Paper Mario: The Origami Kingis the newest entry inNintendo’spopularPaper Mariofranchise and the first game in the series to grace the Switch. ThePaper Mario serieshas had its ups and downs over the years, butThe Origami Kingis being considered a strong return to form. The newPaper Mariotitle features a strong story, addictive gameplay, and a fantastic sense of humor.
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One of the most enjoyable elements ofThe Origami Kingis all of the characters that are in the game, some of which are familiar faces and others are brand new. Accordingly, here are the 10 best characters fromPaper Mario: The Origami King,Ranked.
10Spike
Spike are a series of enemies from theSuper Mario franchisethat often get overlooked. They don’t have the same prominence of Goombas or Koopas, and they’re not as strange as Shy Guys. Even still, Spikes stick around andPaper Mario: The Origami Kingfeatures them both in the capacity of invading enemies, but also temporary helpers.
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Spike doesn’t make as big of an impression as some of Mario’s other allies, but he’s full of entertaining dialogue and he’s a fun presence at the brief canned food party that Mario finds himself at.
9Professor Toad
Toadsare a dime a dozen in theMarioseries, but inThe Origami King,one of the more entertaining partners that Mario aligns himself with is Professor Toad. Professor Toad is not only a scholar and an archaeologist, but he can also hold his own in battle.
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Professor Toad is able to help both Mario and Olivia out with ancient clues and riddles, but he’s also able to apply his digging skills both in and outside of battle. Professor Toad fluctuates between courageous and timid, but that just adds more to his character.
8Princess Peach
Princess Peachis usually slotted in the role of Mario’s faithful love interest and damsel in distress andPaper Mario: The Origami Kingdoesn’t mess too much with those ideas. What’s so interesting about Peach’s role inThe Origami Kingis that she’s quickly folded by King Olly and turned into his unwilling slave. Folded Princess Peach submits to Olly and she’s also fashioned into a tapestry that hangs over his throne. It’s a nice change to see Peach transformed and in need of help and it makes the use of her in the conclusion hit even harder.
7Kamek
Kamek is no stranger to thePaper Marioseries, but he’s typically featured as support for Bowser and a magical obstacle for Mario and his team.The Origami Kingmixes things up here and Kamek actually becomes ahelperto both Mario and Olivia as they try to help Bowser reclaim his castle. It’s exciting to get to have Kamek work with Mario and his magic abilities in battle are a great asset. Kamek’s strength comes in handy, but his sarcastic attitude also makes him an entertaining addition to the team.
6Bowser Jr.
Bowser Jr. is typically treated like unbridled id in contrast toBowser’smore reserved megalomania.Paper Mario: The Origami Kingturns Bowser Jr. into a reluctant ally for Mario when Bowser’s castle is taken under siege by King Olly. It’s entertaining to have the rambunctious Bowser Jr. as part of the team, especially when Bowser himself is compromised. It’s always a pleasant sight to see that floating clown car. Some of the best moments in the game also surround Bowser Jr. temporarily being drained of his color and in need of restoration.
5Bowser
Bowser is typically Mario’s arch nemesis, but thePaper Marioseries effectively throws newvillainsinto the mix, with Bowser often becoming a victim himself.Paper Mario: The Origami Kingdoes fantastic work with the ferocious character since it neuters Bowser to be a folded version of himself. This brings out Bowser’s anger in hilarious ways and it’s amazing to see how a clothespin and a giant stapler can be the King of Koopas new greatest rivals. Bowser is one of the best characters inThe Origami Kingbecause of the new role that he’s given.
4Luigi
Luigi’spresence isn’t necessary to make a goodMariogame, but it’s usually more enjoyable when he’s along for the ride in some capacity. Mario and Luigi begin this journey together but find themselves separated for the majority of the game. Luigi is an essential help in terms of locating many lost keys and he temporarily assists Mario in battle, too. The sharp humor inThe Origami Kingis in fine form with Luigi and the game perfectly understands how to treat Mario’s perpetual sidekick.
3The Legion Of Stationery
All of thePaper Mariogames work hard to havebossesthat are not only entertaining, but also humorous.The Origami Kingis perhaps the most successful in this regard and it’s especially obvious with the series of bosses, The Legion of Stationery. These six bosses help King Olly in his domination, but they’re all just office supplies with sentience. They don’t have faces or emotions, but instead are just giant versions of a stapler, tape, or colored pencils. The odd nature of these enemies and Mario fighting against them makes them an extremely memorable collection of foes.
2Bobby
Bobby the Bob-omb is one ofMario’sprimary partners throughoutThe Origami Kingand in terms of all of the characters, he arguably goes through the biggest and most emotional arc out of anyone—Mario included. Bobby enters Mario’s team as a Bob-omb with memory loss who wants to recover his identity. Bobby eventually remembers who he is, but not long after he chooses to make the ultimate sacrifice to keep Olivia safe. It’s a surprisingly powerful moment that also reflects the individual power of all of these enemies that are often seen as disposable throughMariogames.
1Olivia
Olivia is Mario’s main partner throughout his journey inThe Origami Kingand she has a reasonably deep backstory. Olivia is the sister of the evil King Olly, but she’s also been created by him so she can act as yet another cog in his elaborate master plan. Olivia rebels against her brother and instead focuses on helping Mario and rehabilitating the land. Olivia is full of personality and has many of the game’s best lines, but her ability to transform into weapons and objects to assist Mario make her even more entertaining and versatile.
