Super Mario RPG Remake Isn’t Bringing Back Original Director

Nintendo isn’t bringing back Super Mario RPG’s original director for the Nintendo Switch remake.

As reported by Eurogamer, Chihiro Fujioka has revealed he won’t be returning for the remake but is excited about it nonetheless.

“I am not involved in the remake”, Fujioka said to a fan on Twitter who asked of his involvement. “But I am very surprised and pleased with the news.”

Super Mario RPG, which was developed by what’s now Square Enix and released for SNES in 1996, followed Mario, Bowser, and Peach as they set out to repair the wish-granting Star Road.

While Fujioka isn’t returning, Nintendo is bringing back at least one other member of the original development team, as beloved video game composer Yoko Shimomura has announced her return.

The remake was announced during June’s Nintendo Direct, with Nintendo promising a complete overhaul of the original game’s graphics when it launches on November 17.

“Originally released on Super NES, Super Mario RPG has been overhauled with new graphics! Join Mario, Bowser, Princess Peach, and original characters Mallow and Geno, in an RPG filled with twists, turns and treasure,” read an announcement statement.

The Nintendo Direct featured a ton of other announcements too, including that of a new 2D Mario game called Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a WarioWare game for Switch, a remaster of Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, and much more.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.