The Unforgettable Journey: Why Super Mario RPG Deserves an Epic Remake

Highlights

Super Mario RPG, a beloved spin-off in the Mario franchise, is finally receiving a long-awaited remake for the Nintendo Switch.

Renowned for its fusion of the Mario universe and RPG aspects, this game laid the groundwork for subsequent RPG spin-offs such as Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi. With the imminent remake, there is an opportunity to not merely acquaint new audiences with this beloved classic, but also set the stage for a direct sequel.

With the much-anticipated remake of Super Mario RPG on the horizon, the timing couldn't be any better. This game has long been in need of a makeover since its days on the SNES. Released almost thirty years ago, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars quickly became a beloved spin-off, garnering a reputation on par with the popular Paper Mario and Mario Kart series. Its popularity was evident when one of its characters, Geno, was added as a Mii Fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a move that delighted fans who had been clamoring for it for years.

Despite its acclaim, Super Mario RPG never received a direct sequel, and it only resurfaced in 2015 when it became available on the Wii U's Virtual Console. Since then, it has remained dormant, confined to outdated graphics and gameplay limited to the SNES. Players without the right consoles were unable to experience this gem. However, with the decision to remaster this classic spin-off for the Switch, complete with updated visuals and controls, the game is finally being given the treatment it deserves. This Super Mario RPG remake has the potential to be a game-changer, restoring it to its rightful place of glory.

Revamping Super Mario RPG for New and Old Players

As one of the earliest games to combine the Mario franchise with the RPG genre, Super Mario RPG drew inspiration from games like Final Fantasy and other early RPGs. Thanks to the beloved and family-friendly Mario brand, which infused the game with humor and memorable characters, it comes as no surprise that Super Mario RPG went on to heavily influence later RPGs in the series, such as Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi. However, unlike these later games, which have received sequels and remakes of their own like Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, Super Mario RPG has not been so fortunate.

Considering the significant groundwork laid by Super Mario RPG for Nintendo's later RPG spin-offs, a remake of this game is long overdue and highly deserving. Super Mario RPG was revolutionary for its time, introducing many firsts for the series, including RPG elements and the use of 3D isometric environments. Now that Nintendo has advanced and enhanced its use of 3D with more powerful hardware, an upcoming remake has the potential to introduce this seminal game to new audiences while also tapping into the nostalgic memories of older fans through a revitalized version of a beloved childhood classic.

Super Mario RPG Could Get A Second Chance

With its anticipated improvements in quality and performance, Super Mario RPG has seen the evolution of the Mario series, particularly in terms of character development and relationships. The initial localization by Nintendo of America has resulted in outdated references, such as referring to Peach as "Princess Toadstool." However, the upcoming remake presents the opportunity to rectify these small discrepancies and bring the game in line with modern standards. Ultimately, the Super Mario RPG remake has the potential to enhance the game both technically and narratively, aligning it with Nintendo's current standards.

Furthermore, a long-awaited remake of Super Mario RPG could reignite interest in the spin-off and potentially lead to a direct sequel. The fact that the original Super Mario RPG had its own subtitle, following a similar trend to Paper Mario, suggests that Nintendo may have initially planned to create a sequel before exploring other concepts. Super Mario RPG stands out from other spin-offs due to its distinct style and gameplay that resembles traditional JRPGs. This uniqueness could provide Nintendo with a new pathway to explore different games featuring Mario and his friends.

Super Mario RPG will be released in November 2023 for the Nintendo Switch.