Studio: Square Enix/Nintendo | editor: Nintendo | Release: November 17, 2023 | Gender: role play | ESRB: E (All) | Availability: Nintendo Switch | Format(s): Digital & physical | LANGUAGES): French | Length of time: 10-12 hours | Price: $79.99 CAN
The only thing the game has lost over time is its subtitle: Legend of the Seven Stars!
Thanks to Nintendo of Canada who provided us with a free copy of the game for media coverage and testing. The publisher/developer therefore authorizes us to distribute and/or use excerpts from the game for our production purposes and does not interfere in any way with the awarding of the final result. #Item13Free
The art of playing well with the feelings of nostalgic people
Considered a classic of video games and especially turn-based role-playing games. Super Mario RPG shaped an entire generation that grew up with the Super Nintendo. But while a much-requested official sequel never saw the light of day, Nintendo returns to us with a remake of the Squaresoft title that makes us see why this game transcended the story.
Just like back then, Super Mario RPG offers a simple scenario. As Mario sets out to rescue Peach for the umpteenth time, Bowser's castle is invaded by the forces of a mysterious figure called the Blacksmith. Worse still, his henchmen are pouring in everywhere. Mario just listens to his courage and sets out to save the world. He meets a number of friendly characters and teams up with his archenemy for the first time.
One of the strengths of Super Mario RPG is still very present even after more than two decades. In fact, the game is full of very pleasant characters to meet. From Mario to Peach, to the Mallow Ball or the Envoy of the Stars, Geno, the game allows us to experience different emotions through situations that Mario has never faced at the time. Furthermore, the adventure is full of humorous sequences that will put a smile on your face. However, certain scenes work a little less well than they did back then, partly because a visual change means that the humor in certain scenes is no longer apparent.
Speaking of graphics, you're entitled to a complete graphical overhaul of this new edition of Mario's legendary adventure. Additionally, the Super Nintendo's pixel art was left behind to make way for smaller, rounder characters and an exquisite new color palette. In addition, new cutscenes complement scenes we knew back then. On the other hand, the transition to this 3D style destroys the original experience Super Mario RPG. Additionally, slight slowdowns are being observed in certain villages, including the Mushroom Kingdom.
The soundtrack has also been improved to bring old pieces of music back to life. Newly composed by whoever is behind the remake of Live A Live, the music by Super Mario RPG is entitled to a royal orchestral treatment that delights our ears from the beginning to the end of the adventure. So if you can choose between the current format and that of the time, I invite you to enjoy the game with today's sound quality, because it makes us relive this adventure as we never imagined with our ears. Furthermore, if you have already played Super Mario RPG, you know that the latter is an introduction to the topic of turn-based role-playing games. In fact, I've always described this game as being as simple as it is legendary.
The remake makes the old adventure even easier. Now you can deal damage to all enemies on the screen by pressing the action button at the right time. In addition, the characters' attacks have been strengthened, although the vitality of the enemies has not changed compared to the Super Nintendo edition. Nintendo has also added bonuses that depend on the characters we take on our team and devastating trio attacks that can be used when we fill a new bar by attacking or adequately protecting ourselves. In short, the ease of playing back then becomes even easier with these new features.
Does that mean there are no challenges? NO. In fact, beyond that Super Mario RPG is a very entertaining adventure, new challenges have been added in the game's post-campaign. Additionally, you can replay any of the bosses at a much higher difficulty level. Additionally, the last truly hidden boss can make your life difficult since it is so powerful. Like any good Nintendo game, the basic adventure is rather simple, but the final challenges prove difficult!
In short: Nintendo has successfully modernized one of the legendary Super Nintendo games. The exercise was risky but conclusive. If Super Mario RPG remains an entry-level game for fans of role-playing games. When we play it, we understand why it had such an impact on role-playing games and the video game industry. This remake won't go down in history like the original game, but it still remains a classic that we've given a nice rejuvenation.
Verdict
What we really like
What we like less
To find out the criteria for our rating system, visit this page.
Please note that the tested version is the current version Nintendo Switch.
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