ComingSoon recently got to see nearly 30 minutes of Super Mario RPG gameplay for the upcoming Switch remake, which is out on November 17. Small trailers and gameplay tidbits have looked promising, but I can now confirm that there is nothing to be worried about, as it is just as charming and looks to be an incredibly smart update of the legendary Super Nintendo game.
I didn’t get to see a particularly exciting section of the game or a big boss fight — instead, it was just a trek through the Moleville coal mines. This wound up making me more certain that Nintendo was on the right track. Even the most basic battles were exciting to watch, with the game filled with charm in both its graphics and gameplay.
The demo saw Mario teaming up with two of the game’s original characters, Mallow and Geno, and battling familiar enemies. While there are some changes (more on that later), the core is remarkably faithful. Dungeon layouts are accurate to the SNES original, and the incredible art style is a great high-definition update while retaining the same charming aesthetic. It’s a smart choice, as the original game is a genuine classic and one that fans have been wanting to revisit for decades.
If you’ve played Paper Mario or the Mario & Luigi series, you’ll be familiar with what made Super Mario RPG so special. It beautifully blends Square’s turn-based RPG formula with active gameplay elements. Attacks are bolstered by timed button presses, keeping you engaged during every fight. No battles are random, either, as enemies all appear on the overworld — allowing it to feel like a living, breathing environment. The game is filled with humor — and the in-game bestiary features all-new and hilarious text descriptions for everyone — and the charming experience never stops.
What’s really nice is Nintendo is catering both to those with nostalgia and those new to Super Mario RPG. One example can be seen with its new soundtrack, which features updated and remixed versions of Yoko Shimomura’s classic tracks. However, the beloved original versions can also be heard, and it is as simple as switching options in the menu. No matter which version you choose, you’re in for an aural treat as both sound fantastic. There’s also a breezy difficulty setting that will make it a better experience for those newer to RPGs.
Bigger changes can be found in the gameplay itself, although if you’re looking for a more faithful experience to the original, you don’t really have to engage with them. For example, there’s now an auto-save mechanic, so progress isn’t entirely tied to manual saving (which is still available) and a more modern control scheme that uses “a” to confirm (although if you want SNES accurate controls, that is there too). The collectible frog coins return, although they’re slightly less rare as there are special enemies that drop them as well.
The biggest changes are the triple moves, which are team-up actions that see all three party members coming together once a bar is filled over time. These are delivered through some stylish cutscenes that aren’t unlike a “summon” animation in Final Fantasy. Most of these are attacks, although others can be boosts — such as a group heal. Paired with character-specific ally buffs (having Mario on your squad will boost your action gauge, while Mallow boosts your magic attack), you have a bit more strategy with how you go into battle. This will be especially helpful when taking on more powerful versions of bosses a second time — an optional element that is great for veterans looking for a greater challenge.
Super Mario RPG Preview: Final Verdict
It looks like Nintendo has nailed the Super Mario RPG remake. Whether you’ve replayed the SNES original several times or this is your first go-around, the updated Switch version is a must-play for RPG fans. Featuring more charm than ever, plus some smart updates that keep it feeling fresh, this is everything you could want from a remake.
Disclosure: Nintendo invited us to a virtual preview session for our Super Mario RPG preview.
