Highlights

  • Super Mario RPG is a faithful remake of the original 1996 game, with enough new additions to keep it fresh for both fans and newcomers.
  • The combat system in Super Mario RPG follows the classic turn-based RPG format, but Nintendo added a brand-new action gauge system to add excitement and strategic depth.
  • The action gauge rewards players for perfectly timed button presses, allowing them to deal more damage, block incoming attacks, and unlock stronger moves as they fill up the gauge. It adds an extra layer of strategy and should be expanded upon in future RPGs.

Super Mario RPG is finally here. Nintendo faithfully recreated that original 1996 adventure while also adding just enough new things to keep the game feeling fresh. This blend makes it the perfect nostalgia trip for fans and a fantastic jumping on point for those that may have never played the game in the first place. One of the best parts of this familiar blend has to be the various additions to Super Mario RPG's combat system.

Fans of old-school RPGs should know exactly what to expect from Super Mario RPG's combat system. Each party member takes a turn, players must decide how they use that turn, and then they must prepare for whatever the enemy will toss at them. Since this is a remake, the combat system has not changed a lot, so some may find it a bit dated. However, Nintendo has added the brand-new action gauge system to liven up th game. Even though it may not completely shake up the adventure, it feels like the perfect addition to the formula.

SUper Mario RPG Level
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Super Mario RPG's Action Gauge Was a Fantastic Addition

Super Mario RPG"s Action Gauge Explained

Super Mario RPG's action gauge rewards players' perfectly timed button presses. This feature comes coupled with the action command mechanic that lets players significantly change their attacks. Once players attack, they can press A just as the attack lands. Clicking it at the right time means that the attack will cause even more damage, and sometimes it may even damage additional enemies. Additionally, special attacks can be boosted via action commands and players can also time button presses to block incoming attacks.

As players successfully complete action commands, they will slowly fill up their action gauge. The more they succeed in a row, the faster the gauge fills up. Additionally, players are rewarded with various bonuses, including increased magic damage or defense. Once the action gauge hits 100%, players will be able to use an even stronger move against their opponents. At the start, they will only be able to use a Toad assist ability, but as the game progresses, they will unlock powerful triple moves that change depending upon who is in their party.

More RPGs May Want to Use the Action Gauge

Super Mario RPG's action commands and action gauge help add an extra layer of strategy to the game. Now, players have to pay much closer attention to their attacks if they want to earn bonuses or unlock stronger attacks faster. While action commands were in the original game and have become staples of Mario RPGs, the gauge is a brand-new addition that definitely should be expanded upon in future adventures.

The action gauge makes for a stronger combat system overall. Not only does it give players unique abilities to play with, but it also gives them something to work towards in the middle of combat. Before, action commands were just a way to interact with combat and deal out increased damage. Now, they also serve a greater purpose as they eventually unlock something, and the better timing a player has, the faster they can utilize those powerful mechanics.

Since Super Mario RPG's action commands have already inspired future games, it seems only right that the action gauge would do the same. Now that Nintendo has implemented it, it really needs to expand upon the concept. Future Mario RPGs and other RPGs in general should include more abilities, more ways to fill the gauge, and maybe even an additional layer of strategy to make the mechanic more engaging. Right now, it is a great addition to the formula, but it could be made even better if the studio wants to take the time to do so.