6:50 Don't forget non-native speakers of whatever language game is localized in. I played games in Japanese in PS1 as a kid so ANY non-text icon was helpful, and some of the very first words in English that I learned were Load and Save... so stuff like that helps not only those who are learning to read in general, it helps for people learning foreign language as well, and English is a desired second or third tongue for like 90% of the world.
The platforming section where you jump from the vines actually has a hidden platform you can hit that makes it easier. Though as a kid I did the same thing trying to hit the last vine just right.
I'm glad Booster got his time to shine, definitely the best part with Valentina and Nimbus Land second. The aesthetic style made it hard for me to get into this game but once I got far enough it really clicked for me and now I really dig it. Didn't expect this one so soon, you're really flying through these!
I always put this game in the "number 5 slot" of the best snes rpg's. It's a good little rpg, and it blends the silliness of mario into a well designed rpg. Simple, but great. FF6, chrono trigger, DQ 5, and Seiken Densetsu 3 are all better. Great review! I need to finish this one some day
5th slot syndrome I agree with. This is tied with Mario and Luigi: Super Star Saga as my favorite Mario games. I'm a casual Mario fan at best but I love those games to bits.
Funny that you mention only people acquainted with RPGs knowing what it means, because when my step mom first saw the game in the Nintendo Power she asked me, " what is Super Mario ripig?" I think of this anytime i read RPG anywhere.
I remember as a kid I was confused when learning it stood for "roleplaying game" because I thought every mario is a roleplaying game, you play the role of mario.
So for me, a lot of the appeal of this game lies in how streamlined it is and how many elements demand technical execution. Speedruns require you to land 100 super jumps in a row (since that nets you a hugely overpowered piece of armor), and it's something like a 4-frame window for each jump past the first 10 or so. You strike me as much closer to a story-first guy, so it makes sense this wouldn't hit the same way for you!
Fun Fact! Super Mario RPG is the first Mario game where Stars are the main goal. It established that trope of the franchise. 1. Peach in every level, but its a fake out. 2. Peach in every level, but its a fake out. 3. Magic wands. World. Yoshi Eggs. Land. Daisy in every level, but its a fake out. Land 2. Giant Coins. Land 3. Money and treasure.
I like SMRPG. But I agree that it is overated. I think the pacing is pretty much the best I have ever seen in any RPG. But if you played any other RPG before the battle system will take some time to get used to. I don't like how in the original game doesn't let you confirm your decision with pressing A. Instead you have to use the same button each time. You press X to use an item. Then you press X again to confirm which item you want to use. Then you press X again to confirm your target. I'm so glad that they changed that for the remake. The humor works really well in this game. I love how everyones attack animation changes based on the weapon they are using. Bowsers throwing glove is the perfect example. He just grabs Mario and throws him. That's so random I love it. I also like how when Mario is knocked out or hit with a form changing status effecct Bowser grabs a Mario doll and throws that instead. So why do I think this game is overated when I gosh over so many things? It's the music. Or mostly the main battle theme that drags the game down several grades for me. I don't think the dancemusic they choose works well for an RPG even if the content is very comedic. My favorite moment in the game is when the Axe Em Rangers fight the squad on top of a volcano. That's why I play RPGs. Awesome epic moments that establish high stakes. Now all I need is an epic soudntrack.... oh right. No epic soundtrack here. Just this dumb dance music that I got sick of 10 hours ago. I personally would say this game is good but not great. I love this series you're doing. I think I will comment on most of your videos. Weither you like it or not!
Always love it when you do videos in the 4:3 aspect ratio because they fill the full screen perfectly on my zfold. I always wanted to love this game and I tried playing it a few times, never putting in more than a few hours before quitting it. Just like Mario 64, I never got far because of how the game looks... idk it just didn't work for me appearance wise. Wanted to love it for having turn based battles in Mario game and I love me some Super Mario... but sadly, I completely missed this one and Mario 64. Aside from Mario Kart I only really play the 2D games. Aside from the graphics though, I can see it being ranked great for sure 👍
gotta love how the camera view 7:16 casually flexes the PS5 & Xbox Series X in the back all jokes aside I really love how you go about diving into how the games themselves take a life of their own rather than going over the same beats everyone else does
I really really really miss this game. I wish there were somehow some or even many more RPG games of Mario after this one. I also wish Mallow and Geno appeared in many, many more Mario games meeting and teaming up with him, Peach, and Bowser again. Sorry if anyone criticizes, but the fact Mallow and Geno were left with only major video game appearance, I wish it was no longer true.
