Aug 15
Super Paper Mario Wii Review
I should start by saying I was a big fan of the original Paper Mario for the Nintendo 64. For the series it was something new, something funny and something down right entertaining. So when Super Paper Mario for the Wii came out, I just had to snatch it up!
As I write this, I’m about 3/4 of the way through the game and everyone keeps asking me how it is, so I thought I’d tell you!
Background
If you’ve never played any of the Paper Mario series here’s the basic breakdown: They basically star Mario and once again he has to save the day. The twist is that while the games are presented in 3D, Mario and company are essentially still 2D sprites. This means that that when they change direct from left to right for instance, in the middle of the animation, they’ll be as flat as a piece of paper. Sure it sounds like a gimmicky concept but it actually provides the way for some cheap jokes, good sight gags, and also a very light hearted humorous tone throughout the games.
The newest kid on the block, Super Paper Mario takes our favorite plumber and has him saving all worlds from devastation from the evil Count Bleck. Along the way he gets help from many of our favorite characters including Princess Peach, Bowser and of course Luigi’s in there too. Mario also encounters beings called Pixis that allow him to do all kinds of zany things INCLUDING flipping between dimensions!This is easily the biggest gameplay feature in the game. If you’re coming upon a bunch of huge enemies for instance that you can’t get past, simply flip between dimensions and walk past them!
Gameplay
Unlike many Wii games, you play this one with JUST the Wiimote and you use it sideways most of the times…MUCH LIKE NES GAMES FROM THE VC! Now at first you’d think this is kinda lame but it really isn’t. Even though most of the game you play with the controller sideways, there are many times where you have to point it at the screen and shoot something, or shake it violently or even carefully tip it this way or that. In the end you’ll be happy that Super Paper Mario didn’t try and abuse the Wiimote’s functionality but added it correctly when it should.
So is it Any Good?
There are things this game has goin’ for it, and things it doesn’t.
What it does right…
- Comedy factor is in full effect
- Graphics while not mind blowing are certainly sharp and fit the game perfectly
- The Wiimote XFactor really make this a blast to play
- It feels like you get your money out of it because it will take you a bunch of hours to finish it.
What it does wrong (imho)…
- The other games play more as RPGs, this one makes an awkward attempt with leveling up, but because of the somewhat linear gameplay, you never notice why you need more HP or attack damage
- Lots of times you feel like this game should be called Wii Super Mario. More than anything else it plays like a really polished platformer and while that can be a good thing, it feels just too simplistic at times. Adults will be bored at times, but kids are sure to love it.
 All in all: Good game. I wouldn’t buy it at full price, but you’re sure to love it either way!
August 15th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
I rented this game when it first came out and have to admit I liked it, but it lost my attention very quickly.
When I was younger I liked these types of games, but anymore I only seem to get into the fighting and sports games. I have Wii Sports, Wii Play, and Mortal Kombat currently. I’ve sold Zelda and a few other games.
August 15th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
A very fine review, Bush! I’m sure my 13yr old son will LOVE this. I’ll drop the link to this post in his mailbox. Thanks & Take Care! Jos:)
August 16th, 2007 at 7:31 am
@Kyle – I think you’ll agree with my review then. *nod* It’s good, but for older gamers it really is an updated platformer. … I think it’s about the best you can do, but the genre is a bit too simplistic to warrant $50. (I didn’t buy it at $50 though (#):D)
@Jos – No problem Jos! I’m glad you found it of use!
August 16th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Hey Bush – I LOVE paper mario. It reminds me of the good ol days. I’ve tried playing the other games, like Sunshine (is it called that, I forget)…but couldn’t get into it. I’ve always finished the paper mario games. I finished the latest one on my Wii a few months back.
August 17th, 2007 at 10:08 am
@Susan – It’s interesting that you say that because well, …I dunno! It’s just interesting to notice that old school platformer gameplay can still entertain gamers because you just don’t see it anywhere it mainstream games these days. *nod* But, leave it to Nintendo to know what the people want! (#):)
September 9th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Yeah well I just got this a few weeks ago, in my opinion its got great graphics, but way too annoying, for the amount of text you need to read, I get sore thumbs from clicking them away, not too mension I keep having to go online and look for tutorials, the game is not very simple, the change to 3D is kool but it gets old when theres nothing fun about it, they should re-create the old games like this or something similar,
I have a ps3 and they designed a system where u can save old games like ps2/ps1 games,
On nintendo wii you would think they cud have set something similar when buying those old NES games, i mean its available on PC emulators so why cant they do it?