Summary
While Nintendo has proven Mario’s expertise in the field of platforming, the iconic mascotand his brother Luigihave also participated in their fair share of role-playing games. With thePaper Marioseries, which first started on the Nintendo 64 in 2000, Nintendo has crafted a truly remarkable series of unique and innovative RPGs. NoPaper Mariogame feels entirely similar to the last one, as each has added new ways to play, as well as new combat systems.
Whether it’s the more traditional turn-based systems seen in games like the originalPaper MarioandThe Thousand-Year Door, or the experimental methods of combat that titles likeThe Origami Kingimplemented, the franchise has had a pretty consistent knack for showing different ways of playing. This long-running, massively popular RPG series is one of Nintendo’s best properties and fits alongside theMario & Luigiseries to show that they’re not at all afraid of doing unique things with their classic characters.
As the first and only game in the series released on the Wii,Super Paper Mariohad quite an impact on the franchise. While previous games had cultivated a strong turn-based RPG battle system, combat in the Wii version unfolds morelike a traditionalMariogame. Featuring a party of four - with Mario, Peach, Bowser, and Luigi - combat plays out more like an action RPG.
There’s no battle window, no transition to a new field, it all takes place within the world as players jump on enemies to defeat them and gain experience. It was a pretty radical departure, veering away from the traditional turn-based systems seen in the first two games. Thankfully, the trademark charm and wit help to contextualize the battles in a fun way, and it’s still a blast to play.
The firsthandheldPaper Mariogame,Sticker Star, came out during the time of Miiverse and when Nintendo was adding some unique functions to both the 3DS and Wii U line of systems. Stickers were a key element of Nintendo’s titles at this time, playing a crucial role in this handheld RPG. Mario must collect various stickers that contain offensive and defensive actions, which are then used in battles.
Managing the amount of stickers in the limited inventory space, as well as the size of larger ones, gives the game a unique feeling. It’s one of the more oddball entries in the series, as it’s not exactly similar to the older games, but it combines elements of both modernPaper Marioand older iterations. It’s an intriguing title with a fun combat system that is deserving of a remaster on current hardware.
Paper Mariohad been rather quiet since the previous entry, 2016’sColor Splash, so when it came time to bring the series backon the Nintendo Switch, it did what every other game in the franchise does by surprising people. InPaper Mario: The Origami King, battles unfold in a gladiator-style arena where players control a circular stage.
Lining up enemies in a row gives Mario an advantage and makes attacks stronger. It almost operates like a puzzle game in some ways, as combat revolves around the strategic placement of the battle circle and how best to use it. It was a fantastic return for this lovely series, asThe Origami Kingfollowed series tradition by offering a unique way to fight.
Over time, thePaper Marioseries started to overlap with theMario & Luigigames, as Nintendo had two different RPG spin-off franchises. As a result, Nintendo started figuring out ways to make the two different and, withColor Splash, they did just that on the Wii U. Where the 3DS game relied on stickers,Color Splashmakes use of cards in much the same way.
Upon filling these cards up with paint and utilizing them in battle, the traditionalPaper Mariomethod of using button prompts to increase attacks makes a return. The battle windows are outstanding, and the aesthetic adds some character as the paint splashes off the enemies Mario beats. It’s a fun, engaging system that is one ofPaper Mario’smost overlooked entries.
Nintendo initially offeredPaper Marioto Squaresoft, but their work onFinal Fantasy 7prohibited a reunion between the two companies. As a result, the game was given to Intelligent Systems, who crafted the greatest RPGavailable on the N64. This was especially needed on a console that was severely lacking in the genre, as the turn-based adventure offered up something truly remarkable.
Paper Marioinvented and perfected the trademark style and energy of the franchise’s combat system, with turn-based actions punctuated by button prompts and small mini-games inside each turn that made the battles feel alive. It was a stylish, rewarding system that influenced the direction ofMarioRPGs moving forward and was ground zero for this special series.
The four-year wait between the originalPaper Marioand its sequel was well worth the wait, as it isn’t justone of the GameCube’sgreatest RPGs, but one of the finest Mario games ever produced. And that was thanks in no small part to the battle system, which took everything from the first game and improved it in every single way.
Battles take place on a stage, feeling like a paper play come to life, as Mario and the party engage with enemies. The minute-to-minute actions feel spectacular, as each party member feels unique and fresh. Their turns are enhanced with some fun mini-games, whether it’s using the stick in some way or timing a series of button prompts. The audience can also get involved, either helping or hindering Mario’s party and can even grant the player some items. It’s a fabulous game, which was recently remastered for the Nintendo Switch, making this masterpiece easier than ever to play today.
