Setting aside MMORPGs for a moment and focusing primarily on role-playing games (RPGs), 2023 has been a year of exciting releases with powerful ARPG’s like Diablo 4 and longstanding series sequels like Final Fantasy 16. Many titles are pushing forward their respective properties nobly, and yet, despite each being fantastic games in their own right, few games have captured my heart quite like the upcoming remake of the Nintendo classic, Super Mario RPG. For the past few years, we've seen a resurgence of nostalgia gaming, with developers revisiting and revamping beloved titles, and in most cases, the result has been nothing short of spectacular.
Originally released in 1996 on Super Nintendo, Super Mario RPG was a groundbreaking title that blended the charm of the Mario universe with the depth and complexity of traditional RPGs. Developed by Square (now Square Enix), the game introduced a unique, action-command battle system and a captivating story that expanded the Mario lore in unexpected ways, and even dropped Bowser as the main baddie, so that he could battle along with his arch-nemesis Mario as the frenemy we came to love. The remake stays true to this legacy while enhancing the game with modern graphics, refined gameplay mechanics, and a remastered soundtrack that breathes new life into the Mushroom Kingdom.
With the Super Mario property finding a new surge in popularity with the Super Mario Brothers movie, and multiple recurring game series, it’s always been somewhat of point of contention with me that there have been few if any Super Mario games that acknowledge some of the beloved characters from Super Mario RPG: The Legend of the Seven Stars like Geno and Mallow. I’m hoping that the remake will reintroduce these beloved characters so that we may see them in more games in the future – but I digress.
While I love Super Mario RPG, not just because it’s a great game that blends humor, an interesting story with unique characters, and an active turn-based combat system, I have to take into consideration that the nostalgia of the game itself has heavily influenced my excitement. The Super Mario RPG remake isn't the only title that has capitalized on the trend of nostalgia gaming. Other iconic RPGs have also received modern makeovers, including Final Fantasy VII and Diablo II, both of which have been met with widespread acclaim. These remakes not only offer a fresh take on the classics but also provide an opportunity for new players to experience these legendary games in a contemporary context.
Final Fantasy VII Remake, for instance, transformed the 1997 classic into an epic, multi-part series that delves deeper into the game's rich narrative and characters. Meanwhile, Diablo II: Resurrected faithfully recreated the dark, gothic atmosphere of the original game, arguably known as the best in the series, while enhancing it with stunning 3D graphics and quality-of-life improvements.
The popularity of these remakes can be attributed, in large part, to the powerful pull of nostalgia. Especially when we take into consideration that both Final Fantasy and Diablo have several ongoing sequels in the works, and ongoing titles that are still being supported. For many gamers, these remade titles represent a cherished part of their childhood or adolescence, or in the very least, a way to relive some of the best moments in gaming. For some, revisiting these games in a modern context allows players to remember those fond memories while appreciating the advancements in gaming technology.
However, it would be wrong to assume that nostalgia is the only factor driving the success of these remakes. Developers have been careful to respect the source material while making necessary updates and improvements, but enticing new players to play updated versions of older games is definitely paramount not just for the developers to make money, but for players to get invested in the characters that have made these game properties so popular. This delicate balance of old and new is what makes these remakes so appealing. They offer a comforting sense of familiarity while still providing a fresh and exciting gaming experience for gamers young and old.
What are your thoughts on developers remaking old games? Are there any old beloved classics you would like to see remade? Whether you love remakes or hate them, as we look forward to future releases, one thing is clear: the classics seem to never truly go out of style.
