Unveiling the Epic Length of Mario Games: Top 13 Longest Journeys, According to HowLongToBeat

Highlights

Mario games are known for their varied length, with spin-offs like Paper Mario offering lengthier gameplay experiences compared to the mainline titles. (150 characters)

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is hailed as an exceptional RPG and a beloved addition to the Mario series, showcasing stunning graphics, captivating battles, and concealed treasures.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle defied expectations with its captivating gameplay, extensive storyline, and amusing Rabbid characters, making it an outstanding expansion to the Mario franchise.

Mario games are not typically known for their lengthy gameplay. Both the main platform series and its various spin-offs are generally quick to complete. Most casual players can finish a Mario game in a day without much difficulty. However, the length of a Mario game can vary due to the numerous spin-offs in different genres. While a mainline title may not take a week to complete, a Paper Mario game usually does.

Of course, the duration of a game is not the sole determinant of its quality. Mario games are often perfectly balanced to provide just the right amount of content, without overstaying their welcome. Even the spin-off titles offer only as much gameplay as is necessary. So, based on the average length of the main story playtime according to HowLongToBeat, which Mario game is the longest?

13 Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars

Super Mario Bros. Wonder has garnered widespread acclaim from critics and players alike, establishing itself as one of Nintendo's most exceptional 2D installments in their iconic franchise. Besides its additional content and potential for replayability, the game's main campaign typically requires around 10 hours to finish, which is respectable for this genre of game. Nevertheless, it falls short of matching the length of Mario's lengthiest adventures.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

Super Mario RPG, released on May 13, 1996, for the SNES, has a gameplay duration of 18 hours. Developed by Square Enix, this game revolutionized the Mario franchise by introducing it as a captivating RPG. It offers players a unique perspective of the franchise, featuring engaging turn-based battles and an immersive storyline. Super Mario RPG is widely regarded as one of the finest RPGs ever created and is highly favored among Mario fans.

It had beautiful visuals for the time, some engrossing combat, and some of the best side-quests and hidden secrets to ever grace the series.

12 Super Paper Mario

Super Paper Mario

How long does it take to beat? The game, Super Paper Mario, released on the Wii platform on April 9, 2007, is developed by Intelligent Systems and falls under the genres of RPG, Adventure, and Platformer. It has garnered a special place in the hearts of many Nintendo fans, being one of the company's best systems ever produced. Renowned for its stunning visuals, captivating storyline, extensive gameplay duration, and beloved characters, Super Paper Mario has truly elevated the series to new heights.

The inclusion of the sidescrolling to 3D perspective swap feature gave developers the opportunity to incorporate captivating levels and hidden elements into the release, transforming it into a haven for players who revel in thoroughly exploring every aspect of a game.

11 Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions

The Mario & Luigi games have become a cherished component of the franchise, providing a turn-based RPG experience reminiscent of Paper Mario. However, these games also incorporate a distinct mechanic that involves utilizing both Mario and Luigi simultaneously to solve puzzles and advance through different areas. Superstar Saga, the initial installment in the series, originally released on the Gameboy Advance in 2003. Fans of the more recent titles should take the opportunity to rediscover the origins of this beloved franchise.

The visual style is delightful, the story is captivating, and it incorporates all the gameplay elements that fans have grown to adore. Moreover, it boasts a commendably extensive playtime.

The initial release of Superstar Saga spans across a duration of 18 hours.

10 Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

$30 $60 Save $30How Long To Beat 21 HoursPlatform(s) SwitchReleased October 20, 2022Developer(s) Ubisoft Milan, Ubisoft ParisGenre(s) Strategy $30 at Amazon

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is the unexpected sequel that breathes new life into the popular Kingdom Battle game. Departing from its grid-based predecessor, this 2022 release offers a visually immersive combat experience with a less rigid approach. Although the gameplay remains turn-based at its core, the game cleverly disguises it to create a more seamless flow.

In addition, Sparks of Hope places a stronger emphasis on exploration compared to its predecessor. While the story may spark diverse opinions, this sequel continues to proudly represent the Mario and Rabbids franchises as an exceptional spin-off.

9 Paper Mario: Sticker Star

Paper Mario: Sticker Star

How Long To Beat 21 HoursPlatform(s) 3DSReleased November 11, 2012Developer(s) Intelligent SystemsGenre(s) RPG, Action, Adventure See at Amazon

Paper Mario: Sticker Star received critical acclaim from numerous journalistic outlets and websites upon its release for the 3DS. However, this praise did not resonate with the general public. Many players criticized the game for simplifying the formula by eliminating the level-up system and rendering additional battles "useless" without any form of progression.

For those who appreciate Paper Mario's turn-based battles but prefer to avoid character leveling and grinding, Paper Mario: Sticker Star offers a great experience.

8 Mario's Picross 2

Mario's Picross 2

How Long To Beat 22 HoursPlatform(s) Game BoyReleased October 19, 1996Developer Jupiter, NintendoGenre(s) Puzzle

Mario's Picross 2, also known as Picross 2, is a puzzle game that remained exclusive to Japan, making it unfamiliar to most Western fans. The game involves using logical thinking and numerical clues to reveal different pictures, all while Mario himself observes alongside.

With its portable nature and abundant puzzle content, this game is perfect for making those long car rides fly by. It's truly unfortunate that this enjoyable puzzle game never received an official release in the Western market.

