Paper Mario: The Origami King is a role-play game featuring Mario and other Nintendo characters. Although cute and cartoon-like in appearance, these games are known for the quality of writing and the well-balanced and enjoyable turn-based combat.

If you are looking for a good game to start on for younger players, the light narrative, incorporation of platforming elements and bright visuals make these an excellent first role-play game.

The Paper Mario series evolved over the years:

• Paper Mario (2001) on Nintendo 64
• Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004) on GameCube
• Super Paper Mario (2007) on Wii
• Paper Mario: Sticker Star (2012) on Nintendo 3DS
• Paper Mario: Color Splash (2016) on Wii U
• Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020) on Switch

Paper Mario: The Origami King is the latest game in the series, and the first on Nintendo Switch. It takes both the story and interactions in a paper-folding direction. The kingdom has been ravaged by an origami menace! Join Mario and his new partner, Olivia, as they team up with unlikely allies like Bowser and the Toads to battle evil Folded Soldiers.

In this game, there's a new battle twist. You can line up scattered enemies and plan your attack to maximize damage with the new, ring-based battle system that requires both puzzle-solving skills and a quick wit.

In a similar fashion are the Mario & Luigi role-play games:

• Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003) on Game Boy Advance
• Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time (2006) on Nintendo DS
• Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (2009) on Nintendo DS
• Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (2013) on Nintendo 3DS
• Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam (2015) on Nintendo 3DS and a crossover with the Paper Mario series.
• Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions (2017) on Nintendo 3DS as an expanded remake of the GBA game.
• Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey (2019) on Nintendo 3DS as an expanded remake of the DS game.