'Super Mario RPG' updates a cult classic from the creators of 'Final Fantasy'

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Mario, by way of Final Fantasy
Originally developed by Square, the company behind Final Fantasy, the game opens with Mario on a typical mission to rescue Princess Toadstool (now renamed Princess Peach) from Bowser. In the midst of their fight, a giant sword slashes Bowser's castle, scattering everyone inside and destroying the Star Road, a wish-granting rainbow bridge leading to the castle. Mario soon sets out to defeat those responsible: the Smithy Gang, a crew of animated weapons who also happen to be power-hungry weapon traffickers. Despite this weird and even dark premise, the story beats are both silly and engaging, with a winding plot that's simple enough for new players to follow.

Setting aside my massive rose-colored goggles, I can also tell you that the game's combat really holds up. Nintendo gave Square control to make one of their best RPGs — and I mean that, it's up there with Final Fantasy VI and VII.

The main twist adds timing challenges to sweeten its turn-based battles. For example, you can use Mario's signature jump against say, a Flying Koopa, and if you press a button at the right time, you'll do more damage. The mechanic proved so enduring that it came back in the Paper Mario and the Mario & Luigi games, and even got employed in Sea of Stars, a celebrated indie title from this year.

But Nintendo also added a later innovation to the remake: a meter that fills up the more you successfully time attacks. When you hit 100% you unlock a triple attack, a special move that depends on the makeup of your current party. I dig rhythm games even more than my beloved Japanese RPGs, so I really appreciate how these mechanics reward attentive timing."...