Geno (♥♪!?): Return of the Starsend Savior

[TriggerX]

I have no doubt that Geno will return in some way or form besides his spirit. But after they’ve introduced the whole “Sans” style costume, he may just get a slight upgrade.

As much as I would enjoy Geno to be a full fledged character he doesn’t really make sense from a marketing or business decision unless they plan on doing something with the SMRPG property down the road.
I don’t personally think the character is as well known as Banjo either. So he is a bit of a harder sale in terms of bringing back a character that hasn’t made appearance in a video game in close to a decade. If the first season pass is anything for us to go on, so far we’ve only seen characters who represent their respective series as the face of it.

Sakurai had mentioned that he wanted him in Brawl because it would be cool to have a character with an arm cannon. But honestly he ended up with Megaman so it almost seems like that role was filled.

I see him coming back probably with another square Enix affiliated character, since we are missing that Chocobo still. And something tells me that square probably insists that all their properties are shown together/sold Together.

Overall though, I would say that this game is his best chance. I doubt this is the last smash game, but I do doubt they’ll be able to get as many third party characters next time around

 

[Megadoomer]

NEWS FLASH, PEOPLE!

Apparently, we've got some evidence pointing towards a direct next week. Even more interesting is evidence suggesting that fighter #5 is going to be from Shin Megami Tensei 5. Check this out:

https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2020...ndles-and-atlus-teasing-shin-megami-tensei-5/

Some think fighter 5 could be from Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE. Holy mother of feck, could you imagine if another fire emblem character TECHNICALLY gets in as a mirage?

Absolutely nothing in there suggests that Fighter #5 is going to be from Shin Megami Tensei.

Just because more information is going to be revealed about Shin Megami Tensei V at some point this year, it doesn't magically translate into "this game's going to get a character in Smash!"

Also, if for some reason you do translate that to an SMT character being added to Smash, we have a support thread for that where a post like this would make much more sense. It's on the second page, so it's not like it would take much digging to find, and an SMT character being in Smash has absolutely nothing to do with Geno.

Saying that there's more evidence for a Nintendo Direct is fine, but if you're going to claim that it makes certain characters (ones which have absolutely no connection with Geno, even remotely) more likely, post about it in the threads for those characters.

 

[CannonStreak]

I have no doubt that Geno will return in some way or form besides his spirit. But after they’ve introduced the whole “Sans” style costume, he may just get a slight upgrade.

As much as I would enjoy Geno to be a full fledged character he doesn’t really make sense from a marketing or business decision unless they plan on doing something with the SMRPG property down the road.
I don’t personally think the character is as well known as Banjo either. So he is a bit of a harder sale in terms of bringing back a character that hasn’t made appearance in a video game in close to a decade. If the first season pass is anything for us to go on, so far we’ve only seen characters who represent their respective series as the face of it.

Sakurai had mentioned that he wanted him in Brawl because it would be cool to have a character with an arm cannon. But honestly he ended up with Megaman so it almost seems like that role was filled.

I see him coming back probably with another square Enix affiliated character, since we are missing that Chocobo still. And something tells me that square probably insists that all their properties are shown together/sold together.

First, in Terry's presentation, Sakurai said it is not when the character made their last appearance that matters, but how fun they are to play, and Geno could be fun in a different way from Mega Man.

That said, Mega Man was added because he was, at the time, the most requested third party character behind Sonic himself. There are different circumstances between Mega Man and Geno, and Geno has more than an arm cannon. Heck! He can even become a cannon himself!

 

[Firox]

Absolutely nothing in there suggests that Fighter #5 is going to be from Shin Megami Tensei.

Just because more information is going to be revealed about Shin Megami Tensei V at some point this year, it doesn't magically translate into "this game's going to get a character in Smash!"

Also, if for some reason you do translate that to an SMT character being added to Smash, we have a support thread for that where a post like this would make much more sense. It's on the second page, so it's not like it would take much digging to find, and it has absolutely nothing to do with Geno. Saying that there's more evidence for a Nintendo Direct is fine, but if you're going to claim that it makes certain characters more likely, post about it in the threads for those characters.

