Revisiting a Classic: Super Mario RPG Comprehensive Review - Memories of the Nintendo Switch 2 Era

As a Nintendo game player and reviewer with over a decade of experience, I have experienced countless classics and new releases. Today, I want to talk to you about the recently released remake of "Super Mario RPG" on the Nintendo Switch, while also looking ahead to the changes and experience enhancements that this game may bring to the future Nintendo Switch 2 platform. This game not only evokes my childhood memories but also allows me to see a new interpretation of classic RPGs under modern game technology.

1. "Super Mario RPG": Classic Reappears, Charm Remains

"Super Mario RPG" was originally released in 1996 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and was a collaborative product between Square Enix (then Square) and Nintendo. It perfectly combines the lighthearted humor of the Mario series with Square Enix's specialty in RPG elements, creating a unique gaming experience. Now, this classic work has landed on the Nintendo Switch in the form of a remake, undoubtedly bringing a precious memory to old players and providing new players with an opportunity to experience a classic.

1.1. Nostalgia and Innovation: Changes in the Remake

The remake of "Super Mario RPG" has been comprehensively upgraded in graphics while retaining the essence of the original. Character models are more detailed, and scenes are more vivid. The combat system has also been improved, such as the addition of the "Chain Attack" mechanism, which makes combat more strategic. In addition, the game also adds new side quests and hidden elements, increasing the game's replayability. Although I personally like the classic pixel style, I have to admit that the graphic upgrade does make the game more modern and easier to attract new players.

1.2. Story: Saving Star Road, A Familiar Adventure

The game's story tells the story of Mario embarking on an adventure to save the Star Road that was destroyed by the Smithy Gang. During this process, Mario will meet many new companions, such as Princess Peach, Mallow, and Geno. Each character has their own unique backstory and skills, and their addition makes Mario's adventure even more colorful.

1.3. Core Gameplay: A Perfect Combination of Turn-Based Combat and Exploration

The core gameplay of "Super Mario RPG" is turn-based combat and exploration. Players need to explore the map, talk to NPCs, trigger storylines, and enter combat. The combat system is very easy to learn but also has a certain depth. Players need to make reasonable use of character skills and choose the right attack methods to defeat enemies. In addition, the game also adds an "Action Command" system, where players need to press buttons at the right time to increase the power of attacks or reduce damage taken. This interactive combat method makes the game more fun.

2. "Super Mario RPG" Game Review: The Light of a Classic, Details Show the Truth

As a senior player, I have conducted an in-depth review of the remake of "Super Mario RPG", analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the game from various aspects.

2.1. Gameplay: Classic Turn-Based, Innovative Experience

The core gameplay of "Super Mario RPG" is still classic turn-based combat, but it is not a simple replica. The addition of the "Action Command" system makes combat no longer a simple numerical comparison but requires real-time operation by players. In addition, the new "Chain Attack" mechanism also increases the strategy of combat. I personally like this interactive combat method very much, as it makes combat more fun and challenging.

2.2. Graphics: HD Remastered, A New Look

The graphics are one of the biggest highlights of the "Super Mario RPG" remake. The game uses brand new HD graphics, with more detailed character models and more vivid scenes. The lighting effects have also been greatly improved, making the game look more realistic. However, some players believe that the HD graphics have lost the pixel style of the original, which is entirely a matter of personal preference.

2.3. Sound Effects: Classic Melodies, New Interpretation

The game's sound effects have also been remastered. The classic melodies have been rearranged and are more pleasant to listen to. The new sound effects also make the game more immersive. I personally like the game's background music very much; it always reminds me of the good memories of my childhood.

2.4. Story: Old Wine in a New Bottle, Full of Nostalgia

The game's story basically retains the settings of the original, but it adds some new side quests and hidden elements. These new contents make the game more playable. At the same time, the game also retains the humorous style of the original, allowing players to feel joy during the adventure.

2.5. Operation Feel: Simple to Get Started, Depth to Explore

The game's operation feel is very smooth. Character movement and attacks are very natural. At the same time, the game also supports multiple operation methods, such as Joy-Con, Pro Controller, etc. Players can choose the appropriate operation method according to their preferences.

2.6. Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages:
  • Classic remake, full of nostalgia
  • Graphic upgrade, a new look
  • Remastered sound effects, pleasant to listen to
  • Gameplay innovation, full of fun
  • Smooth operation feel, easy to get started
• Disadvantages:
  • Some players may not like HD graphics
  • The story is slightly clichéd

2.7. Score

Based on the above analysis, I give the remake of "Super Mario RPG" a score of 9/10. This is a highly recommended RPG game. It can not only evoke the memories of old players but also allow new players to experience the charm of classic RPGs.

• IGN Score: 8/10 (Authoritative reference link: https://www.ign.com/articles/super-mario-rpg-remake-review)
• Metacritic Score: 84/100 (Authoritative reference link: https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/super-mario-rpg)

3. "Super Mario RPG" Beginner's Guide: Easy to Get Started, Enjoy the Adventure

For new players who are new to "Super Mario RPG", I have compiled some beginner's guides, hoping to help you familiarize yourself with the game faster.

