Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling is the strongest non-Mario pick if you want an RPG that feels like the classic Paper Mario games. It is the closest match in Nintendo Life’s roundup, while the other recommendations share specific ingredients—such as timed combat, comedy, or companions—rather than the full formula. For a clear comparison, use the Switch version of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door as the reference point.
What makes a game feel like Paper Mario?
The clearest benchmark is Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Its battles are turn-based, with timed inputs that reward well-timed attacks; badges let you customize stats and abilities; and party members join you in a colorful paper world built around exploration and transformations. Nintendo describes its combat as “a theatrical twist on turn-based RPG combat.” The Switch version, released May 23, 2024, adds revamped graphics, an updated soundtrack, updated quick-travel pipes, and a Partner Ring for switching companions. (Nintendo’s product page; Play Nintendo)
Not every game called “Paper Mario-like” reproduces that mix. Some share the timed button inputs, while others are closer in tone, character writing, or companion-based exploration. The recommendations below distinguish those partial matches from a more direct substitute.
What are the best RPGs like Paper Mario?
1. Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling — the closest match
Start here if you want a non-Mario game most like the first two Paper Mario RPGs, especially The Thousand-Year Door. Nintendo Life’s roundup calls Bug Fables its most Paper Mario-like pick, pointing to comic asides, pop-up-book visuals, and a close resemblance to that game. This is the roundup’s editorial judgment, not a measured similarity score.
#1 Best Overall
- Join Mario on an epic paper-adventure to collect the Crystal Stars before the X-Nauts do!
The game was developed by Moonsprout Games and published by DANGEN Entertainment. The roundup lists its Nintendo Switch release date as May 28, 2020. (Nintendo Life’s roundup)
2. UnderHero — for timing-based combat
UnderHero is a 2D platformer with timing-based combat and upgrades that recall Paper Mario. It is a looser match: the platforming and “anti-RPG” framing make it structurally different from a traditional party-based, turn-based RPG. Choose it for the action and timing inputs, not as a one-for-one substitute. (Nintendo Life’s roundup)
Rank #2
- Join Mario on a timeless paper-adventure to uncover the mystery of the Thousand-Year Door
- Master badges and timing-based attacks to impress the audience in a theatrical twist on turn-based RPG combat
- Customize your approach to deep and rewarding RPG challenges with swappable partners and badges
- Experience an engaging story full of hijinks and witty dialogue
- Region-free compatibility: Region-free/unlocked game works on compatible systems; international version may differ in age rating, labeling or instructions
3. Undertale — for character writing and self-aware humor
Undertale is a better fit if what you remember most is playful, self-aware writing and distinctive characters. It is less directly analogous to Paper Mario, and its tone is considerably darker than Mario’s, so expect a different kind of RPG. (Nintendo Life’s roundup)
4. Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion — for comic adventure and puzzles
This comic action-adventure may appeal if you want irreverent humor and puzzles, but its structure is not close to classic Paper Mario. The roundup describes it as an action RPG and points to Zelda-like inspiration, making it a better choice for a funny adventure than for a turn-based RPG replacement. (Nintendo Life’s roundup)
Rank #3
- A new paper-crafted Mario adventure unfolds on Nintendo Switch.
- The kingdom has been ravaged by an origami menace. Join Mario and his new partner, Olivia, as they battle evil Folded Soldiers, repair the damaged landscape, and try to free Princess Peach’s castle from the clutches of King Olly in this comedy-filled adventure
- Master strategic, ring-based battles - line up scattered enemies and plan your attack to maximize damage with the new, ring-based battle system that requires both puzzle-solving skills and a quick wit
5. Cat Quest II — for light comedy and straightforward action
Cat Quest II offers puns and accessible action combat. It can suit someone looking for a lighthearted RPG, but it does not match the turn-based battle structure of the classic Paper Mario games. (Nintendo Life’s roundup)
What games share Paper Mario’s companions and exploration?
Tinykin — a companion-focused platformer, not an RPG substitute
Tinykin is a 3D platformer and puzzle game in which tiny companions help solve environmental challenges. That companion-and-exploration appeal may resonate with Paper Mario fans, but its genre and role for companions make it a much broader match than Bug Fables. Pick it for platforming and environmental puzzles, not for turn-based RPG battles. (Nintendo Life’s roundup)
Rank #4
- Videogioco Nintendo paper Mario: the origami King
Which Paper Mario-like game should you choose?
| Game | Best fit | How it differs from classic Paper Mario |
|---|---|---|
| Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling | Closest overall match; pop-up-book presentation and comic asides | It is a separate game and setting, not a Mario RPG. |
| UnderHero | Timing-based combat and upgrades | Its platforming and anti-RPG framing make it structurally different. |
| Undertale | Distinctive characters and self-aware humor | It is less directly analogous and considerably darker in tone. |
| Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion | Comedy and puzzles | It is an action RPG with Zelda-like inspiration. |
| Cat Quest II | Puns and straightforward action combat | Its combat is action-based rather than turn-based. |
| Tinykin | Companions and exploration | It is a 3D platformer and puzzle game, not an RPG replacement. |
If you are asking, “What games are like Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door?” or “Are there games like the old Paper Mario games?”, Bug Fables is the strongest place to begin. Choose the other games when one particular element—timing, humor, puzzles, or companion-led exploration—matters more to you than matching the whole RPG structure.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51lI4uPHk9L._SL160_.jpg)
- Join Mario on a timeless paper-adventure to uncover the mystery of the Thousand-Year Door. Master badges and timing-based attacks to impress the audience in a theatrical twist on turn-based RPG combat. Customize your approach to deep and rewarding RPG challenges with swappable partners and badges. 4. Experience an engaging story full of hijinks and witty dialogue
- Meet a cast of charming and often hilarious characters—and recruit some of them to join your party. Play as Peach and Bowser in interludes between chapters of the main story. Updated graphics and a suite of additional changes make the game easier than ever to enjoy.
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