Introduction:

Super Mario RPG was one of the last games ever made for the Super Nintendo, and what a game to go out on. I first played this game a few months after it came out. My Mom rented it for me and I didn't know what to expect. I had actually never played an RPG, so the gameplay style was so new to me. But within an hour I was just addicted to this game. I didn't want to shut it off, I didn't have supper, I just wanted to play this game.

Story:

The story starts off like Mario Stories always do. Bowser has kidnapped the princess. But what is different is you are instantly placed in Bowser's castle, and within the first few minutes of the game you defeat Bowser. But then something from the sky comes crashing down onto the castle. This flings Mario, the Princess, and Bowser to different parts of the land. Mario so happens to land at his house. But the story then slowly progresses, as you learn the legendary story of the Seven Stars.

Gameplay:

The gameplay is in the classic RPG style. If you have never played an RPG, I will give a quick lesson on it. When you encounter an enemy on your journey, you and the enemy go into a battle mode. In this battle mode the game is turn based. You have HP, which is your hit points; that's just another name for you health. You also have FP, which are your flower points, which is just another name for you magic. When it is your turn to fight you have 4 main options. You can do a basic attack, which uses no magic, or you can do a special attack, which uses magic; but may be more powerful. You can also use an item, which vary from healing you and your team mates, to refilling your FP, to attacking the enemy. There is also Defence, which will allow you to go into a defensive position, or a chance at running away. Well, that is the premise of a battle, and what you will be doing a huge part in the game. You may think this way of battling gets very repetitive very fast, and maybe it does for some, but for the people that this doesn't get repetitive, you will find it one of the most fun and addicting gaming experiences of your life. Throughout the game you will travel to different towns, and meet new people, and buy new weapons/armour, and items. You will collect money, which is called gold from defeating enemies and sometimes just finding it. You will also find companions on your journey. These companions will fight in battle with you. There are also little puzzles and sort of mini games you will have to do throughout the game. There is all so much to do. There is the main story, which is finding the 7 stars; but there are will also be some side stories, such as the one with your first companion Mallow. There is also a certain element of humour in this game, which I love so much about it. It is not your typical RPG, if you love Mario, and RPG's, you will just fall in love with this game. You will battle many enemies, and help many people throughout the game. You will be very addicted and love every minute of it, you won't be able to do anything but finish this game.

I give the gameplay: 10/10!!!

Graphics:

This game has graphics that will always be talked about. The graphics are just incredible. You may think when you first see them "The Super Nintendo could do that! Then why hasn't there been other games like this?" The graphics are 3D, and represent the different Nintendo characters perfectly. All classic Mario friends and enemies looks so cool, as well as the new.  Some may say the graphics look a little "plasticy" but I say there just great.

I give the graphics: 10/10!!!

Sound:

The sound is awesome. You will hear all the great Mario sounds, like in most Mario games. As well as cool new sounds, and remixes. The sound FX are really good as well. All the attacking sounds suit the attack so perfectly.

I give the sound: 10/10

Replayability:

This may be the one place the game gets a lower score. But you can't really blame the game, it is a RPG, and RPGs are known to have low replayability. You still can replay this game. I myself replayed this game a year or so ago, for the second time. I of course didn't have as much fun the first time, but I was surprisingly still very addicted to the game, I couldn't put it down until I finished; I had lots of fun. So the first time you play you will have an amazing time; and you can play it again 5 or 6 years later and still have a great time.

I give the replayability: 5/10

Challenge:

This game is very challenging. I remember the first time I played this and died on the first big boss, I just didn't buy enough mushrooms I guess. I also didn't buy any pick-me-ups. Well, the first time you play this game it should be difficult. You will have to retry some big bosses a couple of times before you get the job done. Even when you replay the game, some big bosses may still pose a threat.

I give the challenge: 8/10

Value:

The value is great for this game. The game is so incredibly fun, even if the game was $50 it would still be worth it, but that's just me talking. I got this game for $18, and that seems like an amazing deal for me. If you get this game for $20 or less, you will find the money well spent, even if you pay more, this game will provide so much fun, you may not even care.

Overall:

Overall Super Mario RPG is one of my favourite games of all time. If I had to think of my top 10 Nintendo games of all time, this game would be on it. If I had to think of my favourite Nintendo playing experiences, this game may very well be number 1. I just had such a great time playing it. The gameplay is incredible, a fun RPG style, with puzzles, little mini games, and a humour you gotta love. The graphics are the best they could be. The sound is good, and the replayability is high for a RPG. The challenge is very good for the first time, and even for a second time. The Value is very good for what this game gives to you. Overall Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is simply one of the best games of all time, I don't know how Nintendo made a game that gave me this much enjoyment, but they did.

I give Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars: 10/10!!!

Conclusion:

Super Mario RPG is a game that will always have a special place in my heart. The first time I played it, it was like a magical experience. I loved every minute of it. I couldn't put it down. When I went to sleep I would dream about it, and as soon as I woke up, before my eyes were even fully open I would have the SNES turned on and the controller in my hand ready to play this amazing game. When I play an action Mario game like Super Mario World for the first time, I have a great time, but I don't get addicted and involved with the game as I do with this great Mario RPG.
When I was finished Super Mario World for the first time, I just felt happy that I beat it, and knew I could play it some more the next day.
When I beat Super Mario RPG for the first time I actually felt sad. That my journey was over, that there was no more to do. I had done what was to be done, and all I had was my memories. I love this game.

Written by: Joey Anderson

Date Written: January 12th, 2005