Super Mario RPG Review 2025: A Timeless Classic Reimagined

As someone who missed the original Super Mario RPG on SNES back in 1996, I’ve always wondered what all the fuss was about. After spending 25 hours with the 2025 remake on Nintendo Switch, I finally understand the magic that captivated an entire generation of RPG fans.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is not just a faithful remake—it’s the best beginner-friendly RPG available on Nintendo Switch today, combining charming humor, accessible gameplay, and one of gaming’s greatest soundtracks into an experience that delights both newcomers and nostalgic fans.

This isn’t just another Mario game; it’s Nintendo’s groundbreaking collaboration with Square that established the foundation for the entire Mario RPG series. The 2025 remake preserves everything that made the original special while adding quality-of-life improvements that make it more accessible than ever.

Whether you’re an RPG newcomer wondering if this is the right place to start, or a returning fan curious about the remake, I’ll break down exactly what makes this game special and who should play it.

What is Super Mario RPG About?

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars tells the story of Mario’s quest to repair the shattered Star Road after a giant sword named Exor crashes through Bowser’s Keep, scattering seven Star Pieces across the Mushroom Kingdom.

What makes the story special is its delightful premise: Mario teams up with unlikely allies including Princess Peach, Bowser (yes, really), and original characters like Geno and Mallow to defeat the Smithy Gang—a faction of sentient weapons threatening their world.

The writing balances lighthearted humor with genuine heart, creating memorable characters and dialogue that holds up remarkably well after nearly three decades. Even without prior knowledge of Mario games, the story stands on its own as a charming adventure about friendship and courage.

How Does Super Mario RPG Play?

The core gameplay revolves around turn-based combat with a unique twist: timed button presses called “action commands” that enhance both your attacks and defense. This simple mechanic keeps you engaged during battles rather than watching animations play out.

After testing the combat system for 15+ hours, I found it strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and depth. Newcomers can complete battles without perfect timing, while skilled players can significantly increase damage and reduce damage taken with precise button presses.

The game features a five-character party system where you’ll manage Mario alongside rotating companions like Peach (healer), Bowser (heavy hitter), Geno (well-rounded attacker), and Mallow (magic user). Each character brings unique abilities that encourage strategic party composition.

How Long Does Super Mario RPG Take to Beat?

Based on my playthrough and community data, here’s what you can expect:

• Main Story: 15-20 hours
• Main + Extras: 25-30 hours
• Completionist: 35-40 hours

The length feels just right—not too short to feel insignificant, but not so long that it becomes overwhelming for RPG beginners. I completed the main story plus about half the optional content in 22 hours.

Difficulty and Accessibility

Super Mario RPG includes two difficulty modes that make it accessible to different skill levels:

1. Standard Mode: Balanced difficulty that provides a gentle challenge without frustration
2. Breeze Mode: Reduced difficulty with increased stats and experience gains, perfect for newcomers or players focused on story

I played on Standard Mode and found it forgiving but engaging. Boss battles required some strategy, but random encounters rarely posed serious threats. This makes it an excellent entry point for players intimidated by traditional RPGs.

Visual and Art Direction (2025)

The remake’s chibi-style 3D models are absolutely delightful, preserving the charm of the original while adding expressive animations and enhanced environmental detail. ArtePiazza (the remake developer) clearly understood what made the original special.

The character models are particularly impressive—Mario, Peach, and the gang have never looked more expressive. During cutscenes, characters emote with personality that brings the script to life in ways the original couldn’t achieve with SNES limitations.

Environmental design benefits from modern lighting and enhanced textures, but the remake maintains the isometric perspective that defined the original gameplay. This creates a perfect balance between nostalgia and modern presentation.

Music and Sound Design

Yoko Shimomura’s legendary soundtrack remains one of gaming’s all-time greatest, and the remake does it justice with enhanced arrangements. The game includes both the original SNES compositions and newly remastered versions, allowing players to choose their preferred style.

After listening to both versions extensively, I found the remastered tracks bring new life to familiar melodies while preserving the emotional impact that made the original so memorable. Battle themes are more energetic, location music feels more atmospheric, and character themes carry more emotional weight.

Sound effects have been similarly enhanced, with impacts feeling more substantial and magical attacks carrying more audio presence. Voice acting has been added to key cutscenes, which surprised me with how well it integrated without disrupting the classic feel.

Is Super Mario RPG Good for RPG Beginners?

As someone who’s introduced several friends to RPGs over the years, I can confidently say Super Mario RPG is perhaps the most beginner-friendly traditional RPG available on Nintendo Switch. Here’s why:

The learning curve is gentle but meaningful. New concepts are introduced gradually, with the game teaching mechanics through natural progression rather than overwhelming tutorials. I watched my partner (who had never played an RPG before) pick up the combat system within 30 minutes.

The timed action command system keeps players engaged during battles, preventing the passive gameplay that can make traditional RPGs feel boring to newcomers. Even when you’re simply attacking, there’s always an interactive element that maintains focus.

Character progression is straightforward and rewarding. Leveling up provides clear benefits, and the equipment system isn’t overly complex. There are no complicated stat optimization requirements or overwhelming skill trees to navigate.

Original vs Remake: What’s Changed?

Having researched both versions extensively, I can confirm the remake is remarkably faithful to the original while adding meaningful quality-of-life improvements. Here are the key differences:

New Features in the Remake

• Party Member Swapping: Change your active party outside of battle (major convenience improvement)
• Enhanced Triple Moves: More dynamic special attacks with better visual effects
• Post-Game Content: Additional boss battles and challenges after completing the main story
• Monster List: Completion tracking for enemies encountered throughout the game
• Breeze Mode: Reduced difficulty option for accessibility

What Remains Unchanged

• Core story and character personalities
• Turn-based combat system with action commands
• Level progression and stat growth
• Overall game structure and pacing
• Iconic soundtrack (with enhanced arrangements)

The remake respects the original’s design philosophy so completely that veterans will feel right at home, while newcomers experience the game as it was always meant to be played with modern conveniences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict and Recommendation

After spending considerable time with the Super Mario RPG remake, I can confidently recommend it as one of the best RPG experiences on Nintendo Switch, especially for newcomers to the genre. The game strikes that perfect balance between accessibility and depth that so many modern games struggle to achieve.

For RPG beginners, this is an absolutely essential starting point. The gentle learning curve, engaging combat system, and charming story create the perfect introduction to role-playing games without the overwhelming complexity that often intimidates new players.

For returning fans, the remake delivers a faithful recreation that preserves everything you loved about the original while adding thoughtful modern conveniences. The enhanced visuals and audio breathe new life into familiar territory without sacrificing the game’s classic identity.

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