Bug Fables Reviews But They End When They Say The Words "Paper Mario"

It's kinda funny.
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[@EluTranBF]

Okay, people are trying to extrapolate a bit more from this than what's simply said in the video, so let me preface and clarify my thoughts and feelings, feel free to disagree. I don't think it's wrong to compare the two, and it's obvious such comparisons are going to be drawn. Especially with how the game wears its inspiration on its sleeve. I'm not saying it's bad to say "Here is what BF is like, it's kinda like Paper Mario but I wanna get into how it uses that as a base and how I feel it stands apart" I think my discontent regarding discussion with Bug Fables is that it's mainly used as a "lmao modern PM sucks, go play BF if you wanna play an actual PM game". Even in one of the latter clips in the video, it starts talking about PM first and leading to their discontent with the franchise, before even mentioning Bug Fables. For comparison, let's take A Hat in Time, for example, which is another indie game heavily inspired by contemporaries in its genre. I'm pointing out that there is a markedly different atmosphere in terms of how both of these games are discussed. Again, if we're simply looking at titles of reviews for the game, Bug Fables is always mentioned in lieu of Paper Mario in the titles of many of said reviews. If you then again look at AHIT, it's not like AHIT is being overtly compared in title to other 3D platformers. That's not to say that those comparisons don't exist, they definitely do. But it's not the focal point of that discussion. You can argue that Bug Fables' scale is held back by the perception of having to be tied to Paper Mario. If we wanted to compare their marketing pushes, they're very similar? They both wear their inspirations on their sleeve, for sure. AHIT's marketing was "An old style collectathon platformer like your favorite games Banjo Kazooie and Mario 64/Sunshine", but again, that's not the focal point of every talk about AHIT. Bug Fables, on the other hand, in terms of its strengths is usually or almost always compared or said in reference to Paper Mario. You can even see that just in review thumbnails as a clear example, but it's way more than just that. (And sure, we could argue back and forth in circles on if BF does more or less to distinguish itself from its inspirations compared to AHIT, but that's not really the point here.) Of course I don't have statistical numbers to back it up either, but I also assure you that I have seen many a statement of people deciding NOT to try Bug Fables because of its use in PM Discourse. And that's exactly the thing, if Paper Mario wasn't so controversial or if more people talked about Bug Fables on its own, without focusing on Paper Mario comparisons, then I could see Bug Fables being larger. Any light on Bug Fables is positive, I agree. It's good it gets more people involved, but I think that it can be constraining that the discussion hasn't grown past Paper Mario and I would love to see framings of talks about it move away from simply "Paper Mario but Bugs". I love BF a lot, I don't mean to stir any bad blood nor am I saying that how people got into the game is wrong. I just want it TO become more big and I genuinely think its able to stand on its own with other indie greats like Celeste, HK, AHIT, etc. Thank you for reading.

[@zennistrad]

Come on now, starting out with Arlo is cheating.

[@Lucario1121]

His shouldn't even be a second since he had "Paper Mario" on the title

[@uiinpui]

@@Lucario1121 like half of them did

[@Workman743]

I think the saddest thing is the last two videos _literally start with Paper Mario footage,_ not even footage of the game they're reviewing. Like good Lord, we get it guys, it's like Paper Mario, let the poor game stand on it's own...

[@JadeiteMcSwag]

its loading zones literally have the same texture as paper mario with the yellow and orange

[@DarkkirbyKRPG]

It's a Paper Mario-inspired spiritual successor. It's like making a Platform Fighter and not expecting a reviewer to mention Smash Bros.

[@KrissyBlues]

@@DarkkirbyKRPG I mean those unyieldy comparisons absolutely killed nick all stars but ok. I don't think it's healthy to put such an extreme emphasis on the inspiration before even really discussing a game on its own merits and prevents these from really growing out into their own proper styles or genres. This only ever really happens with nintendo franchises and i feel like its because nintendo keeps such a stranglehold on its concepts in comparison to other companies

[@alicespalaces]

guys i think bug fables is kinda like paper mario

[@Broswald_Inc]

Me too

[@bencarrington3743]

I think Bug Fables is like a Mario RPG series that isn't Mario & Luigi or SMRPG.

