Summary
Alongside leveling systems, practically every RPG features an in-depth equipment feature that is vital to the game’s progression. And as the genre has evolved, players have been given much more control over how they decide to build their characters. Usually, they have almost limitless control over catering their party to their play style, which creates immense replayability. However,Super Mario RPGseems to walk back much of that, and that feels like a mistake.
Nintendo wanted to recreateSuper Mario RPGas authentically as possible for better or worse. While the core gameplay is thrilling to experience and the story has a lot of heart, some of the mechanics feel dated by today’s standards. Specifically, the game’s equipment system could have been a bit more freeform in the remake. RPG players love to have control over how they approach their adventure, so when a game takes that away, it leaves much to be desired.
Super Mario RPG Lacks the Freedom of Modern RPGs
Super Mario RPG’s Equipment is a Vital Part of the Adventure, But Could Be Better
ThroughoutSuper Mario RPG, players will collect the classic gold coins that Mario fans should recognize immediately. These coins can then bespent on items such as mushrooms, honey syrup, various bombs, cola, and even fireworks. While not every item is extremely useful, many of them are vital to progressing through the game. But that is not the only piece of equipment that players will need to buy.
Along with the items, players should also consider purchasing various pieces of equipment.Super Mario RPG’sequipmentcomes in the form of weapons, armor, and various bonus items that can protect the party from different status effects or give them new attacks. Players do not necessarily have to purchase this stuff, but if they do not, then they will likely not make it very far. They not only give party members a lot more power, but they also give the attacks a more unique flair. However, they are also heavily limited in what they can do.
Why Super Mario RPG’s Equipment Feels a Bit Limited
Instead of giving players the ability to mold the characters to their play style,Super Mario RPGforces players to use certain equipment on certain characters.Mario is the only one that can use hammers, Mallow exclusively uses stick-like items among other things, Bowser is known for drills and spiked items, and only Geno seems to know how to use guns. This exclusivity is not locked to weapons either, as each character also has their own list of usable armor. Even though these limitations may feel in-character, they also seem a bit too strict.
These days, RPGs pride themselves on the freedom that they give players. While some characters tend to have their own pre-determined stat blocks,many titles likeFire Emblemhave let players completely change how these characters work. Additionally, games likeSkyrimhave given players the ability to fully craft their character around whatever they want to play. This not only gives players boundless control, but it also rewards dozens of playthroughs as each can be vastly different from the last.
Super Mario RPGdoes not follow this same model, which makes for a pretty faithful remake, but it also feels rather dated when compared to modern RPGs. It does not necessarily ruin the experience, but it would have been nice if Nintendo did not stick as closely to the original game for something like this. Mario should be able to use whatever item he wants, Mallow should be allowed tofollow Geno’s footsteps, and Bowser should be able to fight his battles with a set of cymbals if players really want him to.
Super Mario RPG
WHERE TO PLAY
Set out on a classic Mario adventure: Enter—or revisit—a world of whimsy with Mario on a quest to repair Star Road and defeat the troublemaking Smithy Gang. Team up with a party of unlikely allies, like the monstrous Bowser and a mysterious doll named Geno, in a story-rich RPG packed with laughs and quirky characters.A strange party unites to save Star Road: Meet the team of oddballs setting out to thwart the troublesome Smithy Gang and protect everyone’s wishes. Even Bowser is lending a claw!Take it easy with Breezy Difficulty Mode: Players new to RPGs or who want a story-focused experience can use the new Breezy difficulty, which makes battles easier and leveling up faster. You can set the difficulty at any time if you change your mind.Adventure, battle, and traverse across a colorful world: Jump towards your next goal and continue the story. Run into monsters to enter turn-based battles with your party of three. Master the new Chain and Triple Moves system to claim victory.A delightfully reimagined world: Enjoy familiar sights with colorfully enhanced graphics and spiffy upgrades.
