More than 25 years after its initial publication Super Mario RPG gets a facelift with a new remastered edition. But it is much more than just a simple revision that we are offered today. Nintendo has managed to inject a touch of novelty, perfecting what was already a truly amazing game.
Anyone who owned a Nintendo console in the 1990s has used the Super Mario RPG cartridge in it. And for many players, it was this adventure of the mustachioed plumber and his gang that served as an introduction to the subgenre of role-playing games, known as RPGs in video game parlance.
For what? Because Super Mario RPG was much more accessible to beginners who were already used to the Mushroom Kingdom universe and its colorful characters. So Mario, Peach, Bowser and company joined hands to enter this universe with very specific codes that, let’s admit it, require a certain amount of learning before finding solace there.
Instead of revolving around action scenes, RPG battles are, as the name suggests, fought in turns; Each character strikes one at a time and blasts at the enemies. Instead of attack maneuvers, objects aimed at increasing the power of attacks, restoring a character’s health bar, or even reviving a KO accomplice can also be used.
Photo provided by Nintendo
Mario and Bowser united
So our heroes invited us to a new intrigue, in which a new enemy – the infamous blacksmith – sows consternation among the inhabitants of the Mushroom Kingdom. To defeat his army of minions, Mario and Peach must team up with Bowser (yes! yes!) and two new allies: Mallow the frog and Geno the doll, both with very special personalities and abilities.
And if it worked so well, it was because the saga broke with its own tradition while still maintaining its bright aesthetic and good-natured tone, two of the pillars of its success. That’s still the case today with this new remastered edition of the Super Mario Bros RPG released this week. But we go beyond a simple visual enhancement to give this video game adventure a second life.
Improved in every way
Because yes, the result is great; The environments are richer and enhanced with many details and textures. The animation sequences have also been revised and improved – thank God! –, just like transitions and selection menus. We expected this as the images and videos released ahead of the release confirm this.
But the combat mechanics have also been refined for this new port, making them more fluid and visceral. And it should be noted that precision is rewarded this time; Pressing a button at the right time multiplies the damage dealt or even cancels out the blows taken. In this way we amplify the affronts and make each sequence more immersive and gripping.
Result: a remastered and improved edition of a classic game that will undoubtedly delight the new generation of gamers while delighting long-time fans. In other words: a brilliant success for Nintendo.
Super Mario RPG ★★★★☆
- Available on Nintendo Switch from November 17th.