[@gboogie3257]

I want it to be it’s on thing so bad

[@marcia6736]

seriosly?! i thought it was inspired by mario's pinball land

[@sacripan4425]

Based PfP

[@Darviniax]

Try not to say "Paper Mario" in a Bug Fables review challenge *Impossible*

[@robotsafarii]

Maybe Paper Mario is based off of Bug Fables 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@CluelessAnon]

I'm gonna go out of my way to write a video review of Bug Fables that doesn't compare, mention, or allude to Paper Mario at all until the last second whereupon it cuts to the end card.

[@finnvaneekelen4966]

You just say “and yes i know what your thinking. It is heavily inspired by paper mar-

[@dawsachu]

It’s kinda like pa- *gets killed by elu*

[@fortello7219]

Devs: We've finally made our spiritual successor to Paper Mario Reviews: It's similar to Paper Mario, but here's what's different and why you might like it- KZbin: Why does EVERYONE bring up that game when they talk about this?

[@hamsterhuey3880]

Bug Fables really makes you F E E L like Paper Mario

[@JsYTA]

Imagine breaking people's record times because you had a bunch of ads.

[@bencarrington3743]

Oddly enough I got into Bug Fables because lots of people kept complaining about a certain RPG series developed by Intelligent Systems. And heck, I considered it a significantly different experience that was fun as hell. They really did a good job with it, and in the end of the day, I consider it a much different game from a Mario RPG series that isn't Mario & Luigi or SMRPG with its own identity and different mechanics. The soundtrack hits hard and the characters are really likable. I personally like the direction some Indie developers take to get inspired on dormant franchises to try to make it their own. "Wargroove" is a good example as well - being based off Advance Wars*, it has various mechanics similar to it but deviates from it enough so it stands out on its own without looking like a complete copypaste. Panel de Pon (aka Tetris Attack/Puzzle League) has a couple of clones as well (some in development) after not having an official game since 2007 (not counting a small DSi game and an Animal Crossing New Leaf minigame). Coincidentally enough all three of these franchises are all originally developed by the lovable company best known for Fire Emblem (which would've hit the sack had Awakening not done well). *Well we have ReBoot Camp but that got delayed indefinitely due to unfortunate circumstances.

[@TrafficPartyHatTest]

this game is never gonna break out of it's nieche holy shit 😭

[@thurtik5251]

Kinda sad that everybody compares the game to Paper Mario, rather that liking it for what it is. I personally never even knew about Paper Mario before I played Bug Fables, and I like it nonetheless

[@EluTranBF]

Yep yep yep yep. I understand the comparisons, but I find the framing of it immediately being tied to Paper Mario rather than its own thing very diminishing of what the game is and how it's able to stand on its own as a game.

[@robotsafarii]

I got interested in Bug Fables not because of it's similarity to Paper Mario, but because it was an RPG with bugs in it

[@yoshikoopa9545]

Agree 100%

[@zennistrad]

To be fair, I think the developers did invite the comparison themselves. They still go by "Paper Bug Dev" on most social media

[@IglyPig]

I think comparisons are fair when the developers use art design and gameplay mechanics that are heavily influenced by the Paper Mario games. Pretty sure the devs even directly stated the game is inspired by Paper Mario and are not shy about it.

[@Dinoter]

I wanna say thanks you! I add Bug Fables on my list because of your video, I finally play it recently and have a blast! Such a wonderful game, seeing Kabbu, Vi, Leif talking to each other was hilarious. On the other hand, I don't know if I am lucky or not, but I don't even know Paper Mario before, the only one can compare with Bug Fables is Bug Fables. I hope you're doing well😄

[@marcia6736]

when are we gonna get a mario and luigi inspired indie masterpiece?

[@finnvaneekelen4966]

Yeah i want it

[@kumatorahaltmanndreemurr]

I feel like it’s only a matter of time honestly

[@just-mees]

Dude the game literally has the same exact unique artstyle and battle mechanics, it's literally just paper mario but with an original setting and world. I love bug fables to death but it's just true.

