This review contains spoilers
So I don't really have any GBA games. The only one I have is Final Fantasy V Advance, but needless to say, I've never played the original Superstar Saga, so I'm reviewing this as the game itself, and not a remake. From what I've heard, it's extremely faithful, and that's what I'll leave it at.
The game's story centers around a witch from the Beanbean Kingdom, named Cackletta, stealing Princess Peach's voice and replacing it with some, quite literally, explosive commentary. Bowser, who had attempted yet again to kidnap her, decided the princess' new lexicon would wreak havoc on his castle, so he takes Mario, and a reluctant Luigi, along to the Beanbean Kingdom to set things straight. Meanwhile, all the plot-pertinent shenanigans ensue.
The story is silly and doesn't take itself seriously, which is to be expected for this series. Nonetheless, this game is bonkers, and at least to me, some of the antics you engage in are more compelling than the main story itself. Heck, every location save for 4 is named after a synonym for laughing. If you were expecting a tale of melodrama, deep character arcs, and intrigue, by all means look elsewhere. This game doesn't offer that at all.
Speaking of locations, the Beanbean kingdom is a cool place that is largely different from the typical Mushroom KIngdom fare. In hindsight, I feel that it's a bit small, with very little to do outside of a few minigames, and 1-2 sidequests that are worth doing. However, an effort was made and I respect that.
This is a really solid RPG, but the one reason I can't rate it any higher is because of the combat. It's not bad. It's actually really good. I just don't like it. Introduced in Super Mario RPG on the SNES was hitting buttons at the correct time while attacking and getting hit to increase damage dealt and reduce damage taken respectively. It was snappy and fun. Paper Mario did a similar system, and it was also good. Mario and Luigi does it too and improves upon it by being able to possible negate damage and counterattack, and while it's good, I just don't care for it. Attacks that you do aren't so bad, but enemy attacks take a short while to get through at times. Not all attacks are slow, but the ones that are really annoyed me. I want quick, snappy combat that doesn't waste my time. However, in this game it's kinetic, but slow, and it irritates me.
That being said, the game's still great. The combat is far from terrible, it's just not my cup of tea. The story is silly. And on top of that, the game is pretty short. I actually left my 3DS on and open for two days or so, so I don't know how quickly I beat it, but it's definitely not the 73 hours my save says. I'd estimate 20 at max, and that's generous. I recommend picking it up.
Also, for Bowser's Minions, I heard it's terrible, so I didn't really bother with it.
8/10 - It's a great game, hindered by some personal preferences.
SPOILERS FOR THE FINAL BOSS: Cackletta's Soul that bad. The 1 HP thing is only a problem if you don't have a max nut or a speed of 90+. Plus, in this version, you can retry from there without having to redo the Bowletta fight
The game's story centers around a witch from the Beanbean Kingdom, named Cackletta, stealing Princess Peach's voice and replacing it with some, quite literally, explosive commentary. Bowser, who had attempted yet again to kidnap her, decided the princess' new lexicon would wreak havoc on his castle, so he takes Mario, and a reluctant Luigi, along to the Beanbean Kingdom to set things straight. Meanwhile, all the plot-pertinent shenanigans ensue.
The story is silly and doesn't take itself seriously, which is to be expected for this series. Nonetheless, this game is bonkers, and at least to me, some of the antics you engage in are more compelling than the main story itself. Heck, every location save for 4 is named after a synonym for laughing. If you were expecting a tale of melodrama, deep character arcs, and intrigue, by all means look elsewhere. This game doesn't offer that at all.
Speaking of locations, the Beanbean kingdom is a cool place that is largely different from the typical Mushroom KIngdom fare. In hindsight, I feel that it's a bit small, with very little to do outside of a few minigames, and 1-2 sidequests that are worth doing. However, an effort was made and I respect that.
This is a really solid RPG, but the one reason I can't rate it any higher is because of the combat. It's not bad. It's actually really good. I just don't like it. Introduced in Super Mario RPG on the SNES was hitting buttons at the correct time while attacking and getting hit to increase damage dealt and reduce damage taken respectively. It was snappy and fun. Paper Mario did a similar system, and it was also good. Mario and Luigi does it too and improves upon it by being able to possible negate damage and counterattack, and while it's good, I just don't care for it. Attacks that you do aren't so bad, but enemy attacks take a short while to get through at times. Not all attacks are slow, but the ones that are really annoyed me. I want quick, snappy combat that doesn't waste my time. However, in this game it's kinetic, but slow, and it irritates me.
That being said, the game's still great. The combat is far from terrible, it's just not my cup of tea. The story is silly. And on top of that, the game is pretty short. I actually left my 3DS on and open for two days or so, so I don't know how quickly I beat it, but it's definitely not the 73 hours my save says. I'd estimate 20 at max, and that's generous. I recommend picking it up.
Also, for Bowser's Minions, I heard it's terrible, so I didn't really bother with it.
8/10 - It's a great game, hindered by some personal preferences.
SPOILERS FOR THE FINAL BOSS: Cackletta's Soul that bad. The 1 HP thing is only a problem if you don't have a max nut or a speed of 90+. Plus, in this version, you can retry from there without having to redo the Bowletta fight