What's next for Mario RPGs?

[Yzz]

Yes, I'm aware of Sparks of Hope, but that's a SRPG, very different thing.

Mario RPGs are a 25 year-old tradition that has been worked on by three different developers: Square, IntSys and AlphaDream, each of these with a unique vision and design philosophy for the concept. It's true that the Paper Mario series is still running today, however it is universally agreed that the series dropped the RPG genre (despite keeping some elements) and IntSys is not interested in going back. On the other hand, Alpha Dream closed two years ago and it's very unlikely that we get another M&L game.

So what's next for this games? Should an internal studio like Camelot pick up the series, as in tradition, or a third-party like Square? A western developer perhaps?
What concepts would you like to see executed? Should the staple timed-commands be in the next game? What games need to be studied by the devs?

 

[lemonfresh]

We need square to come back and make Mario RPG 2

 

[winstein]

Whatever the Mario RPG will be, I'm hoping that the secondary Mario characters like Daisy and Donkey Kong are being used as major players, since I thought that the interactions between Mario, Peach, Luigi, and Bowser are overplayed and made the newer games less exciting. So for example, if there's Daisy, the developers could play around with how she would interact with Peach or Mario, as it is incredibly rare for the latter to interact with Daisy. It was great when the baby Bros. were used in Partners in Time due to the interactions between the characters that are rarely seen. Preferably, the final battles would also not involve Bowser since he's always there, and Thousand Year Door is the only game where Bowser is completely absent from it (as in, not as a party member like Super Paper Mario or part of a phase like in Superstar Saga and Partners in Time).

Thank you for reading.

 

[Dark Cloud]

There are none. The last Mario RPG was Mario and Luigi Tales of a Thousand Toads

 

[Dardan Sandiego]

Depends on where Fujioka, Maekawa and the rest of the AlphaDream/SMRPG gang end up and whether Nintendo is interested in working with them again.

Kinda don't see IntSys going back to turn-based RPGs and Square Enix is a non-starter.

 

[Vladimir]

I was thinking about this the other day, I wish Next Level Games was given a chance at a Mario and Luigi RPG based on their Luigi's Mansion 3 engine.

 

[Lucifer]

Whatever it is, I hope Yoko Shimomura is working on the soundtrack. It would be a shame if she gets nothing Nintendo with Mario & Luigi being dead now.

My dream game would be Smash Kingdom Hearts, as in, Mario & Luigi visiting different video game worlds with an insane anime story.

 

[Dark Cloud]

The only way I see Paper Mario coming back to RPG is if Nintendo decides “we can’t experiment with Paper Mario, since Mario and Luigi doesn’t exist anymore and we don’t plan on making anymore Mario and Luigi”.

 

[Clix]

We need square to come back and make Mario RPG 2

They formed Alpha and made Mario and Luigi RPG

I sometimes feel people just want the name Square on it. I think the only way Square would do a good job (I dislike much of modern Square) is if they brought back the poor guys from Alpha

 

[GoGoDezmo]

Y'know what I want to see in a new Mario RPG? Mario handle a job system, kind of like in Final Fantasy. So for example, you could have every party member class into being, say, a Knight or a Mage or a Rouge (each party member having a unique costume for each class of course). BUT, each party member specializes in different things in each class. So say you make both Mario and Peach into mages. Mario could focus on fire spells that have a burn effect, while Peach could focus on healing magic. Or if you make Luigi and Bowser Knights, Luigi could focus on attacking multiple enemies at once while Bowser is a focused on powerful attacks on a single enemy.

Also, hard agree about expanding the roster to include the expanded series characters Give me Donkey Kong in an RPG, darn it!

 

[Yzz]

Imagine a Mario RPG with I Am Setsuna budget.

 

[Lord Azrael]

Possibly nothing? Nintendo probably views current Paper Mario as filling that niche, so I'm not sure we'll get an honest to goodness Mario RPG again anytime soon

 

[E.Gadd]

I mean no disrespect to Camelot since I have enjoyed many of their games over the years and consider several of them classics, but after playing Mario Golf: Super Rush's story mode... can't say I'm too eager to see them tackle a Mario RPG these days.

 

[Dardan Sandiego]

Should an internal studio like Camelot pick up the series

Camelot isn't an internal studio, btw. None of the Mario RPG developers have been.

 

[Dark Cloud]

I mean no disrespect to Camelot since I have enjoyed many of their games over the years and consider several of them classics, but after playing Mario Golf: Super Rush's story mode... can't say I'm too eager to see them tackle a Mario RPG these days.

Yeah Camelot has been such a disappointment.

 

[Mekanos]

I expect Paper Mario will keep making Not RPGs and M&L will remain dead.

