Remakes have become a common occurrence for many popular gaming franchises. With franchises like Pokemon and Super Mario being so massive and having a long list of titles, it's not uncommon to see a few remakes in their repertoire. In 2021, Pokemon fans were treated to the release of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. On the other hand, Super Mario fans can look forward to a highly anticipated remake of the SNES classic Super Mario RPG, scheduled for release in November.
However, what's interesting is the contrasting reactions from fans of both BDSP and Super Mario RPG. Despite both games being faithful 1-to-1 remakes, the response from fans couldn't be more different. Super Mario RPG fans are overjoyed that the Switch version preserves everything they loved about the original game, while Pokemon fans were left feeling disappointed with BDSP. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear why these reactions vary.
Pokemon's History of Remakes
The release of Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire fulfilled the dreams of Generation 3 fans who were eager for an updated version of Hoenn. These remakes offered a 3D Pokemon experience with enhanced visuals and battle mechanics, captivating players with cinematic cutscenes. However, the anticipation for Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, the remakes of Generation 4 games, ended in disappointment as they deviated from the previous remake trends.
The Pipe Dream of a Super Mario RPG Remake
After years of hoping, fans of Super Mario RPG finally got what they wished for - a remake of the classic title. Many had accepted that the remake would come with changes, such as a more modern Super Mario art style or a completely different title. However, their hopes were met as the remake stayed true to the original game.
The remakes of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Super Mario RPG may have stayed faithful to their original releases, but the expectations from players were vastly different. Fans of Pokemon's Sinnoh region were hoping for a complete overhaul of their beloved games, similar to what previous Generations had received. However, they were presented with a title that largely preserved the original experience on the Nintendo DS.
On the other hand, Super Mario RPG fans were more open-minded and simply wanted others to have the chance to experience the timeless adventure that had been forgotten over time. After speculating about potential changes, it became evident that very little alteration was necessary. Both games highlight the fact that the reception of a shot-for-shot remake is heavily influenced by the preferences of the audience.
Super Mario RPG will release November 17 for Nintendo Switch.