I'm replaying Mario RPG because I got it for Christmas. On the actual SNES mind you, not the Wii virtual console. I think it's still superior to the Paper Mario and Mario and Luigi series. Except for Superstar Saga.
It has more memorable characters. Geno, and the added personality of Bowser, who pretends to be tough in front of Mario, it's hilarious. AXEM RANGERS. Oh and Booster was great too. It's so funny when he's trying to marry Toadstool and if you don't grab her items you get kissed by Bowser and Booster!
The puzzles are so good. The Pirate Ship was one of the funnest parts in the game. When you have to guess the word, I forgot what it was when I played it 2 years ago (and I probably cheated then). I SWORE it was Oyster and I got so pissed off at the game. And then I solved it without resorting to GameFaq's: Pearls!! I felt so accomplished! I didn't get it until I had the letters P E _ L S right in front of my face, and it triggerd a memory from my childhood.
The minigames are abundant and fun. Toadofsky's music compositions, Midas River, Yoshi racing, Beetle gathering, the gameboy game you get, and more. AND you can fight Culex from Final Fantasy II (IV)!.
Even though the graphics are arguably kind of a mixed bag I prefer them over the cartoony style of the later games.
The battle system is also better. Whereas in the later games the action timed attack are WAY too simplified, it makes the battles fast and enjoyable.
I have fond memories of this game as an 11 year old kid. I bought it on a trip to Kansas with money from my dad. It was $60! And when the internet was in its infancy I visited crappy websites with animated mario gifts and midi's from the game lol. Unfortunately around 2004 my brother decided to give the game to our friend for his birthday. We both replayed it Christmas 2007 on an emulator. But playing on the SNES is alot funner.
The only improvement the later series have added are Surprise attacks if you jump on the enemy on the map screen. I only liked the first Paper Mario on N64 and Superstar Saga.
You can tell this game was a labor of love to Square and Nintendo's fans.

The shortness of it is great. I'm taking my time this time, but it really adds to the replayablity. Plus theres so much to do you can do different things on each playthrough

I agree with the graphics, maybe it's nostalgia talking but I would never replay any of those games, whereas Mario RPG is one of my most favorite games ever, and I replay it almost yearly.

I haven't played Mario and Luigi 3 bowsers inside story although maybe I should, I heard it is better to Partners in Time, which was kinda Meh. LOVED superstar saga tho. Just placed a bid for Mario luigi 3 on ebay!

Ive beaten M n l 2 and 3 and also super paper mario im gonna play the snes one next cant wait. It sounds very good.

i was completely unable to get into super mario rpg despite loving partners in time, i guess i'll give it another try

The only one that matches up in ANY way to the original Mario RPG is the first Paper Mario, and even then, I'd say it's still not quite as good.  The Mario & Luigi games are alright (haven't played the newest one) but they just don't have the nostalgic feel that I'd like them to.