Summary
On the eve of the release ofSuper Mario RPGfor the Nintendo Switch, a comparison video surfaced comparing the remake to the original from the Super NES. From all accounts,Super Mario RPGon 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, asSuper Mario RPGreviews 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.
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A recent Digital Foundry comparison video goes in-depth withSuper Mario RPGto 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, asSuper Mario RPGfor 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 callSuper Mario RPGa “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 atwhat exact timeSuper Mario RPGwill 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 thattheSuper Mario RPGremake 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
WHERE TO PLAY
Set out on a classic Mario adventure: Enter—or revisit—a world of whimsy with Mario on a quest to repair Star Road and defeat the troublemaking Smithy Gang. Team up with a party of unlikely allies, like the monstrous Bowser and a mysterious doll named Geno, in a story-rich RPG packed with laughs and quirky characters.A strange party unites to save Star Road: Meet the team of oddballs setting out to thwart the troublesome Smithy Gang and protect everyone’s wishes. Even Bowser is lending a claw!Take it easy with Breezy Difficulty Mode: Players new to RPGs or who want a story-focused experience can use the new Breezy difficulty, which makes battles easier and leveling up faster. You can set the difficulty at any time if you change your mind.Adventure, battle, and traverse across a colorful world: Jump towards your next goal and continue the story. Run into monsters to enter turn-based battles with your party of three. Master the new Chain and Triple Moves system to claim victory.A delightfully reimagined world: Enjoy familiar sights with colorfully enhanced graphics and spiffy upgrades.
