We are getting near the end of the road here. Just a handful left so lets get this done.
Our story so far:
-Day 16: Super Mario Bros. 3
-Day 17: Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
-Day 18: Super Metroid
-Day 19: Chrono Trigger
-Day 20: StarFox 64
-Day 21: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Day 22:
Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga
-Game Boy Advance, November 17, 2003
The third RPG to appear on my list is also the most unlikely. I doubt any other gamer I know would have placed this game in their "Top 10", but I am not a typical gamer. This was easily one of the most fun games I have ever played. Not just for the ease of play and integration of role playing elements, but the story of the game was HILARIOUS. I have never laughed out loud so hard at a game. This was the first time that total comedic license was taken with Mario and Luigi. Yes, they made Luigi a bit (read A LOT) of a wuss in Luigi's Mansion, but they made him the target of many MANY jokes in this game. I think my favorite running gag was how outside of the Mushroom Kingdom, nobody knows who Luigi is and he is called by dozens of other names other than "Luigi" throughout the game. "Hey Green Mario Guy" is so great!
The emotions that are shown in the game by both Mario and Luigi are spectacular, which is amazing considering all they contribute to the game dialogue-wise are "woo hoo", "okie dokie", "waahhh" and "oooh nooo". The expressions that they show paint a great brotherly dynamic that had only been hinted at in past games. Mario the brave hero who inspires and/or drags his brother Luigi along for these adventures. Their reactions to every situation in the game were polar opposites every time. Mario stands up to the threat while Luigi tries to flee and ends up in the middle of that confrontation in a hilarious manner. The writers knew exactly how to hit this dynamic out of the park and create a different and funny way of expressing it without using the same gag over and over. The game also had one of the most memorable villains ever in Fawful, a delusional maniac that had the most ridiculous euphemisms during his boss fights.
The game had some of the same elements as the older Super Mario RPG from the SNES, but made some changes to the formula. Instead of a traditional party, you just had Mario and Luigi in your control. The standard attack system was replaced with timing based attacks. Overall it was much more accessible than your standard RPG thanks to platforming elements integrated into the game.
One of the most fun RPGs ever, I can replay this game and still laugh at every joke and have fun with every battle.
Tomorrow we advance one more year to another surprising entry in my Top 10.
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