[@consideratebulbproductions4277]

That's... Somewhat untrue? Although Bug Fables definitelyutilizes Paper Mario's formula as a heavy foundation, it modified and even improves upon it. Don't know about art style either, besides paper lmao.

[@FloreyXE]

Hot take : Bug fables is really similar to paper Mario

[@PhantomAarantula]

Time to review this game without once mentioning Paper Mario

[@benji-menji]

POV: You have a gun and will shoot anyone who says "Paper Mario" when reviewing your favorite original game.

[@octoberfluteplayer]

For me, when I introduce people to Bug Fables, I try to avoid mentioning Paper Mario. Sure it does take inspiration from the earlier games of the franchise but it really is it’s own thing and MUCH more than just ‘Paper Mario with bugs.’ Also I don’t think you have to know/have played Paper Mario to enjoy Bug Fables. I can speak from myself because while I have never played a Paper Mario game, I loved EVERY second of Bug Fables because I was able to see it and enjoy it for what it is.

[@O_CABBAGE]

"Wow, this amazing game is inspired by the first two games in a beloved series. How dare reveiwers tell people who enjoy those first two games to play it."

[@RoarkeIsBored]

It's funny because I have never played a single Paper Mario game in my life (as of now) and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that Bug Fables is an amazing game that stands on its own without having to share an identity with any preexisting franchises. I kinda hate it when people always have to compare a new/indie game with a completely different game, the two biggest offenders being Earthbound when talking about an RPG set in modern times with funny dialogue, and Dark Souls when talking about an absurdly difficult game that requires trial and error. I think it's important to let games be considered their own thing and not always be lumped in with other games just because it shares some similarities. Also I have no hate towards Earthbound or Dark Souls, both games are good in their own right and have left their impact on the gaming scene. I just don't like how everyone compares them to other games.

[@chippedgoat]

PkmnTrainerAndre jumpscare

[@RoarkeIsBored]

@@chippedgoat Heyo

[@achievedchair17]

Hey guys I think bug fables reminds people of paper mari-AAAAAHHH

[@SuperMarioT]

How fast GameXplain's was got me, lmao

[@DeltaBlazin]

I don't mind when people mention the game as long as they don't shit on Paper Mario for no reason and act like Bug Fables is the second coming of Jesus Christ Like yes Bug Fables is amazing but no need to shit on other games, Paper Mario as it is currently is a dead horse that everyone has been beating on nonstop, we know the games are shit now, thank you. Lets just love bug fables.

[@crazycap2945]

Moral of the story: Treat Bug Fables like the second coming of Christ without even thinking of a 2D red plumber

[@luigimaxwell8946]

im gonna make a bug fables review that starts with "hey elu. Paper Mario."

[@carlitoes9473]

Bro half of those had paper mario footage before bug fables footage 💀

[@Yuti640]

It's been over 15 years since paper

[@Milaneso.]

RPG base on Mario and Luigi

[@westform22]

Just saw a guy on the tiktoks reviewing this game and immediately mentioned paper mario im gonna lose it

[@ronnorhgih3265]

It is literally directly inspired by paper Mario and is a direct rebellion of what that series has come to. Idk why people are so pressed about that???

[@Dairunt1]

I'm going to say the "P" word!

[@bubble_espeon]

When i first played Bug Fables the only paper mario that i played was Super Paper Mario so my experience with the game was mostly separated from its inspiration since I had nothing to compare it to. I dont know where im going with this but i just wanted to share

[@djinnspalace2119]

ironic that i found this while searching for a non-paper mario related review of the game.

[@wompastompa3692]

You know, this game reminds me of Paper Ma-

[@darksquigglyboy]

Bug Fables is easily a top 20 game of all time for me and people really need to stop looking at the Paper Mario similarities and simply treat it as a game by itself. I'm pretty sure the top 100 Steam Reviews for Bug Fables all contain the words "Paper Mario" or reference it in some way.

[@janthejetplane5668]

I've never in my life have played a paper mario game and Bug Fables has landed in my top 2 favorite games of all time, right behind Hollow Knight.

