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If you’re aMariofan, you’ve probably at least heard of Geno. He’s a playable character inSuper Mario RPGand quickly became widely beloved when he debuted in 1996. Since then, fans have been begging for him to appear in theSuper Smash Brosseries. With all the hype surrounding the character, it begs the question: who is Geno?
Geno is undoubtedly considered the best Super Mario RPG character, and withthe remake on Switch, new fans can bask in the glory of this Nintendo icon. So, what is Geno’s backstory? What are his powers? And what happens to him after Super Mario RPG?
What Is Geno’s Backstory?
If Geno looks a little wooden, that’s because he is.Geno is a being called a Star Spiritwho possesses the body of a wooden doll to give him a physical form when he’s on Earth.
His real name is “♡ ♪ ! ?".The alias “Geno” comes from the name of the doll, which he goes by when traveling with Mario since it’s easier to pronounce.
Geno is a warrior sworn to protect a place called Star Road, a majestic haven in the sky where the Star Spirits grant wishes. In his normal form, he’s depicted as a small, flying orb of yellow light. Sadly, he’s confined to the laws of gravity when controlling the Geno doll.
Geno is sent down to Earth by an entity known only as “a higher authority” when a vicious organization called the Smithy Gang tragically destroys his homeworld.
What Happened To Geno’s Homeworld?
What started as another peaceful day in Star Road quickly became a nightmare whena colossal sword named Exor fell from the skyand shattered the haven to bits. The broken pieces of Star Road rained down from the heavens and scattered across the world.
With Geno’s home obliterated, the Star Spirits could no longer grant wishes, meaning no one’s dreams would come true.Geno is chosen to embark on an adventure to recover the Star Piecesand return the once-beautiful haven to its former glory.
Baring the world’s fate on his shoulders, Geno travels to Earth in search of a physical body to aid him on his perilous mission.
Why Is Geno A Doll?
Geno begins his hunt for a physical form in a small village called Rose Town, likely because a Star Piece landed in the neighboring Forest Maze.
Eventually, he comes across a quaint little inn run by a woman and her young child, Gaz. He quickly discovers Gaz’s toy collection when he floats into the building. After inspecting each one,the Star Spirit chooses the Geno doll as his bodysince he deems it the strongest-looking.
It’s easy to see why the Geno toy caught his eye.The doll comes with finger gunsthat shoot bullets strong enough to knock Mario unconscious.
However, possessing the doll proves to be no easy task.Geno struggles to get accustomed to his new legs, causing him to lose balance, trip over himself, and even stumble head-first onto a wooden table.
Luckily, the Star Spirit gets the hang of it after a few attempts and bravely enters the mysterious Forest Maze to reclaim a broken piece of Star Road. Thus, Geno was born.
What Are Geno’s Powers?
Geno is a skilled warrior withseveral magical powers that enhance the doll’s abilities, leading him to becomea vital character in the storyand a key member of Mario’s team.
During battles,he relies heavily on the doll’s finger guns, which he enchants with the ability to fire a barrage of powerful stars and massive laser beams. He can also use magic to increase his friends' strength and defense.
If that wasn’t enough,his Geno Whirl ability allows him to create and throw discs made of powerful magic energy, which can defeat an enemy in one hit if he times it correctly.
He can even shapeshift the doll’s body into a giant cannonand summon devastating beams of light from the sky to damage every enemy who dares challenge him.
But with great power comes great responsibility, and Geno has that in spades.Geno is a wise and noble warriorwho understands the magnitude of his quest and takes it very seriously.
His endless wisdom and bravery prove to be essential to Mario’s team. He offers sage-like advice, helps them understand the otherworldy aspects of their adventure, and remains cool and collected in the face of adversity.
Geno’s courage is so immense that he’s unfazed when challenged to a fight by Bowser, a creature almost twice his size.He even ventures into the dangerous Forest Maze aloneto battle a monster called Bowyer.
What Happens To Geno After Super Mario RPG?
Thanks to Geno’s help, Mario and his team collect all seven Star Pieces, take down the ruthless Smithy Gang, and restore peace to the world.
With his mission completed,Geno says a heart-wrenching goodbye to his new friends and returns homewith the Star Pieces. The Star Spirit departs from the doll’s body and soars back to the heavens to repair Star Road.
As Mario and his friends watch the last bits of Smithy’s Gang disintegrate,you can see Mallow holding the now lifeless Geno doll, showing that even though he’s gone, the bond they formed will live on.
Mario and his team celebrate their victory by watching a fireworks show. As the night sky lights up in an ocean of colorful explosions,Geno’s Star Spirit floats through the air, taking one last look at his friendsbefore leaving the Earth once and for all.
Super Mario RPG is Geno’s only significant appearance. What lies ahead for him is a mystery, but hopefully, his future is as bright as the stars he protects.
