Super Mario RPG 2: The Kingdom of Dreams (also known simply as Mario RPG: Dream Kingdom) is a title set for release on the Nintendo Switch Plus console in 2021. It is the sequel to Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, and though it borrows some characters and elements from the Paper Mario series, the game does not follow the continuity of that game. It is a co-production between Nintendo and Square Enix, the makers of the first Mario RPG. The game has similar battle elements to the original Mario RPG, but takes place in a fully realized 3D world. It also visits many different locales within the Mario Universe, including Yoshi's Island, DK Isle (confirming it and the Kremlings as fully existing in the Mario Universe), Sarasland, New Donk City and the Dream World of Subcon (seen for the first time since Super Mario Bros. 2).
Plot[]
The game takes place at Princess Peach's Castle, where Mario and Princess Peach are preparing for a "very important wedding" (which through dialogue is assumed to be the wedding of Mario and Peach themselves). Before the ceremony can begin, the party is crashed by Wario and Waluigi, who are annoyed they weren't invited. Mario and Luigi have to fend off the two malcontents, and after a brief battle they are subdued. However, the wedding is then attacked by Bowser Jr, Kamek & The Koopalings, who are under the command of, surprisingly, what appears to be an evil copy of Princess Peach whom Bowser Jr. refers to as "his real mother, Bowsette." The Koopa Battle Fleet lay waste to Peach's Castle and kidnap the Princess, causing Mario, Luigi, Wario & Waluigi to be flung to different parts of the World outside the Mushroom Kingdom as they are blasted off of Bowser Jr.'s Airship, the Koopatania.
Mario awakes on Yoshi's Island, where he is awakened by the Yoshi Clan. Before he can get back to the Mushroom Kingdom, he has to help his old pal Yoshi defeat Boshi, who has had help from Kamek at taking over Yoshi's Island. Once Boshi and Kamek are defeated, Mario is joined by an old friend in Geno, who informs Mario that he needs to gather as many allies as he can to save Princess Peach. Moreover, Mario has to save the Kingdom of Dreams (also known as Subcon) from being taken over by Bowser and his minions. Joining Mario on his quest, the two travel to Sarasland to seek help from Princess Daisy, and along the way find Luigi (Sarasland being the place where he was sent crashing to.) In Sarasland, they have to save the Kingdom from a group of Mouser's and, in thanks, Princess Daisy also joins there party. In cutscenes, we also learn that Bowsette is planning on marrying Bowser, though she is in need of something from the Princess first.
At the same time, Wario and Waluigi find themselves on the run from the New Donk City Police Department, being hunted down seemingly by Mayor Pauline. After fighting their way through the NDPD, the duo discover that a scientist Koopa named Nagas is testing a device on Pauline, attempting to open a doorway to her "dreamscape." They thwart Nagas' minions, and the scientist withdraws. The duo meet up with Mario & Luigi's party and, after a brief showdown, agree to join forces to find out what is happening. Through Pauline, they learn that the Koopalings and Bowser Jr. are overseeing mining operations in different locations throughout the world, looking for "Star Metal", which will power the devices that Nagas was building. Back in Bowser's Keep, we learn that Nagas is working for Bowser and Bowsette, and is in fact the creator of the latter. We also learn that Bowsette is slowly dying, and they have a plan to save her. The plan is to open a portal into Subcon, and with it open a portal into Peach's own "dreamscape." Doing so will allow them to steal her lifeforce and give it to Bowsette, stabilizing her. However we also learn that if Subcon is tainted by Bowser's evil, then dreams and wishes throughout the world could be forever corrupted.
The group venture to several locations within the Mario Universe (including Delfino Isle, Steam Gardens, Nimbus Land and the DK Isles to name a few places) in an effort to stop the Koopalings from gathering the necessary materials to fulfill their plan. Along the way they also recruit Birdo and Donkey Kong to join their crew. All in an effort to save Princess Peach, and the dreams of all in the Mario World.
More to Come...
Gameplay[]
The game plays very similarly to the original Mario RPG, with battles with roving bands of enemies taking place in a 3-D battle screen. Mario and company (up to 4 players in a party) each take turns performing either physical attacks, defensive measures or magical attacks on the enemies, while enemies also employ the same. Magic is determined by "Flower Points" or FP, while certain items can be used to boost attack strength as well. Each character and enemy has a certain number of Hit Points, and the object is to drain all your opponent's hit points before yours are.
Each person on your party has different arts or "Magics" as they are known, and has different weapons that are equippable to them. While some weapons can be equipped to different party members (for example, both Luigi and Mario can use the Koopa Shell class of weapons), other weapons are character exclusive (such as DK's Coconut Guns). Weapons typically can only be used a certain number of times before they are destroyed, though some weapons can be rebuilt. Characters learn different attacks within their Magic classes at various levels, earning experience points through battling enemies. They will also learn more physical attacks as they level up. Physical attacks do not cost FP, but they tend to be slower and do less damage. Some enemies are immune to either physical, weapon or magical attacks, and this immunity can also change with situations. Like with Super Mario RPG, while all party members will earn XP from a battle, the 4 players who actually participate in the battle will earn more XP from it, thus leveling up faster. For the most part, party membership is up to the player, though Mario must always be present. Though in certain instances, this is changed by the story (for example, Birdo must be in the party during the sequences that take place in Subcon).
