Why Super Mario RPG Stands Out from the Amnesiac Hero Trope

The JRPG genre has long been defined by its reliance on specific tropes, perhaps none more iconic than the amnesiac hero. While this narrative device fueled countless titles throughout the 1990s and 2000s, it has become less common in recent years. For games that choose to bypass this cliché, the results often stand out as some of the most memorable experiences in the genre.

Among those titles is Super Mario RPG. Released for the Nintendo Switch on November 17, 2023, the game sees the plumber from Brooklyn embarking on a massive adventure alongside iconic allies like Peach and newcomers such as Geno. Unlike many of his contemporaries in the genre, Mario shows no signs of memory loss; he remains entirely clear-headed about everyone he meets. It is a refreshing departure that allows the game to lean into its own unique identity.

The Charm of Offbeat Writing

Beyond its refusal to lean on tired narrative tropes, Super Mario RPG is widely recognized for its offbeat humor and quirky writing. This distinct sense of style helped establish a pattern for future Mario-themed RPGs, proving that the franchise’s foray into the genre could be just as charming as its platforming roots. By focusing on a straightforward, character-driven journey rather than a mystery of the self, the title maintains a light, engaging pace that keeps the focus firmly on the adventure at hand.

JRPGs Without the Amnesiac Trope

While Mario successfully avoids the trope, other titles have also found success by grounding their protagonists in their own histories. From the tactical depth of Triangle Strategy—which features the headstrong Serenoa Wolffort—to the wonder-filled skies of Skies of Arcadia with its focused hero Vyse, these games demonstrate that a protagonist does not need a blank slate to be compelling.

Other notable examples include Valkyria Chronicles, where the relationship between leads Welkin and Alicia forms the backbone of the story, and Final Fantasy 13, which features a notably proactive Lightning. Even Yakuza: Like a Dragon brought a fresh perspective to the JRPG space by introducing the ex-con Ichiban Kasuga, a hero who is anything but a blank slate.

Ultimately, these titles prove that while the amnesiac hero was once the standard for JRPGs, the best games in the genre often thrive by letting their characters know exactly who they are from the very first scene.