Sorry that I was trying stir up some more speculation and get maybe a hint of fresh discussion. Please resume the informational void while I make sure to keep all future discoveries to myself. Yay, Geno. There, now we're back on topic...

Yeesh, and to think I was wondering why the thread was withered down to four people this morning.

 

[Franco Geno]

If a leaker was going to leak Geno similar to the "smashing good time" hint about Banjo, how do you think they could do it?

 

[Latyon]

If a leaker was going to leak Geno similar to the "smashing good time" hint about Banjo, how do you think they could do it?

Smash fans, prepare to be starstruck

 

[domriver]

Happy New Years everyone. Well seems a direct of some sort is on the horizon. :D Come on!!!!!!! GENOOO LETS GO!! Sakurai please dont make us wait any longer just do it.. just get it over with.

 

[ForsakenM]

Sup nerds. I'm back. The power of the temp ban from mods that are half the Emperor and half I R Baboon can't hold me for long.

Kinda sad those who were on Star Road didn't join in on my 14 hour stream that I basically just regained consciousness from. I set out to beat SMRPG in a single stream with limited breaks and I did it even in spite of the technical difficulties pushing my stream start late, It may have been 5 AM for me by the time I did it and I surely lost my professional and family-friendly mannerisms by that time BUT I DID IT! Beat Smithy with my team around lvl 18 or so and without all that much grinding, though I did have to abuse secret equipment.

So what all happened while I was gone?

*Sees all the Fatman posts*

*Sees that the staff banned him again but still can't stop people from coming in here to start **** with the Geno Thread bois*

Seriously, all of you who AREN'T on the Star Road Discord yet, go join. I'll send you a link. When the inevitable happens and this thread dies due to poor modding/Geno's reveal you will have a place to stay there.

 

[EarlTamm]

With clear signs that the Direct will be coming next week or so, I am just glad we did not have a repeat of last year and have to wait for a Direct in February. I am pretty sure none of us wanted that scenario.

 

[bomamba]

Get ready for the seventh dlc Star ( seventh if we count piranha plant). It’s not great but it’s the best I could think of lol

 

[CannonStreak]

*Sees that the staff banned him again but still can't stop people from coming in here to start **** with the Geno Thread bois*

Wait, Fatman's been banned again? For what?

 

[bomamba]

Yo there’s a discord?!? Hit me up with the link!

 

[EarlTamm]

Wait, Fatman's been banned again? For what?

I think he is just referring to the last time Fatman got banned. I don't think he is banned right now.

 

[CannonStreak]

I think he is just referring to the last time Fatman got banned. I don't think he is banned right now.

Oh, okay, just checking. Where is he, by the way? Has he left the forums?

 

[Deleted member]

Oh, okay, just checking. Where is he, by the way? Has he left the forums?

He's writing The Post™

 

[Franco Geno]

He's writing The Post™

Fatman is working on the Geno Bible

 

[RetrogamerMax]

If a leaker was going to leak Geno similar to the "smashing good time" hint about Banjo, how do you think they could do it?

Shinobi be like: It looks like Nintendo is shooting for the stars. It sure will be a SMASHING good time.

 

[Franco Geno]

Shinobi be like: It looks like Nintendo is shooting for the stars. It sure will be a SMASHING good time.

Imagine if Shinobi actually posted something like this, this thread would get crazy

 

[domriver]

Fatman

Fatman is working on the Geno Bible

LOL - this made me laugh. jejejeje

 

[EntropyAtrophy]

Just spotted:
Fatman in the trenches with his hard-hat working on The Post™

 

[MisterMike]

He's writing The Post™

Pictured: Fatmanonice writing his Geno Essay, 2020 colorized

 

[AdamBel731]

I have a question to ask you Super Mario RPG fans that I think could stir up some discussion (for those who want to participate).

As someone who hasn't played Super Mario RPG yet, what makes it worth revisiting in the modern era? Nowadays we are surrounded by all sorts of different RPGs; whether they are an action RPG, a JRPG, more of a western or strategy RPG, etc. Games like Persona 5, the Final Fantasy games, Undertale, etc., have been bringing RPGs more into the mainstream and their ambitions have caused other RPGs that are accused of not being as ambitious (like Pokémon lately) to be viewed under a more critical lens. Does Super Mario RPG truly hold up in a gameplay department? Or are its unique cast of characters (for Mario standards, at least) the thing that holds the game up mostly? Can the game stand aside its more modern day peers?

