On this week 25 years ago, Nintendo released a cult-classic RPG series that would carve out its very own devoted following within the Super Mario fanbase!

Indeed, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is now 25 years old – after its initial debut on the Super Famicom on 9 March 1996. The game would be the very first of its kind in the Super Mario series, with Mario and colorful cast of characters fighting in turn-based battles like most classic JRPGs. However, it was also unique in its use of timed-button presses to boost one’s attacks or to defend against enemies.

As mentioned earlier, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars would introduce a colorful and unique cast of characters to team up and fight against. The most popular of these characters to date is none other than Geno – a puppet-like warrior who would go on to have staunch fans, whom are still clamoring for him to be a playable fighter in the Super Smash Bros. series one day. The game even features the Axem Rangers – an enemy team that parodies the popular Power Rangers series.

The game’s influence would persist beyond its brief stint on the SNES, as Nintendo would eventually develop other Super Mario turn-based RPGs with similar mechanics and laugh-out-loud humor. Chief among these were the popular Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga games – which would go on to spawn numerous sequels on Nintendo’s later consoles and handhelds

While Nintendo hasn’t given a nod to the original SNES game for decades now (except for a Geno mii fighter costume in Super Smash Bros.), fans still cherish the game to this day. With any luck, maybe Nintendo will find a way to revive the game for modern fans in the future.

How about YOU? Do you have fond memories of playing the original Super Mario RPG? Feel free to share with us below!