[Game Review] Super Mario RPG - Legend of the Seven Stars (SNES)

For my first review, I'd like to start with an old game that was very ahead of its time. This game is one of my favorite games from my early childhood, and still remains one today. It's just unfortunate the game never got the true sequel it deserved.

Storyline

The game starts you off as Mario is put into a situation where the princess has been kidnapped by Bowser. Once again, you will have to go Bowser's castle and save the princess. Although Bowser's plot is short lived, you now have to worry about Smithy and his giant sword that has taken over Bowser's castle, as they begin to wreak havoc in the Mushroom Kingdom. Personally, I think this game has one of the most unique storylines among any in the Mario series, whilst retaining the charming light-hearted characteristics you would expect in any Mario game.

Score: Almost Perfect 9/10

Gameplay

We all know that when it comes to Mario games, great gameplay is key. Fortunately, Super Mario RPG doesn't fall in this area. The best way to describe the way the game plays to anyone who hasn't played, is that it combines Mario-like platforming elements with a traditional turn-based combat system. With the exception of finicky controls in platforming sections of the game - which are very apparent in later areas of the game like Bean Valley and Barrel Volcano - the gameplay overall is excellent.

Score: Almost Perfect 9/10

Sound & Graphics

There really isn't much to say here, but I'll do my best anyway. I think given the fact that this game was released in 1996 on the SNES, it's not fair to have high expectations in this department, nor is it fair to compare this game to more modernized games. With that said though, the majority of the music in the game is very enjoyable and the graphics were pretty good for its time. Perhaps the most impressive thing this game has to offer in the graphics department is its revolutionary isometric "3D" point of view. Technically, you could argue this game was really the first 3D Mario platformer(and there aren't even any camera problems to worry about! :]).

Score: Above Average 8/10

Final Thoughts

Like I said, this game was very ahead of its time. It was the first Mario game to offer some sort of three dimensional platforming, and it was also the first Mario game to have an original storyline that didn't suck - and possibly the last. This game is just packed with secrets, cameos, mini-games and lots of fun, and if you haven't played it yet then do so. It's even available on the Wii virtual console. So go. Do yourself a favor!

My overall score is: 9.2/10.0