Paper has many functions, and this is abundantly clear now that Paper Mario: The Origami King is reinventing itself. This innovative game will attempt to retool Paper Mario to fit with origami The Nintendo Switch is shaping up to be one of the greatest platforms of our generation. Harnessing the power of the Nintendo Switch, there will be vivid detail like never seen before.
Unless there are any unforeseen delays, Paper Mario: The Origami King will release on July 17th, 2020. There is time to prepare for what could be a Paper Mario game of epic proportions. With less than a month to go, here are a handful of games to get you in the Paper Mario spirit.
10 Paper Mario: Color Splash
The Wii U may not have been the commercial success that Nintendo hoped for, lest we forget its many exclusives. Paper Mario: Color Splash breathed new life into the Paper Mario series with more color than we could've asked for.
We can criticize the game for its lackluster story, but Paper Mario: Color Splash brings enough to the table to warrant a playthrough. You'll fall deeply in love with its artwork while immersed in its turn-based gameplay.
9 Paper Mario: Sticker Star
Stickers are a fundamental part of Paper Mario: Sticker Star. They are plastered almost everywhere, including walls throughout the game. You'll head to classic Paper Mario locations but visit new ones as well.
This Nintendo 3DS game will likely serve as inspiration for the upcoming Paper Mario: The Origami King. For a handheld game, Paper Mario: Sticker Star's papercraft visual detail is stupendous.
8 Final Fantasy VII
If you're like everyone waiting for Final Fantasy VII Remake Part II, you may want to go back and play the original. The remake will focus deeper on each part of the story, but we'll have to wait to see the last parts.
While Final Fantasy VII Remake uses an active time battle (ATB) system, the original was strictly a turn-based game like Paper Mario. Free flow combat has its advantages, but the strategic nature of turn-based combat is incomparable.
7 Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time
Released for the Nintendo DS, Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time is the first sequel in the Mario & Luigi video game series.
It is a turn-based RPG like Paper Mario: Origami King. They are often compared to each other, despite Paper Mario's papercraft visual style. Both game series are story intensive and are worth a playthrough.
6 Child Of Light
Child of Light may not be a Nintendo product, but it is a masterful turn-based RPG. This mesmerizing experience was developed by Ubisoft and released in 2014.
There is a platforming component to Child of Light, which is rare for a turn-based RPG. Paper Mario also contains a blend of RPG elements and platforming. They are both lauded for their gameplay, but Paper Mario may have been an inspiration for Child of Light. This fairy tale adventure is one you can't miss!
5 Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars
Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars (also referred to as Super Mario RPG) differs from other games on this list because of its age. This original Mario RPG released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System way back in 1996.
Some would consider this to be the best Mario RPG of all time. It was way ahead of its time, and not many people got a chance to play it. Super Mario RPG is available on the Wii and Wii U Virtual Console, as well as part of the SNES Classic Edition collection. Bowser serves as an ally after his plans to kidnap Princess Peach are interrupted by Smithy.
4 Super Paper Mario
While Super Paper Mario got rid of turn-based battles by adding free-flow movements, Paper Mario: The Origami King will use traditional turn-based battles. At the same time, Super Paper Mario is by no means a bad game.
It released for the Nintendo Wii back in 2007 and is the third Paper Mario game. RPG elements combined with platforming akin to other Super Mario games are why Super Paper Mario stands out.
3 Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
Nintendo decided to branch out to a new turn-based series—and we're glad they did. Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story features an intriguing story with turn-based combat that relies on timing.
We see Mario and Luigi, who both happen to be plumbers, jump into action for a story where Bowser is their ally. The unlikely trio teams up to defeat Fawful, a mutual enemy. Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story is the third and arguably best installment in the Mario & Luigi series.
2 Paper Mario
The original Paper Mario stands the test of time with invigorating gameplay and a timeless story. Released for the Nintendo 64 some odd twenty years ago, it follows the same plot as popular Mario games. Princess Peach plays the damsel in distress who is kidnapped by the malevolent Bowser.
To see how far the series has come since the original, and where it's faltered, Paper Mario is a must-play. We wouldn't be surprised if this game was remastered for the Nintendo Switch.
1 Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Mario has appeared in countless games over the past decades, but few compare to the great strides of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
Released for the Nintendo GameCube, it was a significant leap in gameplay over the Nintendo 64's Paper Mario. Visually it is striking, and The Thousand-Year Door excels on all fronts. It takes players outside the Mushroom Kingdom to the unfamiliar town of Rogueport.