I have a huge backlog of games. And as you thread regulars should know, I have said I intend to play Super Mario RPG on my SNES Classic when Geno gets added to Smash (it'll provide a kick in the pants for me). ...but that may be a year from now! What if I want to play the critically-acclaimed darlings that are Dragon Quest XI S or Persona 5 (when I get a PS5)? Dragon Quest XI S has been waiting in my backlog for months and is seemingly going to make the series more popular here (also thanks due to Smash's promotion). As people get further from their favorite games' release dates, people often look back and question if the games they loved so much hold up or if their nostalgia is causing themselves to look back with rose-colored glasses.

So yes, as someone who values the time he has to play games (I'm a very busy millennial, you see), please tell me why I should devote my time or care about Super Mario RPG. What makes it so special? What makes an "irrelevant game" (kidding, only quoting Geno detractors) that isn't referenced by its creators ever worth talking about in 2020?

I think this question could really open up some good discussion and make you Super Mario RPG fans really think why you love the game more critically. While my question is somewhat hypothetical (because I'll probably play it anyway), I am also legitimately asking what makes the game so special and worth revisiting years later! I hope this gets some minds churning and opens up some good discussion, if possible!

 

[EntropyAtrophy]

I have a question to ask you Super Mario RPG fans that I think could stir up some discussion (for those who want to participate).

As someone who hasn't played Super Mario RPG yet, what makes it worth revisiting in the modern era? Nowadays we are surrounded by all sorts of different RPGs; whether they are an action RPG, a JRPG, more of a western or strategy RPG, etc. Games like Persona 5, the Final Fantasy games, Undertale, etc., have been bringing RPGs more into the mainstream and their ambitions have caused other RPGs that are accused of not being as ambitious (like Pokémon lately) to be viewed under a more critical lens. Does Super Mario RPG truly hold up in a gameplay department? Or are its unique cast of characters (for Mario standards, at least) the thing that holds the game up mostly? Can the game stand aside its more modern day peers?

- It's a good story with memorable characters
- It's never so difficult that it feels like a grind
- There's some really funny dialogue
- It's not overly long
- The music is great
- The combat is fun

 

[LiveStudioAudience]

I have a question to ask you Super Mario RPG fans that I think could stir up some discussion (for those who want to participate).

As someone who hasn't played Super Mario RPG yet, what makes it worth revisiting in the modern era? Nowadays we are surrounded by all sorts of different RPGs; whether they are an action RPG, a JRPG, more of a western or strategy RPG, etc. Games like Persona 5, the Final Fantasy games, Undertale, etc., have been bringing RPGs more into the mainstream and their ambitions have caused other RPGs that are accused of not being as ambitious (like Pokémon lately) to be viewed under a more critical lens. Does Super Mario RPG truly hold up in a gameplay department? Or are its unique cast of characters (for Mario standards, at least) the thing that holds the game up mostly? Can the game stand aside its more modern day peers?

I have a huge backlog of games. And as you thread regulars should know, I have said I intend to play Super Mario RPG on my SNES Classic when Geno gets added to Smash (it'll provide a kick in the pants for me). ...but that may be a year from now! What if I want to play the critically-acclaimed darlings that are Dragon Quest XI S or Persona 5 (when I get a PS5)? Dragon Quest XI S has been waiting in my backlog for months and is seemingly going to make the series more popular here (also thanks due to Smash's promotion). As people get further from their favorite games' release dates, people often look back and question if the games they loved so much hold up or if their nostalgia is causing themselves to look back with rose-colored glasses.

So yes, as someone who values the time he has to play games (I'm a very busy millennial, you see), please tell me why I should devote my time or care about Super Mario RPG. What makes it so special? What makes an "irrelevant game" (kidding, only quoting Geno detractors) that isn't referenced by its creators ever worth talking about in 2020?

