"I serve...a higher authority..."
Article by: Paul Watkins (watkinzez)
Created by: Square
First appearance: 1996
Bio
Somewhere in video game limbo, the characters that debuted in Super Mario RPG live a rather boring life, copyrights and red tape preventing them from doing much else. Geno is the fruit of a collaboration between Nintendo and Square on Super Mario RPG for the Super Nintendo. Contrasting with many other characters from the Mario series, he is said to be of a greater being.
Geno hails from the Star Road, a parallel to Heaven in the Mushroom Kingdom. His mission is simple: to help Mario and company gain the seven star pieces smashed apart by the giant sword Exor. Upon arriving Geno explains much backstory to the group, informing them of the Star Road ceasing to grant wishes as it used to and of the enemy that they must defeat: Smithy. In the party Geno acts as a wise figure with great knowledge of their quest. As an agent of the Star Road and a star spirit, Geno has no physical body until he takes the form of a Rose Town child's favorite doll. His true name is actually of a different language, but he calls himself Geno (after the doll) for the benefit of Mario's friends and the player.
In battles, Geno is the predominant magic user, bringing down beams of light upon his enemies. He is also capable of physical attacks such as shooting bullets from his arms, and he can temporarily boost his power and that of his allies.
It is apparent that Geno has his own mission in the game, shouldering a great deal of responsibility to succeed in the party's quest. From his words, his role in the game is demonstrated to be important. After completing his mission, Geno's character lay dormant for years before a cameo in AlphaDream's Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga.
Selected game appearances
Super NES
Game Boy Advance
- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003)
References
- Wikipedia - "Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars"
- Super Mario RPG instruction manual
- Gamehiker Wiki - "Geno"
- Super Mario Bros. Headquarters - "Geno"
