Superstar Saga is another in a long list of games that I played as a child but never beat.
This game is an absolute delight from start to finish. I really think it is hard to screw up a Mario RPG, but this one deserves its spot as one of the best in the franchise. I don't think it's perfect by any means, but like Super Mario RPG which I played earlier this year, it is a joy from start to finish.
The elements that really set this game apart from others in the franchise are its setting and characters. Superstar Saga is unique in the fact that it created a whole new kingdom, filled with multiple completely new races and characters that are unique from what is usually seen in the franchise. Almost all of them are winners, with the standout characters being Prince Peasley and Fawful.
The thing I respect most about this game is just how perfect it is for newcomers in the turn-based RPG genre. The battle system is simple, yet fun and engaging for newcomers. This game wasn't my introduction to turn based games (that was Bowser's Inside Story), but I know people who's first RPG was this game, and they all say they adore the battle system. It refined a lot of the action commands that were seen in games like Paper Mario and Mario RPG, while also making something that feels so unique to it.
Sadly, the main issues I have with the game boil down to that simplicity. Compared to the games later in the series, the combat is much more simpler with a lot less systems for the player to engage with. It is not too bad mainly because of the short length of the game, but even by the 12 hour mark I was starting to get tired of the repetitive nature. Thankfully, this is an issue that is fixed by the time the next few games roll out.
Overall, I do still love this game. If anyone out there is looking for a great introduction into the wonderful world of turn-based RPGs, then they should definitely pick up this game.
Be prepared for Cackletta's Soul tho. Even as an adult that shit was hard as hell.
This game is an absolute delight from start to finish. I really think it is hard to screw up a Mario RPG, but this one deserves its spot as one of the best in the franchise. I don't think it's perfect by any means, but like Super Mario RPG which I played earlier this year, it is a joy from start to finish.
The elements that really set this game apart from others in the franchise are its setting and characters. Superstar Saga is unique in the fact that it created a whole new kingdom, filled with multiple completely new races and characters that are unique from what is usually seen in the franchise. Almost all of them are winners, with the standout characters being Prince Peasley and Fawful.
The thing I respect most about this game is just how perfect it is for newcomers in the turn-based RPG genre. The battle system is simple, yet fun and engaging for newcomers. This game wasn't my introduction to turn based games (that was Bowser's Inside Story), but I know people who's first RPG was this game, and they all say they adore the battle system. It refined a lot of the action commands that were seen in games like Paper Mario and Mario RPG, while also making something that feels so unique to it.
Sadly, the main issues I have with the game boil down to that simplicity. Compared to the games later in the series, the combat is much more simpler with a lot less systems for the player to engage with. It is not too bad mainly because of the short length of the game, but even by the 12 hour mark I was starting to get tired of the repetitive nature. Thankfully, this is an issue that is fixed by the time the next few games roll out.
Overall, I do still love this game. If anyone out there is looking for a great introduction into the wonderful world of turn-based RPGs, then they should definitely pick up this game.
Be prepared for Cackletta's Soul tho. Even as an adult that shit was hard as hell.