I think this question could really open up some good discussion and make you Super Mario RPG fans really think why you love the game more critically. While my question is somewhat hypothetical (because I'll probably play it anyway), I am also legitimately asking what makes the game so special and worth revisiting years later! I hope this gets some minds churning and opens up some good discussion, if possible!

I'm recycling a quote I posted earlier in this thread to explain why I would want Geno to in to enshrine Mario RPG:

"Beyond the actual quality of the title, its a game whose feel was never quite recaptured again. Paper Mario/Mario & Lugi would have some great games, and SE output in Final Fantasy/Dragon Quest speaks for itself. But the unique blending of these two company's sensibilities like Mario RPG was, how they compensated for each other's respective weaknesses, and that wondrous sense of the Mario setting being explored in depth for the first time? It never happened quite like that again, and its made the game all the more meaningful because of it. Heck even in a title that feels so Final Fantasy esque in enemies and settings in hindsight, its remarkable how much those elements felt like they fit in a Mario franchise that had previously had the details of its universe on the peripheral.

Even putting aside the coolness of the character and stand out design, I believe that's why Geno is such a distinct figure to this day, because he does feel very much like the unique offspring of Square and Nintendo."

 

[YsDisciple]

I have a question to ask you Super Mario RPG fans that I think could stir up some discussion (for those who want to participate).

As someone who hasn't played Super Mario RPG yet, what makes it worth revisiting in the modern era? Nowadays we are surrounded by all sorts of different RPGs; whether they are an action RPG, a JRPG, more of a western or strategy RPG, etc. Games like Persona 5, the Final Fantasy games, Undertale, etc., have been bringing RPGs more into the mainstream and their ambitions have caused other RPGs that are accused of not being as ambitious (like Pokémon lately) to be viewed under a more critical lens. Does Super Mario RPG truly hold up in a gameplay department? Or are its unique cast of characters (for Mario standards, at least) the thing that holds the game up mostly? Can the game stand aside its more modern day peers?

I have a huge backlog of games. And as you thread regulars should know, I have said I intend to play Super Mario RPG on my SNES Classic when Geno gets added to Smash (it'll provide a kick in the pants for me). ...but that may be a year from now! What if I want to play the critically-acclaimed darlings that are Dragon Quest XI S or Persona 5 (when I get a PS5)? Dragon Quest XI S has been waiting in my backlog for months and is seemingly going to make the series more popular here (also thanks due to Smash's promotion). As people get further from their favorite games' release dates, people often look back and question if the games they loved so much hold up or if their nostalgia is causing themselves to look back with rose-colored glasses.

So yes, as someone who values the time he has to play games (I'm a very busy millennial, you see), please tell me why I should devote my time or care about Super Mario RPG. What makes it so special? What makes an "irrelevant game" (kidding, only quoting Geno detractors) that isn't referenced by its creators ever worth talking about in 2020?

I think this question could really open up some good discussion and make you Super Mario RPG fans really think why you love the game more critically. While my question is somewhat hypothetical (because I'll probably play it anyway), I am also legitimately asking what makes the game so special and worth revisiting years later! I hope this gets some minds churning and opens up some good discussion, if possible!

Really, the desire for one to invest of their time in a game is entirely to their own discretion. Now, as to why should those who have not played Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, try the game out despite it being a 20+ year old game, I'd say that it's simply a great experience. Despite us being currently on the generation of Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, XBox One, and these later two being superseded by their improved versions, SMRPG is a game that has stood the test of time admirably; both in visuals, and gameplay. True that the gameplay is still turn-based, whereas more modern RPG games have been moving to a action/real-time format, SMRPG's timed input mechanic still feels good today. Players don't simply select a command and that's it for their turn, or just wait for enemies to hit you (praying they don't one-shot you if you're under leveled). You can have a clean, enjoyable run by mastering timed attacks, as well as timing blocking enemy attacks as well. This mechanic was adopted later in both the Paper Mario, and Mario & Luigi rpg games.

Besides the battles, there are a couple of fun mini-games throughout the game itself (such as the famous mine cart run, pogchamp. There are various hidden chests throughout the various locations, and the enemies in this game are a balanced mix of staple Mario series enemies, as well as completely original enemies and characters made by Square Enix (back then SquareSoft).

