Summary
- Super Mario RPG is a remake of the original game that has been updated with modern graphics and is receiving positive feedback from players.
- Mario's versatility as a character and his ability to fit into various genres and experiences has contributed to his status as one of the biggest names in gaming.
- The Mario franchise's success and popularity have made it the largest in gaming, surpassing other mascots like Sonic the Hedgehog, and Nintendo has been able to consistently deliver quality games featuring Mario in different genres.
After players clamored for a remake of Super Mario RPG for years, that day has finally arrived. Nintendo has taken that original game, updated it with modern graphics, and delivered another exciting entry in the Mario franchise. While it may not be as acclaimed as the original, players seem to be loving it, and some are even asking for more experiences like it. Because of this familiar adventure, Mario has once again shown why he is one of the biggest names in gaming.
Ever since he was first introduced in Donkey Kong, Nintendo knew that it had something special. The character quickly grew in popularity as he headlined his own franchise and was then brought to almost every genre imaginable. This has created one of the most versatile mascots in gaming, which Super Mario RPG has put on full display yet again.
Mario Has Become One of the Biggest Names in Gaming
Mario is Not Tied Down by His Roots
The character of Mario started his gaming adventures in the platforming genre. After appearing in Donkey Kong, the Super Mario franchise kicked off and whisked players away on exciting adventures through the Mushroom Kingdom. While the story may not have been the most advanced in the world, the gameplay kept players thoroughly engaged for hours. Because of this, the franchise only grew, and Mario quickly cemented himself as the face of Nintendo's brand.
Instead of just relegating Mario to platformers, Nintendo actually took the entire cast to all sorts of different genres. Not only did Mario enter the 3D platforming space with Super Mario 64, but the Mushroom Kingdom also cropped up in a plethora of unique experiences that fans did not expect. Mario Kart brought them to the racing genre, Mario Party threw them into a board game, Super Smash Bros. Let players see who would win in a fight, and the characters even explored almost every type of sport imaginable. Along with that, he also headlined multiple puzzle games, RPGs, and educational experiences.
No Other Video Game Mascot Compares to Mario
Mario has been almost everywhere, which has helped create an incredibly unique brand. Super Mario RPG has once again shown players that the character can work in almost anything, no matter how unlikely the combination is. The sheer amount of variety has helped make the Mario franchise the biggest in gaming and has cemented Nintendo as a household name. While it may have been incredibly risky at the time, it has paid off immensely for the studio.
Mario is really the only mascot that seems to be able to fit into whatever genre Nintendo wants him to play in. The only other mascot that has really come close to that level of success is Sonic the Hedgehog, but even his franchise pales in comparison to the popularity of Mario. All the different Sonic-led adventures have ranged heavily in quality, and many have fallen flat with audiences. Mario seems to have maintained a pretty consistent quality, and even when the games falter, he seems to be popular enough that they still sell extremely well.
It is pretty impressive what Nintendo has been able to pull off with the Mario series. What started as a simple platforming adventure has evolved into a massive franchise that encompasses dozens of genres, a couple of films, and so much merchandise. There just seems to be no stopping him as he has become the face of the entire brand. And if the studio can make something like Super Mario RPG work a second time, then there is no telling what it may be able to do next.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 94%
- Released
- November 17, 2023
- ESRB
- E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- unity
- Franchise
- Super Mario
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 can 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.
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- RPG
