Definitely one of the most underrated Mario games. A wonderful combination of RPG exploration and story-based adventuring, Pokemon-like stat building and turn-based battles and packed one of the more detailed and in-depth Mario games. It also makes Bowser an actual character unlike most games, rather than just a black-and-white baddie, as well as an array of new faces that are some of the best in the Mario universe. Combat feels satisfying, same goes for building Mario, Luigi and Bowsers stats and equipment. Overall it's an RPG that doesn't feel boring to explore, no walking section feels dragged out, and this is a worryingly good amount of story/lore for a Mario game.