Super Mario RPG is an excellent remake of an SNES classic. It’s a bit simplistic by modern standards, but the small updates and improvements make what was already a stellar RPG into an especially charming trip down memory lane.
Super Mario RPG
Developer: ArtePiazza
Price: $60
Platform: Nintendo Switch
MonsterVine was supplied with a Switch code for review.
The original Super Mario RPG is a delightful title that has an odd charm to it. Filled with bizarre characters that feel surreal compared to the consistent world that Nintendo’s mascot has resided in for decades. Though further great RPGs led by Mario would come in the years to follow, there was something about Super Mario RPG that was never quite replicated. This new remake keeps all this uniqueness intact, presenting the somewhat dated game in a more accessible light for newcomers and nostalgic fans.
The characters introduced in Super Mario RPG have remained widely beloved for a reason, as Geno, Mallow, and the many strange NPCs and bosses are remarkably memorable. After feeling disappointed about most of these characters not appearing in further Mario titles, it’s fun to get to revisit them and the odd aesthetic that is only really found here. The silly and sometimes snarky writing adds to the world and very simple story, making a truly one-of-a-kind take on Mario.
The gameplay is certainly a tad simplistic, though it’s exciting to try to nail each attack’s specific timing to deal extra damage. The different command inputs for each special attack make each character especially unique in combat and come with flashy visuals to boot. None of the battles are especially challenging during your primary playthrough. Still, the added ability to fight harder versions of bosses again in the postgame provides additional challenges for more diehard players.
“The distinct visual style of the original game seemed to be a thing of necessity, but this new updated take on that aesthetic is quite pleasing.“
Speaking of which, the changes in this remake also include stylish team attacks and a wide variety of quality-of-life changes. Nothing substantial is missing and nothing solid has been altered for the worst, leaving only improvements. Inventory management is easier, jump attacks are counted, and Peach is now referred to by her modern name instead of the largely unused “Princess Toadstool” title that has fallen to the wayside.
You can even swap back and forth between the original SNES music and the impressively updated soundtrack, allowing longtime enthusiasts to listen to the more nostalgic soundtrack should they prefer it. No matter which version of the soundtrack you choose to use, you’re in for a treat, as Yoko Shimomura’s timeless tracks have an enduring appeal that holds strong to this day.
The distinct visual style of the original game seemed to be a thing of necessity, but this new updated take on that aesthetic is quite pleasing. The goofy characters haven’t lost any of their peculiar appeal, but the uncanny nature of the SNES models is mostly gone. The environments are colorful, the character designs are a delight, and the visual effects in battles are more stylish than ever before. I’m impressed with this makeover, as like the rest of the remake, it improves without removing anything of note.
The Final Word
Super Mario RPG is a light and enjoyable return to the roots of Mario’s now-iconic presence in the role-playing game genre. Those looking for a more complex RPG may find it a tad too simplistic, but this remake thrives at being a straightforward and endlessly pleasant throwback to a simpler time.
MonsterVine Rating: 4.5 out of 5 – Great
