Paper Mario (v2) on N64 is one of those games that just sticks with you. The whole world looks like it’s made of paper—not in a cheap way, but with this weirdly charming style where characters fold and flip like living origami. You start off as Mario (obviously), but instead of just jumping on Goombas, you’re teaming up with weird little allies—a bomb-omb with commitment issues, a sassy star spirit, that kind of thing.

The battles are turn-based, but they spice it up with timed button presses to boost your attacks or block damage. Mess up the timing, and you’ll feel it—those Hammer Bros. don’t play around. And the writing? Surprisingly funny. Like, Bowser’s dialogue is just him being a lovable idiot the whole time.

It’s got that old-school RPG grind if you want it, but the puzzles and exploration keep things from feeling stale. Definitely one of the N64’s hidden gems if you’re into RPGs with personality.