I can't tell if ur trolling or not but yes their are more mario rpg's, but non developed by square after this one. I really love the Mario & Luigi games. Paper mario also exists. Rip Mallow and Geno.
@@lspuria8440 Well sorry, I also meant more RPG games as well showing Mallow and Geno meeting and teaming up with Mario and the others. I am never ever giving up thinking the next future will be great. Never ever will I believe Mallow and Geno will never ever return some or even many more times majorly meeting and teaming up with Mario and the others.
@aaronferguson3169 I feel you, man. I absolutely love Genos. I remember playing the first Mario & Luigi and seeing Genos show up in the main minigame made me so happy even tho he wasn't playable or appeared in the game outside it in any meaningful capacity. You take can you can get.
Anecdotally, there was a lot of overlap between this game's audience and final fantasy 7's. Everyone i know that's played this did so because they were already a fan of RPGs.
Yeah, that honestly what probably happened. Mostly just RPG fans who probably jumped ship to PS1 because they wanted to play the next Final Fantasy. But I think what he meant that the newbies probably didn’t move to PS1 and probably dropped the genre altogether
Great video my man! I really enjoyed your comparison between it and Mystic Quest. I never played Mystic Quest but definitely see its influence on Mario RPG. I might need to give it a try if I come across a copy in the wild!
That opening takes me back, man. As a kid, I used to absolutely swear by “timed hits” and overworld action to the point where I doubted I could ever enjoy an RPG without any of that stuff. Might’ve done more to steer me *away* from the rest of the genre than onboard me, though I did eventually come back around and realize the error of my ways. Booster rules, the music slams, though I think I might have to put Superstar Saga slightly above it. Glad these Mario RPGs are around to prove that a simple premise, skillfully executed, can charm its way into the big leagues.
Awesome review. I think this one you 'definitely' had to be there. I have a distinct memory of being at a 3rd or 4th grade music program, singing, thinking to myself, " I cannot wait to get home and play the rented copy of Super Mario RPG" . I've been working on an Ogre Battle like game on and off for years now, and I've voted in the patreon for this next one so I cannot wait for your take, and I can't wait to vote for something new.
Final Fantasy II for the SNES (like Super Mario RPG) was already the perfect game to play to introduce yourself to an rpg. Mystic Quest wasn't needed at all and probably even turned some people off to rpgs. Regardless, Final Fantasy II was awesome...you just had to play it.
I think it's reasonable for a lot more 5-10 year olds to have thought the RPG in Mario RPG stood for Rocket Propelled Grenade rather than "just some letters", and that it was going to be a Mario shooter game.
Oh genius move comparing this to FFMQ, I never would have even considered how their teams both had similar goals. Mystic Quest truly walked so that Legend of the Seven Stars could run.....
You contrast Easy RPG with Forgiving one, and I get it... Some games like Grandia or Breath of Fire, even a few Final Fantasies, actually teach you mechanics and intricacies which you might end up not needing much because the enemy encounters are easy, but you actually learn stuff like skill combos and setups, managing loot and gear, your spells etc., and there's games that just don't care.
Man it's been a while since you reviewed a shit snes RPG that I don't know about. Keep the hot streak going I guess, but I can't wait for the next Obitus, King Arthur, spellcraft, etc.
Isometric platforming always sucks. This is universal and there's no fixing it aside from making an isometric game where your characters are locked to the ground with no jump/flight mechanics whatsoever, or making platforming games that use literally any other perspective system. The Mario & Luigi games and the Paper Mario games with their respective artstyles both handle platforming better. Heck, I'd say the platforming itself in Mystic Quest and StarTropics, which are both locked to the grid, are both better than Mario RPG or various isometric RPGs that decided to toss jumping onto platforms into them.
