If you were around when cartridges ruled, you know Super Mario RPG as one of the most beloved, oddball Mario adventures ever made. Now, with the Super Mario RPG remake, that childhood gem has been reborn for modern audiences — polished, expanded, and still full of charm. The question is: does it hold up? The answer: yes — and in ways you might not expect.
A Refreshed Classic — But Still True to Its Roots
From its announcement in June 2023 to its release later that year, the remake stirred both excitement and trepidation. Nostalgia is a double-edged sword: change too much, and fans revolt; change too little, and it’s pointless.
This version, developed by ArtePiazza, reimagines the original game in full 3D while retaining the proportions and quirky personality of the characters. The soundtrack, rearranged by the legendary Yoko Shimomura, can be switched between the original SNES version and an updated orchestral version at any time.
Players and critics agree that the remake leans more toward a faithful restoration than a radical overhaul — but that’s exactly its magic. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s celebrating it.
What’s New — Quality-of-Life Upgrades & Modern Touches
Even as it honors the past, the Super Mario RPG remake introduces several smart tweaks that make the experience smoother for modern players.
| Feature | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Action Commands & Timing Prompts | Adds visual cues to help with attack and defense timing. | Improves accessibility and combat rhythm for newcomers. |
| Triple Moves | Team-based special attacks triggered by filling the Action Gauge. | Adds depth and cinematic flair to battles. |
| On-the-Go Party Swapping | Switch characters freely while exploring. | Encourages experimentation with team synergy. |
| Post-Game Boss Rematches | Replay stronger versions of each boss after the story. | Adds replay value for veteran players. |
Visual and Interface Enhancements
Menus are cleaner, animations smoother, and character models more expressive. The remake looks like how your childhood memory felt, not just how it was.
The Battle System — Still Turn-Based, Still Brilliant
The combat in Super Mario RPG remake remains turn-based, but every action feels kinetic. Perfectly timed button presses don’t just deal extra damage; they also affect your rhythm and flow in battle.
There’s something addictive about watching Mario swing his hammer or Geno fire off a beam of light with just-right timing. Even small victories — a perfect block or a critical jump — feel satisfying.
And yes, the quirky cast remains intact: Mallow, Geno, Bowser, Princess Peach, and of course Mario himself — each bringing unique skills that fit both personality and gameplay.
The Story — Silly, Heartfelt, and Surprisingly Poignant
One of the reasons the original game stood out was its tone. It’s funny. It’s weird. And beneath the jokes, there’s real heart. The Super Mario RPG remake captures that perfectly.
It’s not just another “rescue the princess” tale. Instead, it’s a story about friendship, courage, and even redemption. The writing has been lightly polished for modern sensibilities, but its humor — full of self-aware wit and absurdity — remains untouched.
Graphics and Presentation
Visually, the remake is stunning in its own way. The 3D models look like clay figurines — intentionally charming, not overproduced. Each area, from Mushroom Kingdom to Nimbus Land, glows with vibrant detail and soft lighting.
What’s especially delightful is how expressive the characters are now. Mario’s face scrunches, Bowser stomps in frustration, and even the smallest NPCs get little emotional touches.
The reworked cutscenes, now fully animated, add cinematic flair to key moments. They don’t feel forced — they enhance what was already there.
Music — A Symphony of Nostalgia
The soundtrack is one of the game’s crown jewels. Yoko Shimomura’s melodies are timeless, and hearing them in full orchestral quality hits deep. But the fact that you can switch to the original SNES tracks on the fly? That’s pure fan service done right.
Each theme carries its own nostalgic warmth, especially in key areas like Forest Maze or Booster Tower. It’s like stepping back in time, only better mixed and clearer than ever before.
The Verdict — A Remake Done Right
| Aspect | 1996 Original | 2023 Remake |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics | 2.5D pixel-art with Mode 7 effects | Full 3D models with dynamic lighting |
| Music | Classic SNES MIDI soundtrack | Reorchestrated soundtrack by Yoko Shimomura |
| Gameplay | Traditional turn-based RPG | Modernized with timing prompts and team synergy |
| Post-Game Content | None | Boss rematches and new challenges |
The Super Mario RPG remake doesn’t aim to surprise you with new systems or shocking twists. It simply takes a beloved classic and makes it shine brighter.
It respects what made the original special: its humor, its heartfelt story, and its joyful gameplay loop. And by layering modern polish over nostalgia, it bridges generations — welcoming newcomers while giving longtime fans the warmest possible reunion.
If you’re looking for a reason to revisit Mario’s strangest, most charming adventure, this is it. It’s not just a remake — it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with games in the first place.