Nintendo’s iconic character,Mario, has been dominant in the gaming industry for years.Mariohas featured ina ridiculous number of games, in a variety of different genres. However, thePaper Mariogames - a uniqueseries of turn-based RPGs- are arguably some of the most beloved, especially among RPG fans.
These games feature a unique turn-based combat system in which players must time their inputs to boost their chosen abilities.Paper Marioalso features aniconic 2.5D visual stylein which 2D characters explore 3D environments.
Although thisSouth Parkgame is far from the family-friendlyfun ofPaper Mario, older fans of thoseMarioRPGs and comedies likeSouth Parkwill likely appreciate this immature turn-based RPG. There’s certainly a love/hate response to much ofSouth Park’scomedy, and those who dislike its immaturity will likely bounce right offThe Stick Of Truth.
South Park’sunique humor is present throughoutThe Stick Of Truth’sentirety, but the gameplay loop is shockingly reminiscent of thePaper Mariogames, featuring a combat system that includes timed attacks. Light exploration, completing quests, meeting characters, and engaging in turn-based combat makeThe Stick Of Trutha fun - but different - experience for olderPaper Mariofans who enjoySouth Park’shumor.
This highly stylized RPG features lovingly crafted old-school pixel art with modern, dynamic lighting that results in a stylish aesthetic.Sea Of Starstakes clear inspiration fromgames likeChrono Trigger, and despite visual differences fromPaper Mario, its timing-attack mechanics are likely to appeal toPaper Mariofans.
The combat system ofSea Of Starsis at the heart of its gameplay, acting as both its unique selling point and the core system that fans ofPaper Mariowill appreciate. This combat system features combo attacks, multiple damage types, and timed attacks that require careful input on the part of the player. This multi-faceted combat results in a turn-based experience that feels both fresh and fast-paced.
4Steven Universe: Save The Light
A Turn-Based RPG With Real-Time Elements
This turn-based RPG is based on the cartoon,Steven Universe, and features combat that blends turn-based gameplay with real-time elements. It’s this combat that’s so reminiscent ofPaper Mario, as well as the combination of 2D characters and 3D environments.
Fans of bothSteven UniverseandPaper Marioalike should get a kick out ofSteven Universe: Save The Light, especially as it includes an original story. The mixture of light exploration and fast-paced combat with an RPG structure is similar enough to appeal toPaper Marioenthusiasts, but fans ofSteven Universewill likely get more enjoyment out ofSave The Light.
3Ikenfell
An Atmospheric Indie RPG With A Heartfelt Story
This atmospheric indie game offers a warm, character-focused narrative and an expressivepixel art aesthetic.Ikenfellmay differ visually fromPaper Mario, but its gameplay loop and combat system offer plenty for fans of Nintendo’s classic RPGs.
Like many games that take inspiration fromPaper Mario,Ikenfellfeatures a combat system with timing attacks. This means that after using abilities, players can time their next input to boost their damage. It’s probable that the game’s heartfelt story, an ensemble cast of characters, and timing-based combat will appeal to many fans ofPaper Mario.
2Born Of Bread
A Colorful 2.5D Adventure
Born Of Bread, similarly toPaper Mario, is a turn-based RPG that takes players on a wacky adventure through various environments, meeting plenty of quirky characters along the way.Born Of Breadalso takes clear inspiration fromPaper Mariowith its 2.5D visual style, featuring 2D characters in 3D environments.
Like manyPaper Mario-likes,Born Of Breadalso features a timing-attack system for its combat. InBorn Of Bread, each weapon has its own prompt that players must execute correctly to boost their damage. Combined with its colorful 2.5D visuals and light-hearted story,Born Of Breadis sure to please a great number ofPaper Mariofans.
This turn-based RPG takes players on a fun and colorful adventure through a bug-themed kingdom. It’s clear fromBug Fables'2.5D art style, light-hearted tone, and colorful characters, that the game takes inspiration fromPaper Mario. As a result, fans of Nintendo’s series of RPGs will likely adore this bug-themed adventure.
Similarly toPaper Mario,Bug Fablesfeatures turn-based combat with timed attacks.Bug Fablesfeatures a player party of three distinct characters, each of which controls differently in combat and offers their own unique personalities. It’s these characters, along with those that players meet throughout the game, that giveBug Fablesits personality.
