When we first learned of the existence of Super Mario RPG in 1996, many of us couldn’t believe it. A Super Mario with turn-based combat? That strange mix between the constant movement of the games starring the Italian plumber and the slow pace of Japanese role-playing games seemed absurd. The fact is that, at least in Europe, we are left wanting to clear up doubts, since for some reason the game was never published on the old continent.
Almost thirty years later, seeing a Super Mario with turn-based combat and role-playing mechanics is the most normal thing in the world – there are the Paper Marios – but for many, that thorn in the side of not having been able to play the first foray of the game has always remained there. Nintendo character in this genre. Until today.
Super Mario RPG has just arrived on Nintendo Switch with a fully fledged remake. This update of the classic originally published on Super Nintendo completely renews the visual section. The pre-rendered graphics that attracted so much attention in the mid-nineties have been replaced by fully 3D models. This does not mean, however, that the artistic direction of the game has remained faithful to the original appearance. The result is adorable characters and settings full of details. Having opted for this visual fidelity is a success.
The same goes for the soundtrack, which leaves behind the chiptune aesthetics of Nintendo’s 16-bit console to feature new arrangements by its original author, the Japanese composer and video game music star, Yoko Shimomura. Those who remember the tunes from this classic soundtrack will be excited to hear the new instrumentations. What’s more, the game offers the opportunity to choose between original or re-orchestrated music.
Beyond the visual and sound packaging, the rest of the game has not undergone too many changes, proof that the original title has aged very well. As is tradition, Bowser has returned to his old ways, he has kidnapped the princess and Mario goes to the rescue. The start is the same as always but the development is much more elaborate than in its platform forays. On his journey, Mario will visit kingdoms that are very different from each other and will meet various characters who will accompany him on the adventure and during combat.
The main novelty that this remake offers within the playable field has to do with combat, since a mechanic has been added consisting of enhancing attack and defense actions by pressing the action button at the right time. It is a mechanic that gives more dynamism to the combats, and that is added to another hitherto unreleased feature, such as the “relaxed” mode, which makes the game more accessible for players without much experience in the genre.
The first RPG starring Super Mario had two timid re-releases in Europe a few years ago on the occasion of the Wii virtual console and the release of the Super Nintendo Classic Mini, but it was not until today that it reached stores as it deserved. Although almost thirty years have passed, it is still a current and interesting adventure title, with a respectful update and which, in addition, is a perfect title with which to get started in turn-based combat games.
