Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Quick time events: the RPGGenre: rpg - japanese
Publisher: Nintendo
Year: 1996
System: SNES
Gameplay Score: 5
Gameplay Notes:
Minimal grinding required. In fact the entire experience is streamlined compared to most RPGs. There's far more emphasis on the story and the gameplay than there is on typical RPG stat building. The Nintendo influence is clearly evident. Very fast movement, menuing, and loading. It's amazing to think that Square was making FF VII at the same time which is the polar opposite of this game. Battles require timed button presses to increase damage or block attacks. This added interactivity makes fights far more engaging than the average RPG. No random battles.
Level Design Score: 4
Level Design Notes:
Areas are designed to give you exactly what you need. As a result the game is quite easy, even without grinding. For example dying has no negative consequence so you can save near a good grinding spot and play until you die and keep all the EXP you gain during that grinding session. Another example in the early areas is an invincibility star which lets you grind automatically or an infinite enemy spawning area.
Theme Score: 4
Theme Notes:
Mario in an RPG was a surprising concept back in 1996. He plays a mute protagonist here, to great effect. The story takes center stage and while it's good and oftentimes quite funny, there are numerous plotlines that I don't connect with. It's all well and good, but it's not a story or setting that I've ever wanted to revisit.
Art Style Score: 5
Art Style Notes:
I generally dislike isometric views and prerendered graphics, but there's no denying that this game has incredible graphics. Truly a feat of engineering to make this play on the SNES. The sprite work is particularly well done.
Audio Score: 5
Audio Notes:
What else would you expect from Square and Nintendo? This game has an incredible soundtrack and classic Mario sounds to round out the package.
Overall Score: 94
Review ID: 574
No comments:
Post a Comment