Screenshots & trailers
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 84 | 26 |
| Creator reviews (3 tracked) | – | 87 | 4 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 83 | 266 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 85 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (108)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 85
“It may not shake things up too much, but the shining force behind Super Mario RPG is that it showcases all the great aspects of the original and now lets a whole new audience enjoy it for themselves.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Fans of the original are sure to enjoy this excellent, faithful update with quality additions and improvements. Yet, I’m even more excited for those who’ve never played this one. Beyond the notable balance and pacing successes, this game excels with characters, locales, and plot developments. With little to complain about and much to celebrate, Super Mario RPG is a delight, one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played on the Switch. Not to be missed.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Despite the relative simplicity of each of the game’s individual elements, the pace at which it doles out its considerable variety makes the sizable RPG uncommonly light and breezy.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Super Mario RPG is here in all of its weird, wonderful glory for a new generation to experience, and sets a new standard for how to do a faithful remake right. Delivering a beautifully preserved, pure experience for fans of the original and an accessible entry-point for genre newcomers, the game's infectious charm, writing, and polished gameplay do so much to elevate this beyond what might have been merely a simple RPG starring Mario.”
read full review ↗ - 86
“Super Mario RPG is almost an ideal remake. It polishes a few flaws of the original but manages to preserve the core experience. It screams with all the retro colors, which makes it unbelievably refreshing for the modern age of gaming.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Super Mario RPG Remake is a classic, must-play RPG designed for casual RPGamers and hardcore fans alike. Even those who know the Italian plumber through his platforming antics should give this game a chance. The charming story is a heartwarming journey, and the gameplay is fun and captivating. The new art makes it feel modern while keeping its essence. While there was a missed opportunity to expand the story, Super Mario RPG Remake is still a fantastic experience worth playing.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Although lacking innovation, the Super Mario RPG remake is a great way to relive a classic, with little incentive for old-time fans but plenty to love for newcomers.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Nintendo and Square Enix have turned Super Mario RPG into a very accessible and enjoyable contemporary game for all players. Its dynamic combat and world exploration create an awesome combo, resulting in one of the best and most original JRPGs on the Nintendo Switch.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“At its heart Super Mario RPG: Remake is a hilarious, beautiful and excellently written 12 to 14 hour RPG experience. Its beautiful music and art style just ooze a unique charm that most Mario games can only dream of. It would be amazing to see a new collab with Square Enix coming from this but as that is definitely a pipedream (pun intended), what we have here is an absolute highlight of 2023.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“ArtePiazza understood what elements needed to be improved to deliver a remake that went beyond better graphics. This is Super Mario RPG for a new era and a new audience, with improvements that bring it closer to modern standards. It's hard to say that the remake will replace the gem that is the original, but it's another jewel that deserves to sit alongside it.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“While the general simplicity might hold back some, Super Mario RPG still excels at what it intends to do: wax nostalgia and provide a gentle RPG experience. It’s a gorgeous adventure with tons of personality and a combat system that is often imitated but never fully duplicated. Even with Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi succeeding this game, they truly don’t make them like this wacky, bizarre game anymore. The playful vibe fits so well with the slightly off-brand Mario world that makes this game, with the grimy Wario-like Booster, goofy Axem Rangers, and evil wedding cake, unforgettable. Your mileage may vary with how much the straightforward adventure and unique brand of basic RPG works for you, but I walked away from this remake feeling like Super Mario RPG is solidly one of my favorite games ever.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Super Mario RPG for Nintendo Switch is a great-looking and faithful remake that brims with the original release's charm and wonder.”
read full review ↗
Gamepressure
Pure Nintendo
Slant Magazine
Nintendo Life
PLAY Zine
RPGamer
Gfinity
Cubed3
LevelUp
NintendoWorldReport
PCMag…and 96 more tracked reviews.