Releases

The two versions compared on this page were released almost six months apart.

Title screen

The Japanese version is called Mario Story and has a completely different logo design. The copyright dates are different because the U.S. version was released later, of course.

Toad Town

Toad Town, known as "Kinoko Town" (Mushroom Town) in the Japanese version, had its sign changed along with its name. The new sign also has brighter colors and slightly different lettering.

The Dojo

Inside the Toad Town dojo, the Japanese on the wall says "Way of the old man." This is probably referring to The Master's fighting style. It's a play on words; instead of "judo," it says "jido."

Thanks: Tomato.

"O" for "Correct"

Correctly answer one of Chuck Quizmo's questions, and a large pink circle will appear in the middle of the screen. In Japan, a circle is used instead of a check mark as a symbol for "yes" or "correct." You'll also see circles used for Sushie's "Water Block" ability, Watt's "Turbo Charge" ability, Lakilester's "Cloud Nine" ability, during the Trivia Quiz-Off with Peach, and during the Bowser Castle guard door's memory challenge.

Chuck Quizmo questions

Though Chuck Quizmo's questions stayed pretty much the same, several of the wrong answer choices were changed for the U.S. version.

Gossip

Between Chapters 2 and 3, you can read some juicy gossip on the back of the Toad Town news board. The anonymous Toad posts something different and uses fewer heart symbols in the U.S. version.

Japanese version

ピーチ姫って　おとなしそうだけど　じつは　とっても　♡♡♡♡♡が　☆☆☆☆だって
クッパに　✕✕✕ってても　◯◯◯して♡♡♡♡じゃないかな

(Translation: "Princess Peach may seem quiet, but I heard she has a [crush] on [Mario]!
Whenever she's [kidnapped] by Bowser, I bet she wants [Mario] to [rescue] her!")

U.S. version

I heard from this friend of mine whose sister heard Peach likes ♡♡♡♡♡ ☆☆☆☆.
Anyway, my cousin ✕✕✕ said that ◯◯◯ told her ♡♡ said it's true. You think it is?

Li'l-Oinks

When Gold Li'l-Oinks leave the farm in the Japanese game, they drop Jelly Shrooms (restores 5 HP and 50 FP), which seems a bit redundant considering the Silver Li'l-Oinks drop Jammin' Jellies (restores 50 FP). In the U.S. version, Gold Li'l-Oinks drop Ultra Shrooms (restores 50 HP). This gives you a way to collect an unlimited amount of the highest HP-restoring item in the game, whereas you can only find five Ultra Shrooms total in the Japanese version.

Koopa Koot

In the Japanese version, Koopa Koot only has two different responses when Mario completes a favor:

おおっ！　さすがは　マリオさんじゃ　たいしたもんじゃぞい (Translation: "Whoa! That was incredible! A result befitting of the legendary Mario!")
おおっ！　さすがは　マリオさんじゃのぅ　すばらしいぞい！ (Translation: "Whoa! That was wonderful! A result befitting of the legendary Mario!")

In the U.S. version, Koot says something different for each favor, starting with a catch phrase that usually references an enemy from the game. Below are some examples.

Great galloping Goombas! You're a lifesaver, Mario!
Oh, thank Star Haven! You've saved me again, Mario!
Livid Lava Piranhas! You rule, Mario!

Shy Guy show

During the credits parade, two "Heihos" signs are clearly visible on the wall behind General Guy. Heiho is the Japanese name for Shy Guys.

Areas

Badges

Characters

Enemies

Equipment

Items

Partners

Partner abilities

Star Spirits

Star Spirit powers

Other