Now that the image of “Mario = Action Game” has completely taken hold, I want you to pause for a moment and remember “that moment”—when Mario first stepped into the world of RPGs. That’s right, Super Mario RPG, originally released 27 years ago on the Super Famicom, has been beautifully remade with modern technology and has returned to the Nintendo Switch. This remake is not just about improved graphics; it also solidly adds elements for better playability and deep engagement, making it a title that offers a new Mario experience that doesn’t end with just “nostalgia.”

Mario headed to Bowser’s Castle to save Princess Peach, following the familiar storyline. Just when you thought, “Yes, yes, the usual thing,” a giant sword plunges from the sky, and the story completely changes. With this sword embedded, the “Star Road,” which grants wishes, is broken, and a journey begins to find the “Star Pieces” scattered across the world. The flow of the story, which expands beyond a simple princess rescue mission into a grand adventure to restore the world's hope, adds a depth and weight characteristic of an RPG. Here, Mario shows a face not just as a hero, but as a “leader who fights alongside his friends.”

What is particularly noteworthy in this title is the presence of Mario’s companions on his adventure. There is “Mallow,” who has a soft, cloud-like body; the mechanical and mysterious “Geno”; and even Bowser, who was always supposed to be an enemy, appears as an ally. And of course, we mustn't forget Peach. It’s not hard to imagine that the fun of the RPG is multiplied many times over just by having these members fight together. Since each has a distinct personality and skills, and their roles are clearly separated in battle, enjoying strategic combat is also a key point.

Battles in Super Mario RPG don't end just by selecting a command. The “Action Command Battle,” where you press a button in sync with the timing of attacks and defense, gives the combat rhythm and tension. Moreover, in this remake, a new element has been added where successfully executing Action Commands in sequence triggers a “Chain,” boosting allies’ abilities, which adds another layer of depth to the fighting. Furthermore, by using a gauge that fills up with every successful action, a “Triple Move” can be activated, where three allies combine their power. The visuals are exhilarating, and the game is full of scenes that will make you want to pump your fist.

This remake is packed with various ideas to ensure it doesn't end merely as a nostalgic experience. After the ending, “rematches” against some bosses that appeared in the story become possible. Of course, they are powered up and cannot be defeated easily. This thoroughly covers the deep engagement elements characteristic of RPGs. Also, it’s a welcome feature that an “Easy” mode is available so that those who are not good at battles or are new to RPGs can enjoy the game. Additionally, fan-favorite bonus elements are plentiful, such as a “Monster List” to record encountered monsters and a “Sound Player” to listen freely to BGM from the series.