The Genesis of Geno

Genesis of Geno is a 2024 action-adventure game developed and published by Square Enix, in cooperation with Nintendo, for the Nintendo Switch. It's the first game to feature the fan-favorite of Super Mario RPG, Geno, as the main protagonist, as long as you ignore the fact that his red counterpart was the main character in Everhood - one of those music-themed adventure RPGs.
The game sees Geno traveling the Vibe Island while befriending the Star Sprite Starlow. They search for the seven star heroes in order to use their combined power to free Star Road, after it is attacked by the villainous Dimentio, who used the Vibe Scepter to influence emotions.
In contrast to many Mario spin-offs, the game draws from many iconic characters who originated from Super Mario RPG and its spiritual successors.
The game is a commercial success and received mostly positive reviews, notably for its detailed graphics, newly-improved designs of characters including Geno, dynamic environments and great voice acting.
==Main articles==
* The Genesis of Geno/Plot
* The Genesis of Geno/Script
* The Genesis of Geno/Quests
* The Genesis of Geno/Gallery
==Development and release==
During the June 21, 2023 Nintendo Direct, Nintendo and Square announced a new game centered around Geno was in development and would be released for the Switch in Spring 2024. Then the September 14, 2023 direct revealed more details about the game, and the release date is March 10, 2024 (Mario Day). Both announcements throughout the directs are preceded by the Super Mario RPG trailers, which feature Geno (and a few other original RPG characters like Mallow) as well.
The idea of Geno becoming the main protagonist is a really cool idea, since he gained a large fanbase for his otherwordly nature and involvement in the plot of Super Mario RPG. Otherwise, part of the game's story is originally written by DarkMillennia on FanFiction.net under the title "Super Geno RPG".
==Trivia==
* Unlike the third main entry of Kingdom Hearts, this game is never stuck in development hell. Instead, it's just in development for a year and a half.
* The game's title comes from this following video by FrameWork.
* On the copyright screen, a message appears that says "This game is dedicated to our warrior who fell in battle" - a tribute to Akira Toriyama, the late creator of Dragon Ball, Dr. Slump and Chrono Trigger.
* This is the second Switch game where Geno makes a major appearance (third if you count his minor appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate). The first being in the Super Mario RPG remake.
** Additionally, Geno's protagonism in this game is pretty similar to Princess Peach and Snufkin, who also have their own spin-off games (Showtime! and Melody of Moominvalley). Interestingly enough, these three protagonists are among the major highlights in March 2024, although Snufkin (who shares the same archetype with Geno) is not much of the highlight like the other two are.
* Whereas the preceding Super Mario RPG is turn-based, this game has been noted for its similar gameplay to a few beat 'em up and musical-themed games. The combat style is the same in the Kingdom Hearts series, and the puzzles are similar to the Melody of Moominvalley installment.
* Much like in Super Mario Sunshine, this game has full voice acting as well.
** Speaking of voice acting, this is the first time Geno is given a standard voice, as opposed to his sound effects in the original Super Mario RPG. He usually exhibits a cool and serious attitude.
* The trio of men in black robes is sightly the "masculine, feminine, androgyne trio" - Davan (androgynous), Yerin (feminine) and Reno (masculine).
Category:Square Enix
Category:Nintendo
Category:Adventure Games
Category:Music Games
Category:Beat 'em Up Games
Category:Spin-offs
Category:Geno