Best Super Mario RPGs

Key Takeaways

Mario RPGs blend Mario’s world with JRPG gameplay, creating gems for over 20 years.
Paper Jam crossover felt stagnant, and the Color Splash combat system was criticized.
Bowser’s Inside Story remake lacked charm and left fans wishing for a Switch port.

As a long-time fan of Nintendo and RPG games, I have had the pleasure of experiencing many fantastic titles throughout my gaming journey. However, none have left as lasting an impression on me as the Paper Mario series, particularly the iconic “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.

When you consider Super Mario, role-playing games (RPGs) might not be your immediate association. However, this combination was successful in the ’90s and continues today with titles like Paper Mario series and the Mario & Luigi RPG franchises. These games have maintained the idea in distinct manners.

As a long-time gamer, I’ve been lucky enough to dive into the enchanting universe of Mario RPGs for almost two decades now. These games have an uncanny knack for blending the whimsical world of everyone’s favorite plumber with deep, strategic JRPG gameplay that Nintendo enthusiasts can’t get enough of. But which ones truly shine among the rest? Which Mario RPGs are the cream of the crop?

19 Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

The Ideal Crossover That Could Have Been Better

Discovering a fusion between the extensive “Mario & Luigi” and “Paper Mario” series was an enjoyable surprise, materializing as the intriguingly titled “Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam”. The blended art styles and distinctive battle system made it easy for fans to become captivated, eagerly anticipating how these two realms would intersect in this game.

Although it wasn’t completely groundbreaking, fans found that Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam seemed a bit lacking in creative innovation. Being a blend of two different franchises, the game tended to guide players excessively. All things considered, while Paper Jam may not be the pinnacle of either series, its unique crossover element makes it an entertaining play for its novelty factor alone.

18 Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey

A Remake That Should Have Been Brought To The Switch

In some cases, remakes can surpass the originals, but Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser’s Jr.’s Journey is not among them. It is often criticized as a step backward for several reasons. Firstly, its visual style fails to capture the same warmth and appeal as the original. Secondly, it was released when the Nintendo Switch had already begun to overshadow the 3DS, leading many to question why the game wasn’t ported to the new console instead of creating a remake.

The main alteration in the remake of “Bowser’s Inside Story” primarily revolved around the introduction of “Bowser Jr.’s Journey“. However, this mode was met with a sense of letdown as it bore resemblance to the squad-construction mode from the remake of “Bowser’s Minions“, which was part of the “Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga“. Instead of featuring Mario and Luigi, this mode centered around Bowser Jr.

17 Paper Mario: Sticker Star

The Fun Gimmick Left It Feeling Less Like An RPG

Paper Mario: Sticker Star transitioned the series to the Nintendo 3DS, though it wasn’t as warmly welcomed as typical for the franchise due to a more mixed reception. While it retained beloved aspects (such as top-notch writing) that endeared fans to the series, it unfortunately introduced some disorganization and inconsistency in its gameplay.

Sticker Star isn’t labeled as a poor game at all, but it falls short of being exceptional. Instead of the standard method of leveling up, players are required to collect stickers to become more powerful. While not entirely unexpected, Sticker Star took the Paper Mario series quite far from the traditional RPG realm, and it only barely fits into this category now.

16 Paper Mario: Color Splash

The Most Prismatic Entry In The Franchise

In the realm of its series, Paper Mario: Color Splash employs a narrative and artistic style reminiscent of the black-and-white town in the movie “Pleasantville.” The vibrant hues that characterize the Paper Mario universe have mysteriously vanished, leaving it to our hero, Mario, to restore color. As always, the script is witty and creative, ensuring that the game remains engaging by incorporating imaginative visual elements.

The game “Paper Mario: Color Splash” represents an improvement over its predecessor, “Sticker Star,” and generally offers a satisfying gaming experience. However, many find the combat system somewhat disappointing, ranking it among the weaker ones in the “Paper Mario” series, although it’s not universally deemed as terrible. Unfortunately, being exclusive to the Wii U means that a significant number of fans have missed out on playing it.

15 Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions

An Unnecessary Remake But A Faithful One

Since the initial release of “Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga” was only available on Game Boy Advance, it was logical for developers to re-create the game for the 3DS during its peak popularity. Enhanced with numerous user-friendly upgrades, “Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions” served as a remake that preserved much of its predecessor while also welcoming newcomers to the world of “Mario & Luigi” games.

Fans found the standout issue with the remake to be the “Bowser’s Minions” mode, which aimed to present chapters of the primary narrative from the villains’ point of view. While this concept was commendable, the gameplay didn’t offer enough diversity to hold players’ interest. However, the updated main story in the remake left both new and longtime fans satisfied, viewing it as a solid addition to the series.

