Mini-game breaks such as traveling down the Midas River, the Mushroom Derby, and Beetle Racing were not complex, but they definitely helped to break up the usual SNES JRPG monotony. Also, until my recent replay, I had completely forgotten how many mini-games and side-activities help distinguish this Square-developed game from being remembered as Final Fantasy: Mario. Instead, it focused on what it did best: story, character, and heart. Knowing the limitations of the SNES, Square did not set out to outdo Mario 64. We see your FF influence Square, and we approve. This was not the first 3D platforming game, but it was certainly emulated, all the way up to the end of the N64 era. I lost count of the times a well-timed platform-hop was thwarted by the camera spinning out of control, and leading to so many audible curse words that even Jolly Roger Bay blocked me from entry. The only complaint, and a minor one at that, was the wonky 360-degree camera. Mario is not as CQC proficient as Solid Snake with his jab-cross-kick combo, but every tool in his belt, from wall jumping, backflipping, and gliding after being fired out of a cannon serves multiple, puzzle-solving, purposes and never feel shoehorned in. Even the gut wrenching chaos of Tick-Tock-Clock is impressive visually, if you can manage not to puke from motion sickness.Īs far as gaming mechanics, this game is still on point 25 years later. From the introduction of the gorgeous Peach Castle, to the larger-than-life Bob-omb Battlefield, every world has its own look, feel, and unique high-energy soundtrack for maximum distinction. Yours truly, Princess Toadstool.” – Mario 64Ĭontradictory to how I feel about the occasional choppy graphics, I always found the color palette, art style, and aesthetic mood for each world within this game excellent. I personally did not want to replay either title, as I prefer my glasses rose-tinted. Especially things that I have fond memories of, and it so happens that I have the fondest of memories of both Super Mario RPG and Super Mario 64. Here’s a little secret about me: I like to leave things alone. I personally played both games, and personally beat both games… but it was 25 years ago. However, no one is here to argue the legacy of either of these Mario entries. In summary, people liked them, and people bought the s**t out of them.
Search out either title and you will easily find a digital sea of articles praising each individual game with common keywords such as: greatest, of, all, and time. Both releases went on to sell millions, even well after 1996. (Ooh…) 90’s Nintendo Finance 101: Mario = $ // Mario x 2 = $$