5 Best Paper Mario RPG Alternatives That Aren’t Made by Nintendo

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What many RPG fans truly enjoy isn’t huge game worlds or constantly collecting items. They appreciate games with a lot of personality, combat that requires good timing, memorable characters, and stories that are both funny and heartfelt. The Paper Mario series, especially Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, really exemplifies this. Unfortunately, this unique combination of classic turn-based gameplay and a lighthearted style is becoming harder to find, as bigger game companies tend to focus on impressive graphics and grand scale rather than character and charm.

Nintendo has moved away from the classic style of these games, but other developers are now offering fresh takes on the genre. Many smaller and independent studios are creating games with smart combat, exploration focused on puzzles, and beautifully designed levels. These aren’t just copies of older games; they build upon the original ideas, offering new twists and unexpected experiences while still capturing what fans love about the series.

5) The Outbound Ghost

The game The Outbound Ghost clearly draws inspiration from classic storybook RPGs, especially in how it looks. Characters are designed as flat, outlined ghosts set within a whimsical, storybook world. But this isn’t just a visual choice – it shapes the game’s overall feel, creating a balance between lighthearted humor and thoughtful exploration of themes like finding yourself and letting go of the past.

Battles happen in turns, and success depends more on when you act than on having strong stats. It’s important to think about where your characters are positioned and learn enemy attack patterns. Each fight feels like a little challenge, and you’ll need to figure out the best way to win. The combat system is very complex, which might be a lot for some Paper Mario fans at first. However, once you understand it, you can create some really smart and effective combinations of moves.

The best part of The Outbound Ghost is definitely its exploration. You’ll encounter lots of smart puzzles that are built right into the game’s surroundings. As a ghost, you can use special abilities to move things around, find hidden secrets, and navigate levels that feel carefully created, not randomly generated.

The game tells a story about dealing with regret and things left undone, but it does so in a cheerful way. Although the story and characters could be more developed, it successfully captures the same blend of funny and heartwarming moments that players enjoy. Of all the games mentioned, The Outbound Ghost feels the most similar in style and appearance, making it a great choice if you’re looking for that same appealing vibe.

4) Born of Beard

Born of Bread is a charming RPG that fully embraces its wonderfully quirky premise. The game takes place in a vibrant world filled with living food and imaginative creatures, instantly creating a fun and playful atmosphere. Its colorful graphics and lively animations bring this world to life, and the story is both heartwarming and sincere, exploring themes of finding where you belong and what gives life meaning. If you enjoy games with engaging companions, dynamic battles, and visually appealing environments, Born of Bread offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of beloved classic RPGs.

The combat in Born of Bread is a key feature, and feels similar to other games in the genre. Battles are turn-based, but they’re made more interesting by elements that require good timing and focus. Players actively participate in blocking, attacking, and using special abilities, which keeps fights exciting as you play.

What makes Born of Bread special is how well characters work together. Each character has unique skills that combine in interesting ways, so players are encouraged to try different combinations. Picking the right team can really change how a fight goes, adding a layer of strategy that’s challenging but not overly complicated.

The game’s puzzles are carefully crafted, too. Dungeons often require players to be inventive, combining their characters’ skills to overcome obstacles. This makes exploring rewarding and emphasizes that solving problems—not just repetitive tasks—is the key to moving forward, much like in the Paper Mario series.

3) Sea of Stars

Sea of Stars offers a fresh take on the classic JRPG, combining familiar elements with modern game design – think of it as a blend of Paper Mario and Chrono Trigger. The game features beautiful, detailed pixel art that creates a world that feels both nostalgic and new. The story is an epic fantasy with touches of humor and heart, and you’ll quickly become invested in its genuine and endearing characters, as the narrative unfolds at a comfortable pace.

Battles happen in turns, but they’re very engaging – you’ll need to carefully time your attacks and blocks to win. A key part of the game is a ‘lock’ system: enemies charge up strong attacks, but you can stop them by finding and exploiting their weaknesses. This makes each fight feel like a clever challenge instead of just a back-and-forth of hitting and taking damage.

Getting around the game world is smooth and natural – characters can climb, swim, and interact with everything around them in a way that feels immersive. Puzzles aren’t separate challenges, but are built right into the environment, and usually involve using objects or combining abilities in a logical way. Even when you’re just exploring, the world of Sea of Stars is a joy to behold.

Okay, so Sea of Stars isn’t all goofy fun and games like some RPGs, but that’s a good thing! It really believes in making combat something you do, not just button mash. I loved that it focused on getting the timing right and actually thinking about each fight, rather than just relying on how much I loved older games. The characters and the world they live in are full of personality, and it manages to tell a story that’s both lighthearted and meaningful – it doesn’t feel too silly or too depressing, it hits a really nice balance.

2) Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Similar to Sea of Stars, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offers a unique approach to RPGs. Although it features a realistic, painted art style instead of a whimsical, storybook look, the gameplay focuses on engaging, turn-based battles. While visually distinct, it shares a similar feel to Paper Mario, building on that game’s charming, paper-like world and characters, but in a new way.

Battles combine classic turn-based gameplay with fast-paced, real-time actions, demanding careful timing and skill. You’ll need to actively time your attacks, blocks, and abilities, making each fight feel intense and meaningful. These battles are like strategic challenges mixed with rhythm-based gameplay. Exploring the game world and solving puzzles focuses on creating a strong atmosphere and sense of discovery. The environments are strange and symbolic, encouraging players to carefully observe their surroundings and piece together the story through visual clues, rather than being directly told what to do.

The game explores serious themes like death, fate, and fighting against impossible odds. This is a shift in tone from previous installments, but it proves that the engaging combat and deliberate speed that define the series can work well in a more mature setting. If you’re looking for a bold and thoughtful take on the classic RPG formula, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 shows how the series can evolve while still staying true to its roots.

1) Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling

Many fans consider Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling to be the best game like the classic Paper Mario, and it’s easy to see why. The game’s art style, with its flat characters and lively animations, strongly resembles those older Paper Mario titles, giving the characters a lot of personality even without much talking. It captures the feel of a Nintendo-made Paper Mario game so well, you might think Nintendo actually helped create it.

Bug Fables really shines when it comes to battles. While they’re turn-based, the game adds exciting elements like timed actions, managing your resources carefully, and a system of customizable abilities. Where you position your characters is important, enemies behave in many different ways, and smart strategy is always a benefit. If you’ve played games like Paper Mario, you’ll quickly feel comfortable with how Bug Fables works.

The game truly shines with its group of characters. Each of the three main heroes has unique skills that go beyond just fighting. They can use these abilities to solve puzzles, find secret areas, and really engage with the game world. This connection between exploring and battling feels very natural. Even though you only control three characters, their relationships and personal stories are compelling and make up for the smaller roster.

This game expertly blends comedy and heartfelt moments. It features a delightful world that’s frequently funny, but also delves into meaningful topics like family history, responsibility, and teamwork. Many players see Bug Fables as a fresh take on a familiar style, rather than just a copy. It feels more like a Paper Mario game than any other, and fans are excited to see what Moonsprout Games creates next, with a sequel being a popular hope.

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2025-12-27 21:13