What’s the Best Mario RPG of All Time?

The release of Mario & Luigi: Brothership is finally upon us. The latest in this long-running spin-off RPG series sees the platforming bros take on a new adventure with turn-based RPG combat. There are now so many different RPG spin-offs of the Mario franchise. But what is the best Mario RPG of all time across the Super Mario RPG, Paper Mario, and Mario & Luigi series?

Here is what some of the Siliconera staff has to say on the matter.

Siliconera Speaks Up: Best Mario RPG

While I have enjoyed all of the Mario RPGs to some extent, the one I liked the most by far was Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story. Bowser is such a fun character, especially when he’s playing the reluctant hero. Having one of the leads be, well, the opposite of a silent protagonist meant a lot more dialogue, and when the writing is as good as it is in the Mario & Luigi games, that’s a win. The balance between Bowser’s adventures on the outside and Mario and Luigi’s struggles inside his body made for a more varied adventure, and the ending was sweeter than a piece of Peach’s shortcake. — Shaun

My personal favorite Mario RPG is the original Super Mario RPG. It was the first I tried of the RPG spin-offs and it still remains my favorite to this day. I love Squaresoft’s spin on the Mushroom Kingdom and the remake only made it even better to play. It feels so alive and full of fun characters, intriguing locations, and active enough turn-based combat. If I had to pick a runner-up, though, I am a sucker for a good GBA RPG. Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga is highly nostalgic for me and the vibrant visuals still hold up even now. It would be my close second place. Honestly, though, I really need to dig more into the Paper Mario games, as I feel like I should adore them. — Cody

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is now available for Nintendo Switch.