"Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars" is a role-playing video game developed by Square (now Square Enix) and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It was released in 1996 in Japan and North America, and later in Europe in 1997.
The game is a departure from the traditional platforming gameplay of the Mario series, instead featuring turn-based battles and exploration in a 3D-rendered world with 2D sprites. Players control Mario and his allies as they embark on a quest to rescue Princess Toadstool from the clutches of the villainous Smithy, who seeks to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom.
"Super Mario RPG" incorporates elements of both the Mario series and traditional RPGs, featuring familiar characters, locations, and enemies from the Mario universe, as well as new characters and concepts introduced specifically for the game. Players navigate through various areas, engaging in battles with enemies and solving puzzles to progress the story.
Combat in "Super Mario RPG" utilizes a timing-based system where players can enhance the effectiveness of their attacks and defenses by executing well-timed button presses. Additionally, characters can learn special moves called "Special Attacks" or "Special Moves," which consume Flower Points (FP) and can deal significant damage to enemies.
The game received critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its engaging gameplay, charming graphics, memorable characters, and humorous dialogue. It is often considered one of the greatest RPGs and one of the best games in the Mario series. "Super Mario RPG" has since developed a dedicated fanbase and remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