Hard disagree about this being a beginner RPG, moderate perhaps, but not beginner. You still got a like for insights on game design compared to other RPGs.
The 3d rendered look really doesn't look good in HD, composite or CRT or whatever to hides the flaws in the visuals, but it's blurry that way so kind of a lose-lose in these old rendered Snes games. I like the rendered look but it definitely looks worse compared to standard 2d games. I still enjoy this game despite the minor annoyances, it being so short is more of a positive since the platforming starts to get old by the end. Great review, and great game.
6:50 Don't forget non-native speakers of whatever language game is localized in. I played games in Japanese in PS1 as a kid so ANY non-text icon was helpful, and some of the very first words in English that I learned were Load and Save... so stuff like that helps not only those who are learning to read in general, it helps for people learning foreign language as well, and English is a desired second or third tongue for like 90% of the world.
The platforming section where you jump from the vines actually has a hidden platform you can hit that makes it easier. Though as a kid I did the same thing trying to hit the last vine just right.
I'm glad Booster got his time to shine, definitely the best part with Valentina and Nimbus Land second.
The aesthetic style made it hard for me to get into this game but once I got far enough it really clicked for me and now I really dig it.
Didn't expect this one so soon, you're really flying through these!
I always put this game in the "number 5 slot" of the best snes rpg's. It's a good little rpg, and it blends the silliness of mario into a well designed rpg. Simple, but great. FF6, chrono trigger, DQ 5, and Seiken Densetsu 3 are all better. Great review! I need to finish this one some day
5th slot syndrome I agree with. This is tied with Mario and Luigi: Super Star Saga as my favorite Mario games. I'm a casual Mario fan at best but I love those games to bits.
Funny that you mention only people acquainted with RPGs knowing what it means, because when my step mom first saw the game in the Nintendo Power she asked me, " what is Super Mario ripig?" I think of this anytime i read RPG anywhere.
I remember as a kid I was confused when learning it stood for "roleplaying game" because I thought every mario is a roleplaying game, you play the role of mario.
9:50
Yeah. That's why I stop whenever I get to Nimbus Land whenever I play this game.
Well it may not be top tier in our eyes, but we know there's at least one person out there for whom Super Mario RPG is the only perfect game.
I'd consider it top tier!
So for me, a lot of the appeal of this game lies in how streamlined it is and how many elements demand technical execution. Speedruns require you to land 100 super jumps in a row (since that nets you a hugely overpowered piece of armor), and it's something like a 4-frame window for each jump past the first 10 or so. You strike me as much closer to a story-first guy, so it makes sense this wouldn't hit the same way for you!
Fun Fact! Super Mario RPG is the first Mario game where Stars are the main goal. It established that trope of the franchise.
1. Peach in every level, but its a fake out.
2. Peach in every level, but its a fake out.
3. Magic wands.
World. Yoshi Eggs.
Land. Daisy in every level, but its a fake out.
Land 2. Giant Coins.
Land 3. Money and treasure.
I like SMRPG. But I agree that it is overated.
I think the pacing is pretty much the best I have ever seen in any RPG. But if you played any other RPG before the battle system will take some time to get used to. I don't like how in the original game doesn't let you confirm your decision with pressing A.
Instead you have to use the same button each time. You press X to use an item. Then you press X again to confirm which item you want to use. Then you press X again to confirm your target. I'm so glad that they changed that for the remake.
The humor works really well in this game. I love how everyones attack animation changes based on the weapon they are using. Bowsers throwing glove is the perfect example. He just grabs Mario and throws him. That's so random I love it. I also like how when Mario is knocked out or hit with a form changing status effecct Bowser grabs a Mario doll and throws that instead.
So why do I think this game is overated when I gosh over so many things? It's the music. Or mostly the main battle theme that drags the game down several grades for me. I don't think the dancemusic they choose works well for an RPG even if the content is very comedic.
