Video Game Blog 032: Final Mario Fantasy

I’ve talked before about how much I love quirky, light-hearted RPGs. Well, Super Mario RPG is the reason for that. When this game first came out for the Super Nintendo, my mom got it for the family. It was around that time that I had played through Super Mario World, Final Fantasy II (4), and Final Fantasy Mystic Quest several times. At the time, if I were asked I would say my favorite franchises were Mario and Final Fantasy. Then this game came out, which combined the two in a surprising and cohesive way.

The title screen. (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

This was the beginning. In the years following this game’s original release, Nintendo has put out several more Mario RPGs. The Paper Mario series is excellent, although I have only played the first two so far. I haven’t gotten around to the Mario & Luigi series yet, but I have a few of them. But for how much fun the Paper Mario series is, this game has always stood out in my mind, partly because it was the first, partly because it’s unique and different from the Mario RPGs that have followed.

So, that said, when I heard they were remaking the game with updated graphics and music for the Nintendo Switch, of course I had to get it. Again this was a gift, this time from my wife Cocoashade.

Look at that classic art. (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix)

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars was originally released for the Super Nintendo in 1996 and was a joint production between Nintendo and Square Enix. (At the time, just Square.) The remake was developed by ArtePiazza and released for the Nintendo Switch in 2023.

I won’t go too in depth, but beware of spoilers in what follows.

Bop that turtle. (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

The gameplay is turn-based, utilizing melee attacks and spells/skills. There is a reaction command mechanic where if you hit the button with the correct timing your attack does more damage and sometimes splash damage to other enemies. Also your gauge fills faster for the powerful group moves.

Go Bowser go! (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

The group moves often give you a fancy new cutscene such as the one above where Bowser spins his shell, Peach throws a Super Star at him, and Mario kicks the invincible shell at enemies. It’s awesome.

I love the little dances they do when you level up. (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

In true RPG fashion, winning battles awards gold and experience points and once you reach enough EXP, you level up. You can choose a bonus upgrade to your attack, HP, or magic.

Turtle-mashin’ hammer. (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

Unlike many RPGs of the time, this game also incorporates a platforming element in keeping with its Mario roots. You can avoid enemies, jump onto platforms, shoot yourself out of cannons, and look for hidden treasure chests in the overworld areas.

Fireballs! (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

Everything is definitely Mario-themed in this game. Mario’s attacks include jumping on enemies, shooting fireballs, and kicking shells. Bowser can slash enemies, breathe fire, swing around chain chomps, and in a particularly amusing move, grab Mario and fling him at the opponent.

And the award to best enemy name… (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

Party members include Mario, Princess Peach, Bowser, and two newcomers: Mallow the cloud boy and Geno the magical doll. Poor Luigi was left home again, his older brother not even giving a moment’s thought to inviting him along. (Which was kind of running joke in the first two Paper Mario games.)

Loving the updated graphics. (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

The story is fairly straightforward. An evil army, led by someone named Smithy, interrupts a brawl between Mario and Bowser. They steal Bowser’s castle and destroy the bridge. Mario must travel the world with his companions, gathering the magical stars to rebuild the bridge and face Smithy.

Shiny. (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

To gather the stars, you must travel to various locations around the Mushroom Kingdom. You climb a mountain, dive into the sea, wander through the desert, visit with some Yoshis, and even travel to the cloud world.

Taking on the world. (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

I’m still playing through the game (haven’t even gotten to the Yoshi island yet) but I’m really having a blast with it. This game is very nostalgic for me, and I really love the graphical upgrade it got. It’s the same game with a coat of paint and some detailing.

I do like the characters, although I find myself sticking with Mario, Peach, and Bowser most of the time. I do like the original characters, but I prefer the familiar. Bowser’s a badass and Peach is our healer. (No offense, Mallow.) I always thought it was an odd choice to make Bowser a playable character and leave out Luigi, but it works. (I guess they were afraid Luigi would have too similar a moveset to Mario?)

Look at those bad bros. (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

The music is memorable and catchy. (I’m listening to the soundtrack as I write this.) There are many nods to previous games in the series in the music, the monsters, and the dialogue. The game is cheerful, colorful, and challenging in places.

Ride the star! (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

Although it’s pretty straightforward, there are minigames and side quests. There are lots of hidden things… for instance there’s a secret casino and a secret boss. I won’t spoil it here, but I’ll just say the boss is very challenging and not entirely clear on how to access it. I did manage to beat the boss when I first played years ago, but I remember it took a lot of training and attempts before I could beat it. I remember on my second play though I found the secret casino and I thought I was so clever. I don’t remember where it was, so I’m going to have to look for it again.

I feel like there’s still more to discover in the game, too. There is an item called the Mystery Egg, which I had no idea what it did until this playthrough.

I’m actually pretty good at this. (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

I’ll leave you with a little montage of amusing moments from the first half of the game.

(Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

There are so many more I could have used. It’s a funny, cute, and unique game.

Super Mario RPG is a fun, immersive, and light-hearted fusion of platforming and role-playing, of Mario and Final Fantasy. It’s a combination you wouldn’t think would work but it absolutely does. It’s a game that has its own feel… it knows exactly what it is and it revels in that. It’s a feel-good game that brings me back to my younger years and I’m having a lot of fun revisiting it.

I ship it. (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)

Thank you for joining me on this walk down memory lane with Mario and friends. This is the start of several video game posts I’ll be releasing over the course of a week. I’ll be back soon with something else!

It’s okay. They’re just sleeping. (Credit: Nintendo, Square Enix, ArtePiazza)