14 Super Paper Mario

A Divisive Threequel That Drifted From The Formula

The third installment of the “Paper Mario” series, titled “Super Paper Mario,” made a dynamic entry onto the Nintendo Wii console. Given the game’s title, you might infer that “Super Paper Mario” blends the role-playing game (RPG) mechanics cherished by fans with the platforming elements characteristic of iconic “Super Mario” games. This fusion led to Super Paper Mario being a subject of debate within the series, as some believed it deviated from its distinct “Paper Mario” essence, while others were captivated solely by its visually appealing design.

Over time, this unique role-playing game for the Nintendo Wii has gained significant appreciation, despite not following traditional conventions. Its storytelling and character development are particularly admired. This game took Mario and Luigi on a journey of growth that was unprecedented, even transforming Luigi into an antagonist – a move seldom seen in Nintendo’s primary series.

13 Paper Mario: The Origami King

Mario Is Folded Into An Ambitious Adventure For The Switch

It had been a while since the last “Paper Mario” game was released (around 2016), but Nintendo introduced the series to the Nintendo Switch in 2020 with “Paper Mario: The Origami King.” This time, the distinctive feature is origami, which makes for what might be the most visually stunning game in the series since everything within the environment appears to be made of folded or foldable paper. As always, the writing remains witty and humorous.

The game titled “The Origami King” demonstrates that Nintendo isn’t shy about trying out fresh concepts. Yet, its innovative ring-based combat system sparked mixed feelings among players; some found it a bit disappointing, while others embraced it wholeheartedly. Overall, it was generally well-received and left series enthusiasts eagerly anticipating future installments in the series.

12 Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Luigi Is The Heart Of The Story

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team can be simply explained as a blend of the movie Inception and the world of Mario. This game was launched during The Year Of Luigi and primarily focuses on the less recognized younger sibling, Luigi. In this game, players take control of both brothers as they battle against evil forces that lurk within Luigi’s dreams, as well as in the real world. New realms and characters await discovery once more.

In typical fashion with the Mario & Luigi games, Dream Team showcases some top-notch dialogue and animations, really bringing these plumbers to life. Luigi, as always, steals the show with his endearing character traits. The writing is spot-on, filled with humor that never fails to amuse, while the RPG battle system keeps things engaging. Plus, the visual style it introduced set a new bar for the series, remaining a benchmark for quite some time. As a fan, I can’t get enough of this game!

11 Super Mario RPG

The First Mario RPG Brought Back For The Switch

The classic game, Super Mario RPG, has been revived for the Nintendo Switch. This remake stays true to its SNES roots, which means it might lack some fresh ideas, but it makes up for it with its engaging gameplay, vivid graphics, and humorous storyline. Despite being a 1996 classic that’s held up well over time, some might argue that the remake is somewhat redundant. However, Super Mario RPG remains one of the best role-playing games on the Nintendo Switch due to its simple yet addictive game mechanics, attractive visuals, and clever script.

While the main gameplay largely follows the original design, the remake includes some refreshing tweaks to make it worth revisiting. The visuals have undergone a significant improvement, and Super Mario RPG looks stunning on the Switch. The gameplay remains mostly the same, but a new combo attack has been added, which can be activated when a meter is filled. This system rewards players for timing their button presses accurately during battles, offering an exciting bonus beyond a minor enhancement to game performance.

10 Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle

The Unlikely Crossover That Proved Everyone Wrong

Completely unexpectedly, Nintendo teamed up with UbiSoft to develop a fusion between the popular Mario franchise and the Rabbids characters. Many gamers initially raised eyebrows at this idea, dubbed Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle, as it appeared unusual and out of context. However, against all odds, instead of being Nintendo’s greatest failure, it was a resounding success.

Man, I never thought I’d say this, but Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle turned out to be an unexpectedly awesome spin-off! It blended light RPG features with a tactical turn-based gameplay reminiscent of XCOM series. The visuals were stunning, especially on the Nintendo Switch, and it showed just how cool it could be when Nintendo partners up with other companies.

9 Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time

The Cutest Adventure Of Plumbers Through Time And Space

This game, titled “Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time“, combines a prequel and sequel in one by incorporating time travel. Demonstrating Nintendo’s knack for innovation, players get to control both grown-up and baby versions of Mario, split between the two screens of the Nintendo DS. To add to the madness, our heroes, the Plumbers, are battling off hostile extraterrestrials known as Shroobs.

Despite the potential for a catastrophic debut taking on more than it was prepared for, Partners In Time turned out to be an exceptional Role-Playing Game. This game showcases the Baby Brothers as unique entities from their adult counterparts, resulting in some of the sweetest interplay, particularly with the dual versions of Luigi.

8 Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope

A Sequel That Added A Galaxy Of New Adventure

The game Kingdom Battle was successful enough to warrant a follow-up. Since the novelty of the concept has worn off, the developers knew they couldn’t just repeat the formula for Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. Ubisoft understood this and didn’t simply copy what came before. Although it’s not as drastic a change as the sequels to Paper Mario, it still makes adjustments, focusing more on enhancing its strengths rather than completely reinventing them.

