This is a modern reimagining of a beloved role-playing adventure, originally released in the mid-1990s. It invites players to step into a vibrant world where the familiar hero, Mario, must forge an unlikely alliance with his long-time adversaries, Bowser and Princess Peach. Their shared mission is to repair the shattered Star Road, a celestial pathway responsible for granting wishes, which has been disrupted by the troublemaking Smithy Gang. Joining this peculiar trio are original characters Mallow and Geno, each bringing their unique personalities and abilities to the quest.

The game offers an approachable entry point into the role-playing genre, blending classic turn-based combat with elements of adventure and strategy. Players will explore a colorful world filled with eccentric characters and offbeat enemies, all presented with updated visuals and cinematic sequences that enhance the charm and narrative of the original experience.

Core Gameplay and Mechanics

At its heart, this title is a turn-based role-playing game. Combat unfolds in a strategic, turn-based system where timing and action commands play a crucial role. Successfully executing timed button presses during attacks can increase damage, while well-timed blocks can mitigate incoming harm. This active participation in combat adds a layer of engagement beyond traditional RPG mechanics.

Exploration is a key component, with players navigating diverse environments, interacting with non-player characters, and uncovering secrets. The narrative progresses through a series of quests and story events, guiding the party towards their ultimate goal of restoring the Star Road.

Visual and Audio Enhancements in the Remake

This version significantly updates the presentation of the original game. The graphics have been completely redone, featuring a modern, stylized aesthetic that retains the whimsical charm of the source material while introducing a new level of detail and polish. Character models, environments, and special effects are all rendered with contemporary technology.

The musical score has also been re-orchestrated, offering familiar melodies with a fresh sound. New cinematic sequences have been added to punctuate key story moments, providing a more immersive and visually dynamic experience.

Faithfulness to the Original

The remake aims for a high degree of faithfulness to the original Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. The core story, character roster, and fundamental gameplay mechanics remain largely intact. The developers have focused on modernizing the presentation and refining the user experience rather than fundamentally altering the game's structure or narrative.

What Has Been Preserved?

The central storyline involving Mario, Bowser, Peach, Mallow, and Geno.
The turn-based combat system with timed action commands.
The iconic locations and world map.
The overall tone and humor of the original.

What Has Been Changed?

Complete graphical overhaul with updated character models and environments.
Re-orchestrated musical score.
New cinematic cutscenes.
Minor quality-of-life improvements to gameplay and user interface.

Story, Setting, and Atmosphere

The game is set in a whimsical and colorful universe where magic and technology coexist. The narrative begins when a giant sword crashes into Mario's castle, disrupting the peace and scattering the seven Star Pieces across the land. Mario, along with an unexpected group of allies, embarks on a journey to collect these pieces and restore the Star Road, facing off against the mechanical menace known as the Smithy Gang.

The atmosphere is lighthearted and adventurous, infused with the signature charm and humor associated with the Mario franchise. Despite the RPG elements, the game maintains an accessible and engaging tone, making it enjoyable for a broad audience.

Additional Content

This release does not feature any downloadable content (DLC), expansions, or additional paid content. The experience is self-contained within the base game.

Basic Game Information

Type: Remake
Release Year: 2023
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS), Adventure

What Makes This Game Unique?

The unique appeal of this title lies in its fusion of the iconic Mario universe with traditional RPG elements. It was one of the first RPGs to feature Mario as the protagonist and is notable for its introduction of new characters like Geno and Mallow, who have since become fan favorites. The remake preserves this unique blend while enhancing it with modern presentation, making it a compelling experience for both returning fans and those new to the original.