Best Super Mario RPG Games Ranked

Super Mario RPG games have received much love from the fans over the eyars alongside his platformer adventures. Although Mario is commonly associated with platformers, his foray into the RPG genre has been successful. The original Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars on the SNES marked the beginning of this transition. This beloved SNES classic is now set to receive a complete remake for the Nintendo Switch later this year. Additionally, Mario has inspired various RPG sub-series, including the humorous Mario & Luigi series, the evolving Paper Mario franchise, and the tactical RPGs Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle and Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope.

Surprisingly, Mario has appeared in 14 RPGs, which is a substantial number for a character renowned for his running and jumping abilities. While not all of these RPGs match the caliber of genre-defining titles like Chrono Trigger, several stand among the best RPGs on their respective systems and are considered some of the greatest RPGs of all time. This achievement is impressive for a character primarily associated with jumping on enemies and exclaiming “Wahoo!”

With the upcoming release of the Super Mario RPG on the Nintendo Switch and the availability of other classic Mario RPGs through the Nintendo Switch Online service, we have compiled a definitive ranking of Mario’s RPGs.

10. Paper Mario: The Origami King

Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Released: July 17, 2020

Paper Mario: The Origami King introduces a shift in the series, transitioning from the 2D dioramas of previous games to a fully immersive 3D world. The game offers expansive environments that provide enjoyable exploration, complemented by a delightful art style inspired by origami papercraft.

Furthermore, The Origami King reintroduces RPG elements absent in other Paper Mario titles, such as post-battle rewards that offer a sense of progression. However, the battles themselves adopt a puzzle-like approach, which, although entertaining initially, may not have the same lasting appeal as a more traditional RPG combat system.

9. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Platforms: 3DS
Released: July 12, 2013

Similar to other games on the 3DS, Mario & Luigi: Dream Team takes advantage of the system’s built-in stereoscopic 3D feature, enhancing the player’s ability to appreciate the game’s 3D environments. Unlike previous entries in the series, which were fully 2D, Dream Team incorporates 3D levels that add depth to its platformer-RPG hybrid gameplay.

However, the art direction may feel lacking in inspiration at times. The game maintains many of the core gameplay systems and concepts of previous Mario & Luigi titles, establishing a strong RPG foundation for Dream Team. However, compared to other titles on this list, it plays it safe and may not offer as many daring innovations.

8. Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time

Platforms: Nintendo DS
Released: November 28, 2005

In Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, players embark on a time-traveling adventure where the iconic brothers simultaneously explore the past and present of the Mushroom Kingdom. Taking advantage of the dual-screen layout of the Nintendo DS, the game allows players to control Mario and Luigi on the lower screen while simultaneously controlling Baby Mario and Baby Luigi on the upper screen.

This dual-team dynamic extends to the puzzles and combat, where actions in one timeline impact the other. While the game excels in humor, the writing in its main questline falls short compared to other titles in the Mario & Luigi series. Nevertheless, the game still manages to deliver its trademark comedic moments.

7. Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle

Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Released: August 29, 2017

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is a surprisingly successful blend of unconventional concepts. It not only brings together the iconic Mario characters and Ubisoft’s Rabbids in an official crossover, but it also combines turn-based tactical combat inspired by XCOM, explorable 3D levels, and RPG elements such as skill trees and gear upgrades. Although the story may not be groundbreaking, considering the nature of the game being a fusion of Mario and Rabbids, it still manages to captivate and maintain your interest throughout the entire adventure.

6. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope

Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Released: October 20, 2022

Following the surprising triumph of Mario’s unforeseen collaboration with the Rabbids in Kingdom Battle, Ubisoft extended the series with Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope.

Instead of merely refining the tactical gameplay of its predecessor, Sparks of Hope dares to make significant changes to the formula, introducing a flexible approach to both turn-based combat and level exploration. Additionally, Sparks of Hope delves deeper into storylines from previous Mario games, providing gratifying moments for devoted fans.

5. Paper Mario

Platforms: Nintendo 64
Released: August 11, 2000

When comparing the original Paper Mario to later Mario RPG spin-offs, it may appear less advanced, but its delightful art style, witty writing, and streamlined RPG mechanics continue to provide enjoyment in 2023, just as they did in 2001.

Originally conceived as a spiritual successor to Super Mario RPG, Paper Mario expanded upon the gameplay concepts introduced in the beloved SNES title while delivering a distinctive adventure that remains the standout RPG experience on the Nintendo 64. With its availability in the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack collection, revisiting this classic is now effortless.

4. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

Platforms: SNES, Nintendo Switch (remake)
Originally released: May 13, 1996

Following the surprising triumph of Mario’s unforeseen collaboration with the Rabbids in Kingdom Battle, Ubisoft extended the series with Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope.

3. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

Platforms: Nintendo DS, 3DS
Originally released: February 11, 2009

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story takes a unique approach to the established rivalry between Mario and Bowser that sets it apart from other Mario RPGs. Instead of simply joining forces as uneasy allies, players alternate between controlling Mario and Luigi, who find themselves trapped within Bowser’s body, and Bowser himself, who embarks on a mission of revenge against a more significant threat to the Mushroom Kingdom. Progressing as Mario and Luigi unlock new abilities for Bowser, creating an enjoyable synergy between gameplay and storytelling. The sheer absurdity of the situation leads to some of the series’ most hilarious moments, adding to its already renowned humor.

While both the DS and 3DS versions offer the same storyline and core gameplay, they differ slightly in visual style and music. The 3DS version features rebalanced difficulty for a smoother progression, additional content, and removing specific battle sequences that required blowing into the microphone.

2. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Platforms: GameBoy Advance, 3DS
Originally released: November 17, 2003

The first Mario & Luigi RPG developed by AlphaDream remains the pinnacle of the franchise. The game’s vibrant setting, the Beanbean Kingdom, offers a fresh perspective on the Mario universe, replacing the familiar Mushroom Kingdom with bean-themed characters, clever puns, and unique levels. While subsequent Mario & Luigi titles would introduce innovative gameplay mechanics, Superstar Saga stands out as a quintessential Mario-themed RPG experience.

Originally released on the Game Boy Advance (GBA) in 2003, Superstar Saga received a remake for the Nintendo 3DS in 2027. While some players prefer the pixel art and music of the GBA original, others favor the rebalanced gameplay and additional content of the 3DS remake. Both versions have their merits, but accessing the GBA original is made easier through its inclusion in the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.

1. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Platforms: Gamecube
Released: July 22, 2004

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door stands as the ultimate Mario RPG and the pinnacle of the Paper Mario series, solidifying its place among the greatest RPGs ever created. In contrast to other Mario RPGs that aim to streamline traditional RPG mechanics and prioritize humor, The Thousand-Year Door presents an epic fantasy narrative with emotionally resonant side characters.

The gameplay provides ample opportunities for customization, as you gather a diverse array of party members, and engages players with immersive turn-based combat. Despite its depth, the game retains the signature simplicity and charm expected from a Mario title, making it accessible and enjoyable for fans of all backgrounds and alleviating the potentially overwhelming nature often associated with RPGs.

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