Nintendo Needs to Take More Inspiration From This 30-Year-Old Classic

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For forty years, the Super Mario Bros. series has been incredibly important to the world of video games, appearing on many different consoles with various versions of the beloved character. Usually, Mario games are known for being simple, fun, and easy to pick up and play. But thirty years ago today, a surprising spin-off game showed that Mario could offer something beyond just simple fun.

Originally released for the Super Nintendo in North America on May 13, 1996, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars uniquely blended the role-playing elements of Square’s games with the beloved Mario franchise. It’s a charming adventure that influenced many games since. Even now, with the recent remake still popular, it’s remarkable how much the game changed the traditional Mario style, and how those changes could continue to inspire future installments.

Super Mario RPG Proved Mario Can Be A Narrative-Driven Experience

The original Super Mario RPG was incredibly important because it showed how Mario games could tell compelling stories, a quality that continues to define some of the best Mario titles today and should remain a priority for future development. The game built upon the classic fantasy adventure and expansive world exploration that the developers were known for, but it brought a new level of storytelling to the Mario franchise at the time.

Before Super Mario RPG, stories in Super Mario games were either very simple or told only through the action of the side-scrolling gameplay. Super Mario RPG was the first game to really develop Mario and his friends into characters with unique personalities, a trend that continued in later games. This game’s engaging, story-driven adventure paved the way for other RPGs like Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi, and also led to more focused and well-defined narratives in games like Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Odyssey.

Adding emotional weight and a compelling story to Mario’s adventures greatly enhanced the game, making it more engaging for both the characters and the player. While classic Mario games are known for their lighthearted fun, giving the characters a deeper storyline created a stronger connection with players. Introducing new enemies and allies also made the game feel fresh and unique. Though Super Mario Bros. games have always been enjoyable, Super Mario RPG demonstrated the series’ potential for more memorable, impactful stories. This focus on narrative has been further developed in later games, and is a creative direction that future installments should continue to explore.

Super Mario RPG Played With The Conventions Of The Franchise In Key Ways

Super Mario RPG wasn’t just a new way to play a Mario game; it also told a different kind of story. Released ten years after the original Super Mario Bros. became a classic, the game initially seemed like the usual plot of Mario rescuing Peach from Bowser. However, it quickly introduced the Smithy Gang as the real threat, forcing Mario to join forces with a variety of new characters. The game also gave Peach a more active role and even made her a playable character. Importantly, Super Mario RPG redefined Bowser, giving him a humorous personality that still influences how he’s portrayed today, alongside his more intimidating side.

I loved how Super Mario RPG totally surprised me by teaming Mario up with Bowser! It was such a fun twist and really kept me on my toes, showing how easily enemies could become allies. I really hope future Mario games take that same kind of creative risk – after so many games with Bowser as the bad guy, it would be amazing to see him, or other villains, play a different role. Plus, the game introduced a bunch of new characters who really added to the story and kept things fresh.

The popularity of lesser-known characters like Genos among Nintendo fans demonstrates how effectively new faces can be integrated into the existing cast of Mario characters. There’s potential to create even more interesting characters that build on established relationships without drastically changing them. Super Mario RPG pioneered character-focused stories and memorable supporting characters, influencing games like Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi. However, no game has quite matched it in creating truly unforgettable characters or surprising players with its storytelling. Future Mario games should look to that game for inspiration as they continue to develop the series’ characters and world.

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2026-05-13 19:23