[@yoshikoopa9545]

So like… is this a speed Speedrum category now?

[@gboogie3257]

No surprise lots of people can only see this game for only being the so called “Paper Mario we’ve been waiting for”

[@sacripan4425]

1:31 This one should have ended because of using a paper mario music

[@nokaubure]

Me and all my friends who played this game found it because of being compared to paper mario. I love it but its clear that the game became successful because of it. If someone's reading this never played paper mario ttyd, give it a try, u will love it too.

[@purpleisdebeste]

To be fair, Bug Fables is JUST another Paper Mario game

[@t2id_not_ttyd]

I had a doubt that this game was inspired by old Paper Mario games until I found old videos that say "Paper Bugs" in Bug Fables KZbin channel.

[@PredictableEnigma]

I never even played a paper mario game. Only Bug Fables and I love it. Is it even possible to talk about A video game without also talking about OTHER video games?

[@neonoah3353]

Funny enough, even with nintendo MAYBE making another ttyd, im still more hyped for a not announced bug fables 2 than a new pay per mario.

[@vipervio123]

Can you imagine if all discussion about Hollow Knight was just about it being related to Metroid? That's what it feels like with Bug Fables and it sucks because Bug Fables is super fucking GOATED. I really wish the game was seen more on its own terms, maybe it would have been even bigger! Hollow Knight is a great example actually when it comes to the discussion surrounding the game. It's popular all on its own terms, to the point where for the longest time it actually was the *Metroid-killer* (Metroid had a new game release the same year as HK but it got very little attention), and when Metroid Dread released, that game had to be judged by the standards *Hollow Knight* set. I really wish Bug Fables had this same popularity, but all most ppl say in regard to the game is that it's the "Paper Mario-killer" when it's so much more than that.

[@jannanasi4444]

jan pi Malio sitelen (anu... sitelen Malio?)

[@StealthySceptile]

ni li Malio sitelen

[@kumatorahaltmanndreemurr]

This reminds me of how Undertale often gets boiled down to “EarthBound spiritual successor” in discussions about the game. If you’ve actually played both games, they have some similarities but way more differences (despite both being great games). I wonder how many people who compare EB and UT have _actually_ played EarthBound to completion, and I wonder the same thing in regards to Bug Fables and Paper Mario.

[@jefferyandbob3137]

I like Bug Fables and I get that it’s fans can get frustrated by the constant comparisons, but I don’t think this is a good comparison. Undertale has a very strong identity of its own in both story and gameplay, and I honestly haven’t seen many people call it an Earthbound successor, just that it takes some inspiration (I’ve seen more people relating it to Super Paper Mario honestly). Bug Fables on the other hand heavily invite the comparison: a big part of the advertising was that it was a successor to old PM, it borrows the paper art style, it takes big cues from the battle systems, badges are basically lifted (I think they even added some unused badges from 64 fans liked) and Chapter 4 is extremely similar to 64’s Chapter 2. It also tends to follow a lot of generic story tropes, which isn’t bad but it doesn’t help differentiate it from Mario.

[@silverflight01]

Yeah, people comparing it to Paper Mario is a bit cheap, but I definitely would agree with one person who said that this game was "a developer's response to Nintendo being in denial that Sticker Star was bad" Of course I don't actually know how true the denial part is now considering recent news

[@scantyer]

baber bario

[@glaze1998]

Game explain with that mentioning paper Mario speed run world record

[@the_patch_notes]

Well that didn’t take long lmao

[@itscoleonyoutube]

Catchy idea

[@Franc1sYeah]

Umdert

[@bobbyray911]

love it!

[@Vixcitement]

Wonder what bug fables is based on

[@gr8moon]

people who call bug fables a paper mario rip-off: 🤓

[@zturtle1630]

lmao

[@Wiipodicus]

thats why i bought it. I was like siick its like thing i like but is also its own thing 2/2 poggies. Tuber's could certainly do better making content that isnt just "it makes you feel like batman" or w/e

[@skylarsworld9477]

What