With Mario & Luigi Brothership releasing this November, we decided to look back at of all of the games in the series and list them from worst to best. Now defunct-developer AlphaDream developed seven titles between 2003-2019. Although we ranked these games from worst to best, just remember that we believe all games in the series are solid RPG titles. Without further ado, let's take a look back at all the current Mario & Luigi games released so far.

What Are The Best & Worst Mario & Luigi Games?

7. Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Mario & Luigi Paper Jam was an interesting clash of both the AlphaDream RPG series, and Intelligent System's Paper Mario series. Furthermore, it was the last original Mario & Luigi title from AlphaDream, who went on to create two more remakes before going defunct. The story involves the dynamic duo teaming up with Paper Mario to save Princess Peach from Bowser.

While great in concept, Paper Jam itself wasn't anything groundbreaking. The story was pretty simple compared to other entries in the series, and the environments aren't as creative as in the other games. Sure, exploring with Paper Mario made for some creative puzzles, but we felt more could be done here. The same goes for combat, as the Battle Card system was good, but not jaw-dropping.

Another thing that's unfortunate to hear is that the developers ultimately decided to scrap the idea of adding Paper-Luigi as a playable character. Personally I think the game feels a bit too basic and simple, especially compared to previous entries.

Nevertheless, the game is still cool because of its unique cross-over. The visuals look pretty cool, the combat is still, at its core, fun, and it offers a classic Mario & Luigi experience.

6. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

It was difficult finding a spot for Dream, which is a good game. However, we just felt most other entries in the series offered a bit more in terms of story. However, that doesn't mean Dream Team is a bad game. On the contrary, Dream Team offers some interesting things not seen elsewhere in the series.

For one, Dream Team lets you literally travel across different dream worlds, which lead to some cool environments and changes the gameplay experience. Furthermore, the game also puts a much bigger focus on Luigi, who has always been under-represented. And the new abilities and Bros. Attacks are some of the coolest in the series. The game also makes good use of the Dual Screen of the 3DS.

Overall, Dream Team makes for a great entry, especially for our Luigi fans. And if you want a regular Mario & Luigi formula that just features the two brothers, this experience offers what you're looking for. Don't sleep on Dream Team!

5. Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

Platform: Nintendo DS

Bowser's Inside Story is perhaps one of the most unique entry in the series, as players control both Bowser and our iconic duo. Furthermore, the game brings back Fawful, an antagonist from Superstar Saga, making him the game's main antagonist. We loved the idea of the series continuing the story of Cackletta's servant, and putting him center stage in this title.

But perhaps the craziest thing about this game is that a lot of it takes place within the King of the Koopa's body. Fawful tricks Bowser into eating the “Vacuum Shroom” which lets him inhale anything. With this Kirby-like ability, Bowser inhales many of the star cast members, shrinking them down to microscopic size. You control both the Bros, and Bowser, as you seek to stop Fawful.

Bowser's Inside story is typically considered one of the best in the series. Although you might be confused to see it higher on this list, rest assured there's a reason for this. And make no mistake, Bowser's Inside Story is a fantastic game.

4. Mario & Luigi Partners In Time

Platform: Nintendo DS

In this game, Mario & Luigi time up with their baby counterparts as they fight off an alien invasion that spans across time itself. What separates this game from the rest of the series is that you now use four characters instead of the typical two (or three, in some cases). For us, this made the combat a lot more creative than the rest of the titles.

Furthermore, Partners In Time's time-traveling mechanic made traveling the world more exciting. By seeing the same area in both the past and present, you could see just how much has changed due to the events of the story. And the environments were also exciting, as we get to explore places like a Dinosaur's belly, and an alien mothership.

Of course, some felt the story of Partners In Time wasn't as creative as the others, and that there could've been more done with the two new playable characters. Nevertheless, we feel it made for an excellent entry in the series. We would love to see the four team up once again in another adventure someday.

3. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Platform: Gameboy Advance

Remakes aside, Superstar Saga is our favorite Mario & Luigi game. From creative story, to the world of the BeanBean Kingdom, Superstar Saga felt like a breath of fresh air for Mario games. And there are a ton of environments to explore in this vast land that borders the Mushroom Kingdom.

Another thing we like about this game is the diversity of boss battles. You'll find yourself fighting against angry Soda bottle monsters, a momma Piranha Plant, the literal Queen of a nation, and much more. It's epic, funny, and heartwarming. Mario & Luigi's Sprites always make things more fun with their colorful expressions, making the whole thing an endearing experience. Coupled with a nice soundtrack, Superstar Saga is always fun to re-visit, decades after it's initial release.

The one thing that I will say about this game is that, since it's the first in the series, it might not have all the new gimmicks and features of the newer ones. However, that's what makes it so good. Superstar Saga doesn't need insane mechanics to deliver it's great gameplay and awesome story. It's no doubt our favorite original entry in the series so far.

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

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Now you hopefully see why we put the original title a bit higher up. That is because we feel the remake of Bowser's Inside Story is the superior version, thanks to it's quality-of-life improvements. The game still offers the same classic story, but with re-worked special moves and a brand new Bowser Jr. campaign.

Speaking of the new campaign, it's a blast! We love Bowser Jr's adventure, and watching an actual sense of character development within him. While Bowser is off with the Mario Bros., Junior must deal with another serous issue affecting his underlings.

Unfortunately, the remake went on to be the worst-selling Mario & Luigi Game of all-time. In 2019, many players had moved on from the 3DS and onto the Nintendo Switch. Because of this, one of the best games in the series ultimate led to AlphaDream's bankruptcy. However, that does not take from the fact that it was still a great game.

Regardless, the Bowser's Inside Story remake was a great addition to the series, and one we recommend for newcomers of the series.

1. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

As a remake of the original, there's not much more to say here other than it feels improved in a lot of ways. The new quality of life improvements make the game more convenient, like being able to save from any location. Furthermore, the ability to fast-forward cutscenes is nice, though it's not like they were too long in the original anyway.

Instead of the classic Mario Bros. Arcade Game, the remake adds a new story called Minion Quest. This mode follows along with the main story, and follows Bowser's loyal underlings as they search for their leader. This mode comes with a brand new combat system full of new allies, enemy types, and much more. For a side mode to a remake, Minion Quest sure does feel like a nice addition. While it's not the main reason you should play this game, it's a nice break from the main story.

The only thing we prefer with the original over the remake is that we like the older GBA sprites and soundtrack better. However, Superstar Saga's remake still delivers a visually pleasing experience. Although AlphaDream was never able to make anything new after Paper Jam, these remakes did feel like love letters to the fans.

Overall, that concludes our list of all Mario & Luigi Games ranked worst to best. Mario & Luigi Brothership continues the series later this year, with a whole new adventure for the brothers to experience. We look forward to seeing this series step onto the Nintendo Switch for the first time in its history.

For more gaming news, visit ClutchPoints. Furthermore, subscribe to our gaming newsletter for more weekly info.