Another appealing feature of the game is its visual aesthetic. The top-down, 3D-ish sprites gives that feeling of a game that back in the SNES days was ahead of its time (similar to the Donkey Kong Country games which employed a 3D-ish sprite visual style as well which has also helped the trilogy stay the test of time). The characters are very expressive (Mario's pantomimes in this game are OD!!!), the music perfectly complements each level and instance. The game is even featured almost every year on the Games Done Quick marathons (shoutouts to pidgezero_one, Justin-credible, and LackAttack24). Some speedrunners have even been modding the game to play it in new ways, such as a solo Mallow, or solo Geno run.

Whoops, I got a bit sidetracked. Anyways, for anyone who's interested, or curious to know and experience the game that spawned the Paper Mario, and Mario & Luigi rpg games, they should give SMRPG a shot.

 

[Spatulo]

I have a question to ask you Super Mario RPG fans that I think could stir up some discussion (for those who want to participate).

As someone who hasn't played Super Mario RPG yet, what makes it worth revisiting in the modern era? Nowadays we are surrounded by all sorts of different RPGs; whether they are an action RPG, a JRPG, more of a western or strategy RPG, etc. Games like Persona 5, the Final Fantasy games, Undertale, etc., have been bringing RPGs more into the mainstream and their ambitions have caused other RPGs that are accused of not being as ambitious (like Pokémon lately) to be viewed under a more critical lens. Does Super Mario RPG truly hold up in a gameplay department? Or are its unique cast of characters (for Mario standards, at least) the thing that holds the game up mostly? Can the game stand aside its more modern day peers?

I have a huge backlog of games. And as you thread regulars should know, I have said I intend to play Super Mario RPG on my SNES Classic when Geno gets added to Smash (it'll provide a kick in the pants for me). ...but that may be a year from now! What if I want to play the critically-acclaimed darlings that are Dragon Quest XI S or Persona 5 (when I get a PS5)? Dragon Quest XI S has been waiting in my backlog for months and is seemingly going to make the series more popular here (also thanks due to Smash's promotion). As people get further from their favorite games' release dates, people often look back and question if the games they loved so much hold up or if their nostalgia is causing themselves to look back with rose-colored glasses.

So yes, as someone who values the time he has to play games (I'm a very busy millennial, you see), please tell me why I should devote my time or care about Super Mario RPG. What makes it so special? What makes an "irrelevant game" (kidding, only quoting Geno detractors) that isn't referenced by its creators ever worth talking about in 2020?

I think this question could really open up some good discussion and make you Super Mario RPG fans really think why you love the game more critically. While my question is somewhat hypothetical (because I'll probably play it anyway), I am also legitimately asking what makes the game so special and worth revisiting years later! I hope this gets some minds churning and opens up some good discussion, if possible!

Super Mario RPG is the predecessor to the rest of the Mario RPGs so if you like the tone and general gameplay style in those you’d like SMRPG. It’s a lot more traditional RPG in some ways and definitely has its own unique quirks that still make it stand out from the rest of them to this day

 

[Sour Supreme]

I have a question to ask you Super Mario RPG fans that I think could stir up some discussion (for those who want to participate).

As someone who hasn't played Super Mario RPG yet, what makes it worth revisiting in the modern era? Nowadays we are surrounded by all sorts of different RPGs; whether they are an action RPG, a JRPG, more of a western or strategy RPG, etc. Games like Persona 5, the Final Fantasy games, Undertale, etc., have been bringing RPGs more into the mainstream and their ambitions have caused other RPGs that are accused of not being as ambitious (like Pokémon lately) to be viewed under a more critical lens. Does Super Mario RPG truly hold up in a gameplay department? Or are its unique cast of characters (for Mario standards, at least) the thing that holds the game up mostly? Can the game stand aside its more modern day peers?

