This game is a delight, it was my first experience playing this game myself after watching playthroughs when I was a child and I don't regret that being the case. It was incredible to play the genesis of the action command-based Mario RPGs that I love so much.

The music was expertly redone by the GOAT Yoko Shimomura with only a handful of tracks that don't match the same energy as the original. That is a minor issue though because you can switch to the original OST at any time. The artstyle is super charming, I love that it is basically one to one with the originals. It achieves what Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl attempted because of how much time and care they put into it.

The combat is fun, with the timings on the action commands being way trickier than I would've expected which kept me engaged the whole way through. The addition of the super commands depending on the team you are using is the cherry on top for the combat, giving some much needed oomph to it. I only wish that there was a hard mode or an option to turn off the splash damage, as while it made the game quicker to get through it did cause a couple fights to feel slightly trivial.

The story is the only aspect that I think is not exceptional. It is entertaining the whole way through and does not take itself too seriously, but after growing up with Mario RPGs like Bowser's Inside Story it leaves a bit to be desired in terms of depth. I can't fault it too much for this though because it is literally the progenitor of a genre that got me Bowser's Inside Story in the first place.

I'm glad that Nintendo is finally giving Mario RPGs the love and respect that they deserve.