Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers, myself included. With its quirky characters and unique battle system, this game offered a refreshing twist on the beloved Mario franchise. For years, I have revisited this game annually, immersing myself in the expansive world that went beyond the traditional side-scrolling format. When Nintendo announced the revival of Super Mario RPG on June 21, my initial excitement quickly gave way to apprehension. Would this remake succeed in capturing the essence of the original game or would it lose its personality in the restoration process?
One of the aspects that endeared Super Mario RPG to me was its lighthearted and comedic tone. From Mario’s pantomimed retellings to encountering bizarre characters and bosses, the game embraced its own silliness. However, with the passage of time, some of the jokes and references in the original game have become dated. I wondered if these elements would be lost or modified in the remake. Would the mountain of obstacles it faced in staying true to its roots be too steep to overcome?
As I dove into the remake, I was relieved to see that the beginning sequence retained the vocal banter of Bowser and the iconic Mario pantomime. Even the name change from Mack to Claymorton, a clever sword-based pun, showed promise. Yet, it wasn’t until I reached the level-up screen that my worries truly dissipated.
In the original game, the level-up screen was a simple affair. The character would emerge from a pipe, showcasing their stat boosts, and players would choose a secondary boost. In the remake, the level-up screen underwent a surprising change. Mario appeared on a brightly lit theater stage, surrounded by empty space. At first, I found this choice odd, but it didn’t deter me. However, when Mallow joined the party and Mario leveled up, any lingering doubts about the remake vanished.
What convinced me of this studio’s understanding and commitment to the original game was the addition of a delightful surprise—a dance party. Each time a character leveled up, the entire group would break out in celebratory boogie. Mario did a little sidestep, Mallow swung his fists in wild abandon, Geno swirled his cape, Peach gracefully moved her arms, and even Bowser stomped to the rhythm. This spontaneous display of joy elevated the experience beyond my expectations.
Leveling up had always brought a sense of satisfaction, but now it was accompanied by a wide smile on my face. The impromptu dance party not only showcased the studio’s RPG expertise but also demonstrated their understanding of the game’s personality. While the battle system could be finely tuned, it was the game’s tone and character that truly set it apart. By introducing this new element of celebration, ArtePiazza, the studio behind the remake, demonstrated their ability to integrate fresh ideas seamlessly.
ArtePiazza’s understanding of Super Mario RPG’s original intent is evident throughout the entire remake. They expertly captured the essence of the game, ensuring that it retains its unique charm while introducing new elements. The team at ArtePiazza boasts an impressive RPG pedigree, having worked on notable titles like Dragon Quest and SaGa. However, it is their ability to infuse new ideas into the existing framework that truly shines.
While the level-up festivities were a brand-new addition to the game, they felt like they had always belonged. It was as if the characters had been secretly dancing in celebration of their friends’ progress, and only now were we able to witness it. This level of creativity and attention to detail gives me great hope for the potential of a sequel.
If ArtePiazza can come up with such innovative ideas for a remake, I can only imagine what they could achieve in a potential sequel. The dancing level-up screen proves that they not only understand the nostalgia and magic of Super Mario RPG but also possess the ability to expand upon it. As a devoted fan of the original game, I eagerly await the possibility of another adventure that embraces both the familiar and the new. And when that day comes, you can be sure that I’ll be dancing right alongside Mario and his companions.
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