Super Mario RPG: Legend of The Seven Stars - Gameplay

Gameplay

Super Mario RPG contains token similarities to other Square video games, such as Chrono Trigger and the Final Fantasy series, along with a story and gameplay based on the Super Mario Bros. series of platform games. Like most RPGs, there are two main sections to the game: adventuring and turn-based monster battles. Much of Super Mario RPG's gameplay is outside monster battles and plays like an isometric platformer, in which traditional Mario elements such as punching floating question blocks from below are prominent. Enemies are visible in the field; a battle ensues only if Mario comes in contact with one. This allows the player to evade unnecessary battles.

The player controls only Mario at the journey's beginning. Ultimately, the player will gain a party of five characters, though only three characters can be used during a battle at any given time. Mario is always in the player's party, but the other two characters can be selected before battles. Each of the five characters has a unique set of attacks and techniques. For example, Toadstool's abilities are primarily healing techniques, whereas Geno and Bowser have offensive attacks that deal high amounts of damage. The combat is based on a traditional turn based battle system with the addition of action commands that amplify a move's effects. The action command consists of timed button presses during an attack, special move, defense, or item usage. This is one of the more innovative features of gameplay, becoming a mainstay of later Mario RPGs and carrying over to later RPGs such as Final Fantasy VIII.