Some games have a certain magic that transcends time. These titles are the result of imagination and immense talent coming together to make something extraordinary. Super Mario RPG is one of those games. Developed by Square Enix and published by Nintendo, this game was impressive when it launched for the Super Nintendo, and is still one of the best Mario adventures to offer.
Super Mario RPG shows the wonders that can be done with a good story, unique art style, solid gameplay and lovable characters. This cast is one of the strongest in the series and has produced some of the most creative villains and memorable heroes in Mario history.
10 Croco is an iconic villain
Mario RPGs usually have a stupid recurring minor villain like Jr. Troopa from Paper Mario or Popple from Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga. But none are as iconic as Croco. Mario has faced a number of unusual enemies over the years, and the top-hatted crocodile thug is also strikingly odd.
This stylish thief appears from time to time to pick your pockets, so you have to fight him to get your things back. Fortunately, it’s not all bad. Towards the end of the game, he sets up shop in Bowser’s castle to sell you items. While it’s safe to assume that his goods were obtained through unfair means, it’s a welcome redemption for the crocodile after all the trouble he’s caused.
9 Boshi is the coolest Yoshi
Yoshi’s characters have made great appearances many times, but what makes Super Mario RPG stand out is the inclusion of Boshi. This tough guy is the boss of Yo’ster Isle, and even though he only plays a small part in the story, he leaves a good impression.
Boshi is a fan favorite mainly due to his unique design rocking a nice pair of shades and no shoes. But beneath that gruff exterior is a soft spot for the cookie. Even the big bad ruler of the island can’t resist Yoshi’s legendary sweet tooth. It’s rare to see Yoshi act as an enemy, so this provided a refreshing twist to the beloved dinosaurs.
8 Exor is an imposing villain
There was a time in the Mario series where the plumber fought the same bad guys over and over again. After years of fighting the same bosses, it’s a breath of fresh air as Exor returns in a remake of the Super Mario RPG.
If you’ve played this game, you’ll remember when the Exor burst through the clouds and impaled Bowser’s castle. It’s an incredibly splashy entry and does a great job of showing that there’s a bigger force at play than the King of Koopas. This massive sword hangs over you throughout the adventure and is your main objective. From the very beginning of the game, you can look over the cliff and see what awaits you at the end of your journey. This is one of the best cutscenes in the entire game, perfectly highlighting this unique villain.
7 Culex is one of the best bosses in the game
No other boss in the series can compare to Culex. This mighty creature is a love letter to Final Fantasy bosses, as it even has a remake of the boss theme from Final Fantasy 4. Everything from its appearance to its attacks gives it the feel of the final boss from Square’s popular RPG series.
Culex is one of the coolest optional bosses in video games. This guy is scary and predicts that he can bide his time before unleashing a barrage of brutal attacks with his army of magic crystals. If you manage to find this secret boss, you’ll be rewarded with one of the toughest fights in the game. Best of luck.
6 Booster is the dumbest villain ever
Booster is one of the most childish villains in the series, which is saying something considering that some of the Mario villains are actual children. His tower is full of clowns and goofballs, and he even has a toy train as his method of transportation and perfectly reflects his goofy personality.
Only Booster would respond to a woman falling from the sky by thinking, “I’m going to ask her to marry me.” He has some of the funniest moments in the game, such as suggesting that his servants prepare his wedding cake by cooking it, and claiming that drinking punch with dessert is too complicated for him. He has no idea, but that’s what makes him so cute.
5 Bowser became a friend for the first time
Long before he sang Peaches in The Super Mario Bros Movie, he turned from enemy to ally to help Mario take on a new threat. Bowser is a powerhouse with physical attacks that deal massive amounts of damage. However, the catch is that it is very slow and underpowered when it comes to magic and support moves.
What it lacks in practicality, it more than makes up for in character. Bowser is often one of the best parts of RPGs and this game is no exception. He has all the overconfidence, jealousy, and pettiness you’d expect from the Koopa King. This game set the stage for his persona in future RPGs and is still a great portrayal with some great comedic moments.
4 Mallow goes from nothing to hero
Mallow is neither the strongest member of society nor the best healer. His HP and Defense are low, and while his lightning attacks can be devastating, they eat up FP quickly. Mallow shines not on the battlefield, but in the story.
Mallow has the best character in the game. When you first meet this adorable ball of fluff, he’ll run away rather than face a problem. As the journey progresses, he becomes a noble hero who stands up for his friends. His side plot of discovering his true family adds a lot of heart to the story and makes him one of the most endearing characters in the game.
3 Mario is a solid party member
Through mainstream games, sports titles, and role-playing games, Mario has been consistent in what he brings to the table. It’s always a reliable character and perfect for beginners, and Super Mario RPG is no different. Mario has decent physical and special attacks and remains useful throughout the adventure, which is good since you can’t remove him from the party.
Super Mario RPG adds so much personality to the plumber that was missing from previous games. Silent protagonists often have to be expressive to convey emotions instead of dialogue. Mario does this with flying colors with the way he reacts to things and interacts with the world around him. He says a lot without having to speak a word. It wouldn’t be Super Mario RPG without Mario.
2 Princess Peach is the best healer
Peach, also known as Princess Toadstool, is the best healer in the game and a must for your party. This was only her third time as a playable character and she contributed a lot to the team.
Peach’s Group Hug ability heals every member of your party, making it one of the best special moves in the game. He can also hold his own in combat and deal massive damage to enemies when he gets panned. Her excellent range of talents can get you out of many sticky situations, making her an essential part of the party.
1 Geno is the best character in the game
It’s no secret that Geno is one of the most sought-after characters for the Super Smash Bros. series. The biggest argument against its ranking used to be that it wasn’t relevant enough. You can say goodbye to that argument, because now it’s back in full glory.
Geno is an extremely useful member of the party. Not only does he have good physical attacks, but he also has great support moves. His Geno Boost ability will increase a party member’s attack by 50 percent and, if timed correctly, can even boost defense. This can be a lifeline during boss fights. Geno was only playable in one game, but he left behind an incredible legacy that lives on to this day.