Paper Mario Review

Paper Mario was one of my favorite games on the Nintendo 64 console, but does it still hold up today as the game I remember? Yes, yes it does.

           With Paper Mario: Color Splash coming next month, I thought it would be nice to take a trip through the past Paper Mario games one more time to prepare for the new upcoming chapter in the series. The original Paper Mario came out on the Nintendo 64 back in 2001. It was the second Mario game to feature RPG-style gameplay, after the justly named Super Mario RPG for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

           Paper Mario is aptly named due to the fact that everything in the game is made of paper. All of the characters, buildings, and areas are made of paper, and this plays into the game’s mechanics. Because Mario is made of paper, you can fit through small cracks in walls and push down scenery objects, such as bushes, to reveal hidden items. These mechanics made the game a huge fan favorite when it came out, as it was novel to play in an RPG world made of paper.To this day, it is still one of my favorite games for the Nintendo 64.

           In Paper Mario, Bowser has stolen the Star Rod, which has the power to grant any wish. The Star Spirits, who originally protected the Star Rod, have been trapped around the Mushroom Kingdom. Using the Star Rod, Bowser takes over Princess Peach’s castle and kidnaps her into his giant floating fortress. It’s up to Mario to rescue the Star Spirits to help him defeat Bowser and save Princess Peach.  

           Mario has to travel to various locations in order to save the Star Spirits. Each area has a unique feel which is embellished by the paper aesthetic. Some areas are fairly characteristic for this kind of game, like a Toad-centered town that acts as the games hub, an icy tundra, and a fiery volcano. But along with those, you visit islands inhabited by Yoshis, a toybox occupied by Shy Guys, and a haunted town occupied by Boos. Each location has its own main boss who must be defeated in order to save a Star Spirit. Mario does not do this alone, however.

           Along the way, Mario meets many allies with special abilities that can help on his journey. There are eight party members in all, and each varies with the ways he or she can help Mario outside of battle. For example,  Bombette the bomb-omb helps Mario by blasting open cracks in walls, and Parakarry the paratroopa carries Mario over large gaps he cannot jump across. Each party member also helps out in battles as well with unique abilities. These abilities enhance every aspect of the game, in and out of battle

           The battle system in Paper Mario is a turn-based. Enemies can be seen before a battle commences, and the battle starts once you touch them. By jumping on or hitting an enemy with your hammer in the overworld, you are given an extra attack in the battle. Enemies can do this too, though, so watch out! Mario’s main attacks are his jump and his hammer. Depending on the ally you have out at the time of the battle, you can use one of their abilities or swap them for an ally better-suited for the enemy you are fighting. Once you start an attack, you have the opportunity to time the attack perfectly for extra damage with the correct button input.   

           There is also a badge system that further alters the effects of attacks.Depending on the badges you have equipped, these extra abilities vary. Badges are scattered throughout the overworld and almost universally give advantages in battle. Some of their special abilities include throwing your hammer to hit enemies on the ceiling, electrifying Mario’s body in order to shock enemies who touch him, and adding extra health to the life meter.

           The RPG elements of Paper Mario make this game difficult at first. Once you get used to the timed hit system, swapping around badges as you gain them, and using your allies’ powers to the fullest in battle, you will start having the time of your life. I have very fond memories of playing this game as a kid and enjoyed it just as much today as I did back then. If you haven’t played Paper Mario or you think it’s time to pick it up again, you can purchase now on the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo Wii U for $9.99!