Some games have a certain magic to them that transcends time. These titles are the result of imagination and immense talent coming together to make something extraordinary.Super Mario RPGis one of those games. Developed bySquare Enixand published byNintendo, this game was impressive when it launched for the Super Nintendo, and it’s still one of the best adventuresMariohas to offer.
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Super Mario RPG showcases the wonders that can be done with a good story, unique art style, solid gameplay, and lovable characters. This cast is one of the strongest in the series and produced some of the most creative villains and unforgettable heroes in Mario’s history.
Mario RPGs usually have a silly recurring minor villain like Jr. Troopa fromPaper Marioor Popple from Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga. But none are as iconic as Croco. Mario has facedmany bizarre enemiesover the years, and a top hat-wearing crocodile bandit is just as delightfully strange.
This dapper thief shows up periodically to pick your pockets, requiring you to fight him to get your stuff back. Thankfully, he’s not all bad. Toward the end of the game, he sets up shop in Bowser’s Castle to sell you items. Even though it’s safe to assume his goods were acquired through less-than-legitimate means, it’s a helpful bit of redemption for the crocodile after all the trouble he caused.
9Boshi Is The Coolest Yoshi
TheYoshicharacters have mademany great appearances, but Super Mario RPG stands out thanks to its inclusion of Boshi. This tough guy is the boss of Yo’ster Isle, and while he only plays a small role in the story, he leaves quite an impression.
Boshi is a fan favorite mainly due to his unique design, rocking a nice pair of shades and no shoes. But under that gruff exterior is a soft spot for cookies. Even the big bad ruler of the island can’t resist the iconic Yoshi sweet tooth. It’s rare to see a Yoshi act as an enemy, so this made for a refreshing twist on the beloved dinosaurs.
8Exor Is An Imposing Villain
There was a time in the Mario series when the plumber kept fighting the same bad guys over and over again. After years of battling the same bosses, it’s a breath of fresh air to see Exor return in the Super Mario RPG remake.
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If you’ve played this game, you’ll remember when Exor bursts through the clouds and impales Bowser’s Castle. It’s an incredibly splashy entrance and perfectly shows that there’s a bigger force at play than the King of Koopas. This massive sword looms over you throughout the whole adventure and acts as your overall goal. From the very start of the game, you can look out over the cliff and see what awaits you at the end of your journey. It’s one of the best shots in the whole game, perfectly highlighting this unique villain.
7Culex Is One Of The Best Bosses In The Game
No other boss in the series compares to Culex. This powerful being is a love letter toFinal Fantasybosses, even having a rearrangement of the boss theme from Final Fantasy 4. Everything from his appearance to his attacks nails the feel of a final boss from Square’s beloved RPGs series.
Culex is one of thecoolest optional bosses in video games. This guy is scary, announcing that he can consume time before unleashing a slew of brutal attacks with his army of magic crystals. If you manage to find this secret boss, you’ll be rewarded with one of the toughest fights in the game. Good luck.
6Booster Is The Silliest Villain
Booster is one of the most childish bad guys in the series, which is saying something, given that some Mario villains are actual children. His tower is filled with clowns and jesters, and he even has a toy train set that acts as his method of transportation, perfectly reflecting his goofy personality.
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Only Booster would react to a woman falling from the sky by thinking, “I’m going to ask her to marry me.” He has some of the funniest moments in the game, like suggesting his minions prepare his wedding cake by boiling it and claiming that drinking punch while having dessert is too complicated for him. He’s clueless, but that’s what makes him so lovable.
5Bowser Became A Friend For The First Time
Long before he was singing Peaches inThe Super Mario Bros Movie, heturned from enemy to allyto help Mario take on a new threat. Bowser is a powerhouse with physical attacks that deal massive damage. However, the catch is that he’s very slow and lacking when it comes to magic and support moves.
What he lacks in practically, he more than makes up for with character. Bowser is often one of the best parts of the RPGs, and this game is no exception. He has all the overconfidence, jealousy, and pettiness you’d expect from the Koopa King. This game laid the foundation for his personality in future RPGs, and it still makes for an excellent portrayal with some great comedic moments.
4Mallow Goes From Zero To Hero
Mallow is neither the strongest party member nor the best healer. His HP and defense are low, and while his lightning attacks can be devastating, they eat up FP quickly. Where Mallow shines is not on the battlefield but rather in the story.
Mallow has the best character arc in the game. When you first meet this adorable ball of fluff, he would rather run away than confront a problem. As the journey progresses, he becomes a noble hero who stands up for his friends. His side plot about discovering his real family adds a lot of heart to the story and makes him one of the most endearing characters in the game.
3Mario Is A Solid Party Member
Throughout the mainline games, sports titles, and RPGs, Mario has been consistent with what he brings to the table. He is always a reliable character and perfect for beginners, and Super Mario RPG is no different. Mario has decent physical and special attacks and remains useful throughout the adventure, which is good since you can’t remove him from the party.
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Super Mario RPG adds so much personality to the plumber that was missing in previous games. Silent protagonists often have to be expressive to emote in place of dialogue. Mario does this with flying colors through how he reacts to things and interacts with the world around him. He conveys a lot without needing to speak a word. There would be no Super Mario RPG without Mario.
2Princess Peach Is The Best Healer
Also known as Princess Toadstool, Peach is the best healer in the game and a must for your party. This was only her third timeas a playable character, and she contributed a lot to the team.
Peach’s ability Group Hug heals every member of your party, making it one of the best special moves in the game. She can also hold her own in battle, dealing a ton of damage to enemies once she gets the frying pan. Her excellent range of talents can get you out of many difficult situations, making her an essential part of the party.
1Geno Is The Best Character In The Game
It’s no secret that Geno is one of the most highly requested characters for theSuper Smash Brosseries. The biggest argument against his inclusion used to be that he was not relevant enough. you may kiss that argument goodbye because now he’s back in full glory.
Geno is an extremely useful party member. Not only does he have good physical attacks, but he also has great support moves. His Geno Boost ability will raise a party member’s attack by 50 percent and, if timed correctly, can even boost defense. This can be a lifesaver during boss fights. Geno may have only been playable in one game, but he left behind an incredible legacy that still lives on to this day.
