Super Mario Bros. Wonder: A Remake with a New Art Style
I’m a fan of Super Mario RPG, so I was excited to hear about the remake titled Super Mario Bros. Wonder. However, I must admit that this new version falls short of expectations. While the upgraded graphics are a welcome addition, the overall look of the game fails to capture the unique aesthetic of the original. Don't believe me? Check out the comparison video below from GameXplain.
The Remake: A Faithful Recreation with a Modern Twist
Super Mario Bros. Wonder, also known as Super Mario RPG: Wonder Journey, is a remake of the beloved Super Mario RPG developed by Squaresoft. I want to clarify that Square Enix is not creating this game; they are the current holders of the Mario IP and have given their stamp of approval to the project.
As a big fan of Super Mario RPG, I was thrilled when I heard about this project. However, after watching the comparison video and playing through a bit of the first area myself, I can't help but feel disappointed. While the level design remains faithful, the remake fails to capture the overall vibe and visual identity that made Super Mario RPG so special.
In the comparison video, viewers express a generally positive reaction, praising the upgraded graphics and technical improvements. I agree that it looks more modern and, in many ways, better. However, it also appears generic, lacking the distinctiveness that set Super Mario RPG apart from other 3D platformers.
We currently live in an era where most games strive to be unique or different, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. Super Mario RPG was unique; it was one-of-a-kind. It had a certain weirdness and charm that made it stand out.
Many remakes believe that adding more detail fills in the gaps and preserves the artist's intent. However, I don't agree with this notion. Art is about intentionally leaving things out and creating deliberate ambiguity. Adding more detail does not serve the artist's intent or maintain the original style.
Let's take a look at the comparison between the boss battle against Yaridovich in the original and the remake. In the original scene, we are presented with a stark black horizon, angular lines, and a sense of danger. In the remake, we get a beautiful cave, set during sunset, with a less intimidating Yaridovich. While the remake may appeal to some players, it lacks authenticity and fails to capture the original tone and aesthetic.
Another major concern is that the new version of Super Mario RPG lacks the unique charm of the original. It is completely, utterly, 100% dripless. As a game that was once considered one-of-a-kind, the remake is emotionally disappointing.
Let me be clear, I'm not saying the original game was a perfect masterpiece; it had its flaws. However, it was unique, and I believe it is essential to honor that uniqueness in my article on the 20th anniversary of the game's launch. I've come to realize that my decision to write about Super Mario RPG was controversial, as many people view remakes as opportunities to fill in the gaps and realize the original artist's intent.
In that sense, perhaps the original game does not deserve as much credit. After all, it was created within the limitations of the hardware at the time. However, I choose to celebrate the creativity that emerged from those limitations.
The original Super Mario RPG was a groundbreaking game that showcased intentional artistry, not compromised by hardware limitations. Adding more detail does not serve the artist's intent or preserve the original style, as clearly demonstrated in the Yaridovich comparison above.
Despite all of this, I do not consider the Super Mario RPG remake a complete disaster. It may appeal to some players. However, for me, it represents what I perceive as the "lowest common denominator" in modern gaming. It saddens me to see such a unique game succumb to that.
If you're looking for something a little different, check out our collection of the best indie games. Additionally, you can read our review of Super Mario Maker 2, a game we believe is one of the best on PC.
