The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) era witnessed Square (now Square Enix) deliver a string of iconic titles, including Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger, and Secret of Mana. While the company’s focus shifted to PlayStation by 1997, one final SNES masterpiece emerged in 1996: Super Mario RPG. The concept of placing Nintendo’s iconic mascot in a turn-based RPG initially seemed unconventional, yet its humor and engaging gameplay swiftly captivated audiences. Nearly three decades later, Super Mario RPG has been resurrected on Nintendo Switch as a faithful remake, enhanced with a selection of welcome additions.
super-mario-rpg-battle.jpgSuper Mario RPG’s combat system has been revitalized with dynamic party swapping and powerful Triple Moves.
Embarking on a Familiar Yet Fresh Adventure
The narrative of Super Mario RPG begins with a familiar premise: Princess Peach has been kidnapped by Bowser, and Mario must embark on a rescue mission. However, the predictable storyline is quickly disrupted by the dramatic arrival of Exor, a colossal sword that crashes through the Star Road and into Bowser’s castle, scattering Mario, Peach, and Bowser. The antagonist, Smithy, seizes control of the castle, enlisting Bowser’s minions and deploying his own formidable army. With the bridge to the castle destroyed, Mario sets out to restore the Star Road by gathering its seven scattered fragments. Along this journey, he is joined by unlikely allies: Bowser, Peach, and the original characters Geno and Mallow.
Reimagined Combat: Dynamic Party Swapping and Triple Moves
Super Mario RPG replaces traditional Mario platforming action with a turn-based combat system. Players assemble a three-character party, with Mario as a mandatory member. Each character possesses unique strengths, and players can allocate stat boosts as characters level up. One of the most significant improvements in this remake is the ability to swap party members mid-battle without penalty. This dynamic system encourages strategic character switching based on the situation. Peach, for instance, excels at healing, but can be swapped out for a more offensive character when healing isn’t immediately necessary. This change allows players to fully utilize the strengths of all five playable characters.
Complementing the party-swapping mechanic are the new Triple Moves. A meter gradually fills as players execute attacks. Once the meter reaches 100%, a powerful Triple Move can be unleashed. The specific Triple Move varies depending on the active party members, further incentivizing strategic party composition. For example, “Spare Us All” provides party-wide defense with Mario, Geno, and Peach, while swapping Geno for Bowser activates “Starry Shell Spike,” inflicting substantial damage on all enemies. These Triple Moves add a layer of tactical depth without disrupting the game’s balance.
super-mario-rpg-bazooka.jpgPlayers can unleash devastating Triple Moves by filling the action meter during combat.
Refined Features and Modern Enhancements
Beyond the core gameplay changes, several other refinements enhance the experience. While save points remain in their original locations, an autosave feature provides a welcome safety net. New cinematic sequences replace in-game engine cutscenes, adding a touch of modern polish. Minor character name changes, such as Princess “Toadstool” becoming “Peach,” and Frogfucius becoming “the Frog Sage,” reflect contemporary sensibilities. Finally, a newly arranged soundtrack allows players to switch between the original and updated versions, catering to both nostalgia and modern preferences.
Price vs. Value: A Classic Revisited
Despite these enhancements, Super Mario RPG remains faithful to its SNES origins. The game preserves the original English translation, retaining the charm and humor that made it a beloved classic. While this provides a perfect entry point for newcomers, the $60 price tag might raise eyebrows for veteran players. While the updated graphics, cinematic sequences, and gameplay tweaks offer a definitive Super Mario RPG experience, the game’s previous availability on the Wii U Virtual Console for a fraction of the price poses a value proposition question.
One aspect that hasn’t aged as gracefully is the isometric platforming. While Nintendo refined this style in later titles like Super Mario 3D World, Super Mario RPG‘s platforming sections occasionally feel imprecise and even frustrating, particularly during beanstalk climbing sequences. These moments detract slightly from the overall experience, especially when compared to the polished platforming of modern titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
super-mario-rpg-kiss.jpgSuper Mario RPG retains the charm and humor that made it a beloved classic.
A Timeless Classic Returns
Super Mario RPG remains a standout title from the SNES era. Its humor, charm, and expansion of the Mario universe have endured the test of time. The game’s narrative even resonates with the recent success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, potentially laying the groundwork for a future film adaptation. Developer ArtePiazza has skillfully blended quality-of-life improvements with the core elements that made the original a classic. While a wholehearted recommendation for newcomers, veteran players might need to weigh the value proposition of the $60 price tag against the limited amount of new content.
Conclusion: A Worthy Remake for a New Generation
Super Mario RPG on Nintendo Switch offers a compelling blend of nostalgia and modern enhancements. The dynamic party swapping and Triple Moves revitalize the combat system, while updated graphics and cinematic sequences breathe new life into the familiar story. While the price point might give some pause, the game’s enduring charm and refined gameplay make it a worthwhile experience for both newcomers and long-time fans. Super Mario RPG‘s return to the spotlight marks a triumphant revival of a timeless classic.