I have a huge backlog of games. And as you thread regulars should know, I have said I intend to play Super Mario RPG on my SNES Classic when Geno gets added to Smash (it'll provide a kick in the pants for me). ...but that may be a year from now! What if I want to play the critically-acclaimed darlings that are Dragon Quest XI S or Persona 5 (when I get a PS5)? Dragon Quest XI S has been waiting in my backlog for months and is seemingly going to make the series more popular here (also thanks due to Smash's promotion). As people get further from their favorite games' release dates, people often look back and question if the games they loved so much hold up or if their nostalgia is causing themselves to look back with rose-colored glasses.

So yes, as someone who values the time he has to play games (I'm a very busy millennial, you see), please tell me why I should devote my time or care about Super Mario RPG. What makes it so special? What makes an "irrelevant game" (kidding, only quoting Geno detractors) that isn't referenced by its creators ever worth talking about in 2020?

I think this question could really open up some good discussion and make you Super Mario RPG fans really think why you love the game more critically. While my question is somewhat hypothetical (because I'll probably play it anyway), I am also legitimately asking what makes the game so special and worth revisiting years later! I hope this gets some minds churning and opens up some good discussion, if possible!

Oh boy, there's a lot to unpack here. It's a brilliantly unique game, and truly is the closest thing there's ever been to a Final Fantasy x Mario crossover. It's no secret that Mario RPG's are the place you'll find the franchise's most zany characters and compelling stories, that's in the nature of the genre. Now think about how simple of a series Super Mario is in regards to lore exploration, and how Super Mario RPG was the first to really embrace the idea of a developing tale. It takes risks in an abundance of ways, pitting Mario and a recognizable group of cohorts against unprecedented enemies of fantasy and legitimate threat, while introducing a vast cast of blokes who look like they belong in Mario, but are distorted through this almost medieval setting and vibe. I don't know, this is all pretty vague, right? The bottom line is, there's nothing like SMRPG. It's truly insane that this game came to be, never again has Mario been painted in such light. TTYD only comes close to the spirit of the game.

 

[MonkeyDLenny]

I can't wait for Fatman to post his five character prediction

The Fatman Five!

We should start a band!

 

[RetrogamerMax]

So in what order would you guys rank all the Mario RPGs y'all played? Here is my Mario RPG tier list:

S: SMRPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door

A: Paper Mario

B: Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

C: Super Paper Mario

D: Paper Mario: Sticker Star (Where it belongs)

I haven't played Partners In Time, Dream Team, Paper Jam, and Color Splash yet but that is my tier list thus far.

 

[bomamba]

S: SMRPG, TTYD
A: Paper Mario, Superstar Saga
B: M&L BIS, SPM, Dream Team
C: Color Splash, Paper Jam
D: Sticker Star

 

[Spatulo]

So in what order would you guys rank all the Mario RPGs y'all played? Here is my Mario RPG tier list:

S: SMRPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door

A: Paper Mario

B: Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

C: Super Paper Mario

D: Paper Mario: Sticker Star (Where it belongs)

I haven't played Partners In Time, Dream Team, Paper Jam, and Color Splash yet but that is my tier list thus far.

S: TTYD, Bowser’s Inside Story, Superstar Saga
A: SMRPG, Super Paper Mario
B: Paper Mario, Dream Team, Paper Jam
C: Partners in Time, Color Splash
D: Sticker Star

Also, is Mario + Rabbids a Mario RPG?

 

[MisterMike]

I have a question to ask you Super Mario RPG fans that I think could stir up some discussion (for those who want to participate).

As someone who hasn't played Super Mario RPG yet, what makes it worth revisiting in the modern era?

If you don't I'll kick you in the testicles.

 

[RetrogamerMax]

If you don't I'll kick you in the testicles.

You naughty, naughty boi!

 

[Ze Diglett]

So in what order would you guys rank all the Mario RPGs y'all played? Here is my Mario RPG tier list:

S: SMRPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door

A: Paper Mario

B: Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

C: Super Paper Mario

D: Paper Mario: Sticker Star (Where it belongs)

I haven't played Partners In Time, Dream Team, Paper Jam, and Color Splash yet but that is my tier list thus far.

