Why the Super Mario RPG Remake is Extremely Important

Nintendo has sent shockwaves through the gaming community with a mind-blowing announcement: a highly anticipated remake of the beloved Super Mario RPG is slated for release on November 17, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. This news has left fans baffled, as their long-held dreams are finally turning into reality after years of fervent anticipation.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the magnitude of this revelation. Super Mario RPG, originally launched back in 1996, was a true trailblazer in the gaming industry. A collaboration between the iconic Super Mario franchise and the RPG maestros at Square, it melded the best aspects of both worlds, delivering an unforgettable experience that transcended expectations. At any rate, it was a huge commercial success. While this remake is sure to reignite nostalgia in longtime fans, newcomers might be pleasantly surprised to find that Super Mario RPG, at its core, offers a refreshingly accessible experience.

In an era where complexity often dominates the RPG realm, this gem stands apart, welcoming both novices and seasoned RPG gamers alike. With all that being said, let’s examine the significance of Super Mario RPG. However, in order to fully grasp its significance, it’s essential to delve into the past of console RPGs for a bit.

Back in the heyday of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), these titles were notorious for their intimidating nature, even if they were relatively tamer than their PC RPG counterparts. Playing other JRPGs at the time, such as Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, was like trying to decipher an alien language, with concepts such as equipment, stats, and complex turn-based strategies appearing as insurmountable hurdles for the uninitiated. You have to remember that gaming in 1996 was quite different back then. Without the internet to solve every obstacle thrown their way, widespread bewilderment was quite common.

Getting Started

Enter Super Mario RPG, the game that dared to break conventions. It infused action and humor into its very core, revolutionizing the turn-based combat system with its innovative mechanics. Here, precision is key, as correctly timed buttons can unleash devastating attacks or mitigate incoming damage. This concept allowed players to actively participate in battles, ensuring that their skills and reflexes mattered just as much as their character’s stats and gear. It was a masterstroke that bridged the gap between traditional RPGs and a wider audience yearning for a fresh take on the genre.

The Story

The story goes like this: Bowser, the notorious King of the Koopas, has once again abducted Princess Peach Toadstool, and it’s up to Mario to save the day. However, a mysterious sword falls from the sky and sends Mario, Bowser, and the princess flying in different directions on impact, which allows an enigmatic machine-like race led by the merciless Smithy to invade Mario’s world. The stakes are high as Smithy aims to dominate existence itself, and Mario must gather a group of allies, both old and new, to put a stop to his nefarious plans.

Gameplay Mechanics

The fundamental gameplay revolves around Mario’s platforming origins, where he traverses various areas while evading adversaries, leaping across obstacles, and striking floating blocks. However, a notable distinction lies in the game’s unique perspective, setting it apart from other Mario titles – the isometric viewpoint. Also referred to as the 3/4 view, this perspective presents each environment at an angle, granting Mario the freedom to move in eight different directions within it. This departure from the conventional left-to-right scrolling mechanics represents a significant change in gameplay dynamics.
Super Mario RPG’s charm extends beyond combat alone. Between battles, players are treated to fun minigames and platforming sequences. This departure from the traditional JRPG formula demonstrates how innovation can breathe new life into a genre often plagued by formulaic approaches. It’s a lesson that many RPG developers heed even today.

Characters

Humor is the secret ingredient that elevates Super Mario RPG to even greater heights. Just as a well-timed joke can accentuate dramatic moments, the game’s comedic charm injects a light-hearted vibrancy into its otherwise slow-burn narrative. By cleverly balancing its sense of humor with the unfolding storyline, Super Mario RPG captivates players, endearing them to its colorful cast of characters and enchanting world. It’s a magic formula that too many RPGs overlook, placing undue faith in the notion that players will eventually come to appreciate the slow build-up.

Don’t be fooled by its seemingly straightforward nature, though. Super Mario RPG is a game that gradually reveals its true brilliance as you traverse its whimsical landscapes. Character progression is well designed, as leveling up your party brings a sense of accomplishment and growth. Oh, and for those who crave a real challenge, there’s even a secret, boss fight that will test the mettle of even the most battle-hardened players.

Beginner Friendly

Super Mario RPG’s ability to effortlessly blend accessibility with the genre’s core essence sets it apart as a gateway game for newcomers and a reaffirmation of why seasoned RPG lovers fell in love with the genre in the first place. Super Mario RPG’s impact extends far beyond its own release, serving as a catalyst for the evolution of the RPG genre and inspiring a wave of future games. One notable series that owes its existence to Super Mario RPG is the Paper Mario franchise. The game introduced the concept of a 2D paper aesthetic, charming dialogue, and a light-hearted tone that would pave the way for future games in the franchise.

Additionally, Super Mario RPG laid the groundwork for the Mario & Luigi series, which debuted on the Game Boy Advance. These handheld RPGs featured real-time battle mechanics, comedic dialogue, and imaginative worlds, all of which can be traced back to the pioneering efforts of Super Mario RPG.
Of course, one of the standout aspects of Super Mario RPG is its exceptional music and sound design. Composed by the renowned Yoko Shimomura, the game’s soundtrack is memorable and enhances the immersive experience, and captures the spirit of each location and character.

With the Super Mario RPG Remake, Nintendo is taking the chance to introduce a new generation of gamers to the title that started it all, the progenitor of all turn-based Mario games. Its legacy is undeniable, and this remake is a throwback to a simpler era that’s sorely missed.

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