The best Super Mario RPG games will remind you what makes this oft-forgotten “franchise” so special.
Its sometimes hard to think of theSuper MarioRPG games as even a spiritual franchise.
That makes the process of ranking them surprisingly difficult.
Where remakes and remasters are available, a best possible version rule was utilized.
However, they are generally incredible games.
However, it doesnt feel like much of aPaper Mario game or, for that matter, an RPG.
Maybe you could argue for its entertainment value compared to the other games at the bottom of this list.
Ultimately, it just doesnt do much to advance this franchise or honor its best qualities.
Paper Mario: Color Splash
The most generous ways to describeColor Splashtypically revolve around the word potential.
Unfortunately, the game commits a cardinal sin for anySuper MarioRPG: its not very fun to play.
Theres just not much here you wont find done better (or at all) in other games.
Paper Mario: The Origami King
Heres where things start to get tricky.
I love the idea of arranging enemies around a grid to trigger puzzle-like combat bonuses.
Unfortunately, the act of doing so soon proves to be needlessly tedious.
Unfortunately, someone decided to emphasize the one element both series had sometimes struggled with: environmental exploration.
Remove yourself from those expectations, though, and youll find a lot to like aboutPaper Jam.
Even still, this is a truly incredible experience.
We all had a good laugh at the idea of what was essentially aMario-themedXCOMgame.
Yet, Ubisoft managed to make that seemingly ridiculous concept simply work.
Super Paper Mario
Super Paper Mariotends to be one of the most divisive entries in theSuper MarioRPG lineup.
Its a drastic change in style that some fans never caught on with.
Yes, there are times when the whole thing can feel like a bit much.
However,Partners in Timefinds exciting uses for that premise more often than not.
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Nobody knew what to expect fromSuperstar Saga.
There are few RPGs as simply enjoyable and fundamentally playable as this one.
Instead, this game represents what has always been a dream team-up between RPG legends Squaresoft and Nintendo.
Years later, the ways this game represents the very best of those two studios feel simply magical.
Its just a shame well probably never get another.
Mario & Luigi: Bowsers Inside Story
The result is the studios masterpiece.
It is that rare game that is both perfect for RPG newcomers and a must-play for genre veterans.
Even the bestSuper MarioRPGs struggle to get all of those elements right.
The addition of an audience mechanic also remains a simply inspired concept.
Its what these games should be.