S: Bowser's Inside Story, TTYD, Super Paper Mario
A: SMRPG, Partners In Time, Superstar Saga
B: Paper Mario, Dream Team
C: Paper Jam, Color Splash
D:
E: Sticker Star

 

[AdamBel731]

- It's a good story with memorable characters
- It's never so difficult that it feels like a grind
- There's some really funny dialogue
- It's not overly long
- The music is great
- The combat is fun

I'm recycling a quote I posted earlier in this thread to explain why I would want Geno to in to enshrine Mario RPG:

"Beyond the actual quality of the title, its a game whose feel was never quite recaptured again. Paper Mario/Mario & Lugi would have some great games, and SE output in Final Fantasy/Dragon Quest speaks for itself. But the unique blending of these two company's sensibilities like Mario RPG was, how they compensated for each other's respective weaknesses, and that wondrous sense of the Mario setting being explored in depth for the first time? It never happened quite like that again, and its made the game all the more meaningful because of it. Heck even in a title that feels so Final Fantasy esque in enemies and settings in hindsight, its remarkable how much those elements felt like they fit in a Mario franchise that had previously had the details of its universe on the peripheral.

Even putting aside the coolness of the character and stand out design, I believe that's why Geno is such a distinct figure to this day, because he does feel very much like the unique offspring of Square and Nintendo."

Really, the desire for one to invest of their time in a game is entirely to their own discretion. Now, as to why should those who have not played Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, try the game out despite it being a 20+ year old game, I'd say that it's simply a great experience. Despite us being currently on the generation of Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, XBox One, and these later two being superseded by their improved versions, SMRPG is a game that has stood the test of time admirably; both in visuals, and gameplay. True that the gameplay is still turn-based, whereas more modern RPG games have been moving to a action/real-time format, SMRPG's timed input mechanic still feels good today. Players don't simply select a command and that's it for their turn, or just wait for enemies to hit you (praying they don't one-shot you if you're under leveled). You can have a clean, enjoyable run by mastering timed attacks, as well as timing blocking enemy attacks as well. This mechanic was adopted later in both the Paper Mario, and Mario & Luigi rpg games.

Besides the battles, there are a couple of fun mini-games throughout the game itself (such as the famous mine cart run, pogchamp. There are various hidden chests throughout the various locations, and the enemies in this game are a balanced mix of staple Mario series enemies, as well as completely original enemies and characters made by Square Enix (back then SquareSoft).

Another appealing feature of the game is its visual aesthetic. The top-down, 3D-ish sprites gives that feeling of a game that back in the SNES days was ahead of its time (similar to the Donkey Kong Country games which employed a 3D-ish sprite visual style as well which has also helped the trilogy stay the test of time). The characters are very expressive (Mario's pantomimes in this game are OD!!!), the music perfectly complements each level and instance. The game is even featured almost every year on the Games Done Quick marathons (shoutouts to pidgezero_one, Justin-credible, and LackAttack24). Some speedrunners have even been modding the game to play it in new ways, such as a solo Mallow, or solo Geno run.

Whoops, I got a bit sidetracked. Anyways, for anyone who's interested, or curious to know and experience the game that spawned the Paper Mario, and Mario & Luigi rpg games, they should give SMRPG a shot.

Super Mario RPG is the predecessor to the rest of the Mario RPGs so if you like the tone and general gameplay style in those you’d like SMRPG. It’s a lot more traditional RPG in some ways and definitely has its own unique quirks that still make it stand out from the rest of them to this day

Oh boy, there's a lot to unpack here. It's a brilliantly unique game, and truly is the closest thing there's ever been to a Final Fantasy x Mario crossover. It's no secret that Mario RPG's are the place you'll find the franchise's most zany characters and compelling stories, that's in the nature of the genre. Now think about how simple of a series Super Mario is in regards to lore exploration, and how Super Mario RPG was the first to really embrace the idea of a developing tale. It takes risks in an abundance of ways, pitting Mario and a recognizable group of cohorts against unprecedented enemies of fantasy and legitimate threat, while introducing a vast cast of blokes who look like they belong in Mario, but are distorted through this almost medieval setting and vibe. I don't know, this is all pretty vague, right? The bottom line is, there's nothing like SMRPG. It's truly insane that this game came to be, never again has Mario been painted in such light. TTYD only comes close to the spirit of the game.

