Highlights
- Super Mario RPG for the Nintendo Switch is a faithful recreation of the fan-favorite original, but with a noticeable face lift thanks to updated 3D graphics.
- Developer ArtePiazza has done an excellent job staying true to the game's roots, but it is clear that the remake is different from the original.
- The remake features real-time 3D graphics, improved visuals and music, faster load times, and more detailed menu options, providing a modern touch to the classic game.
On the eve of the release of Super Mario RPG for the Nintendo Switch, a comparison video surfaced comparing the remake to the original from the Super NES. From all accounts, Super Mario RPG on the Switch looks to be a faithful recreation of the fan-favorite title, but the game has received a noticeable face lift thanks to an updated 3D graphics style in the Unity engine.
Developer ArtePiazza has seemingly done an excellent job with the remake, as Super Mario RPG reviews have made it one of 2023's highest-rated games. Fans of the original have been concerned about potential changes, as the Super NES game remains a beloved classic. While ArtePiazza has done a commendable job staying true to the game's roots, it isn't hard to tell just how different the remake is from the original.
A recent Digital Foundry comparison video goes in-depth with Super Mario RPG to see just how much has changed from the Super NES classic. Overall, the video compares the visuals of each game along with their respective musical scores. Additionally, as Digital Foundry does, the video details the remake's technical performance. The first thing that is pointed out is that the game is now rendered in real-time 3D, rather than featuring pre-rendered visuals like the original. Even the game's CG cutscenes show just how far technology has come, as Super Mario RPG for the Switch renders and encodes videos at 60fps. Digital Foundry calls it "the best example of video playback on the entire system."
The video proceeds to compare the "introductory segments" of each game to see just how faithfully recreated, but noticeably updated, each scene is. Textures pop, shading is much more detailed, and the difference between both games' lighting is night and day. That said, just a step inside the castle shows even the statues and the hexagonal floor tiles remain from the original, but now, they are given a modern look thanks to real-time 3D graphics. The gameplay is also given some modern touches, like slightly faster load times between battles and more detailed menu options. Digital Foundry did have a few qualms with performance, however. The review did call Super Mario RPG a "very smooth experience" overall but noted that dropped frames at various points throughout the game make it feel a bit "herky-jerky" at times.
For fans wondering at what exact time Super Mario RPG will be released, it is expected to be available to play at 9 PM PT tonight. That said, Nintendo doesn't officially release information as to when games go live on the eShop, so this is based on how the publisher has treated previous launches.
There isn't much time before the game is available, but fans looking to stay spoiler-free should know that the Super Mario RPG remake has leaked ahead of its release. Of course, this is a remake of a 27-year-old game, but there are plenty of gamers who have yet to play it, and there may yet be some surprises in store. So anyone hoping to go in fresh might want to avoid social media until the game launches.
Super Mario RPG
A remake of 1996's Legend of the Seven Stars, Super Mario RPG revamps the franchise's first role-playing game to make it as accessible as possible for a modern audience. The game utilizes a turn-based combat system reminiscent of old-school JRPGs, one that allows three characters to form a party. Outside of fights, Super Mario RPG features platforming, puzzles, and a more involved story than a traditional Mario game.
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Released
- November 17, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
