Is Mario considered RPG?

Is Mario Considered an RPG?

The world of video games is vast and diverse, with numerous genres and sub-genres that have evolved over the years. One of the most iconic and beloved franchises is the Mario series, created by Shigeru Miyamoto and developed by Nintendo. With its colorful graphics, lovable characters, and engaging gameplay, Mario has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. But is Mario considered an RPG? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and delve into the history of the Mario series.

The Birth of Mario

The first Super Mario Bros. game was released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and revolutionized the platformer genre. Mario, the iconic plumber, was designed to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser, the main antagonist. The game’s success was unparalleled, and it quickly became one of the best-selling games of all time.

Early Years of Mario

In the early years, Mario games were primarily focused on platforming, with minimal RPG elements. However, as the series progressed, Nintendo introduced new mechanics and features that blurred the lines between platformers and RPGs. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, released in 1996 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), is often considered one of the first RPG-like Mario games. It introduced turn-based combat, character leveling, and an open world to explore.

RPG Elements in Mario Games

Over the years, Mario games have incorporated various RPG elements, including:

• Character customization: In games like Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario, players can customize their characters with different equipment and abilities.
• Character leveling: Many Mario games feature leveling systems, where characters can gain experience points and level up to improve their abilities.
• Exploration: Some Mario games, like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, feature open worlds to explore, which is a key element of RPGs.
• Quests and missions: Many Mario games include quests and missions, which is another characteristic of RPGs.

Arguments For and Against Mario Being an RPG

Arguments For Mario Being an RPG:

• RPG elements: As mentioned earlier, Mario games have incorporated various RPG elements, such as character customization, leveling, exploration, and quests.
• Influence of RPGs: The Mario series has been influenced by RPGs, with developers like Shigeru Miyamoto citing games like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy as inspirations.

Arguments Against Mario Being an RPG:

• Primary focus on platforming: Despite incorporating RPG elements, Mario games have always had a primary focus on platforming, which is distinct from traditional RPGs.
• Lack of complex storytelling: Mario games typically have simple, linear storylines, which is another key difference between RPGs and platformers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Mario games have incorporated various RPG elements, it is difficult to categorize the series as a traditional RPG. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is often considered one of the first RPG-like Mario games, and subsequent titles have continued to blend platforming and RPG elements. Ultimately, the question of whether Mario is an RPG is subjective and depends on one’s interpretation of the term. Here’s a summary of the key points:

What do you think? Do you consider Mario an RPG? Share your thoughts in the comments!