Since you all were the ones that chose to answer my question, here's my next question... say Nintendo and Square Enix were remaking the game, what would be things you would change? Is there any cut content you know of that you'd like? This isn't a remaster where everything is kept the same, this is a from the ground up remaster that changes things (like Majora's Mask 3D, rather than a reimagining like the Resident Evil 2 remake).

If you don't I'll kick you in the testicles.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

 

[RetrogamerMax]

S: SMRPG, TTYD
A: Paper Mario, Superstar Saga
B: M&L BIS, SPM, Dream Team
C: Color Splash, Paper Jam
D: Sticker Star

S: TTYD, Bowser’s Inside Story, Superstar Saga
A: SMRPG, Super Paper Mario
B: Paper Mario, Dream Team, Paper Jam
C: Partners in Time, Color Splash
D: Sticker Star

Also, is Mario + Rabbids a Mario RPG?

S: Bowser's Inside Story, TTYD, Super Paper Mario
A: SMRPG, Partners In Time, Superstar Saga
B: Paper Mario, Dream Team
C: Paper Jam, Color Splash
D:
E: Sticker Star

Thousand Year Door at the top of everyones' list thus far. I'm loving it!

 

[EntropyAtrophy]

When I played SMRPG for the first time it was late, Square had migrated all of their development to Sony long ago. Playing this collaborative title between two companies who were at the time no longer interested in working together left me with a kind of woeful feeling. It was made worse by the fact that the game they made together was delightful.

And to this day as others have said, nothing’s come out that’s been quite the same. Having Geno come to Smash (to me) represents that relationship being repaired and the possibility of more games like SMRPG coming our way in the not-so-distant future.

 

[Spatulo]

Since you all were the ones that chose to answer my question, here's my next question... say Nintendo and Square Enix were remaking the game, what would be things you would change? Is there any cut content you know of that you'd like? This isn't a remaster where everything is kept the same, this is a from the ground up remaster that changes things (like Majora's Mask 3D, rather than a reimagining like the Resident Evil 2 remake).


( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

I don’t know of anything I’d change (maybe a bigger inventory) or any cut content, but I wouldn’t mind just adding more content. I know that’s had mixed results for remakes in the past (Chrono Trigger DS for example) but just to have more Super Mario RPG would be pretty neat

 

[TheCJBrine]

I have no doubt that Geno will return in some way or form besides his spirit. But after they’ve introduced the whole “Sans” style costume, he may just get a slight upgrade.

As much as I would enjoy Geno to be a full fledged character he doesn’t really make sense from a marketing or business decision unless they plan on doing something with the SMRPG property down the road.
I don’t personally think the character is as well known as Banjo either. So he is a bit of a harder sale in terms of bringing back a character that hasn’t made appearance in a video game in close to a decade. If the first season pass is anything for us to go on, so far we’ve only seen characters who represent their respective series as the face of it.

Sakurai had mentioned that he wanted him in Brawl because it would be cool to have a character with an arm cannon. But honestly he ended up with Megaman so it almost seems like that role was filled.

I see him coming back probably with another square Enix affiliated character, since we are missing that Chocobo still. And something tells me that square probably insists that all their properties are shown together/sold Together.

Overall though, I would say that this game is his best chance. I doubt this is the last smash game, but I do doubt they’ll be able to get as many third party characters next time around

I think Geno would be a good Banjo-like pick, appealing to a bunch of hardcore fans. Also, Sakurai mentioned the arm-gun thing in his Smash 4 interview, and he has different attacks from Mega Man, so I don’t think that affects him.

 

[Ze Diglett]

Thousand Year Door at the top of everyones' list thus far. I'm loving it!

How could it not be? Even as much as I love SPM, I can't deny that TTYD is pretty much the pinnacle of Paper Mario on almost all fronts. (I'd give SPM the edge in terms of story, but TTYD still wins elsewhere IMO.) It's aged so unfathomably well for a game from 2004 (god, I feel old), and the dialogue is still a joy to read even two decades later.
Speaking of Paper Mario, it's just now hitting me that we got no good Paper Mario games in the past decade. Being a Mario RPG fan in 2020 is suffering