In 2023 you wouldn't think we would be excited about new Super Nintendo games, yet here we are! Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars has been reimagined for the Nintendo Switch and is available today, with a few improvements from the 1996 original.
Now you're playing with power!
The original title marked new beginnings and an end for our favorite Italian plumber. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars was a classic role-playing game (RPG) developed by Square (now Square Enix) in collaboration with Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Released in 1996, it marked the first time Mario ventured into the RPG genre and also marked the final original Mario title for the SNES.
Retro remastered
Fast forward to Nov 2023 and this beloved game has gotten a complete graphic overhaul. Like the original, the new game combines traditional Mario platforming elements with turn-based battles and a rich, engaging story. Players join Mario on a quest to rescue Princess Toadstool from the evil Smithy and his gang of henchmen.
Different from the original, a new difficulty setting will allow you to play in "breezy" mode so those turn-based battles may slant a little more in your favor.
For the new title, Nintendo dropped the "Legend of the Seven Stars" but for all intents and purposes, this is the same game fans will remember from the Super Nintendo area but with loving care it's been reimagined for the Nintendo Switch.
This game was also notable for its cast of characters which look gorgeous on the Nintendo Switch version. First of all, Bowser and Mario team up as they're united behind a common enemy. Along the way, Mario is joined by a diverse cast of new characters, including Geno, a wooden puppet, and Mallow, a puffy but tough scrapper.
Mini games
The inclusion of mini games is common now, but in 1996 this was a novel rarity and an exciting reason to save your allowance to get this title, rather than hold on until you had enough cash for the new N64.
A few of the more memorable mini games include:
Beetle Mania
In this mini-game, players control a jumping beetle called the "Beetle Box." The goal is to time your jumps to catch various power-ups and avoid hazards. Successful play can earn the player coins and items.
Booster's Tower Snifit Room
When visiting Booster's Tower, Mario encounters a room filled with Snifits. The player can participate in a guessing game where they have to choose which Snifit has the key needed to proceed.
Mine Cart Ride
Found in the Moleville Mines, this mini-game involves riding a mine cart through a series of tracks. Players must jump over gaps and obstacles to reach the end while collecting coins and avoiding hazards. These mini-games not only provide a break from the main storyline but also offer opportunities to earn additional coins, items, and other rewards.
They contribute to the overall charm and variety of gameplay in Super Mario RPG, making the experience more engaging and enjoyable for players.
Seven stars
With so many great games available, it can sometimes be hard to rationalize paying full price for a game you beat 25 years ago; however, Super Mario RPG has some serious nostalgic charm. Did you play the original? Are you going to pick up the remaster? Or is there another Super Nintendo-era game you'd love to see Nintendo reimagine? Let us know in the comments!
Read more
Community poll: What game absolutely destroyed you?
Some games are fun. Some are hard. But every so often, a game comes around that hits you right in the feelings. One of those types of games is getting a remaster.
PlayStation Portal is here, but why?
PlayStation's first dedicated Remote Play device is now available - but do we even need this?
Steam Deck OLED announced
The new Steam Deck OLED comes Nov 16th with a better display, battery life, and download speeds.
Resident Evil 4 coming to iPhone, iPad, Mac on Dec 20
The reimagining of the 2005 classic Resident Evil 4 was released on consoles this spring and comes to Apple devices this holiday season.