What I’d like to see is a new take that carries the spirit of SMRPG and the early PM/M&L titles. New dev team, new spin off series entirely. But with the, ahem, Mario council in the background, I don’t know how likely it is to contain those elements.

 

[ILikeFeet]

they'll farm it out to whomever comes to them with a good idea

 

[Clix]

I’d like to see Monolith Soft just so I can see Peach piloting a mecha

 

[Marce-chan]

Open world RPG by Monolith Soft like Xenoblade Chronicles X. I mean that would be wonderful. But never going to happen I know. I think Monolith Soft would do a great job.
I don't know who else tbh. Square is the ideal, maybe the team who's making the 2D HD games, or BDII team, but I don't think they'll step in. As others said I don't believe Intelligent Systems will get Paper Mario back to RPG ever. Hmmmm, maybe From Software.

 

[ILikeFeet]

I’d like to see Monolith Soft just so I can see Peach piloting a mecha

men only want one thing and it's disgusting

 

[Moltres006]

My question is who decides on whether Paper Mario becomes an RPG or not,,,Nintendo or Tanabe?

Because lets say Tanabe retires/quit and someone takes over as producer and he/she wants to work on a proper Paper Mario rpg....would Nintendo allow that?

 

[Dark Cloud]

My question is who decides on whether Paper Mario becomes an RPG or not,,,Nintendo or Tanabe?

Because lets say Tanabe retires/quit and someone takes over as producer and he/she wants to work on a proper Paper Mario rpg....would Nintendo allow that?

Yes, they would. The producer has a lot of say.

 

[Dardan Sandiego]

I expect Paper Mario will keep making Not RPGs and M&L will remain dead.

What I’d like to see is a new take that carries the spirit of SMRPG and the early PM/M&L titles. New dev team, new spin off series entirely. But with the, ahem, Mario council in the background, I don’t know how likely it is to contain those elements.

This is partly why I don’t even really care whether they make Mario RPGs anymore. I still loved Origami King but I’d rather just get something else entirely if they can’t flex within the Mario brand.

 

[TreIII]

Honestly, I'm at the point if I don't even know if I want another Mario RPG, any longer. It's been clear as day we're not going to see any more of the kind of games like the first three Paper Mario titles or AlphaDream's works, because Mario and his world have a certain "image" that must be consistent in spinoffs like these.

So, if anything, I'm more than ready to utilize other franchises where such rulings and oversight wouldn't be nearly as strict for the sake of character development and world building in a RPG. StarFox? Kirby? Maybe even another Metroid Prime spinoff, since Tanabe seems more than fine with expanding the universe and telling stories with his other baby?

 

[Dardan Sandiego]

Honestly, I'm at the point if I don't even know if I want another Mario RPG, any longer. It's been clear as day we're not going to see any more of the kind of games like the first three Paper Mario titles or AlphaDream's works, because Mario and his world have a certain "image" that must be consistent in spinoffs like these.

So, if anything, I'm more than ready to utilize other franchises where such rulings and oversight wouldn't be nearly as strict for the sake of character development and world building in a RPG. StarFox? Kirby? Maybe even another Metroid Prime spinoff, since Tanabe seems more than fine with expanding the universe and telling stories with his other baby?

Wario(Ware) RPG could be dope. They already have a big colourful cast.

 

[VolcanicDynamo]

I honestly think that Spark of Hope is gonna be the closest we're gonna get to a Mario RPG for a long time. Paper Mario is an adventure game series now and has seen success following that path. Mario & Luigi's sales cratered on 3DS after Dream Team and AlphaDream is gone (and with it, the staff that originally made Super Mario RPG). Nintendo now has its original big JRPG IP in the form of Xenoblade, let alone stuff like Golden Sun they could pull out if they want a "new" RPG series. And of course, the Mario brand from Galaxy onward is very different from the Mario brand of the late 90s and early 2000s. I think even a "return to form" won't be what most people want or expect unless Nintendo's view of the brand changes - I have similar feelings over demands for a new Mario Strikers.

Now, ignoring that, what would I want? I'd be up for a return to the original Paper Mario formula, even for a one-off title. I think there's still interesting things that can be done there with more unique and impactful partners, more badges for different builds for Mario, the wacky worldbuilding the originals were known for and a greater focus on the level design akin to the first game. But if the ship has sailed, I still got the original titles, so I'm not too heartbroken. What might be best is a new direction entirely - keep the timed hits if you go turn based, but otherwise start from scratch and build a compelling adventure.

While I'm always up for a Mario adventure, I also think it'd be great to let Peach take the leading role. The princess only has one game where she is the lead, and she deserves more of her own adventures. You could even add in the other Mario ladies, like Daisy, Rosalina and Pauline, for a 4 person party.

