I - General Info
1) Super Mario RPG Legend of the Seven Star is simply known in Japan as Super Mario RPG.
2) Super Mario RPG was released in 1996 and became the first ever Mario role-playing game.
3) The developer of Super Mario RPG is Squaresoft, which is currently known as Square Enix. Popularly known as the team behind some great RPG series such as Final Fantasy, Saga Frontier and Sword of Mana.
4) Some characters of Super Mario RPG Legend of the Seven Stars are property of Square Enix Co. Ltd. (such as Geno and Culex) and not of Nintendo.
5) Squaresoft and Nintendo made a business deal, which started in 1990 and lasted in 1996. Super Mario RPG became the last game that they made before parting ways.
6) In 1997, the game ranks 21st from “100 Best Nintendo Games of All Time” in the 100th issue of Nintendo Power.
II - Characters
Mario
1) There is an old Mario palette icons of the 80’s that can be unlock in a dressing room, somewhere in Booster’s Tower.
2) Mario first appeared in a Donkey Kong arcade game of the 80’s. In the game, he is referred as “Jumpman.”
3) Mario’s house is called the “Pipe House.”
4) Mario and his brother Luigi are both plumbers.
Mallow
1) Mallow is one of those very rare RPG characters, who has both strong physical attack and magic spells. He deals heavy damage with his arms but can also unleash powerful spells, including healing magic.
2) When he was still an infant, Mallow’s basket was swept away by rain water due to a storm that hits Nimbus Land. He was washed out in Tadpole Pond and was found by Frogfucius.
3) Mallow has the ability to control weather conditions. When he cries, rain pours down and quickly vanishes when he’s relieved. He calls forth thunderstorm and healing rain from clouds in battle too.
4) “Maro” is the original Japanese name given to Mallow.
5) The name Mallow is probably taken from the word “marshmallow”, because of his mild, soft and fluffy appearance.
6) Mallow’s Psychopath skill is harmless but very unique. It can read an enemy’s mind and shows its current HP.
7) The Psychopath skill is better translated from Japanese to English as “what are they thinking?”
Geno
1) Geno’s real name is unpronounceable.
2) Geno’s third skill “Geno Whirl” is the strongest attack in the game. It deals 9999 damage if timed correctly. However, you can’t use this skill against any boss.
3) Regardless of the cameo appearance of Geno in Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga, he is still a trademark of Square Enix, Co. Ltd. and not of Nintendo.
4) “Jiino” is the original Japanese name given to Geno.
5) Although a doll, Geno is presumably a Star Being. The fact that he came from Star Road and appeared in star form before taking over Gaz’s toy became the basis of this speculation.
Bowser
1) Bowser is sometimes called as “King Koopa.”
2) In Japanese version, Bowser is called “Daimao Kuppa,” which is translated as “Great Demon King Koopa.”
3) The floating vehicle that Bowser used in kidnapping the Princess is called the “Koopa Clown Car.”
4) In Japanese version of the game, Bowser gives a middle finger pose after a battle. However, due to its offensive meaning, it was changed into a “peace” pose in English version.
5) Bowser is always concerned of his villainous image and he’ll do everything just to live with his reputation.
Princess Toadstool
1) “Princess Peach” is the other name given to the Princess in most Super Mario games. As her name implies she has an affinity with the color pink.
2) Princess Toadstool is frequently portrayed as the damsel-in-distress in almost all Super Mario games.
3) The Princess has always been Mario’s love interest.
4) The “Frying Pan” is the strongest weapon that the Princess wields in the game.
Yoshi
1) Yoshi is considered by Boshi as his arch-rival.
2) Yoshi is the name of Mario’s friend who eats almost anything. He is not to be confused with the race called “Yoshi,” who are the citizens of Yo’ster Isle.
3) Whoever wins the Mushroom Derby race in Yo’ster Isle, is considered by the Yoshis as their new boss.
4) Yoshi is considered as bilingual in the game, who can speak both Mario’s language and the Yoshis.
5) Yoshi is sometimes called as “Green Yoshi” by fans, just to distinguish him from other Yoshis.
Toad
1) Toad is the name of Mario’s friend and attendant to the Princess. He is not to be confused with the race called “Toad,” who are citizens of Mushroom Kingdom.
2) In Nimbus Land, if Mario sleeps in the Dream Cushion at the inn, he will dream of Toad who reveals himself as a monster. Mario will be afraid of him but the fear vanishes once Toad gives him the Red Essence.
Frogfucius
1) Frogfucius assumed the name “Mallow” that is inscribed in the belt of the infant he found in Tadpole Pond.
2) The name “Frogfucius” is probably a pun from the name “Confucius”, one of China’s greatest philosopher and founder of Confucianism.
