The Paper Mario series has been a unique blend of humor, charm, and role-playing game mechanics since it first debuted on the Nintendo 64 in 2000. Over the years, it has evolved from its RPG roots to incorporate various gameplay styles, which has brought both criticism and praise from fans. Recently, Nintendo fans participated in ranking all the games in the series via a user rating system. Here's how they stack up.
Starting at the bottom of the list, "Paper Mario: Sticker Star" for the Nintendo 3DS lands in eighth place. Released in 2012, Sticker Star maintains the series' charm and introduces a sticker mechanic that, while innovative, didn't resonate well with all players due to its departure from traditional RPG elements. Nonetheless, its engaging puzzles and vibrant world made it a memorable experience.
Seventh place goes to "Paper Mario: Color Splash," which came out on the Wii U in 2016. Color Splash improved upon the mechanics introduced in Sticker Star and featured some of the best writing and visuals in the series. Its card-based combat system was a sticking point for some, but the game's engaging exploration and witty dialogue provided a solid Paper Mario experience.
Sixth on the list is "Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam," a crossover with the Mario & Luigi RPG series released for the 3DS in 2016. The game blends characters and elements from both series, focusing more on accessibility and humor. While it simplifies some aspects for newcomers, it remains a fun and lengthy adventure for fans of both franchises.
The middle of the pack features "Paper Mario: The Origami King," the most recent entry in the series, released for the Nintendo Switch in 2020. The Origami King introduced a ring-based combat system that divided fans. Despite this, the game's narrative, humor, and character development were praised, making it a standout title in terms of storytelling and presentation.
Fourth place is awarded to "Super Paper Mario," which was initially released for the Nintendo Wii in 2007. This title took a significant departure by combining platforming elements with traditional RPG mechanics and an innovative 2D-to-3D swapping gameplay feature. Although it split the fanbase, its creative design and compelling story brought a fresh twist to the series.
The top three spots begin with "Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door" for the Nintendo Switch, a remake of the beloved GameCube original. Ranked third, this version breathes new life into a classic with updated visuals and improved gameplay mechanics. It remains a high point of the series, combining engaging battles, a gripping narrative, and well-designed puzzles.
The runner-up is the original "Paper: Mario" on the Nintendo 64. Even decades later, this game is highly regarded for its clever integration of RPG elements with Mario's platforming roots. Its charming paper-themed visuals and depth of gameplay provide a foundation that many fans still celebrate.
Finally, the crown for the best Paper Mario game goes to the original "Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door" on the GameCube. Released in 2004, the game is often hailed as one of the best Mario RPGs ever made, thanks to its compelling story, dynamic combat system, and innovative use of its paper-themed game world. The creativity and care put into this installment set a standard that few subsequent entries have matched.
These rankings reflect the opinions of Nintendo Life readers and show a series that, while occasionally divisive, continues to engage and entertain players with each new entry. What makes Paper Mario stand out is its ability to reinvent itself while still maintaining the core elements that fans love. Whether you prefer the classic RPG adventures of the early games or the more experimental approaches of the newer titles, there's no denying the lasting impact and enduring charm of the Paper Mario series.
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