Best RPGs Like Paper Mario

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, let me tell you about two games that have truly captured my heart – Underhero and Bug Fables.

for the is my heart’s perfect JRPG. Its fun story, amusing characters, active battle sequences, and exploration-friendly world were matched—or even surpassed—in the classic sequel (Which has a fresh Switch release—no need to pay collector’s prices for an original.)

If you’re yearning for another dose of that vintage enchantment, I feel you. Luckily, several games manage to come quite close. Here are seven games we’ll explore, inspired by the Seven Stars of the Paper Mario universe!

10 Mario & Luigi Franchise

Don’t Forget These Handheld Heroes

If you’re more into large-screen consoles, you might have overlooked this part of the Mario universe. The Mario empire starts with the RPG series called Mario & Luigi, known for its action-command battles and quirky storytelling, much like the Paper Mario games.

Instead of relying on companions as in earlier games based on the Brothers’ series, newer versions focus more on our primary characters. Over time, these later games develop this idea until you find yourself controlling Giga Bowser in monstrous kaiju-style battles that destroy entire kingdoms. It’s quite challenging to surpass such an exciting experience!

9 Ikenfell

Magical, Tactical, Comical, Tragical!

The game employs a combat system similar to that found in Paper Mario, but it innovates by using an isometric battle grid for each fight. This, along with its setting in a school reminiscent of Hogwarts, adds a touch of the tabletop role-playing game feel associated with Dungeons & Dragons.

Instead of limiting the frequency of using each character’s magical powers, Ikenfell encourages you to use them freely, as much as your heart desires. However, for maximum impact, you should employ these abilities tactically, not just conserving resources but also taking advantage of opportunities. Alongside a story brimming with hope, love, and grief, Ikenfell is an RPG that’s definitely worth delving into!

8 Tales of Symphonia

Adventuring To Save The World

[Note: Getting a “-500” error when I try to add the Tales of Symphonia Remastered tag, so table instead. OpenCritic doesn’t have a page for the original.]

Should any game challenge The Thousand-Year Door for the title of “Best GameCube JRPG,” that title would undoubtedly go to a game that offers an extensive journey across various continents, with the primary objective being to save the world amidst a tale filled with love and deceit.

If you prefer a gameplay style that’s more akin to actions commands but doesn’t mind turn-based combat, then Tales might be perfect for you! It offers an open world exploration similar to Paper Mario, but the battles take place in real-time. One of its standout features is the ability to program commands for your party members during battle, allowing them to use spells or strategies on their own.

Similar to Chrono Trigger, tracking down this timeless game on its original console can be quite challenging. Yet, despite its somewhat awkward remaster, Tales remains playable for gamers who missed the original experience. If a more polished version were released, Tales would undoubtedly climb higher up this list.

7 South Park: The Stick Of Truth

A “Mature” RPG Only For Hardcore Gamers

Few games exhibit childishness as charmingly as South Park, and it’s even more astonishing that this game is not only crass but also entertaining.

In a fresh take on gaming, The Stick of Truth blends conventional mechanics with Paper Mario, offering an exceptionally unique storyline. As you progress, you’ll meet new allies and encounter spells that are downright hilarious, expanding the world to traverse. Additionally, summonable NPCs and a variety of abilities ensure that combat remains captivating right up until the dramatic conclusion.

Just don’t, uh, play this one with the kids. Obviously.

6 Born of Bread

No More Loaf-Ing Around

Instead of solely relying on the gameplay mechanics of Paper Mario, the game Born of Bread also takes a significant amount of inspiration from its unique 2D-3D visual style. As you traverse the 3D environment, your character will be represented as a 2D sprite, allowing you to collect powers and companions that enhance your combat skills. By doing so, you’ll uncover new locations for further exploration.

Instead of some individuals on this list, “Born of Bread” truly embodies the playful whimsy and delight found in “Paper Mario”. While the narrative may not be as substantial as “Thousand-Year Door”, it still retains the enchanting charm characteristic of the classic Mario games.