3) Frogfucius wisdom is attributed to his chain of networks, which is a group of tadpoles scattered all over the world who reports to him through the waterways. That is why Mallow reveres his grandpa as some sage who knows everything.
Toadofsky
1) “Toadofsky” is a pun on the name of a Russian composer “Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.”
2) There are 4 melodies that you can collect for Toadofsky symphony. Collect them from Frogfucius in Tadpole Pond, Pa’Mole in Moleville, Starslap in Monstro Town and let Mario beat the composition game in Tadpole Pond.
3) Toadofsky is notable for his wig and diamond spots on his head, things which are not found in other citizens of Mushroom Kingdom.
Croco
1) The name “Croco” is probably taken from the word “crocodile,” although he runs so fast for a crocodile.
2) Aside from crocodile, the name “Croco” may also have some connection to the word “crook” which completely describes Croco’s sly and greedy personality. After all, he is the leader of the three Crooks, which are seen following him in some part of the game.
2) Croco was defeated by Yoshi in the Mushroom Derby race in Yo’ster Isle. Boshi comforted him, who seemingly establishes a camaraderie with him.
Luigi
1) Some beta images of the game features Luigi as part of Mario’s party.
2) Luigi is seen in the credits roll cinematic where he leads the Mushroom Kingdom’s grand parade.
3) Although he did not appear in the main story except in the end portion, Luigi, however, serves as the narrator in the Super Mario RPG Legend of the Seven Star’s instruction manual.
Booster
1) Booster is the seventh generation of Boosters and current ruler of Booster’s Tower.
2) Booster named his train “Loco Express.” Loco is a Spanish word for “crazy.” A fitting name that describes its owners personality.
3) The close resemblance of Booster and Wario (another antagonist in Mario games) leads to the speculation that they are most likely the same person.
Dodo
1) Dodo is named after an extinct bird found only in Mauritius Island, probably hunted by settlers and pirates for their meat.
2) Dodo is portrayed as a flying, overgrown bird in the game. The real Dodo, however, grows in an average 3.3 feet tall and flightless.
Belome
1) Belome loves the taste of Mallow, calling him “yummy.” This is a reference to the idea that Mallow is designed as fluffy and soft, somewhat like a marshmallow.
2) Belome loves the taste of Princess Toadstool too, calling her “peachy.” A reference to her name in other Super Mario games and also to her affinity with the color pink.
Birdo
1) Birdo is also called “Shelly” in other Super Mario games.
2) Birdo is not to be confused with the race which shares the same name with her. Just like Yoshi belongs to a race called “Yoshi.”
3) In some Super Mario games, Birdo is referred to as a “guy who thinks he’s a girl and rather be called Birdetta.” In other words, she is a transvestite. However, Birdo is also specified as female in most games.
Culex
1) Culex is somewhat an allusion of a Final Fantasy boss, although he did not appear in any Final Fantasy titles.
2) A Final Fantasy background music is played when you fight Culex in Monstro Town.
Others
1) The names “Grate Guy” and “Knife Guy” are puns on “great guy” and “nice guy.”
2) Chef Torte is named after a German cake “Torte.” That explains why the guy speaks somewhat having a German accent.
3) The name “Bahamutt” is a pun on “Bahamut”, a powerful Final Fantasy dragon.
4) Bundt is named after a cake of the same name. Although, a real Bundt is most likely not a type of wedding cake.
5) The Axem Rangers are obviously designed after the “Power Rangers” or other famous groups that resembles them.
6) The names of “Dyna” and her baby brother “Mite” is taken from the word “dynamite,” an explosive primarily used for mining.
7) The Chancellor of Mushroom Kingdom has a close resemblance to Toadsworth, another character that appeared in many Super Mario games. They both share the same notable mustache and role as close adviser and mentor to the Princess.
8) Chained Kongs and Guerillas resemble Mario’s earliest arch-enemy, Donkey Kong.
9) An enemy called Drill Bit appears in the Super Mario RPG, but never in any actual battle.
10) K-9 is obviously a pun name of “canine.”
11) Amanita is a real mushroom infamous for its poison.
13) A real Ameboid is actually a type of protozoa.
14) In Greek mythology Arachne is a mortal known for her unsurpassed skill in weaving. She was turned into a spider after the goddess Minerva (Roman goddess Athena) envied her superior skill during their weaving contest. That explains why Arachne is a spider in the game.
15) Artichoke is named after a real plant which bears the same name. It is a perrenial thistle commonly found in southern Europe and some parts of Mediterranean.
16) Big Bertha shares the same name with gigantic war cannons, which were used during World War I.
17) Carroboscis is obviously a combination of words “carrot” and “proboscis,” which are both known as slender and long.
