5 Games Like Super Mario RPG

Super Mario RPG brings back a classic tale of Mario and friends' journey across various regions to save the world from an evil sword. The game offers a variety of challenges, from taking on bosses with meaty health bars to playing several minigames that put your platforming skills to the test. Below, we take a look at 5 Games, like Super Mario RPG, for when you finally finish the game.

5. Paper Mario

First up on our list is the popular classic Paper Mario. Paper Mario is the follow-up to Super Mario RPG. Many of the mechanics translated over to this title. This includes the party-based system, time-based reactions, and quirky humor. Even the hammer that Mario equips in Super Mario RPG is still a staple. While there is a huge difference in style, the paper characters help to add another layer of charm to the game. This new series also gives you more party members and badges to choose from. This helps to diversify the battle system further.

As an added bonus, a remake for the second Paper Mario game, The Thousand-Year Door, is slated to release in 2024. This game builds on the mechanics of the first but refines the battle system by adding audience reactions. By appealing to the battle's audience, you can gain help in battle or have buckets thrown at you, forcing you to take extra damage. Either way you go, these are both perfect substitutes for Super Mario RPG. Even the quirky comedy is still left intact. This makes Paper Mario one of the 5 Best Games, Like Super Mario RPG.

4. Bug Fables

Bug Fables is an indie game that set out to capture the spirit of Paper Mario. The game features paper bugs, a large kingdom, and a turn-based battle system. If you have played Paper Mario or Super Mario RPG, then you will immediately be able to pick up the controls of this title. You should note that there are only three Party Members to choose from. Therefore you won’t be strategizing who to include on your team for boss battles.

You will venture from location to location, all of them based on a common backyard. You will see everything from sandcastles to discarded soda cans being used by the Bug Kingdom. The game also features plenty of puzzles and move upgrades to keep you entertained. The colorful world also helps to catch the feel of earlier games and always feels inviting. You shouldn’t let this aesthetic fool you, as there are a lot of difficult fights in Bug Fables, especially near the end of the game. Bug Fables is one of the best games, like Super Mario RPG.

3. Final Fantasy 

The older Final Fantasy games feature turned-based combat, and Square Enix helped make Super Mario RPG. While the themes of these stories are typically darker, then you will find in the land filled with mushrooms. For players who want a nice balance, Final Fantasy games offer a tantalizing battle system with plenty of flashy attacks. Even if you don’t like the older look of some of the games, you can pick up the Final Fantasy VII remake.

If you are looking for games with a more laid-back atmosphere, then you can even check out Chocobo’s Dungeon. There are several spin-offs like this that have a more kid-friendly goofy atmosphere. If you like mini-games, then you could even hop into the MMORPG Final Fantasy XVI and just hang out at the Golden Saucer all day. For players looking for a more mature title, Final Fantasy offers a great choice.

2. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is another title we placed on here for teens and adults. The game has a refreshingly sleek turn-based battle system with plenty of side content. You will live your nights as Phantom Thieve, ridding the world of evil adults. During the day, you play the part of a regular high school student. You can go on dates, watch movies, and even work a part-time job. There are even a few minigames like fishing for you to pour your extra time into. Not to mention that every part of the game is accompanied by one of the most stylish soundtracks in modern gaming.

The story is also an instant classic with plenty of dark twists and turns. The characters themselves are fully fleshed out. You can completely forget that you are dealing with a team of teenagers while playing. In addition, if you're a fan of quirky enemies, like found in Mario, Persona has a lot. In fact, you capture these enemies throughout the game and make them fight for Joker. This gives you even more variety in your gameplay, and there are elemental-based weaknesses. Due to how great of a turn-based game Person 5 Royal is, we couldn’t help but put it on this list.

1. Pokemon

Pokemon is another obvious choice for this list for several reasons. For starters, not only is it another turn-based Nintendo game, but it has a similar feel. The game sends you out on an RPG adventure to collect and battle small creatures. There is plenty of comedy, and the world is rich with unique designs. Players can battle to their heart's content, and there is always a reason to go back to the game. The battle system works around elemental weaknesses, and building a party that works together is a must. Like in Super Mario RPG, there are also plenty of secrets to find. Each game is rich with side quests, such as contests and lore.

There are also several Pokemon games already available on Switch. Whether you want the newer open-world experience of Violet and Scarlet or the classic gameplay of Diamond and Pearl, Nintendo has you covered. If you want to shake things up even more, then you can pick up Pokemon: Legends Arceus. This allows you to roleplay as one of the first Pokemon trainers in the world. Regardless of the experience you choose, Pokemon is one of the best games like Super Mario RPG.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Games Like Super Mario RPG? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.