Scoring Note: All fields are scored on a 10-point scale.

You really have to wonder about a game that uses its graphics as its only means of attracting potential buyers. Personally, I know I search for plot and character depth, especially when purchasing an RPG. That’s why, as you’ll no doubt see throughout this report, I don’t truly consider Paper Mario to be an RPG at all- it certainly pales in comparison to its excellent predecessor, Super Mario RPG. Of course, what game wouldn’t?

Storyline: 5

This game sure doesn’t count on its story to carry the load- far from it. It seems to count on uniqueness and past Mario game starvation to sell carts. Remember Super Mario RPG? Well, you won’t see an original boss, immersive side-events, or Moleville in this game. Apparently, we gamers would rather play a redigested version of old stuff (Yoshi’s Story, Super Mario 64, etc.) than enjoy a completely new adventure. Well, maybe I’m a bit daft, but I’ve always liked games with something new to offer. Strange.

Characters: 3.5

All right, I know what you’re thinking. ‘The ol’ rabbit’s gone a bit off the deep end with this one. A 3.5 for characters? There are eight of ‘em in Mario’s party, for crying out loud!’ Exactly. There is a huge surplus of characters in Paper Mario, completely decimating its focal point. Each time one begins to feel comfortable with a character, someone else comes along, and the game leaves no choice- you have to switch to that guy! Instead, the game should concentrate on developing the characters’ personalities, making one feel more at home with them. I could never really warm up to Watt, even though he is some kind of light. I hate to say it, but Super Mario RPG really hit home its characters’ habits well. They’d argue, cry, race around in the spirit of the moment. I miss poor Mallow.

Game play/Interface: 8.5

Now we get to the parts I like. The game play in Paper Mario is sincerely well done. Things are timed well, while the battles go cleanly and crisply. Dialogue is to the point and appropriate, while all aspects of the game are explained even so that Roy can understand them. The interface is also remarkable, extremely simple for an RPG. The pause screens are quite easy to get the hang of, while the drop-down status bar can come and go at will. This, however, is part of the problem. A simplified interface means no exploitation of your enemies’ weaknesses, few attacks, a slow character upgrade rate, and the loss of much battle strategy. The sad part is, I can’t really condemn this category for that, as it simply isn’t all that noticeable unless you’re writing a review for it.

Graphics: 9

All right, they are incredibly boxy and bland, and often become repetitive. There’s no platforming involved at all, and it is possible to do a thorough check of an area in seconds. I don’t even like the things! However, they’re new and original. It’s not easy to put 2D characters into a 3D world. Plus, the game’s entire marketing propaganda revolves around them, so they had to make them good, and they did. Possibly the best renditions are in the LavaLava Island jungle, or atop Shooting Star Summit. It’s alright to just step back and watch sometimes.

Sound: 7.5

The music and effects of Paper Mario, however well heralded, leave a fair bit to be desired. Themes vary from excellent (i.e., level up theme, new party member theme, Mt. Rugged) to ugh (i.e., Peach’s theme, regular battles). Comparing the music of Paper Mario to that of Super Mario RPG is like comparing dusk and dawn. Out with the original new-age themes, in with the old, remixed Mario Bros. 1 tunes! Effects, while well done, really have little impact on the sound in general. Ultimately, the ear candy around the Mushroom Kingdom is good, but not up to the standards of most Role Playing Games.

Value/Replayability: 6

Let’s just say the ‘sophisticated’ gamer won’t exactly be all too thrilled by the thought of trucking through this game again. Much of the motivation to complete Paper Mario comes from the fact that you’ll have great bragging rights, and a sense of completeness. Ultimately, it involves time, not skill, wit, or determination, to beat this game. That’s why I shot it down under value. Although it provides much entertainment, it comes from the wrong source.

Fun Factor!: 9.5

I guess this about sums it up. Paper Mario really doesn’t have much substance to it, yet it is a very addictive game. Most gamers will spend at least 25 hours on it, while that time will not be spread out over a long period of time but condensed into a timeframe of but a few weeks. Somehow, as is the case with virtually every RPG, Paper Mario seems to hit home exactly what is most wanted. Sure, it may not score well on paper, but that has little true influence to a game’s true greatness.

Final Score: 7

The positives:
- A long-awaited sequel
- Mario’s first appearance in a while
- Unique graphics
- User-friendly design and interface
- Addictive

The Negatives:
- Boring, done-it-all-before plot
- Far too many characters, far too few personalities
- Very easy to beat
- Less complex, a disappointment for RPG fans

Although Paper Mario really doesn’t score extremely well, that should not be entirely what a gamer bases his or her purchases on. Remember, there is no true way to rate a game. Although I consider this review fairly unbiased, it is impossible to reduce such a complex game into such simple numbers. Will this game become a classic, even if for its Mario title alone? Probably. Does it deserve it? Probably not, but that is the way with gamers- we’ll take pure, clean fun over a complex, interwoven design. Let’s give Nintendo credit; Paper Mario is a good game. Now, though, I see why it wasn’t named Super Mario RPG 2.

The Bottom Line:

Buy this game if you’re a Mario fan, a younger gamer, or a newcomer to the RPG field. A good recommendation for those of you who just need a break from the Adventure genre or life itself. Pass on it if you’re looking for a diverse, quality Role Playing Game.

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