The 30-Year-Old RPG Mechanic That Still Defines the Best Games Today

Even with all the new ideas in game design, a recent game proves that a classic 30-year-old mechanic still works incredibly well. This mechanic – turn-based combat where players time their button presses – first appeared in Super Mario RPG and continues to be a hit with gamers. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, named Game of the Year in 2025, is a prime example, but it’s not the only great game using this system. No one predicted that simply pressing buttons at the right time would become so popular, but this simple addition has had a lasting impact on RPGs since Super Mario RPG.








