10 JRPGs Mario & Luigi Fans Need to Play Before Brothership

The Mario & Luigi series has long been a staple in the world of JRPGs, captivating fans with its unique blend of humor, engaging gameplay mechanics, and heartfelt storytelling. With the upcoming release of Mario & Luigi: Brothership for the Nintendo Switch on November 4, 2024, fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this beloved franchise. This new game promises to take players on an adventure set on an archipelago, offering a fresh setting and new challenges. As the first new entry in the series since Paper Jam for the Nintendo 3DS in 2015, Brothership has a lot to live up to. Paper Jam, a crossover between the Mario & Luigi series and the Paper Mario series, was well-received for its innovative gameplay and charming narrative. However, before diving into Brothership, there are several other JRPGs that fans of the Mario & Luigi series should consider playing to fully appreciate the depth and variety of the genre.

One of the standout titles in the Mario & Luigi series is Bowser’s Inside Story. This game is often hailed as one of the best in the franchise, thanks to its inventive gameplay and compelling storyline. In Bowser’s Inside Story, Mario and Luigi are sucked into Bowser’s body and must navigate through his innards to save the Mushroom Kingdom. The game introduces new mechanics, such as controlling Bowser himself, which adds a layer of complexity and fun to the gameplay. Players can switch between controlling Mario and Luigi inside Bowser and Bowser himself in the overworld, leading to unique puzzle-solving and combat scenarios. The game’s humor and clever writing make it a must-play for any fan of the series.

Another essential title for Mario & Luigi fans is Partners in Time. This game allows players to control both the present and past versions of Mario and Luigi, adding a time-travel twist to the gameplay. The duo must work together to rescue Princess Peach and defeat an alien species that has taken over the Mushroom Kingdom. The ability to utilize items carried by both present and past versions of the characters adds a strategic element to the game. Partners in Time’s engaging story and innovative mechanics make it a standout entry in the series and a great primer for those looking forward to Brothership.

Dream Team is another noteworthy entry in the Mario & Luigi series. This game takes place in Luigi’s dreams and incorporates new mechanics like manipulating Luigi’s mustache and switching between 2D and 3D gameplay. The dream sequences offer a unique twist on the traditional RPG formula, providing players with creative puzzles and combat scenarios. Dream Team’s imaginative setting and inventive gameplay make it a memorable experience for fans of the series. The game’s focus on Luigi also provides a refreshing change of pace, allowing players to explore his character in greater depth.

While the Mario & Luigi series has its own distinct charm, it’s worth exploring other JRPGs that share similar elements. One such game is Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Developed by Square Enix and released for the SNES, this game laid the foundation for many of the mechanics seen in the Mario & Luigi series. The game features turn-based combat, timed button presses for attacks, and a humorous narrative that has become a hallmark of Mario RPGs. Super Mario RPG’s blend of traditional RPG elements with the whimsical world of Mario makes it a timeless classic that any fan of the genre should play.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is another must-play JRPG for fans of the Mario & Luigi series. This game, released for the Nintendo GameCube, combines the charm of the Paper Mario series with deep RPG mechanics. Players control Mario as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Peach and uncover the secrets of the Thousand-Year Door. The game features turn-based combat, unique paper-based abilities, and a captivating story filled with memorable characters. The Thousand-Year Door’s engaging gameplay and charming presentation make it a standout title in the Mario RPG lineage.

For those looking for a more modern take on the Paper Mario series, Paper Mario: The Origami King is an excellent choice. Released for the Nintendo Switch, this game incorporates origami elements into the gameplay, offering a fresh twist on the traditional formula. In The Origami King, everyone except Mario and Luigi has been turned into origami by King Olly, and Mario must work with King Olly’s sister Olivia to defeat him and restore the Mushroom Kingdom. The game’s visually stunning presentation and inventive mechanics make it a worthy addition to the Paper Mario series and a great experience for fans of the Mario & Luigi games.

Another JRPG worth exploring is Xenoblade Chronicles, developed by Monolith Soft. While not directly related to the Mario & Luigi series, Xenoblade Chronicles offers a rich narrative, expansive world, and deep combat system that will appeal to fans of JRPGs. The game’s real-time combat and intricate story make it a standout title in the genre. Players control Shulk and his companions as they embark on a quest to defeat the Mechon and uncover the secrets of the Monado. Xenoblade Chronicles’ epic scale and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for any JRPG enthusiast.

For fans of time-travel mechanics seen in Partners in Time, Chrono Trigger is an essential JRPG to experience. Developed by Square Enix and released for the SNES, Chrono Trigger is widely regarded as one of the greatest RPGs of all time. The game features a unique active-time battle system, multiple endings, and a captivating story that spans different time periods. Players control Crono and his companions as they travel through time to prevent a global catastrophe. Chrono Trigger’s innovative gameplay and timeless narrative make it a must-play for any fan of the genre.

The Tales series is another excellent choice for fans of the Mario & Luigi games. Tales of Symphonia, in particular, stands out as one of the best entries in the series. Released for the Nintendo GameCube, Tales of Symphonia features real-time combat, a compelling story, and memorable characters. Players control Lloyd Irving and his friends as they embark on a journey to regenerate their world. The game’s action-packed combat and engaging narrative make it a standout title in the JRPG genre. Fans of the Mario & Luigi series will appreciate the game’s humor and character interactions, which are reminiscent of the beloved Nintendo franchise.

Persona 5 is another JRPG that Mario & Luigi fans should consider playing. Developed by Atlus, Persona 5 combines traditional turn-based combat with life simulation elements. Players control a group of high school students who lead double lives as Phantom Thieves, battling supernatural enemies in a parallel world. The game’s stylish presentation, deep story, and engaging gameplay make it a standout title in the JRPG genre. Persona 5’s blend of humor, drama, and strategic combat will resonate with fans of the Mario & Luigi series.

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is another JRPG that fans of the Mario & Luigi series should not miss. Developed by Square Enix, Dragon Quest XI features a classic turn-based combat system, a rich narrative, and a colorful world filled with memorable characters. Players control the Luminary, a hero destined to save the world from darkness, as they embark on an epic quest. The game’s charming presentation and engaging gameplay make it a standout title in the Dragon Quest series. Fans of the Mario & Luigi games will appreciate the game’s humor, character interactions, and traditional RPG mechanics.

Finally, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a tactical JRPG that Mario & Luigi fans should consider playing. Developed by Intelligent Systems and Koei Tecmo, Fire Emblem: Three Houses features strategic turn-based combat, a deep story, and complex character relationships. Players control a professor at a prestigious academy, guiding their students through battles and personal growth. The game’s intricate gameplay and engaging narrative make it a standout title in the Fire Emblem series. Fans of the Mario & Luigi games will appreciate the game’s humor, character development, and strategic combat.