The game also brings back Timed Hits, wherein pressing an action button at the right time will make an attack or magical attack stronger. Conversely, timing a block manuever correctly could negate some of the attack strength of enemy attacks.
Protagonists [Playable][]
 The Hero of the Mushroom Kingdom, and the man who thwarts Bowser time and time again. |
Basic Stats Name: Mario Physical Attacks Basic Attacks:
Special Attacks:
Magics Fire:
Equipment Defensive Equips: Overalls |
 The brother of Mario, Luigi usually sticks to the shadows. However, he isn't afraid to get involved when push comes to shove. |
Basic Stats Name: Luigi Physical Attacks Basic Attacks:
Special Attacks:
Magics Fire:
Defense:
Equipment Defensive Equips: Overalls |
 A member of the faithful troop of dinosaurs who have helped the Mario Bros throughout the years. |
Basic Stats Name: Yoshi Physical Attacks Basic Attacks:
Special Attacks:
Magics Egg Arts:
Equipment Defensive Equips: None |
 The ruler of Sarasland and longtime friend of the Mario Bros and the Mushroom Kingdom in general. |
Basic Stats Name: Daisy Physical Attacks Basic Attacks
Special Attacks
Magics Defensive Arts:
Healing Arts:
Equipment Defensive Equips: Dresses |
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A sometimes ally/sometimes enemy of the Mario Bros, who looks to get rich and cause trouble, usually in that order. Sets events into motion with an attack on a long-planned wedding, due to not getting an invitation. |
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The cohort (and possible brother, it's never been made clear) of Wario, Waluigi is the pettier of the two, eager to cause mischief and mayhem wherever he roams. Still, willing to do the right thing when the need suits him. |
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A child's toy brought to life by a spirit from Star Road, Geno has returned to seek Mario's help to save the Kingdom of Dreams and the Dreams of all the world from Bowser's evil. |
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The protector of DK Isle, Donkey Kong joins the party after Ludwig von Koopa threatens his tropical paradise with his mining operation. |
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A citizen of Subcon at one time coerced into serving the treacherous Wart, Birdo has sense reformed her ways and seeks to redeem herself in the eyes of her people. |
Secondary Protagonists [Non-Playable][]
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The ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, kidnapped by Bowser...again. Though this time may be for nefarious purposes. |
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An intrepid adventurer of the Mushroom Kingdom, it is revealed that Captain Toad is in fact the individual getting married at the start of the game. He is first encountered in the lost Sand Kingdom of Koopankhamun, searching for his lost love, and can provide hints to the worlds that follow. |
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The bride to be of Captain Toad, Toadette has gone missing since the attack on Peach's Castle. |
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The mayor of New Donk City who is held captive by the Koopa Scientist Nagas for his evil experiments. |
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The little buddy of Donkey Kong, who is ape-napped at one point by Ludwig von Koopa, forcing DK to save him. |
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The grandfather of the current Donkey Kong who has a long standing grudge against Mario. |
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A renegade Koopa, Koopa the Quick seeks our heroes help at various points during their travels. |
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The prince of Nimbus Land who is fooled by Bowser Jr. into lending support for his cause, until being set straight by Mario. |
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The proprietor of Booster's Airlines (and Lawn Care Service...don't ask), the once again single Booster offers aid to our heroes on a couple of occasions. |
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A techincal wizard, Professor E. Gadd is always ready for aiding our heroes with gadgets and gizmos, weapons and armor. |
Antagonists (Bosses)[]
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The ruler of the Dark Kingdom and constant thorn of the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser seeks to rule the world alongside his newly chosen "queen", Bowsette. |
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A semi-successful clone of Princess Peach who seeks to rule alongside Bowser. Needs the lifeforce from the dreamscape of Peach in order to survive. |
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Nagas, the scientist who created Bowsette and now seeks to find a way to conquer the Kingdom of Dreams known as Subcon. Image is a placeholder |
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One of the highest ranking members of the Koopa Troop and one of the more powerful wizards in the world, helped create Bowsette through magic. |
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The son of Bowser and heir apparent to his throne, who seeks to reunite his whole family with his new "Momma Bowsette." |
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Generals within the army of Bowser who have set up shop at various locations in the Mario Universe, looking to mine Star Metal, among other items that Bowser needs. |
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A would-be conqueror of Subcon who has allied himself with Bowser in an effort to seize the throne of the Kingdom of Dreams. |
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Generals in the armies of Wart and sworn enemies of the Birdo tribe. |
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A renegade Yoshi who seeks to dominate Yoshi Isle with the help of Bowser. |
More to Come...