My favorite moment in the game is when the Axe Em Rangers fight the squad on top of a volcano. That's why I play RPGs. Awesome epic moments that establish high stakes. Now all I need is an epic soudntrack.... oh right. No epic soundtrack here. Just this dumb dance music that I got sick of 10 hours ago.
I personally would say this game is good but not great. I love this series you're doing. I think I will comment on most of your videos. Weither you like it or not!
Always love it when you do videos in the 4:3 aspect ratio because they fill the full screen perfectly on my zfold. I always wanted to love this game and I tried playing it a few times, never putting in more than a few hours before quitting it. Just like Mario 64, I never got far because of how the game looks... idk it just didn't work for me appearance wise. Wanted to love it for having turn based battles in Mario game and I love me some Super Mario... but sadly, I completely missed this one and Mario 64. Aside from Mario Kart I only really play the 2D games. Aside from the graphics though, I can see it being ranked great for sure 👍
4:3 is coming back! I'll bring it back anyway
@@JasonGravesPoser fuck yeah bro!
ONE OF THE BEST GAMES EVER!
I don't know about that dawg
My headcannon is that Booster is Wario on a bender.
If they made this game like 2 years later, Booster would have been Wario 100%
@@JasonGravesPoser Hmm... I don't think we've ever seen Wario in any Mario RPG... missed opportunity.
Right on time! Mallow is my main in this game!
SuperMario RPG is the GOAT. Just a super fun straight forward RPG.
top 3 RPG in the SNES era and very VERY fun to play.
Mystic Quest OST is ridiculously good tho
gotta love how the camera view 7:16 casually flexes the PS5 & Xbox Series X in the back
all jokes aside I really love how you go about diving into how the games themselves take a life of their own rather than going over the same beats everyone else does
I really really really miss this game. I wish there were somehow some or even many more RPG games of Mario after this one. I also wish Mallow and Geno appeared in many, many more Mario games meeting and teaming up with him, Peach, and Bowser again. Sorry if anyone criticizes, but the fact Mallow and Geno were left with only major video game appearance, I wish it was no longer true.
I can't tell if ur trolling or not but yes their are more mario rpg's, but non developed by square after this one. I really love the Mario & Luigi games. Paper mario also exists.
Rip Mallow and Geno.
@@lspuria8440 Well sorry, I also meant more RPG games as well showing Mallow and Geno meeting and teaming up with Mario and the others. I am never ever giving up thinking the next future will be great. Never ever will I believe Mallow and Geno will never ever return some or even many more times majorly meeting and teaming up with Mario and the others.
@aaronferguson3169 I feel you, man. I absolutely love Genos. I remember playing the first Mario & Luigi and seeing Genos show up in the main minigame made me so happy even tho he wasn't playable or appeared in the game outside it in any meaningful capacity. You take can you can get.
@@goldman77700 Well, sure. Good to know you say these positive things, the other facts, and you are with me on my huge wish.
Anecdotally, there was a lot of overlap between this game's audience and final fantasy 7's. Everyone i know that's played this did so because they were already a fan of RPGs.
Yeah, that honestly what probably happened. Mostly just RPG fans who probably jumped ship to PS1 because they wanted to play the next Final Fantasy. But I think what he meant that the newbies probably didn’t move to PS1 and probably dropped the genre altogether
Its shocking how Squaresoft was only making bangers
Great video my man! I really enjoyed your comparison between it and Mystic Quest. I never played Mystic Quest but definitely see its influence on Mario RPG. I might need to give it a try if I come across a copy in the wild!
That opening takes me back, man. As a kid, I used to absolutely swear by “timed hits” and overworld action to the point where I doubted I could ever enjoy an RPG without any of that stuff. Might’ve done more to steer me *away* from the rest of the genre than onboard me, though I did eventually come back around and realize the error of my ways. Booster rules, the music slams, though I think I might have to put Superstar Saga slightly above it. Glad these Mario RPGs are around to prove that a simple premise, skillfully executed, can charm its way into the big leagues.
