How high is Super Mario RPG on your personal all-time ranking list?

For me it’s close to top 10

So, Super Mario RPG was re-released on Wii U yesterday, and I feel like I have to talk about it.

As a kid, I had no idea what I was getting into at first. As a seemingly innocuous Mario game developed by Squaresoft, even the intro was still a by-the-numbers “Mario rescues Peach in Bowser’s Castle” affair. But very quickly I learned that there was so much more there, as the adventure was filled to the brim with charm, brand new and engaging characters, and incredible worlds. There were cast members that were never seen before, that were only on-screen for several minutes, that were more memorable than the core protagonists of other similar games.

If you haven’t played it yet, now is the time. It’s not even grind-heavy, so don’t be turned off by its JRPG skin. There’s platforming elements, an interactive battle system, and very little reliance on micromanaging items and skills. It’s streamlined in all the best ways and fun from start to finish.

I don’t think I’m alone in feeling this passionate about the game, but I definitely want to hear everyone else weigh in on why it’s so highly regarded, or why it doesn’t deserve its legacy.