Super Mario RPG’s Return and Its Timely Impact
Super Mario RPG for Nintendo Switch launched on November 17, 2023. This date marked more than just the return of Mario’s legendary 1996 SNES adventure. On the same day, Diablo IV’s Season 2 began on PC and consoles. It also celebrated the 37th anniversary of the NES’s North American debut. With The Game Awards fast approaching, Nintendo’s surprise remaster quickly became a central part of holiday gaming discussions.
Storyline
Your inner explorer will enjoy the familiar yet refreshed story. Once again, Bowser interrupts Peach’s 100th Castle Celebration—but this time, a mysterious enemy called Smithy destroys Star Road, scattering its pieces across the Mushroom Kingdom. As a result, Mario joins forces with unlikely allies: Geno, Mallow, and the strange Booster. Together, they travel through colorful towns, spooky mines, and deep into Bowser’s Keep. Along the way, hidden side stories—like Geno’s origin and the secrets of Booster Pass—reward those who take time to explore.
Gameplay Mechanics
- Turn-Based Combat with a Twist
- Classic button-timed attacks and defenses return, but now they include combo moves with your partners. For example, mastering Geno’s star shots and Bowser’s Claw Swipe unlocks secret finishers.
- Exploration & Puzzles
- The isometric world now has better camera controls, zoom features, and hidden paths. Mini-games like Mallow’s pole vault and Frogfucius’s training challenges have been expanded with new bonus rounds.
- Quality-of-Life Improvements
- Auto-battle options, easier-to-use menus, and updated save-point markers help keep the game flowing during long sessions. However, some long-time fans miss the old SNES limitations.
Visuals and Audio
This Switch remaster shines with sharp visuals, smoother combat, and new secrets. It blends nostalgia and fresh polish to create a faithful update. Each area is now displayed in crisp HD. Characters are brighter and more colorful but still true to their SNES designs. Shadowing and lighting effects make places like Bowser’s Keep feel darker and more dramatic.
On the audio side, the orchestral soundtrack builds on Yoko Shimomura’s classic tunes. You can also switch to “Retro Mode” to enjoy the original chip-tune tracks. Additionally, sound effects—from Mario’s jump to Booster’s Ring Out—have been upgraded to hit harder on today’s speakers and headphones.
User Reviews and Rating
Across major review platforms, Super Mario RPG on Switch holds an average score of 8.5/10. Here’s what the community has said:
- Strengths
- Players love the nostalgic feel. The new visuals and expanded music receive a lot of praise. Many also enjoy the added side quests and quality-of-life features.
- Weaknesses
- Some reviewers noticed occasional camera issues in narrow areas. Others felt a few dialogue scenes ran too long. A small group wished for completely new story content instead of a remake.
- Hidden Gems
- For those who explore deeply, secret star pieces and extra boss fights add replay value. Plus, the redesigned Mini-Mario dungeons have been a fun surprise for completionists.
Industry Impact
Super Mario RPG on Switch sets a high standard for remasters. It honors the original while adding meaningful updates. Because of its success, other classic JRPGs—like Chrono Trigger or EarthBound—might get similar remakes. As gamers look ahead to new adventures, this revamped classic also show how old favorites can feel just as exciting as new ones.
