Among devotees of Paper Mario, it’s generally agreed that there are two distinct periods in its 25-year journey: A golden era of role-playing games characterized by a rich cast of characters, and a more experimental phase featuring simpler game mechanics and narratives. Many fans might single out the 2004 release, “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door“, as their preferred title, and with justification. However, when considering the pinnacle of Paper Mario’s prime, one particular installment may stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Super Paper Mario, originally released for the Wii in 2007, plays a unique role as it spans both eras, almost acting like a connecting bridge. While fans often sing high praises for The Thousand-Year Door and express displeasure towards Sticker Star, the discourse around this game that falls right in between these two significantly distinct titles is marked by a greater level of complexity.
In my opinion, Super Paper Mario strikes a perfect balance between the imaginative storytelling and charming characters of the initial games, while also introducing an innovative combat system similar to later titles, but with remarkable success. Personally, I consider Super Paper Mario to be the best in the series, and I believe it’s quietly among the greatest installments in the franchise.
Super Paper Mario Has The Best Story In The Series
A consensus among Paper Mario enthusiasts is that the storyline in Super Paper Mario stands out as exceptional. Initially, it follows a conventional plot of Princess Peach being abducted, but then it ventures into a more ominous direction. Our heroes are tasked with a mission to save not just their world, but the entire universe, which resembles a traditional role-playing game narrative quite closely.
The diverse ensemble of unique characters creates standout scenes, notably the game’s villains: For example, the shapeshifter Mimi adds a chilling element of body horror to the series, and the otaku chameleon Francis boasts some of the funniest writing found in any Mario-related content.
In a captivating twist, Super Paper Mario could be considered the most thrilling narrative within the series. It introduces intriguing plotlines like Luigi’s transformation into the menacing Mr. L, and Mario’s harrowing descent into Hell. However, the emotional heart of this tale revolves around a Romeo and Juliet-inspired love story between Bleck and Tippi, who serves as Mario’s traveling companion. Interludes scattered throughout the chapters delve into their past, culminating in a poignant climax that is sure to tug at heartstrings.
One criticism that some fans might voice about Super Paper Mario is the absence of partners, as featured in the first two games, replaced by Pixls, each providing a distinct ability for the player. Despite not wanting to compare The Thousand-Year Door unfavorably with Super, I found myself missing the character development of partners after their introduction in the former game. In contrast, Super Paper Mario focuses on the core group of characters – Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser – and integrates them fully into the storyline, making it feel more like a genuine role-playing adventure as they take on significant roles rather than just sidekick positions.
Yes, Super Paper Mario Is Still An RPG
One point of debate in the gaming community about “Super Paper Mario” is its real-time combat system, which merges the platforming feel of classic Super Mario games with the Paper Mario universe. Some players don’t categorize it as an RPG due to this unique combat system, but that doesn’t diminish its role-playing game characteristics compared to titles like “Final Fantasy XVI” or any game from developers like BioWare or Bethesda that also feature real-time combat.
In essence, the finer details of “Super Paper Mario” incorporate common Role-Playing Game (RPG) elements such as health points, experience points, level advancement, items, and various statistics that track character development throughout the game. Despite movement consisting of running and jumping, adversaries will still exhibit damage numbers when struck.
Essentially, Super Paper Mario stands out as an enjoyable game due to its slightly easier play style compared to turn-based combat, yet it manages to preserve key aspects from the earlier two games that maintain its connection to the Paper Mario series. The ability to swap between the four primary characters and exploit their unique skills is exhilarating, employing them in various situations and assigning each a significant role.
While not everyone’s favorite within the series, Super Paper Mario certainly holds its ground alongside the first two games during their golden era. Its intricate, emotional, and thought-provoking narrative, combined with its innovative approach to role-playing gameplay, warrants a mention when discussing the standout titles in the acclaimed Paper Mario franchise.
https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/paper-mario-the-thousand-year-door-review/embed/#
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Don’t Miss the BBC Proms 2025: Full Schedule Revealed!
- One Piece’s Anime Unveils First Look at the Final Saga’s Best Scene
- Nobody 2 Streaming Release Date Rumors: When’s It Coming Out on Peacock?
- Ozzy Osbourne and the Memecoin Madness: When Death Becomes a Crypto Trend
- DOGE EUR PREDICTION. DOGE cryptocurrency
- BNSOL PREDICTION. BNSOL cryptocurrency
- Kitty Pryde Just Reclaimed Her Classic Name
- The Boys Season 5 Can Put a Twist on the Most Iconic Death From the Comics
- I’m Still Baffled Why Barb And Star Isn’t As Beloved As Anchorman
2025-08-15 02:47