Platform: Nintendo Switch (played on OLED model)
Genre: Turn-based RPG
Developer: Nintendo / ArtePiazza
Release Date: November 2023
Mode: Single Player
Remake of: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (1996, SNES)
Nostalgia Meets New-Gen Charm
Super Mario RPG was a big deal back in the ’90s — it was Mario’s first real RPG, and even today, it stands out as one of the most beloved experiments in the Mario universe. Now, with this remake on Switch, it’s not just a remaster — it’s a loving, detailed overhaul of the original with full 3D visuals, updated UI, modern quality-of-life touches, and a whole lot of heart.
And on the Switch OLED, this game just pops. The bright color palette, smooth animations, and adorable character expressions are perfectly suited for that vivid OLED screen.
Visuals & Art Style – Classic Reimagined
Right from the first cutscene, you can tell the devs cared deeply about keeping the spirit of the original intact. The pre-rendered look from the SNES days has been reimagined in a rich, clay-like 3D style. The world feels like a handcrafted diorama, full of soft edges, bright colors, and playful detail.
- Character animations are a highlight — Mario’s iconic jump and exaggerated expressions add so much charm.
- Battle animations are crisp, flashy, and satisfying without being too drawn out.
- On the OLED display, everything looks super vibrant, especially the different world zones like the forest, volcano, and cloud kingdoms.
Gameplay – Accessible, Fun, and Deep Enough
The combat remains turn-based but with action commands, which means you press buttons at the right time to boost attacks or guard better. It’s easy to get into, but there’s room for mastering timing and strategy.
- Each character — Mario, Mallow, Geno, Bowser, Peach — has a unique playstyle and quirky attacks.
- Triple Moves are a new feature: depending on your team combo, you get special flashy attacks that hit hard and add flavor.
- You don’t need to grind much; the game is pretty well-balanced in terms of difficulty.
- The boss battles are memorable and sometimes surprisingly challenging (especially if you skip side content).
For newcomers, it’s super friendly. For veterans, the new added content and subtle tweaks give it fresh life.
Story & Humor – Classic Nintendo Charm
The story isn’t heavy or dark like some RPGs, but it’s full of Nintendo’s unique blend of humor, whimsy, and charm.
- The plot follows Mario teaming up with unlikely allies to stop Smithy, a villain who’s taken over Star Road.
- There’s goofy dialogue, surreal characters, and even emotional beats (yes, the Geno fans still win here).
- The pacing is tight — no endless monologues or bloated exposition. It’s all about having fun.
If you’re used to other Mario games, this one feels surprisingly different in tone — still light, but with some quirky weirdness you won’t find in other Mario titles.
Music – Nostalgic and Beautifully Reorchestrated
Yoko Shimomura’s original soundtrack has been fully reorchestrated, and you can switch between the new and original music at any time. The new version sounds cinematic and rich, especially with headphones or a good speaker setup.
- Songs like Forest Maze, Battle Themes, and Nimbus Land sound better than ever.
- Switching to the original SNES music mid-game is a great little feature that hits that nostalgia sweet spot.
Quality of Life & Extras
- Save points are frequent, and there’s also autosave, which wasn’t in the original.
- No random encounters — enemies appear on screen, so you can avoid or engage them.
- The UI is clean, with quick menus and clear indicators during battle.
- There’s a post-game boss challenge for hardcore players — remixed versions of classic bosses that are genuinely tough.
Also: loading times are super short, transitions are smooth, and everything feels snappy — especially on the OLED’s faster screen and crisp resolution.
OLED Experience – Handheld Heaven
This game is perfect for the OLED model:
- Bright, colorful art style shines on the vibrant OLED display.
- Crisp audio from the improved Switch speakers enhances the soundtrack and effects.
- It’s a great pick-up-and-play RPG, so you can do a quick battle or finish a story section in short sessions.
Whether docked or handheld, it performs flawlessly.
What Works Really Well:
- Beautiful reimagining of a classic
- Accessible and engaging RPG mechanics
- Witty, lighthearted story with emotional touches
- Catchy reorchestrated soundtrack
- OLED screen makes everything look magical
- Lots of polish, great pacing, and no unnecessary filler
Minor Drawbacks:
- Still relatively short for an RPG (15–20 hours)
- Some dialogue and pacing can feel a little dated (true to the original though)
- Triple Moves are cool but not game-changing
Final Verdict – A Must-Have for RPG Fans & Mario Lovers
Whether you played the original on SNES or are diving into this world for the first time, Super Mario RPG on Nintendo Switch is a total win. It blends nostalgia with polish, depth with simplicity, and delivers a lighthearted RPG that feels just as fun in 2025 as it did in 1996.
It’s a perfect match for the Switch OLED, and a solid reminder of how timeless some games can be — especially when they’re made with this much care.
Rating: 9/10
Recommended for: RPG fans, Mario fans, anyone looking for a cozy, fun, and well-crafted game.