Awesome review. I think this one you 'definitely' had to be there. I have a distinct memory of being at a 3rd or 4th grade music program, singing, thinking to myself, " I cannot wait to get home and play the rented copy of Super Mario RPG" .
I've been working on an Ogre Battle like game on and off for years now, and I've voted in the patreon for this next one so I cannot wait for your take, and I can't wait to vote for something new.
Final Fantasy II for the SNES (like Super Mario RPG) was already the perfect game to play to introduce yourself to an rpg. Mystic Quest wasn't needed at all and probably even turned some people off to rpgs. Regardless, Final Fantasy II was awesome...you just had to play it.
I don’t know, the leveling system is pretty weird for a newcomer. You have to hit yourself to gain HP.
@@thomasffrench36 That's Final Fantasy II for the Famicom...I meant Final Fantasy II for the SNES (aka Final Fantasy IV).
@@thomasffrench36 not technically true, you increased your HP stat by taking physical damage in general.
I think it's reasonable for a lot more 5-10 year olds to have thought the RPG in Mario RPG stood for Rocket Propelled Grenade rather than "just some letters", and that it was going to be a Mario shooter game.
This was the last hurrah of the SNES.
Oh genius move comparing this to FFMQ, I never would have even considered how their teams both had similar goals. Mystic Quest truly walked so that Legend of the Seven Stars could run.....
You contrast Easy RPG with Forgiving one, and I get it... Some games like Grandia or Breath of Fire, even a few Final Fantasies, actually teach you mechanics and intricacies which you might end up not needing much because the enemy encounters are easy, but you actually learn stuff like skill combos and setups, managing loot and gear, your spells etc., and there's games that just don't care.
G.O.D (Growth or Devolution) is goated btw!
LOL your Mellow sounds like the boy from Rick and Morty.
Man it's been a while since you reviewed a shit snes RPG that I don't know about. Keep the hot streak going I guess, but I can't wait for the next Obitus, King Arthur, spellcraft, etc.
The switch remake didn’t fix the perspective platforming issues. I struggled on those bean stalks just the same
true, but I felt the joystick made it slightly easier to line up
Isometric platforming always sucks. This is universal and there's no fixing it aside from making an isometric game where your characters are locked to the ground with no jump/flight mechanics whatsoever, or making platforming games that use literally any other perspective system. The Mario & Luigi games and the Paper Mario games with their respective artstyles both handle platforming better. Heck, I'd say the platforming itself in Mystic Quest and StarTropics, which are both locked to the grid, are both better than Mario RPG or various isometric RPGs that decided to toss jumping onto platforms into them.
I tried getting into this but immediately f'ed my jumps and gave up
GOATED
Hard disagree about this being a beginner RPG, moderate perhaps, but not beginner. You still got a like for insights on game design compared to other RPGs.
Nice
you have upset many people.
Crap but cool is kinda how I thought about lagoon back then
This game is fine, but it’s no Bowser’s Inside Story.
"i always thought Super Mario RPG was ugly as sin."
finally someone to die on the same hill with me
(Looking forward to the Ogre Battle vid!)
The 3d rendered look really doesn't look good in HD, composite or CRT or whatever to hides the flaws in the visuals, but it's blurry that way so kind of a lose-lose in these old rendered Snes games.
I like the rendered look but it definitely looks worse compared to standard 2d games. I still enjoy this game despite the minor annoyances, it being so short is more of a positive since the platforming starts to get old by the end.
Great review, and great game.
cant express how happy i was to hear the words “geno fans can shove it”
SMRPG kind of sucks. Booster is definitely the best part
All that and you didn’t even mention the music. Worst battle music in an RPG. I still can’t get it out of my head.
THIS has the worst battle music in any rpg!?!?
@@JasonGravesPoser Maybe not every RPG, but certainly it’s on the Mount Rushmore of bad battle music for the SNES.
Great review again Jason - you know you need to review all of the dejap RPGs next such as Star Ocean, Magical Land of Wozz, G.O.D and many many more
Showing off a bad unfinished snes game, warning people to never play it, fully aware people will play it