5 Beyond Galaxyland

Cosmic Exploration With Familiar Feel

Combining elements of “Paper Mario” and “Chrono Trigger,” you’d create an indie sci-fi adventure game. What sets this game apart is its unique real-time turn system, where each character’s speed determines their turn in the battle sequence.

As a gamer, I can say that this game brings an edge-of-your-seat thrill to the back-and-forth exchange of turns in traditional JRPG battles. You’re always left guessing who’s up next – you or the enemy. Plus, with its 2.5D style, each planet I traverse during my journey home to Earth feels like a hand-drawn, slightly-3D world, giving it a unique paper-like ambiance.

4 Chrono Trigger

Classic Turn-Based Variant

Chrono Trigger is an old-school JRPG that pioneered the active time battle system, a feature widely adopted in the genre, notably in the Final Fantasy series. If you enjoy JRPGs and appreciate how Paper Mario incorporates action commands to innovate its gameplay mechanics, then Chrono Trigger is definitely worth considering.

It’s not just gameplay which has stood the test of time—Chrono Trigger‘s time-hopping story also stands out from many other games in the genre. Rounding out the package are character designs by Dragon Ball Z legend Akira Toriyama.

Despite the fact that the original SNES version can be quite expensive, the successful digital remakes available on PC, iOS, and Android make it easy for contemporary gamers to enjoy this classic title.

3 Persona 5

Subdue Humanity’s Subconscious

In the realm of contemporary Japanese Role Playing Games (JRPGs), there are not many that shine as brightly as this one does. Similar to _Paper Mario_, it integrates turn-based combats with real-time level traversal, empowering active players to seize an advantage when engaging in conflicts against the “Shadows,” which reside within the human mind.

Incorporate a depiction of the main character’s social interactions, and you’ll find an engaging and impactful gaming journey. For those who appreciate a game that leans heavily on storytelling and the characters, or Shadows, you encounter throughout, Persona 5 is highly recommended for fans of Paper Mario.

2 Underhero

Can A Lowly Minion Save The World?

Welp, the hero’s been snuffed out, so someone has to return things to normal. Right?

In the game Underhero, you take on the role of one of the villain’s minions, striving to accomplish what the hero failed: simply saving the world. This side-scroller skillfully blends Role-Playing Game (RPG) elements with rhythm mechanics to create an oddly familiar yet strange gaming experience, prioritizing timing above everything else.

What truly sets it apart, though, is the captivating storytelling and character development in the game dubbed as “Underhero“. Taking on the role of one of Bowser’s minions could easily resemble a potential plot from the “Paper Mario” series—if not for the requirement to feature that well-known plumber in the franchise.

1 Bug Fables

Spiritual Successor To Thousand-Year Door

Remarkably embodies the essence of the early Paper Mario series as well as other role-playing games within the Mario universe. However, it surpasses mere timing-based RPG combats and rewarding skill-based exploration, offering something more unique.

This game follows in the footsteps of our fond memories of Paper Mario, serving as a spiritual sequel. While it continues to cater to younger players, it offers intriguing platforming puzzles and challenging optional tasks for mature gamers to enjoy as well.

Although the plot structure and comic elements were reminiscent, the intricacy of the bug’s realm was captivating. By the game’s conclusion, I was left in awe by its eerily beautiful atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a fresh perspective, here it is: I find myself preferring “Bug Fables” over “The Thousand-Year Door”. It not only adheres to the original’s structure but also introduces contemporary enhancements, and if you fancy a challenge, you can increase the difficulty level as well.

Indeed, Bug Fables is rich with references to its sources, such as the perpetual desert stage, yet it resists being confined by these influences. Simultaneously, while exploring new territories, the game offers a sense of familiarity, making it feel like returning home.

This game is truly exceptional for indie enthusiasts, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who appreciates the style of role-playing games similar to Paper Mario.

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2024-10-08 19:10