3.1. Beginner's Guide

• Familiarize yourself with the operation: The game's operation is very simple, but you need to familiarize yourself with the character's movement, attack, defense, and other operations.
• Explore the map: Exploring the map can discover new items, side quests, and hidden elements.
• Talk to NPCs: Talking to NPCs can understand the plot and get task information.
• Reasonably match characters: Different characters have different skills, and you need to reasonably match characters according to the attributes of the enemy.
• Use action commands: Using action commands in battle can increase the power of attacks or reduce damage taken.
• Save in time: The game has an automatic save function, but it is also recommended that players save manually, just in case.

3.2. Advanced Skills and Strategies

• Chain Attack: Reasonably using chain attacks can cause higher damage.
• Attribute Counter: Understand the enemy's attributes and choose skills that restrain the attributes to attack.
• Equipment Selection: Choosing the right equipment can improve the character's attributes.
• Skill Combination: Different skill combinations can produce different effects.
• Hidden Elements: There are many hidden elements in the game that require players to explore carefully.

3.3. Level Guide: Difficulty Analysis

During the game, you may encounter some more difficult levels. For example, a certain Boss battle may require special strategies to defeat. It is recommended that players try different character combinations, skill combinations, and equipment choices to find the method that suits them best.

3.4. Best Equipment and Skill Combination Recommendations

Based on my experience, here are some recommendations for the best equipment and skill combinations:

• Mario: Equip "Super Hammer", skill "Super Jump".
• Princess Peach: Equip "Royal Crown", skill "Revival".
• Mallow: Equip "Cloud Robe", skill "Thunder".
• Geno: Equip "Star Gun", skill "Geno Beam".

3.5. Speedrun Skills and Hidden Element Guide

If you want to challenge speedruns, you can refer to some speedrun guides. For example, you can use some skills to skip some plots or choose more efficient combat methods. At the same time, there are also some hidden elements in the game, such as hidden Bosses and hidden items. Players can discover these hidden elements by carefully exploring the map.

4. "Super Mario RPG" Compared with Similar Games: Classic Status, Difficult to Shake

"Super Mario RPG" has a unique position in RPG games. It perfectly combines the lighthearted humor of the Mario series with Square Enix's specialty in RPG elements, creating a unique gaming experience. Compared with other RPG games, the story of "Super Mario RPG" is more relaxed and interesting, and the combat system is also easier to get started.

4.1. Compared with the "Final Fantasy" Series

The "Final Fantasy" series is Square Enix's masterpiece, known for its profound story, complex combat system, and exquisite graphics. Compared with the "Final Fantasy" series, the story of "Super Mario RPG" is more relaxed and interesting, and the combat system is also easier to get started. However, the depth and breadth of the "Final Fantasy" series are higher.

4.2. Compared with the "Paper Mario" Series

The "Paper Mario" series is also an RPG game in the Mario series, but it uses a paper-style picture. Compared with the "Paper Mario" series, the picture of "Super Mario RPG" is more refined, and the combat system is more traditional.

4.3. Classic Status: Difficult to Shake

In general, "Super Mario RPG" has a unique position in RPG games. It has won the love of many players with its unique style and interesting gameplay. Even today, "Super Mario RPG" is still a highly recommended RPG game.

5. "Super Mario RPG" and Nintendo Switch 2: Future Prospects

With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 approaching, we have reason to expect this classic game to shine with new brilliance on the next-generation console. The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be released in April, and it will bring more powerful performance and better picture performance. This means that "Super Mario RPG" can run at higher resolutions and smoother frame rates on the Nintendo Switch 2.

5.1. Potential Improvements of Nintendo Switch 2

• Picture Performance: Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to use a more powerful GPU, which means that "Super Mario RPG" can run at higher resolutions and smoother frame rates on the Nintendo Switch 2.
• Performance Improvement: Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to use a more powerful CPU and larger memory, which means that "Super Mario RPG" can load faster and run more stable.
• New Features: Nintendo Switch 2 may add some new features, such as ray tracing and DLSS, which can further improve the game's picture performance.

5.2. Development Prospects of Classic RPGs on Nintendo Switch 2

The success of "Super Mario RPG" proves that classic RPG games still have strong vitality. With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, we have reason to expect more classic RPG games to land on the Nintendo Switch 2 platform in the form of remakes. At the same time, we also look forward to seeing more new RPG games use the powerful performance of the Nintendo Switch 2 to create more exciting gaming experiences. You can refer to nintendo switch2 price, nintendo switch2 first look, nintendo switch2 compatibility to learn the latest information about Nintendo Switch 2.

6. Summary: Classics Endure, Looking Forward to the Future

"Super Mario RPG" is a very classic RPG game. Its remake not only evokes the memories of old players but also provides new players with an opportunity to experience a classic. If you like RPG games, then "Super Mario RPG" is definitely a game not to be missed. I believe that even in the future Nintendo Switch 2 era, "Super Mario RPG" will still be a classic work loved by players. Let us look forward to the Nintendo Switch 2 bringing more surprises together, and also look forward to "Super Mario RPG" shining more brightly on the Nintendo Switch 2 platform!