In 1992 Square released Final Fantasy Mystic Quest a self described "Entry Level" RPG for players unfamiliar with more classical genre entries. Though incredibly rudimentary, it was the foundation for many as it taught the fundamentals of attacking, healing, equipment, in the format of a turn based game.
In 1995, Chrono Trigger released and I think you get what I'm going to say next about it. Relatively simplistic JRPG with gripping narrative, stunning sprite work, and timeless (haha) Toriyama designs.
But it wasn't enough, Square hadn't gone far enough in corrupting the youth into playing games where numbers appear over enemies' heads when you take turns hitting them. What could they do to further shift the balance...
Mario. All things are Mario. The cultural titan known as Mario will indoctrinate the children, into caring about "Elemental Weaknesses", "Rare drops", "Character Builds". This was the master plan and my god did it work.
Mystic Quest, Chrono Trigger, and SMRPG make up the trifecta of "Gateway Drug" jrpgs on the SNES, but of the 3, I believe SMRPG has the broadest appeal.
A perfectly paced game which bounces Mario and Co. from one colorful location to the next. RPG stables like a sewer dungeon, mineshaft, and town of monsters fit perfectly in the Mushroom Kingdom.
Much of Bowser's characterization you know and love from official sources can find their origin here, as he is made from a generic evil lizard to a lovestruck brute with a heart of gold.
The Shimomura soundtrack for the ages needs no introduction. Peak comfy tunes from start to finish.
It's simplicity will win you over with its charm as a game with deep secrets and carefully crafted turn based fun.
In 1995, Chrono Trigger released and I think you get what I'm going to say next about it. Relatively simplistic JRPG with gripping narrative, stunning sprite work, and timeless (haha) Toriyama designs.
But it wasn't enough, Square hadn't gone far enough in corrupting the youth into playing games where numbers appear over enemies' heads when you take turns hitting them. What could they do to further shift the balance...
Mario. All things are Mario. The cultural titan known as Mario will indoctrinate the children, into caring about "Elemental Weaknesses", "Rare drops", "Character Builds". This was the master plan and my god did it work.
Mystic Quest, Chrono Trigger, and SMRPG make up the trifecta of "Gateway Drug" jrpgs on the SNES, but of the 3, I believe SMRPG has the broadest appeal.
A perfectly paced game which bounces Mario and Co. from one colorful location to the next. RPG stables like a sewer dungeon, mineshaft, and town of monsters fit perfectly in the Mushroom Kingdom.
Much of Bowser's characterization you know and love from official sources can find their origin here, as he is made from a generic evil lizard to a lovestruck brute with a heart of gold.
The Shimomura soundtrack for the ages needs no introduction. Peak comfy tunes from start to finish.
It's simplicity will win you over with its charm as a game with deep secrets and carefully crafted turn based fun.