Join us on a journey through the world of Mario RPGs as we rank and explore the best games featuring everyone's favorite plumber. From turn-based battles to action platforming and strategy, Mario has ventured into various role-playing genres. With nearly 30 years of gaming goodness, we'll take you through the highs and lows of the series, from remakes to the Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi franchises. Get ready to dive into the colorful and captivating world of Mario RPGs!
1. Exploring the Origins: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Discover the game that started it all and set the foundation for Mario's RPG adventures.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, released in 1996, marked Mario's first foray into the world of role-playing games. Developed by Square (now Square Enix), this game introduced turn-based combat and a captivating story that brought together Mario and his friends in a quest to save the Mushroom Kingdom.
With its charming characters, engaging gameplay, and memorable soundtrack, Super Mario RPG set the stage for future Mario RPG titles. Its success paved the way for a whole new genre of Mario games that blended action, strategy, and storytelling.
2. Unfolding the Paper Mario Series: From Sticker Star to The Origami King
Dive into the whimsical world of Paper Mario and explore the evolution of the series.
The Paper Mario series has become a beloved part of the Mario RPG lineup, offering a unique paper-crafted aesthetic and innovative gameplay mechanics. From Paper Mario: Sticker Star on the 3DS to the recent release of Paper Mario: The Origami King on the Switch, each installment brings its own charm and challenges.
While Sticker Star may have felt familiar to series veterans, The Origami King attempted to shake up the combat system with puzzle-based battles. Despite mixed reception, the series continues to deliver humor, memorable characters, and a delightful paper-themed world.
3. The Dynamic Duo: Mario & Luigi Series and Their Hilarious Adventures
Join Mario and Luigi in their comical RPG adventures filled with unique gameplay mechanics.
The Mario & Luigi series takes a different approach to RPGs, combining action-based combat with puzzle-solving and humor. From Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time on the DS to Mario & Luigi: Dream Team on the 3DS, these games offer a lighthearted and entertaining experience.
With their witty dialogue, creative battle mechanics, and exploration of unique locations, the Mario & Luigi games have carved their own niche within the Mario RPG universe. Whether you're a fan of the series or new to it, these games provide hours of fun and laughter.
4. Unexpected Crossovers: Mario + Rabbids and the Strategy Genre
Witness the surprising fusion of Mario and the Rabbids in strategic battles.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and its sequel, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, brought together the worlds of Mario and the mischievous Rabbids in a unique strategy game. Developed in collaboration with Ubisoft, these games offer challenging and curated battles that require tactical thinking.
While the battles in Sparks of Hope may suffer from an imbalance between options and difficulty, the games still shine in their delightful puzzles, quests, and memorable locales. If you're a fan of both Mario and strategy games, these crossovers provide a refreshing and enjoyable experience.
5. The Legacy Continues: Remakes and Future of Mario RPGs
Look ahead to the future with remakes and new installments in the Mario RPG universe.
The Mario RPG universe continues to evolve with remakes and new releases. With the recent remake of Super Mario RPG on the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming remaster of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, fans have plenty to look forward to.
While the future of the series remains uncertain, one thing is clear – Mario's adventures in the world of RPGs have left a lasting impact. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the genre, there's no better time to dive into the captivating and humorous world of Mario RPGs.
