ArtePiazza Takes the Helm in Super Mario RPG Remake for Nintendo Switch

The highly anticipated Super Mario RPG remake for Nintendo Switch has been making waves in gaming circles, with recent leaks causing a stir. As the spoilers circulated on social media, the developer behind this revival was revealed, and it turns out to be none other than the acclaimed Japanese studio, ArtePiazza.

Devotees of the role-playing genre will recognize ArtePiazza for its significant contributions to Square's Dragon Quest series, dating back to the iconic Dragon Quest 3 in 1996. The studio played a pivotal role in early titles, particularly in CG design, and later undertook the task of producing remakes for both the PS2 and Nintendo DS platforms.

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Insights from eShop Pre-Orders

Upon closer inspection of eShop pre-orders, social media fans uncovered a copyright notice confirming ArtePiazza's role in crafting the new Mario RPG experience. Further insights into the development team were generously shared by Twitter user Mondo_Mega, revealing that Ayako Moriwaki from Nintendo EPD served as the director for the Nintendo Switch version.

Meet Ayako Moriwaki

Moriwaki, recognized for her recent role as assistant director for Pikmin 4, boasts an impressive portfolio that includes contributions to Yoshi’s Crafted World (2019) and Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (2013). According to Mondo_Mega, various members of the Nintendo EPD staff were integral to the project, handling crucial aspects such as art direction, graphics, and UI design.

Nintendo Pictures: A Creative Collaboration

Adding another layer of creative depth, Nintendo Pictures, a recently formed animation studio, reportedly lent their talents to the project by providing character art and animation. Notably, key figures from the original Mario RPG development team, including event designer Taro Kudo, co-director Yoshihiko Maekawa, and composer Yoko Shimomura, are credited with contributing to the remake.

Contrary to some speculation, Square Enix's involvement in the Mario RPG remake appears to be largely supervisory, with the main developmental reins firmly in the hands of ArtePiazza. Chihiro Fujioka, co-director of the 1996 SNES original, is not directly involved in the remake. However, Fujioka expressed anticipation earlier this year for the forthcoming release, emphasizing the enduring appeal of the classic title.

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Final Thoughts

In a recent hands-on preview of the Mario RPG remake, we noted its authenticity, capturing the feel of the original to the point where toggling a menu option could transport players back to the era of pre-rendered sprites. This feature, reminiscent of the game's original soundtrack, adds a touch to the overall experience. For those with fond memories of the 90s classic, the remake promises to be an enticing journey, while newcomers can discover why Square's adventure undeniably holds up in 2023.

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