest storylines you will
ever likely encounter in a role-playing game and mold them into one
game. Then you will have Super Mario RPG. Super Mario RPG is one of the
rare times that Nintendo has collaborated with an outside development
company, and what better company to do this with than Square. "Angry
goombas are on the march. Stars rain from the sky. Wishes are no longer
granted. And Mario can't find Princess Toadstool anywhere. This time
around, it won't be enough to know how to stomp Koopas and hurl
fireballs. You're going to have to learn some strategy."
(Taken from the back of the Nintendo Power strategy guide for Super
Mario RPG)
Graphics [10/10]:
All the graphics in Super Mario RPG are rendered in true 3-D and look
absolutely beautiful. You will be amazed how good the Super Mario crew
look in this game. Not to mention the beautiful backgrounds. In my
opinion the graphics in this game are the best ever seen on the SNES.
Even better in some parts of the game than the Donkey Country series of
games. Very vibrant colors, smooth animations, and great detail in just
about every area make this game a real pleasure to play. You may find
yourself just staring at the graphics in this game. A ten just isn't
enough!
Music and Sound [9/10]:
The music in the game is a cross between Super Mario Bros. music and
your standard RPG musical soundtrack. It's actually very well done and
always seems to fit the area of the game very well. Diehard RPG fans may
not find this to be of the standard of most standard RPGs but I thought
it was a nice change from the same old same old soundtracks found in
many of today's RPGs. Very cool!
Gameplay [8.5/10]:
The only complaint I have with this game is the 3/4 type display. At
times running and jumping can be a little on the tricky side but still
very playable. And for those of you who are so used to the standard
overhead view of many RPGs of this era it will take you a little getting
used to. I would have also preferred the combat system in this game to
be action but you can't have everything. It is your basic turn-based
system so often used in Square's RPGs like Final Fantasy II and III. I
will admit that it is very easy to use and seems to work well in the
game.
Challenge & Replay [7/10]:
The challenge in the game is fairly easy. Anyone who plays RPGs on a
consistent basis should find this game to be fairly easy. It would be
good for people who are new to RPGs or younger kids who would like to
get their feet wet in the RPG realm but for diehard RPGers this game is
just too easy. As for replay value, as with any Super Mario game this
game packs a lot of surprises and is definately worth a second play. I
would have liked the game to be a little bit more challenging but it's
still a LOT of fun to play.
Conclusion/Overall [9/10]:
Overall this is a very fun game that offers a refreshing new approach
and style to RPG games and at the same time uses the great characters
from the Super Mario series of games. Some really fun puzzles to solve,
very cool bosses, and a crazy storyline make for a very unforgettable
game. If you like RPGs or are a fan of the Super Mario series than you
should pick this game up. But for experienced RPG players expecting a
challenge you might want to look somewhere else. But I still think
everyone should play this game because of its amusing characteristics
and fun storyline. Just don't take the game too seriously!
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