Released in the US on February 5th, 2001, Paper Mario was a new Mario RPG game developed for the N64, in which it presented a very striking visual style with all the characters and many other assets constructed in flat, paper-like graphics. And the game is not afraid to poke fun of this fact in the form of many delightful puns and clever animations. In this adventure, Bowser steals Peach's entire castle through use of a Star Rod that grants the holder any wish. Our paper-thin hero, Mario, is then tasked to save the seven star spirits who once guarded this powerful relic and restore the Mushroom Kingdom with the hope of wishes coming true once more. Throughout this journey, Mario befriends many a variety of characters from the Mario universe, who join as allies to assist both in battle and traversing the over-world. It's a neat and memorable aspect of this game as you partner with the unlikeliest of characters, from a Goomba who is Mario's biggest fan to an elegant Boo with a bit of an ego. Each partner is so distinct in personality and attributes that make them each incredibly endearing components of a very classic-feeling and memorable adventure.
Like its predecessor Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars on the SNES, the battle system of Paper Mario, though turn-based, has a compelling mix of action time-based responses in which players can deal extra damage to enemies or reduce damage of oncoming attacks. However, Paper Mario's combat system stands apart with a greater variety of action prompts and strategy to be considered. With jump attacks, hammer attacks, and a variety of other partner moves, players must determine how best to approach battles with enemies of all kinds (spikes, wings, shells and more), as well as what order the enemy should line-up in or what attacks they may be preparing. Even outside the battlegrounds, players must stay wary as advantages or disadvantages can be gained prior to a battle depending on who strikes first in the over-world. Throw in an abundance of interesting and varied badges Mario can equip for new combat moves and perks, and you have a recipe for a deep, rich RPG to play through. Speaking of recipes, there are tons of fun and captivating side activities to be found in this game, from cooking up new food dishes to raising pig farms to baking cakes and so much more.
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| One of the most memorable moments in the game, baking a cake for a chunky shy guy. Weird, but brilliant. |
Perhaps even greater than distinct visual style or satisfying battle mechanics is just the game's willingness to explore new worlds and ideas. The Mario RPG series has been on a bit of a downward trend as of late in its over-reliance of established Mario characters and properties (and so many Toads). What makes the original Paper Mario stand out is its wonderful balance of this classic property though combined with new and interesting ideas. A strange creature by the name of Tubba Blubba that eats Boo's on a gusty and dusty chateau, but holds a dark secret. Or a strange world of flowers who've lost the sun to an evil and overbearing cloud. Paper Mario shows us that creativity and familiarity can still both be achieved in happy harmony. It's a valuable lesson that Nintendo could certainly take note of should they decide to revisit the roots of this creative series again, or any of their franchises for that matter.
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