It’s a genuine joy to be discussing a Super Mario RPG title again, especially after 27 years. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, a gem originally released on the SNES in 1996, made a grand comeback with its remake on November 17. And from the looks of it, 2023 just got a remarkable addition to its gaming roster. Let’s delve into the initial Super Mario RPG review scores.
As per our tradition, we’re going to filter through the most significant reviews from around the globe. We’ll examine both the soaring highs and the unexpected lows in scores, gaining a comprehensive view of how critics are receiving Super Mario RPG. And, of course, we’ll be rounding this off with our own take on the game.
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Super Mario RPG Review Scores
The Super Mario RPG remake, as you might expect, debuted exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. It appears that this exclusivity is set to continue for the foreseeable future, likely making the remake a Nintendo classic, much like its original 1996 version.
Now, let’s talk numbers. At the time of writing this article, a total of 78 review scores for Super Mario RPG have been added on Metacritic, averaging a score of 83 — that means the game is generally favourable. For those looking to round off the year with a delightful Mario adventure, this game seems poised to hit the mark.
Here are some of the Super Mario RPG review scores:
- The Enemy — 60
- Inverse — 70
- Digital Trends — 70
- IGN Italia — 75
- GameSpot — 80
- NME — 80
- Eurogamer — 80
- Game Informer — 88
- Destructoid — 90
- Screen Rant — 90
- Player 2 — 100
You might notice a broader range in these scores than you might have expected. But that’s quite typical for modern games. Opinions varied widely — while one reviewer wasn’t too impressed, scoring it a 60, another was absolutely enchanted, awarding a perfect 100.
What’s crucial here are the reasons behind these Super Mario RPG review scores and the critiques that shaped them. We’re going to delve into these reviews and share our insights below.
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First Reactions
Upon examining all 78 reviews, with a few highlighted above, a common thread emerges among the initial critical responses. Remarkably, many reviewers converge around the 80-point mark. When you set aside the more extreme outliers, there’s an agreement suggesting that the game is deserving of an 80/100 rating.
However, Por Helena Nogueira from Brazil’s The Enemy offers a divergent view with score of 60. In her assessment, Super Mario RPG makes mostly the right moves. Still, she argues that it falls short of being the remake the 1996 original truly deserved. Her exact words:
The remake faithfully maintains it’s quirkiness while expanding the magic with one of the Switch’s most impressive graphic treatments. If you are a fan of the original, however, know that this is not exactly the remake that the original deserved.
Por Helena Nogueira — The Enemy
On the flip side of Super Mario RPG review scores, we have Jess Zammit from the Australian site Player 2, whose experience is vastly different and nearly flawless — score of 100. Jess contends that the Super Mario RPG remake has successfully etched out a unique and special niche within the Switch’s extensive library. Her words on this:
Super Mario RPG is a delightful remake of an underappreciated classic that will thrill new and old fans alike. It’s filled with wonder, whimsy, and wit, and respects its origins while easily carving a new place in Nintendo’s current line-up.
Jess Zammit — Player 2
These contrasting Super Mario RPG review scores highlight the diverse range of experiences and expectations that critics bring to their assessments of the game.
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Our Thoughts
In reflecting on Super Mario RPG, we’ve split our review into two distinct parts. Firstly, we consider how the remake compares to its 1996 SNES original. From this angle, it’s evident that the new version, despite its modern flair, lacks a certain “Soul” present in the original.
However, when viewed purely as a fresh addition to the Nintendo Switch lineup, it’s a different story. In this context, the game is nothing short of fantastic, which aligns us generally with the Super Mario RPG review scores mentioned earlier.
While 2023 has been a standout year for gaming, making topping the charts a tough feat, this game certainly deserves recognition.
For now, that concludes our dive into the Super Mario RPG review scores. Keep an eye out for more updates and features on the latest Nintendo games in the days ahead.
Author Profile
- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.