 

[TreIII]

Wario(Ware) RPG could be dope. They already have a big colourful cast.

Now, honestly, my bias towards Cap'n Syrup aside, I'd be more than down for this, as well. You could even make the crux of the game be focused on Wario's company making a RPG before they get sucked into the very one they're trying to bring to market.

 

[Gabev]

I’d like to see Monolith Soft just so I can see Peach piloting a mecha

Open world RPG by Monolith Soft like Xenoblade Chronicles X. I mean that would be wonderful. But never going to happen I know. I think Monolith Soft would do a great job.
I don't know who else tbh. Square is the ideal, maybe the team who's making the 2D HD games, or BDII team, but I don't think they'll step in. As others said I don't believe Intelligent Systems will get Paper Mario back to RPG ever. Hmmmm, maybe From Software.

I was just thinking this, when Monolith Soft have an open team let them try their take on a Mario RPG.

 

[Dark Cloud]

I was just thinking this, when Monolith Soft have an open team let them try their take on a Mario RPG.

I hope people don’t jump to conclusions and say they don’t want this because characters will be sexualized. Clearly not understanding Monolith would never make a Mario RPG game like that.

 

[Catalyst]

I hope people don’t jump to conclusions and say they don’t want this because characters will be sexualized. Clearly not understanding Monolith would never make a Mario RPG game like that.

And just as importantly, Nintendo would NEVER allow anyone to overly sexualize Mario characters.

 

[N75]

Depends on where Fujioka, Maekawa and the rest of the AlphaDream/SMRPG gang end up and whether Nintendo is interested in working with them again.

Kinda don't see IntSys going back to turn-based RPGs and Square Enix is a non-starter.

Some of them, including Fujioka, seem to have to joined Mistwalker, but there are still quite a lot unaccounted for.

 

[Dardan Sandiego]

Some of them, including Fujioka, seem to have to joined Mistwalker, but there are still quite a lot unaccounted for.

Oh, that’s interesting. Were they credited in Fantasian or something?

 

[Hocot8]

Yeah...I mean I want a return to the original Paper Mario formula. I did like Origami King and there is success to be had there, but it wasn't as exhilarating and attention grabbing as the OGs.

However, maybe something where Mario and friends are involved. It's not just Mario and new companions. Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Wario, DK are all usable characters with their own attributes. I think there is room for that and whatever Paper Mario is right now.

 

[Clix]

Honestly I want Paper Mario to remain the experimental series and keep new things. I loved Origami King. And I want M & L or whatever comes next with that to be classic RPG.

 

[N75]

Oh, that’s interesting. Were they credited in Fantasian or something?

Yeah. I'm still curious if Nintendo brought some of the others into EPD Tokyo or 1-UP Studio, similar to the Hudson/NDcube migration.

 

[BlueManifest]

We need square to come back and make Mario RPG 2

Nintendos modern day square is monolithsoft so they need to make a new isometric Mario rpg

 

[Wishy-washy]

Nothing that can be predicted. We might end up with something unexpected happening like Rabbids or what have you, but I wouldn't make a bet on it.

 

[Dunban]

Depends on where Fujioka, Maekawa and the rest of the AlphaDream/SMRPG gang end up and whether Nintendo is interested in working with them again.

Kinda don't see IntSys going back to turn-based RPGs and Square Enix is a non-starter.

Sadly this. A new Square collab could work but it's just an unlikely dream.

 

[Dardan Sandiego]

Yeah. I'm still curious if Nintendo brought some of the others into EPD Tokyo or 1-UP Studio, similar to the Hudson/NDcube migration.

I was hoping they’d finf a new home in Monolith Soft, seems like a good fit.

 

[Supreme Overlord]

Nintendos modern day square is monolithsoft so they need to make a new isometric Mario rpg

There's been a brief discussion over I the MonolithSoft thread regarding the possibility of Honne revisiting the general style of games like Baten Kaitos:

Please let Yasuyuki Honne make another game with those beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds. It doesn't have to be Baten Kaitos. He has expressed interest in doing something original with their Kyoto studio in 2018 and they'd be perfect for a spiritual successor to BK.

Mario isn't quite what anyone had had in mind, I don't think, but MonolithSoft should be more than capable of creating something like that.

I was hoping they’d finf a new home in Monolith Soft, seems like a good fit.

And then this possibility would be interesting.

Something in the general style of either Baten Kaitos or Fantasian, with added Mario flair could be a neat way to go, actually.

