Despite not expecting it at all going in, Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling might just be my favorite game that I've played so far this year. It's the proper template for a love-letter done right -- to not simply staple oneself to the blueprint of their inspiration and meekly play parakeet, but to establish a cohesive identity beyond that. So many parts of Bug Fables felt so wholly inspired and creative that calling it a clone of anything else feels like a disservice. I wouldn't just suggest Paper Mario fans give Bug Fables a shot (though they absolutely should), but any fans of RPGs, period.

Bug Fables is a truly excellent spiritual successor to the original Paper Mario format. It’s made with loving care and is a lot of fun, and I cannot recommend it enough to those who want to re-live the first two Paper Mario games, or just anyone who wants to play a cute RPG with a lot of heart.

Bug Fables borrows some ideas from other games, but the execution is fantastic, making the most of them. Behind its cartoony art, lies one of the best indie RPGs of the year.

Nintendo hasn't made a true Paper Mario game since 2004's Thousand Year Door, and if you've always wished for another game like those first two in the series then you should probably check this out. It doesn't revolutionize the RPG formula, but Bug Fables shows that you don't need an Italian plumber to have fun playing with paper.