Summary
Nintendo fans in Japan will have a chance to own an old-school physical game manual to go with their copy ofSuper Mario RPGwhen it launches later this month. Lately,Nintendo seems to be leaning heavily on remakes, revisiting fan-favorites and playing to the nostalgia of gamers. The updated version of Mario’s first RPG adventure is leading the way and hopes are high for this title.
While some gamers feel thatnow is the time for aSuper Mario RPGsequel, they’ll have to settle for playing through the original with updated graphics and gameplay for now. This should be a great opportunity for younger Nintendo fans to experience a classic for the first time and for older players to rekindle some fond memories from their past. Apparently, Nintendo will also be offering a bonus dose of nostalgia for some lucky gamers when they buy their copy of the game.
RELATED:Super Mario RPG Teases New Secret Boss
As first reported in English-language media byNintendo Life, Nintendo has announced that a physical game manual, based on classic Super Nintendo manuals, will be available with copies ofSuper Mario RPGat stores in Japan. True to its inspiration, this manual will feature background information on characters as well gameplay tips and interesting pieces of lore. Preview images of the manual indicate that the art style is also heavily inspired by old-school manuals from the 90s with charming pictures of the game’s cast of characters.
Physical manuals likely don’t mean much to younger gamers but, for many Generation X and Millennial fans, flipping through the little book that came with a new title before diving in was a major part of the experience. Manuals often explained the basics of gameplay, in lieu of opening tutorials that have since become the norm, and even provided setting and story information that hinted at the plot to come. The love many players have for these classic manuals has even led to some amazing fan creations, like thePokemon Scarlet and Violetmanuals that honor the past.
This officialSuper Mario RPGmanual that comes directly from Nintendo is sure to become a collector’s item, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see fans outside of Japan trying to find copies online. Sadly, there’s currently no indication that these manuals will ever get an English version or that the Japanese version will be available at retailers outside of Japan. Still, American audiences do have someSuper Mario RPGpre-order bonus content available through GameStopto take advantage of, so they won’t be left out entirely.
Nintendo is clearly capitalizing on nostalgia at the moment with its remakes of classics, and the printing of an old-school manual seems to be another step in this direction. Fans that long for the good old days definitely have lots to look forward to in the coming months.
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 can 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.
