Summary
While there are tons of exciting new games coming out these days, there are also countless remakes and remasters of older ones. Just like with the film industry, studios want to revisit their greatest hits with modern technology. Whether that is because fans wanted it, they feel like they can improve upon it, or simply so that they can earn more money from it. Whatever the case may be, remakes and remasters are everywhere. And in the last couple of weeks, players were treated to two new ones; the release ofSuper Mario RPGand theannouncement ofThe Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.
Super Mario RPGhas taken the acclaimed game of the same name and remade it with modern graphics. This has led to an exciting experience that Nintendo fans seem to be loving. At the same time,The Last of Us Part 2 Remasteredis looking to upgrade another acclaimed game for the PS5. Even though some fans may be excited about an upgrade like that, it feels like Naughty Dog is approaching the remaster concept in a drastically different way than Nintendo.
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Super Mario RPG and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered Are Similar Concepts
Super Mario RPG Waited Years to Come Back
The originalSuper Mario RPGlaunched way back in 1996 and was met with critical acclaim upon release. Instead of greenlighting a sequel, Nintendo chose to create other RPG franchises involving the titular character. Whilethe likes ofPaper MarioandMario and Luigiwere popular, many fans yearned for a return to that 1996 adventure. However, it seemed like Nintendo really had no interest in doing so, as what most players got was a re-release for the Wii Virtual Console. But that all changed in 2023.
27 years later, Nintendo has finally delivered on fans' wishes bycompletely remakingSuper Mario RPGfor the Nintendo Switch. It has taken the core gameplay of that original title and updated it with modern graphics, new mechanics, and all sorts of fun additions. It may not be as acclaimed as that original title was, but the remake has been a fantastic treat for fans so far. Whether players are checking it out for the first time or jumping into it after waiting years, they are in for a wild ride that some may not soon forget.
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered Feels Way Too Early
While Nintendo waited 27 years to revisit its acclaimed game, Naughty Dog did not wait a whole lot.The Last of Us Part 2 Remasteredwill be taking a game that came out in 2020 and slightly updating it for the PS5. There will be technical improvements, some new modes, and a set of levels that were cut from the original game. It is set to launch next year, and players who already own the original game will be able to upgrade for $10, while those who do not will have to spend the standard $70.
The Last of Us Part 2was a fantastic gamethat players should experience, but it feels way too early for a remaster. That original title already looked phenomenal, and this remaster really does not look that different. The new modes and additions may be enough to entice players, however, the game looks almost identical to how it did in 2020. Four years is not enough time for a remaster, yet Naughty Dog seems committed to delivering it.
Nintendo and Naughty Dog may both be revisiting their iconic games, but both are approaching the concept in vastly different ways. While one studio waited decades before it even decided to do a full-on remake, the other did not even wait five years before giving its game a slight graphical upgrade. There is a chance that theLast of Us Part 2 Remasteredwas needed, but right now, it feels like a strange creative decision.
Super Mario RPG
WHERE TO PLAY
Set out on a classic Mario adventure: Enter—or revisit—a world of whimsy with Mario on a quest to repair Star Road and defeat the troublemaking Smithy Gang. Team up with a party of unlikely allies, like the monstrous Bowser and a mysterious doll named Geno, in a story-rich RPG packed with laughs and quirky characters.A strange party unites to save Star Road: Meet the team of oddballs setting out to thwart the troublesome Smithy Gang and protect everyone’s wishes. Even Bowser is lending a claw!Take it easy with Breezy Difficulty Mode: Players new to RPGs or who want a story-focused experience can use the new Breezy difficulty, which makes battles easier and leveling up faster. you may set the difficulty at any time if you change your mind.Adventure, battle, and traverse across a colorful world: Jump towards your next goal and continue the story. Run into monsters to enter turn-based battles with your party of three. Master the new Chain and Triple Moves system to claim victory.A delightfully reimagined world: Enjoy familiar sights with colorfully enhanced graphics and spiffy upgrades.
