Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars was an anomaly when it came out in 1996. It was a collaboration between the two biggest companies at the time, Nintendo and Square, which are also two names that you wouldn’t have expected after Square had started to work with PlayStation with the release of the more serious JRPGs. And, while it was such a departure from the standard Mario formula, the game ended up becoming one of the most cherished RPGs of all time.
Now, nearly three decades later, Nintendo has confirmed that it’s remaking Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, simply titled, Super Mario RPG.
Nintendo confirmed this remake out of nowhere (albeit following earlier rumors) at the Nintendo Direct, sending audiences jumping for joy much like the titular Italian plumber.
The Super NES classic, developed by Squaresoft (now known as Square Enix), was renowned for its unique approach to Mario’s world. This was one of the earliest instances of a third-party developer creatively using Nintendo’s iconic characters and contributing to the broader Mario canon. Its influences can still be seen in modern Mario RPGs like the Mario & Luigi series and the Paper Mario series.
With the Super Mario RPG remake, fans will be delighted to see the return of iconic characters such as Mallow and Geno, who have been absent from Mario games for years. The game also retains the isometric perspective, a signature aspect of the original. In addition to classic elements, the trailer shows the game revamped in modern 3D graphics, presenting the well-known game in a fresh, captivating light.
The essence of Super Mario RPG extends to its turn-based combat system, which was a distinguishing feature of the game. This system involved timing-based attacks that added an extra layer of engagement to battles. From the reveal trailer, it’s clear that this crucial element of the game remains intact in the remake.
Apart from visual and technical upgrades, the music of Super Mario RPG will also experience a new lease of life. The reveal trailer featured modern remixes of the original game’s songs, presenting them in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s clear that great care has been taken to maintain the original game’s charm while making it appealing to a modern audience.
Interestingly, the Super Mario RPG announcement was not the only revelation concerning the Mario universe during the Nintendo Direct livestream. It was also disclosed that Princess Peach, after making an appearance in the Super Mario Bros. Movie, will be getting her own game with a new side-scrolling Mario game coming as well.
As we await the release on November 17, the trailer offers a promising glimpse into the enchanting world of the Super Mario RPG remake. Preorders are open on the Nintendo eShop, a testament to the growing excitement in the gaming community.
