Paper Mario
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About Paper Mario
Paper Mario dropped on the Nintendo 64 in August 2000 before finding homes on Wii and Wii U later. Intelligent Systems crafted this adventure RPG starring Mario, but they stripped away his usual platforming prowess to focus on a paper-thin aesthetic. You navigate the Mushroom Kingdom's varied biomes while solving puzzles and battling foes alongside a cast of recruited companions. The story follows your quest to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser, though the journey feels more like a charming fairy tale than a standard heroic epic. This title stands apart as a turn-based JRPG that prioritizes character interaction and dialogue over reflexes. It remains a distinct entry in a franchise known for fast-paced action, offering a slower, story-driven pace that defined a generation of Nintendo RPGs.
Gameplay
Combat happens on a dedicated screen where you time your jumps and hammer swings to hit enemies with precision. You must dodge attacks by jumping over them or using shields while managing health stars. Outside battles, you explore 2D side-scrolling levels that mix traditional platforming with puzzle solving. The paper art style allows Mario and his friends to fold into different shapes to solve environmental puzzles or reach new areas. You recruit partners like Koops the shell-throwing turtle or Vivian the ghost who join your party for both exploration and combat turns. These partners offer unique abilities that change how you interact with the world and fight bosses. Sessions involve long stretches of dialogue where you choose responses that affect story outcomes, followed by strategic battles requiring careful timing rather than rapid button mashing.
What Players Think
Critics and players have rated Paper Mario exceptionally high since its release. Metacritic lists a 93 out of 100 score while IGDB averages an 88.5 from 257 user ratings. The community mood stays consistently positive, with reviews praising the writing and character depth. Average playtime sits around 24 hours for main story completion, though completionists spend over 35 hours hunting for every secret item. Players often cite the humor in dialogues as a standout feature that keeps them engaged during long stretches of exploration. Community forums frequently discuss optimal partner combinations for specific boss fights, showing deep mechanical engagement. No other site tracks these exact completion metrics or mood scores, but the data shows a game that maintains high satisfaction levels years after launch. The achievement list remains nearly full for dedicated players who want to see every ending variation.
PlayPile's Take
This is worth playing if you prefer story-driven mechanics over reflex-heavy action. At current prices on digital stores, it offers excellent value given the 35-plus hours of content available. The game features a robust achievement system that encourages exploring every nook of the Mushroom Kingdom. Intelligent Systems built something here that does not rely on flashy graphics but instead uses simple paper aesthetics to tell a complex story. You should play this if you enjoy turn-based combat where timing matters more than speed. Do not expect fast-paced platforming like Super Mario Bros. Instead, prepare for a thoughtful adventure where your choices in dialogue actually change how the world reacts to you. It is a solid entry that holds up without needing updates or microtransactions.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
88.5
RAWG Rating
4.4
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