Since its debut on the Nintendo 64 in 2000, the Paper Mario series has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide with its unique blend of charming storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a distinct paper-crafted art style.
Over the years, this beloved franchise has seen several iterations, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey through the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond as we rank all the Paper Mario games from worst to best. Read on to find out how these beloved classics stack up!
All Paper Mario Games – Ranked
Paper Mario is easily one of the most successful series in the Mario franchise, right behind Mario Kart and Mario Party. The series first began in 2000 with Paper Mario on the Nintendo 64, and is still ongoing today, with the most recent addition being Paper Mario: The Origami King for the Nintendo Switch in 2020.
Currently, 6 official Paper Mario games and one spin-off have been released, which brings the grand total number of Paper Mario games to seven. Although all of the Paper Mario games have seen significant success since their release, many fans agree that some are a lot better than others.
Here are all seven of the Paper Mario games ranked from worst to best:
7. Paper Mario: Sticker Star (2012)
Regrettably, Paper Mario: Sticker Star finds itself at the bottom of the list. While it retains the charming paper aesthetic of its predecessors, this entry took a departure from the series’ traditional RPG roots.
The core gameplay mechanic centered around collecting stickers for battles, which felt overly simplistic and failed to engage players on a deeper level. Moreover, the story lacked the depth and humor that fans had come to love, making it an unfortunately forgettable addition to the series.
6. Paper Mario: Color Splash (2016)
It’s pretty clear that Color Splash tried to rectify some of the issues of Sticker Star, but it still fell short of many players’ expectations. The game introduced a new card-based combat system, which, while an improvement, didn’t fully recapture the engaging battles of earlier titles.
The humorous, carefree writing and quirky characters brought some charm back to the series, but the repetitive gameplay and fetch-quest-heavy storyline held it back from reaching the heights of some of its predecessors.
5. Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020)
The Origami King marked a step in the right direction after the general disappointment of Sticker Star and Color Splash. It reintroduced a more traditional RPG combat system but with a twist – the battles took place on a circular grid, requiring players to solve puzzles to defeat enemies. This greatly helped players feel more fully immersed while playing the game.
While this combat system added an interesting element to the gameplay, it still lacked much of the depth and strategy of other entries. The Origami King’s story and characters, however, were a significant improvement, offering a compelling narrative and memorable interactions. Although The Origami King is far from one of the best Paper Mario games in the series, it still offers a memorable and enjoyable gaming experience.
4. Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam (2015)
Although it isn’t really considered to be one of the official Paper Mario games, this crossover still holds a special place in the hearts of Paper Mario fans worldwide. Paper Jam is an enjoyable experience that offers a delightful adventure to newcomers and fans of either series alike.
Players should keep in mind that Paper Jam is closer to a mainline Mario & Luigi game than a Paper Mario game, though its simplicity makes it a great starting point for people looking to dip their toes into either series. Although it does seem to fall short in many aspects of its storytelling and environmental design, Paper Jam inarguably offers a more enjoyable experience than many other entries in the Paper Mario series.
3. Paper Mario (2000)
There are a lot of fantastic Paper Mario games on this list, but you can’t beat the OG, which is why it’s among the top three on this list. Paper Mario is the game that started it all on the Nintendo 64, and it remains a beloved classic.
It introduced players to the charming paper world of Mario and delivered a compelling story with a cast of memorable characters. The turn-based combat was engaging and strategic, setting a high standard for future entries in the series. While it may not have the visual polish of later games, its impact on the franchise cannot be overstated!
Related: How to Play Super Mario Bros. In Release Order
2. Super Paper Mario (2007)
Super Paper Mario is every bit as delightful and innovative as the original Paper Mario game, if not slightly more so. This game is an incredible addition to the Paper Mario franchise, offering a fresh take on the classic formula that seamlessly blends platforming elements with role-playing game mechanics.
Its charming paper-crafted world, endearing characters, and witty humor maintain the series’ signature charm while introducing a compelling storyline that keeps players engaged from start to finish. Super Paper Mario remains one of the most significant Paper Mario games in the series; the series honestly just wouldn’t be the same without it.
1. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004)
And now, we’ve arrived at the top spot on this list: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. This game stands as a true testament to the series’ finest moments, offering a richly immersive and engaging RPG experience.
The charming paper aesthetic, deep storytelling, memorable characters, and strategic turn-based battles all come together to create a gaming masterpiece. It’s a title that continues to be celebrated by fans around the world and holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Even if you decide not to play any of the other games on this list, you should at least give this one a try (you won’t regret it).
If you’re a massive Mario fan and you find yourself elbow-deep in a new Mario game every week, then you’ve come to the right website! Check out our guides Changes and Differences in Super Mario RPG Remake and How to Unlock New Characters in Mario Kart 8.
