Bug Fables is a truly excellent throwback to flatter stylized, action command filled RPG titles of old. The Paper Mario series introduced a creative aesthetic, and engaging mechanics that allowed the games to stand out even after decades. Unfortunately, the series has seemingly abandoned the later in favor of experimenting with gameplay ideas to mixed results. And wile they are good and engaging, they tended to stay in the simple and easy category.

Almost 2 decades after the release of Paper Mario 2, Bug Fables took everything unique and engaging about the first two Paper titles and built upon the foundation they left. Bug Fables makes no effort to hide its inspirations. It wears them proudly and gives fans of them something different yet very familiar. The game has a good difficulty curve which isn't afraid to challenge the player as they progress, along with the option to activate a hard mode. The writing is charming and fun and the characters are all memorable. Admittedly the early game is a bit slow, and some overworld puzzles do feel like a chore, especially ones revolving around the freeze ability. But once the game picks up some steam, it maintains its momentum.

Even if you weren't a fan of the early Paper Mario games before, Bug Fables provides a lot of reasons to try it beyond scratching a nostalgic itch.