18) Doppel is probably taken from the word “Doppelganger,” which means a ghost that has a striking resemblance to someone.
19) Fautso is a pun on “fatso,” an offensive word for calling someone fat.
20) Goby is commonly called Cheep-Cheeps in most Super Mario games.
21) Goombette’s psychopath quote “me speak soft, BIG STICK”, is a reference to President Theodore Roosevelt’s popular quote. The president quoted: “Speak softly and carry a big stick. You will go far.”
22) Gorgon is named after a race of legendary monsters in Greek mythology, in which Medusa is the most famous. They are snake-headed monsters that can turn anyone who sees them into stones.
23) Obviously, the name Guerilla is a pun of “gorilla,” in which race Donkey Kong belongs.
24) Hippopo is derived from the name of a large amphibious mammal, the Hippopotamus. It is commonly found in Africa.
25) Hobgoblin is named after a mischievous little creature with unpleasant appearance and strikes fear to the hearts of men in many legends and folklores. They are somewhat the same as goblin.
26) Jesters are race of clowns who are not only entertainers but also fight as guardians. Some of the notable Jesters in the game are bosses such as Grate Guy, Knife Guy, Cloaker and Domino.
27) In Super Mario RPG Legend of the Seven Star, Li’l Boo (Boo in most Super Mario game) is much stronger than Big Boo based on their overall stats.
28) Mastadoom is a portmanteau of “Mastodon” and “doom.” Mastodon is an extinct ancient elephant, which has a close resemblance to Wooly Mammoth.
29) Ninja is named after the mercenaries in feudal Japan who were trained in the art of stealth, spying, sabotage, assassination and infiltration.
30) Octovader is probably inspired from Darth Vader in Star Wars movies. The creature itself somewhat resembles the mask of Darth Vader.
31) Pandorite is undoubtedly named after “Pandora.” According to Greek mythology, Pandora is the first woman ever created who accidentally opened a box that contains all evil in the world. The box was later known as “Pandora’s Box.”
32) Pinwheel is named after children’s toy which resembles a miniature windmill or fan.
33) The name Piranha Plant is taken from “Piranha”, a small vicious freshwater fish known for its strong jaws and sharp teeth. This fish is carnivorous and a very dangerous predator. It is native in South American waters such as the Amazon River.
34) Pulsar is derived from an actual star that emit’s a burst of radiation, radio wave and x-ray. It is believed to be a rapidly rotating neutron star.
35) Pyrosphere is a portmanteau of “pyro” (which refers to fire) and “sphere.” In short, a ball of fire.
36) Shamans closely resembles some of Final Fantasy wizards, such as Vivi in Final Fantasy IX.
37) The name Shogun is taken from a rank of Japanese feudal lord. A shogun is a hereditary military commander who reigns under the nominal rule of an emperor.
38) Snapdragon is named after a genus of flower known for its shape that resembles a dragon. When squeezed laterally, the petals opens and closes like a mouth of a dragon.
39) The name Terra Cotta is taken from a reddish brown clay which is widely used in pottery. Another Terra Cotta, is a set of famous ancient Chinese statues that were recently unearthed. They are replicas of Chinese army who guarded the tomb of their emperor.
40) Terrapin is an actual name of a moderate sized turtle which is native in the waters of eastern portion of North America.
41) Vomer is derived from an actual bone found in a human body. It is located in the middle of nasal passages inside the nose.
42) Wiggler is a common name usually given to mosquito larva and pupa.
III - Gameplay
1) If you don’t know what to do next, go to Tadpole Pond and consult Frogfucius. He might give some juicy information that leads to your next quest.
2) Quartz Charm obtained from defeating Culex does not stack with other defense attribute, but still a favorable accessory for its significant increase in attack damage, high defense boost and nullifying instant death.
3) Link, the protagonist of Legend of Zelda games can be seen sleeping in Rose Town Inn after defeating Bowyer in Forest of Maze.
4) Samus Aran, the protagonist of Metroid games can be seen sleeping in the castle’s guest room in Mushroom Kingdom after defeating Yaridovich.
5) In Hinopio’s place in Barrel Volcano, there are miniature model of spacecrafts from F-Zero and Starfox series.
6) Countdown is more of a puppet than a boss, which is controlled by Ding-a-Lings.
7) Star Road made its debut in Super Mario World and later in other Super Mario games.
8) There are lots of enemies made in beta version which were removed prior to its final phase of development. Here are some of them: Harlequins, Baba Yaga, Super Spike, Radish, Lumbler and Mastablasta.
9) Most of the characters in beta version that were removed were just copy of some characters already present in the game. For example, Radish is the white version of Carroboscis and Mastablasta is the blue version of Mastadoom.
10) Unlike their counterpart bosses, Machine Made bosses has the option to escape in battles.
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