 

[SuperFakerBros]

Honestly, I'd be more interested in seeing a new IP for a fun action turn-based JRPG or perhaps a different franchise, like Zelda or Splatoon or WarioWare, if they wanna experiment or work with new ideas. It'd be a nice breath of fresh air and wouldn't need to be shackled to previous structures

I think Paper Mario will continue in TOK direction, which I'm not as upset by as I ordinarily would be as TOK was a great time and I'd love to see them improve upon it in the future, and, well, I suppose Mario & Luigi is dead, unfortunately

 

[Dunban]

There's been a brief discussion over I the MonolithSoft thread regarding the possibility of Honne revisiting the general style of games like Baten Kaitos:

Mario isn't quite what anyone had had in mind, I don't think, but MonolithSoft should be more than capable of creating something like that.



And then this possibility would be interesting.

Something in the general style of either Baten Kaitos or Fantasian, with added Mario flair could be a neat way to go, actually.

It could work. Honne could certainly do the Mario aesthetic justice, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I wish for something new from that team instead.

 

[uncleoptimus]

Im expecting Smash Bros RPG any day now.

Maybe thats too crazy. But very least, DK for sure.

Actually I think Kirby would fit in w/o issue too, esp with all the spacey stuff involved w/ Mario. Just imagine Mario and co on a quest to recruit the ultimate power in the universe, the fluffy pink boi

 

[eli]

I’d like to see Monolith Soft just so I can see Peach piloting a mecha

Daemon X Peach

 

[xghost777]

I want Super Mario RPG 2 with Square flavoring the most. Get the Octopath team to collaborate with the Odyssey team so they can dictate the rules rather than the Mario council. Let Paper Mario have a traditional RPG again.

Reading this thread, I’m not remotely sure what a Monolith Mario RPG would look like, so sure let Mario be a hidden guest party member in Xenoblade 3 and let him pilot a mech. “Lets a go” he shouts as he rains missiles and lasers upon his enemies. Let Mario attack and dethrone God inevitably with the gang.

 

[BassForever]

Hopefully some actual rpg mechanics for a change

 

[ReyVGM]

A Mario RPG remake should be next.

 

[The Captain]

I honestly think that Spark of Hope is gonna be the closest we're gonna get to a Mario RPG for a long time. Paper Mario is an adventure game series now and has seen success following that path. Mario & Luigi's sales cratered on 3DS after Dream Team and AlphaDream is gone (and with it, the staff that originally made Super Mario RPG). Nintendo now has its original big JRPG IP in the form of Xenoblade, let alone stuff like Golden Sun they could pull out if they want a "new" RPG series. And of course, the Mario brand from Galaxy onward is very different from the Mario brand of the late 90s and early 2000s. I think even a "return to form" won't be what most people want or expect unless Nintendo's view of the brand changes - I have similar feelings over demands for a new Mario Strikers.

Now, ignoring that, what would I want? I'd be up for a return to the original Paper Mario formula, even for a one-off title. I think there's still interesting things that can be done there with more unique and impactful partners, more badges for different builds for Mario, the wacky worldbuilding the originals were known for and a greater focus on the level design akin to the first game. But if the ship has sailed, I still got the original titles, so I'm not too heartbroken. What might be best is a new direction entirely - keep the timed hits if you go turn based, but otherwise start from scratch and build a compelling adventure.

While I'm always up for a Mario adventure, I also think it'd be great to let Peach take the leading role. The princess only has one game where she is the lead, and she deserves more of her own adventures. You could even add in the other Mario ladies, like Daisy, Rosalina and Pauline, for a 4 person party.

I have a hunch that if they were going to return to the original Paper Mario formula they will first introduce newer gen players with a remake of Paper Mario 64.

 

[Supreme Overlord]

It could work. Honne could certainly do the Mario aesthetic justice, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I wish for something new from that team instead.

No disagreement there. I don't imagine anyone looking for a new Honne gambling that would have Mario very high on the list, for sure, and certainly opportunities would be lost if that team just did new Mario RPGs.

But for all the requests here that MonolithSoft should make a Mario RPG, I think that seems the most likely way these requests are met. For anyone who might be wondering what a MonolithSoft Mario RPG might look like.

 

[Dunban]

No disagreement there. I don't imagine anyone looking for a new Honne gambling that would have Mario very high on the list, for sure, and certainly opportunities would be lost if that team just did new Mario RPGs.

But for all the requests here that MonolithSoft should make a Mario RPG, I think that seems the most likely way these requests are met. For anyone who might be wondering what a MonolithSoft Mario RPG might look like.

That's true. In Baten Kaitos there were certainly towns with aesthetics that would fit a Mario RPG nicely.

Like Reverence in BK1:

Or that Mother game Honne tried to pitch:
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2..._pitching_earthbound_sequel_to_shigesato_itoi

As an artist and an art director he has a wide range.