7 Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

How Long To Beat 22 HoursPlatform(s) SwitchReleased August 29, 2017Developer(s) Ubisoft Milan, Ubisoft ParisGenre(s) Strategy $25 at Amazon

The initial announcement of a Mario and Rabbids game was met with skepticism, given the concerns about the perceived annoyance and lackluster qualities of the Rabbids. However, these worries were completely dispelled upon the game's release.

The ultimate outcome proved to be a fantastic contribution to the Mario franchise, offering addictive gameplay reminiscent of X-Com. It is incredibly enjoyable to play, boasts a lengthy storyline, and the Rabbids themselves provide a delightful sense of humor.

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

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey is available for $41, reduced from the original price of $44, saving you $3. With a gameplay duration of 24 hours, this game is for the 3DS platform. It was released on January 11, 2019, and developed by AlphaDream. This adventure and RPG game can be purchased for $41 on Amazon.

Fans of the Mario & Luigi series may be unaware of the existence of this game. Released as a 3DS remake of the third entry in the series, it unfortunately came out at an inopportune time. Despite this, Bowser's Inside Story remains a timeless classic, with the remake retaining all of its charm.

While other RPGs may offer more content, Bowser's Inside Story is perfectly paced and constantly keeps things fresh. The game still includes sidequests and collectibles, and the 3DS remake even adds an extra aspect to the overall experience. Though the art style may not be as polished, everything else the game offers is exceptional. It is also likely the final RPG featuring the beloved Mario and Luigi duo.

5 Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

How Long To Beat 27 HoursPlatform(s) Nintendo 3DSReleased January 22, 2016Developer(s) AlphaDreamGenre(s) RPG $50 at Amazon

Mario and Luigi Paper Jam, possibly the last new title from developer AlphaDream, combines two spin-offs into one RPG. While the game carries the charm of both franchises, it falls short in delivering fresh gameplay. Sadly, true Mario RPG experiences seem to only exist in dreams these days.

Although the game remains an RPG, it leans more towards the Mario and Luigi series rather than Paper Mario. The world and its characters predominantly adhere to AlphaDream's established canon. The battles provide enjoyment and quick paced action, resulting in a satisfying experience. However, it doesn't quite reach the level of quality found in the first three Mario and Luigi games.

4 Paper Mario: The Origami King

Paper Mario: The Origami King

How Long To Beat 27 HoursPlatform(s) SwitchReleased July 17, 2020Developer(s) Intelligent SystemsGenre(s) Action RPG, Adventure $55 at Amazon

Recent Paper Mario titles have deviated from the series' RPG origins. However, as the games adopt a style more reminiscent of the adventure genre, the developers excel at bringing their new vision to life. The latest installment, The Origami King, tells a captivating RPG-like story without placing a heavy emphasis on leveling up and repetitive battles.

As an adventure game, The Origami King offers an array of collectibles waiting to be discovered. From rescuing numerous hidden Toads to uncovering secret items that aid in battles, there are plenty of opportunities to enhance gameplay. The main storyline itself is no slouch either, featuring multiple chapters to explore and formidable bosses to defeat. While it may not be the traditional Paper Mario experience, it doesn't necessarily need to be.

3 Paper Mario: Color Splash

Paper Mario: Color Splash

How Long To Beat 30 HoursPlatform(s) Wii UReleased October 7, 2016Developer(s) Intelligent SystemsGenre(s) RPG, Adventure See at Amazon

Color Splash, one of the Wii U's most visually appealing games (and one of the limited exclusives on the system), has sparked a division of opinions. Despite not addressing the shortcomings of the disliked Sticker Star gameplay, it unexpectedly offers a solid adventure that leaves players yearning for it to be an RPG.

Similar to its successor, Color Splash presents a decent assortment of collectibles and hidden secrets to discover. The expansive, intricately designed world, combined with lengthy chapters, ensures that players will invest a significant amount of time in the game. Completionists may find less content to uncover, but on average, players can expect to derive more enjoyment from Color Splash – that is, if they have the patience to see it through to the end.

2 Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

How Long To Beat 31 HoursPlatform(s) Nintendo GameCubeReleased October 11, 2004Developer(s) Intelligent SystemsGenre(s) RPG, Adventure

The second installment of Paper Mario, The Thousand-Year Door, is highly regarded as either the best or second-best game in the series, according to fans and critics. Upon playing the game, it becomes clear why this is the case. The game boasts a plethora of unique characters with enjoyable personalities, along with genuinely heartwarming moments and an addictive combat system.

The Thousand-Year Door offers a substantial gameplay experience. Its chapters cover multiple areas, although some may rely heavily on backtracking or repetitive tasks (such as Glitzville). With the badge system, players have the opportunity to experiment with various combinations and playstyles. Additionally, the exceptional writing ensures that even the most minute details are engaging to read. The game exudes a certain charm, making it well worth the time and effort to fully explore.

1 Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

How Long To Beat 41 HoursPlatform(s) 3DSReleased August 11, 2013Developer(s) AlphaDreamGenre(s) RPG See at Amazon

AlphaDream's debut on the 3DS, Dream Team, maintained the familiar elements of the Mario & Luigi series. However, some may argue that it relied too heavily on gimmicks, with regular battles taking a backseat to more "interesting" gameplay mechanics. This shift may have turned off fans of the previous titles, but those who persevered were rewarded with a substantial amount of content to explore.

Dream Team consistently ranks among the longest games in virtually every category on HowLongToBeat. The reason for its unusually extensive duration remains a mystery, although it is not surprising to see it at the top. Evidently, the game manages to captivate players well beyond the expectations set by the series.