In contrast to the traditional structure of Sparks of Hope, there’s a significant emphasis on exploration and solving puzzles, providing a refreshing break from combat. The battle system remains engaging, offering players a wider variety of strategies to employ. A distinctive feature introduced in this game is the Sparks, which can be attached to characters, granting them unique skills, an aspect that was missing in Kingdom Battle.

7 Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars

There Wouldn’t Be Mario RPGs Without The SNES Classic

Prior to the introduction of handheld games, it was SquareSoft who created the first Mario Role-Playing Game (RPG): the team responsible for the popular _Final Fantasy_ series. Alongside titles such as _EarthBound, Final Fantasy VI_, and _Chrono Trigger_, _Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars_ is frequently recognized as one of the best Nintendo RPGs ever produced.

It was daring to transform a classic platformer game like Mario and integrate storyline and turn-based combat. Remarkably, SquareSoft (now Square Enix) demonstrated their capability by captivating fans with the Legend Of The Seven Stars, causing them to yearn for a sequel for decades until it received a remake in 2023.

6 Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Story And Comedy Made The Brothers Feel Like Brothers

As a dedicated gamer, let me tell you that the diversity in Nintendo’s Mario RPG series is simply astounding! From the original Super Mario RPG to the innovative Paper Mario, and all the way to the strategic depth of Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga , these games were unveiled in a span of just eight years. Despite the common thread, each one offers a unique gaming experience that sets them apart from one another.

The standout feature of Superstar Saga was not just the presence of both brothers as vivid characters, but also the ability to control them concurrently. What sets Mario and Luigi apart is their unique skills, which make each character crucial in different situations, whether it’s exploring the world, unfolding a story reminiscent of a Mario cartoon series, or participating in battles.

5 Paper Mario

Original Characters Made The Nintendo 64 Gem Memorable

Nearly reaching the second-highest rating among Mario games on the Nintendo 64, Super Mario 64 was closely challenged by a lesser-known gem called Paper Mario. Despite its understated fame, it holds its ground as a strong contender for the top spot. The role-playing game (RPG) mechanics and narrative within it are exceptional, offering an experience that subsequent Paper Mario games strive to emulate.

Looking back at the numerous Paper Mario titles released since the initial one, it’s quite remarkable how only a select few have managed to outshine the original game. While some may argue that the absence of notable characters like Peach and Luigi is a drawback, the introduction of new characters such as Bombette and Kooper into the Mario universe has garnered widespread acclaim among fans.

4 Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2024)

A Good Remake For Those Without The GameCube Version

Given that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is generally regarded as the finest entry in the Paper Mario series, it’s understandable why it was the initial choice for a remake. Yet, it might be more accurate to label it a remaster, as it essentially remains the same meticulously crafted game, but with improved graphics on the Nintendo Switch.

In comparison to Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, there were several adjustments made, but some aspects received less favorable reviews. For instance, the updated soundtrack drew criticism for not maintaining the original’s tone and atmosphere, and the remake often experiences stuttering issues, whereas the GameCube version ran smoothly at 60 frames per second, even with a gap of twenty years between then and now.

3 Mario & Luigi: Brothership

The Brothers Shine More Than Ever In This Comeback

After nearly a decade-long break due to the last few Mario & Luigi spin-off games, players had been wondering if the series would make a comeback. But with the release of Mario & Luigi: Brothership, such concerns were alleviated as not only did it introduce a fresh visual aesthetic, but also implemented significant changes. This was evident in its complex combat system that has already garnered positive feedback from fans.

Above everything else, the tale of “Mario & Luigi: Brothership” emphasizes the heartfelt bond between its leading characters, offering numerous touching scenes that are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. The fresh 3D graphics, unique personalities, and humorous episodes contribute significantly to the pleasant resurgence of the RPG series.

2 Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

A Fantastic Voyage Into The Bowels Of Bowser

Regardless of how great their previous titles were, Nintendo seemed to struggle to match the success of the original one. However, that all changed with “Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story,” a game often praised as the ideal sequel in the spin-off series. Like “Partners In Time,” players can control two parties simultaneously in this game.

As a diehard fan, I can’t help but rave about my recent adventure! Mario, Luigi, and I, or should I say, I as Bowser, embarked on an extraordinary journey within my own body. The mission: combat microscopic baddies using nothing more than two buttons for the brothers, while I, in control, had the other buttons at my command.

1 Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004)

Still An Iconic RPG Over Twenty Years Later

For the series of games known as “Paper Mario,” the title “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” served as a high-quality sequel to the original, often being praised as one of the best in the series. Its RPG battles may not be overly challenging, but they offer enough depth to remain intriguing and enjoyable. This game also maintains the humor that the franchise is famous for.

At its debut, the primary criticism it faced was the overly lengthy dialogue boxes. Apart from this issue, it was an exceptional new Role-Playing Game (RPG) that enriched the series with additional lore, characters, and a novel setting. It further bolstered the prestige of the GameCube library, contributing significantly to the popularity of Paper Mario, which ultimately led to its remake.

2024-11-17 12:14