Every Mario & Luigi Game, Ranked

Mario‘s first journey into the realm of RPGs was Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars in 1996. After that, Nintendo made a spiritual successor, which spun off into its own series, Paper Mario, beginning in 2000 in Japan and 2001 in the West. After that, there was a third RPG series that finally put Luigi into the spotlight.

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That would be the Mario & Luigi series. The first game, Superstar Saga, launched in 2003 for the Game Boy Advance. Since then, there have been five sequels and two remakes. But which of the duo’s adventures is the best of the best?

Updated on November 18, 2024, by PJ Molloy: RPG fans unite! The plumbers are finally back, thanks to Mario & Luigi: Brothership. But how does their new adventure compare to the other games in the series? We’ve updated the list to answer that very question.

8

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey

Why Does This Remake Exist?

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey

Systems

Released

January 11, 2019

Developer(s)

AlphaDream

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

ESRB

e

The original Bowser’s Inside Story is an incredible game, so you’d think the 3DS remake would be just as impressive, right? Unfortunately, Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey feels more like an attempt to keep the 3DS relevant than the big comeback the Mario & Luigi series needed.

The graphics get a new coat of paint, and there are a couple of minor quality-of-life improvements. Aside from those, the main campaign hasn’t changed at all. The new side mode, Bowser Jr.’s Journey, is a nice distraction for a couple of hours, but its real-time combat system gets repetitive quickly. It’s not a bad game, but there’s little reason to choose it over the original.

7

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions

A Slightly Better Remake, But Nothing More

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions

Systems

Released

October 6, 2017

Developer(s)

AlphaDream

ESRB

E For Everyone Due To Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions was exciting when it launched for the 3DS in 2017 since it was the most accessible physical version of this GBA classic. However, now that the 3DS has been discontinued, this remake has lost its most attractive quality. The question becomes: what can it offer you that the original can’t? The answer: not a lot.

Overall, the game is more or less the same. The addition of the touch screen is nice, giving you easy access to the map and various options. Plus, the graphics get a much-needed overhaul. While the new side campaign, Bowser’s Minions, offers a surprising amount of content and humor, its simplistic combat mechanics feel shallow and tedious. It’s a decent remake, but the Mario & Luigi series deserves better.

6

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

An Ambitious Idea With A Weak Execution

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

Systems

Released

January 22, 2016

Developer(s)

AlphaDream

ESRB

e

Paper Jam is significant for two reasons. It was the last new entry in the series for almost a decade, launching in 2016 for the 3DS. Plus, it combines the two ongoing Mario RPG series into one big crossover. However, it’s not as grandiose a crossover as something akin to Kingdom Hearts.

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Every Paper Mario Game, Ranked

From the good to the Sticker Star, there is a lot to parse through with The Paper Mario series that even Nintendo itself seemed stumped by.

The adventure sees the Mario & Luigi and Paper Mario universes merging together. Since both series are known for their epic stories, original characters, and unique locations, this concept should’ve been a slam dunk for Nintendo. Sadly, the game delivers a generic story about Bowser kidnapping Peach, stereotypical Mario locations, and a supporting cast consisting of mostly Toads. It’s not terrible, but it’s far from the best Mario RPG.

5

Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time

Travel To The Past In This Time-Bending Adventure

Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time

Adventure

Puzzle

JRPG

Action RPG

Systems

Released

November 28, 2005

Developer(s)

AlphaDream

Publisher(s)

AlphaDream

ESRB

e

Partners in Time is the second entry in the series, launching for the DS in 2005. As the name suggests, the game adds a time travel mechanic, which operates a little like Chrono Trigger. It features portals that warp the plumbers back and forth between two generations. Solving puzzles in the past will affect the present.

The most significant part of this sequel is the addition of two extra party members: Baby Mario and Baby Luigi. This creates some fun mashups and dialogue in a rather cute story about the brothers traversing time to stop invading mushroom aliens. While it’s the most linear of the Mario & Luigi games, it’s still a solid entry.

4

Mario & Luigi: Brothership

The Plumbers’ Home Console Debut

Systems

Released

November 7, 2024

Developer(s)

Acquire

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

ESRB

E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence

After almost a decade, the plumbers finally returned to the RPG genre in their first home console adventure. When a mysterious portal appears in the Mushroom Kingdom, the Mario Bros. are transported to a parallel dimension called Concordia, and wouldn’t you know it, the inhabitants need their help.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership has its ups and downs. On the one hand, the battle system is spectacular, the story is surprisingly deep, and the animations are pure eye candy. On the other hand, Luigi is controlled by AI in the overworld, and the abundance of padding bogs down the pacing. But overall, it’s a solid comeback and a welcome addition to the series.

3

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

It’s Luigi’s Time To Shine

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Systems

Released

August 11, 2013

Developer(s)

AlphaDream

ESRB

e

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team launched for 3DS in 2013 and was one of several games made during the Year of Luigi promotion. Nintendo even made a special anniversary model of the 3DS, which came with the game and an engraved marking to commemorate Luigi’s year of solo celebration.

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The story involves the plumbers traveling across a strange island with portals that let them enter people’s dreams. In the Dream World, anything is possible. Luigi can turn into a 50-foot-tall giant or clone himself countless times to form a massive army. It’s one of the most creative games in the series, although it drags during certain parts. Nevertheless, it’s still a blast to play.

2

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

Get To Know Bowser On The Inside… Literally

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

Systems

Released

September 15, 2009

Developer(s)

AlphaDream

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

ESRB

E For Everyone due to Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence

Who would’ve thought you’d be able to explore Bowser’s intestines? Bowser’s Inside Story launched on the DS in 2009 and delivered a delightfully bizarre tale about Bowser swallowing the Mario Brothers. Don’t let the ridiculous premise fool you; the story is nothing short of outstanding.

As Mario and Luigi, you explore the Koopa King’s insides during side-scrolling segments. Running past muscle tissue and red blood cells is not exactly what you’d expect from a Mario game, but that makes it all the more unique. You can even control Bowser in top-down segments, where he must win a turf war against the charismatically evil scientist Fawful. Don’t sleep on this RPG gem.

1

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

The Best Mario & Luigi Game

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Systems

Released

November 17, 2003

Developer(s)

AlphaDream

Publisher

Vanpool

ESRB

e

The sequels range from good to great, but Superstar Saga is still the best Mario & Luigi game. It’s the first title in the series, launching on Game Boy Advance in 2003. It tells an epic story about the Mario Bros. teaming up with Bowser to stop a wicked witch from taking over the Mushroom Kingdom.

The brothers’ gibberish speech, Fawful’s shenanigans, the incredible music, the turn-based combat, and everything in between make this game shine on the GBA. Simply put, Superstar Saga is a top-tier Mario title that all Nintendo fans should experience at least once.

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