Super Mario RPG: Everything We Know

Nintendo has once again turned to rekindle the flame beneath the near triple decade-old Super Mario RPG. Thirty years have since passed, and to say we’re feeling slightly seasoned as a result of the Nintendo Direct announcement would be an understatement. No, we’re certainly feeling our ages right about now, that’s for sure. And yet, in spite of the newly found wrinkles on our foreheads, such news actually comes as a bit of a relief; never did we think we’d see it finally come to fruition. But here it is, and it’s apparently coming to Switch later this year. Finally.

Sigh of relief out in the open, what more do you need to know about the upcoming turn-based RPG? Will it be a total remake of the 1996 original, or will it feature the same template, only with a few additional coats of polish to boot? Well, here’s everything we currently know on the subject, right down to its revamped mechanics. Super Mario RPG: what is it, and how will it look to one-up a game that, quite frankly, helped define the closing chapters of the beloved SNES era?

What Is Super Mario RPG?

Super Mario RPG is an upcoming action role-playing game by Nintendo, as well as a total remake of the 1996 SNES version of the same title. So, what’s new? Well, according to the devs, the newest version “has updated graphics and cinematics that add even more charm to the unexpected alliance between Mario, Bowser, Peach, and original characters Mallow and Geno.” And not just that, but there’s also the gameplay itself—a newly revised system that’ll introduce new mechanics while also staying true to its source. But more on that shortly.

In addition to the enhanced visuals and gameplay features, the remake will also include an original score from Yoko Shimomura, the same composer who not only worked on the original Super Mario RPG, but the Kingdom Hearts and Mario & Luigi sagas, also. So, clearly it’ll be a lot more than your bog-standard remaster for modern consoles.

Story

In case you missed the original that launched back in 1996, Super Mario RPG follows long term protagonist Mario and pals on their journey to fix the Star Road, a magically-entwined avenue that has the power to grant wishes. With the beloved road scattered into seven individual pieces, as well as a new army known as Smithy’s Gang planning on conquering the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario and team set out to both repair the road and put a stop to the new foe that threatens to disrupt the balance of the Kingdom and its nexus of dimensions.

Like a huge portion of the chapters in the Mario saga, the map itself is made up of a variation of distinct biomes, all of which are characterized by their respective inhabitants. As well as Mushroom Kingdom, there’s also Moleville, Monstro Town, Nimbus Land, and of course, Bowser’s Castle. True to their word, Nintendo will breathe a whole new life into these regions with a complete 3D overhaul.

Gameplay

While the turn-based combat will still have its place in the upcoming remake, the mechanics themselves will feature several new points of interest—a percentage gauge, for example, that will have something to do with the Action Commands system during battles. There’ll also be a few additional abilities and reworked animations, too, which will take its history of sprites and text boxes to a whole new level. What’s more, the entire experience will be drizzled in a glossy 3D coating, which means the classic 2D style will, whether fans agree with the change or not, bring a whole new experience to the table.

Of course, it’s an RPG, so we can certainly expect to see an enormous amount of hearty exploration and cinematic storytelling. There’ll also be several playable characters, too, with both Mallow and Geno making a grand return in an all-new 3D reskin along with the original roster of fan favorites.

Development

As a reminder, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars was the final Super Mario game to grace the SNES before it lay the foundations for the Nintendo 64 in June 1996. Since then, fans of the RPG  have been calling out to Nintendo for a remake on newer platforms, both handheld and home consoles. Well, after plenty of nagging and shoe-tugging, the recent Nintendo Direct showcase finally put that wish into action, with the universally celebrated publisher announcing its well-needed remake.

At the time of writing, Nintendo has every intention of bringing Super Mario RPG to Switch in the latter half of 2023. If all goes according to plan, then those with the handheld console will be able to pick up a copy of the remake from November 17, 2023.

Trailer

Yes, there is a trailer! Revealed back at the Nintendo Direct event on June 21st, Super Mario RPG showcased its vast array of improvements and iconic features in a short but surprisingly insightful two-minute trailer. You can see it for yourself in the video embedded above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

The good news is, fans won’t have to wait all that long to get their hands on the forthcoming remake. Matter of fact, it’ll be heading to Nintendo Switch as early as November 17, 2023. So, if you ever had any doubts about your stocking filler ideas, rest assured that you’ve just found one of the best gifts a nineties kid could ever want — and then some.

From an edition standpoint, Super Mario RPG will only have the one on launch — the standard copy, which will be available to purchase via the Nintendo eShop from November 17, 2023 for $59.99.

It isn’t all that far away, but if you are wanting to stay up to date with the project, then be sure to check in with the official social feed here. If anything noteworthy does pop up ahead of its launch, we’ll be sure to let you know right here on gaming.net.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up a copy of the Super Mario RPG remake when it eventually releases later this year? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.