Was Super Mario RPG Successful? A Deep Dive into a SNES Classic
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Unequivocally, yes. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars was a resounding success, both critically and commercially. It redefined expectations for console RPGs, blended the charm of the Mario universe with the depth of role-playing mechanics, and left an enduring legacy that continues to influence game design today. Its success can be measured by initial sales figures, critical acclaim, and its lasting impact on subsequent Mario games and the RPG genre as a whole. It was an unexpected but warmly welcomed addition to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) lineup.
Measuring Success: Sales and Critical Reception
Initial Impact on the SNES
Super Mario RPG’s success is immediately apparent when looking at its sales numbers. Despite being released relatively late in the SNES’s life cycle, it became the sixth best-selling video game of 1996 in the United States. The game sold 1.47 million copies in Japan alone, demonstrating its strong appeal to the crucial Japanese market. This level of sales for a late-generation console title is a testament to the power of the Mario brand and the innovative gameplay that Super Mario RPG introduced.
Critical Acclaim and Enduring Appeal
Beyond sales, Super Mario RPG garnered significant critical acclaim. Critics lauded its graphics, humor, and innovative battle system. While some critiqued the characters or aspects of the battle system, the overwhelming consensus was positive. Its unique blend of action-oriented timed hits within a turn-based combat system was groundbreaking. The game’s whimsical story and memorable characters, like Mallow and Geno, made it a truly unique experience.
Legacy and Influence
The success of Super Mario RPG is evident in its lasting legacy. It paved the way for future Mario RPG titles, most notably the Paper Mario series and the Mario & Luigi series. These franchises built upon the foundation that Super Mario RPG established, further exploring the potential of blending RPG mechanics with the established Mario universe. The recent remake for the Nintendo Switch is further proof of its enduring appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Super Mario RPG
1. Why is Super Mario RPG considered so good?
Super Mario RPG is praised for its unique blend of the Mario universe with classic RPG elements. Its charming story, memorable characters, innovative battle system with timed hits, and humorous writing made it a standout title on the SNES. The collaboration between Nintendo and Square (now Square Enix) resulted in a game that combined the best aspects of both companies’ design philosophies. The updated graphics and cinematics of the remake only add to this appeal.
2. Is Super Mario RPG difficult to play?
While Super Mario RPG isn’t known for being brutally difficult compared to other RPGs, it does present a reasonable challenge. The gameplay is accessible for newcomers to the genre, but it also offers enough depth to keep experienced players engaged. Mastering the timed hits in battle is crucial for success. There are a few challenging bosses, such as Yaridovich, but overcoming them is manageable with proper strategy and leveling.
3. Is the Super Mario RPG remake faithful to the original?
Based on previews and gameplay footage, the Super Mario RPG remake appears to be highly faithful to the original SNES game. While it features updated graphics, enhanced cinematics, and some quality-of-life improvements, the core gameplay, story, and characters remain largely unchanged. This allows both veteran fans and newcomers to experience the classic game in a fresh and modern way.
4. Will there be a sequel to Super Mario RPG?
While there hasn’t been a direct sequel to Super Mario RPG, its success led to the development of the Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi series. These franchises are considered spiritual successors, building upon the foundation laid by Super Mario RPG. The cancellation of a true sequel was due to Square’s changing relationship with Nintendo, but they are still creating innovative new games.
5. Is Super Mario RPG canon in the Mario universe?
The canon of the Super Mario franchise is a complex and often debated topic. Nintendo generally doesn’t enforce a strict canon, meaning that each game can be interpreted as a self-contained story or part of a larger, loosely connected universe. Whether Super Mario RPG is considered canon is ultimately up to the individual player.
6. Why did AlphaDream, the developer of the Mario & Luigi series, go bankrupt?
AlphaDream, the developer behind the popular Mario & Luigi RPG series, filed for bankruptcy in 2019 due to mounting debt and declining sales. While the Mario & Luigi games were generally well-received, they faced increasing competition from other RPGs and the rising development costs. This unfortunate event has left the future of the Mario & Luigi series uncertain.
7. How long does it take to beat Super Mario RPG?
The average playthrough of Super Mario RPG, focusing on the main story, takes around 17 to 18 hours. Completionists aiming for 100% completion can expect to spend around 25 to 26 hours exploring all the game’s secrets and side quests.
8. How does Super Mario RPG’s battle system work?
Super Mario RPG’s battle system blends traditional turn-based combat with action-oriented timed hits. Players select actions for each character, and by pressing the A button at the correct moment, they can increase the damage dealt or reduce the damage received. This timing-based mechanic adds an element of skill and engagement to the combat, making it more interactive than traditional turn-based systems.
9. What is the story of Super Mario RPG about?
Super Mario RPG tells the story of Mario and his allies as they attempt to recover the seven star pieces from the Smithy Gang after they destroy the Star Road. This adventure leads him to team up with unexpected allies, including Mallow, Geno, Bowser, and Princess Peach, and ultimately save the world from the evil Smithy. The story is filled with humor, memorable characters, and surprising twists, and is a colorful adventure for all.
10. How much does the Super Mario RPG remake cost?
The Super Mario RPG remake is priced at $59.99. The price might vary depending on the region. This is a standard price point for a new Nintendo Switch game, reflecting the significant amount of work that went into updating the graphics, adding new features, and ensuring a high-quality experience.
11. What is the hardest Mario game ever made?
Figuring out the hardest Mario game is tricky, and many will say Super Mario Sunshine is the hardest 3D game. Super Mario Sunshine has a ton of debate over whether or not that means Super Mario Sunshine is more difficult than the hardest 2D Super Mario games.
12. How successful was Super Mario Run?
Super Mario Run underperformed financially in relation to the expectations given the power of the Super Mario Bros. franchise. While the game reached the sixty million dollar mark in gross revenue, it was deemed a disappointment due to its controversial pricing model and the prevalence of piracy on mobile platforms.
13. Is Luigi in Super Mario RPG?
While Luigi makes a cameo appearance in the instruction booklet for Super Mario RPG, he has a very minor role in the actual game. The lack of Luigi in the game spurred Nintendo to increase his characterization and roles in future games, eventually even dedicating a year to him (“The Year of Luigi”).
14. What is the highest grossing Mario game?
The highest grossing Mario game to date is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017, Switch) with $45.3 million in worldwide revenue. The Mario Kart titles have collectively earned over $166.4 million worldwide.
15. Is Super Mario RPG worth playing today?
Absolutely! Super Mario RPG remains a timeless classic that is still highly enjoyable today. Its charming story, engaging gameplay, and unique art style have aged remarkably well. Whether you’re a long-time fan revisiting a beloved game or a newcomer curious to experience a piece of gaming history, Super Mario RPG is definitely worth playing. You can also learn more about games-based learning at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.