Summary
Mario games are known for their stories in the same way that a steakhouse is known for its salads. Sure, it’s technically part of the offerings, but you’re there for the meat. In most cases with Mario games, that means a big juicy slab of delicious gameplay.
But in other instances, the real chewy center is actually the genuinely and often surprisingly hilarious writing.Fans of the Paper Mario seriesare likely already used to such whimsy. But you might be surprised to find that you can look elsewhere in the shockingly spry plumber’s catalog for similarly guffaw-worthy moments.
8Super Mario RPG
Hey, you better watch out! He knows about Timed Hits. -Toad
Super Mario RPGwas arguably the first time many players realized the series was capable of more complex humor than the admittedly still hilarious “bi-doof” explosion sound from Super Mario Bros. 3. Impressively, it still holds up today, even before the remake.
What’s especially brilliant about Super Mario RPG’s humor is how it uses its visual style to comedic effect, with Mario re-enacting events of the game while basically transforming out of nowhere. A notable running gag also involves Mario showing off his famous jumping ability, usually expressed via a small hop, but other characters are impressed nonetheless and bless their hearts.
7Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope
But only ONE of us can look THIS good in casual alternatives to pants! -Rabbid Mario
Not only didMario + Rabbids Kingdom Battleand its sequel,Sparks of Hope, catch players off-guard with theirsatisfying beginner strategy gameplay, but they were also way funnier than anybody expected. Granted, when you expect the game’s entire sense of humor to revolve around the screaming Rayman equivalent of the Despicable Me Minions, there’s really nowhere to go but up.
The game understands comedic timing and slapstick, and despite possibly scoffing at the premise, you’ll likely find yourself chuckling on more than a few occasions. Rabbid Peach’s tendency to take selfies during dangerous situations might end up dating the game a few decades down the line. But admit it, it’s a pretty good gag.
6Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
You’re the fiend who stole Peach’s voice! How dare you pull off such a cool evil plan? -Bowser
Seeing as how it was basically the successor to Super Mario RPG, many fans expected a certain level of humor from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. But you probably didn’t expect it to be this good.
The writing is super solid even all these years later, with jokes and physical humor working together in hilarious harmony. Peach’s dialog turning into explosive characters and characters constantly forgetting who Luigi is are just a few of the game’s oddly genius gags you’ll be treated to on this adventure.
5Super Paper Mario
And so I strike, like an unseen dodgeball in an echoing gymnasium! -Dimentio
You might have skipped this one over due to its rather radical difference from its predecessors. But Super Paper Mario is well worth your time, and for more than just its oddly dark story at times.
The villains are the real stars of the show, from the chaotic Mimi to the bombastic wordsmith Dimentio. Plus, at one point, the game just straight up turns into a dating sim, with resident greasy boy Francis attempting to woo Peach in his own likely unshowered way, and few games can get away with such poignant commentary.
4Paper Mario: Color Splash
Mario… Help me! I…I can’t feel my pants! -Toad
Paper Mario: Color Splash is one of thoseunderrated Mario gamesthat just never really found its true potential audience due to players still reeling from the excessively disliked Paper Mario: Sticker Star. But it doesn’t take long to realize on a first playthrough that this game’s sense of humor is well worth the price of admission.
The game is a master of lampshade hanging, where the absurdity of jokes and situations are all but acknowledged right there in the dialog. So prepare for an adventure of self-referential humor as you navigate the slightly less offensive version of Sticker Star’s “thing” system; don’t worry, it’s worth it.
3Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
I am Bowser, businessman of legend! Fear my accounting! -Bowser
There’s a reasonPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doorresonates with more than just RPG fans. It’s a seriously funny game, and not just in the one-liner way like a late season of MAS*H. There’s a reference for the kids.
It’s a game that understands how humor works, going beyond just funny lines and creating genuinely funny characters like the mysterious boxes that “curse” you with new abilities. You’ll need those laughs for when the game goes hard with truly heartfelt moments likethose involving trans icon Vivian.
2Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story
Beef? I am lacking in beef. Fawful is beefless. -Fawful
The Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi games dominate the series' funniest offerings, but even among them, Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story is one of a kind. Focused on Bowser himself, the game gives the Koopa King and tons of other characters time to shine, and none of it is wasted.
Not only is Bowser’s Inside Story often touted as the best Mario & Luigi RPG, but it also has easily the best sense of humor in all of them. The eccentric Fawful will give you chortles, Luigi continues to exist, and the game even takes a tea break with you, and Bowser’s Inside Story is one game that’s sure to elicit a response of “What the heck are you laughing at?” from anyone around.
1Paper Mario: The Origami King
You know that memory-loss thing? What’s it called… Ambrosia? Amnesty? Thinky Thinky Panic? Whatever you call it, I’ve got it—big time. -Bob-Omb
It might be a controversial pick compared to other games, butPaper Mario: The Origami Kingis unmatched in the series for the sheer volume of laughs per minute. A security guard straight up says they aren’t paid enough to stop you; come on, that’s gold, especially in anRPG fit for kids.
The game is filled to the brim with tiny moments that will nearly all make you snort and laugh at least a little. Flip over a random Buzzy Beetle and it will just sadly exclaim “Dude. Why?” If you find yourself in one of the game’s hidden minion cafes, make sure to order “Today’s Special, so you owe it to yourself.
