Paper Mario: Sticker Star

 3DS
User Score
5.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 613 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 221 out of 613
  2. Mixed: 161 out of 613
  3. Negative: 231 out of 613
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  1. AZWification
    Nov 11, 2012
    8
    Wow. It's been 5 years since the last Paper Mario game. I just hope I don't have to wait that much for the next one. Anyway, Paper Mario Sticker Star it's one great game. I like the fact that is turn-based like the good old days, but I also like that it keeps the feel of a 2D game that SPM had. The idea of collecting stickers to do attacks was dumb at first, but after trying it, IWow. It's been 5 years since the last Paper Mario game. I just hope I don't have to wait that much for the next one. Anyway, Paper Mario Sticker Star it's one great game. I like the fact that is turn-based like the good old days, but I also like that it keeps the feel of a 2D game that SPM had. The idea of collecting stickers to do attacks was dumb at first, but after trying it, I loved it. The main theme it's one of the best Paper Mario has to offer in terms of music. Just search it on YT. The visual style it's nice, nothing too different from PM2 and SPM. The thing I don't like about the game it's the design of some levels can be a little confusing at times. There are no partners or badges in this game which pisses me off. In conclusion, Sticker Star it's a good game, but it kinda lacks the appeal of the other games in the series.… Expand
  2. DaveDynamite1
    Mar 9, 2013
    10
    I am a big Paper Mario fan and I have kept up with the series since it ever came out. In my opinion I think this is one of the best Paper Mario games in the franchise. I have to admit that some of the RPG elements are gone but to me this game was fantastic with it's game play and fun ways in using different stickers. This game also was also harder than the other game, giving me a challengeI am a big Paper Mario fan and I have kept up with the series since it ever came out. In my opinion I think this is one of the best Paper Mario games in the franchise. I have to admit that some of the RPG elements are gone but to me this game was fantastic with it's game play and fun ways in using different stickers. This game also was also harder than the other game, giving me a challenge on what stickers I need to defeat each enemy. I think this also had great 3D visuals and I loved how this Paper Mario game made the world more paper like than any of the other games in the series. This game is fun and well made and is a great game for the Nintendo 3DS. Long live Paper Mario!… Expand
  3. Julio12
    Nov 29, 2012
    8
    My only complains are that the game feels a little linear to me and the lack of incentives for the battles other than healing, coins and stickers.
    The things I liked the most are the sticker system, it makes you manage more thoughtfully the stickers you carry and finally the humor of the game is just right, it's a light RPG for the go.
  4. Giga_Gamby
    Mar 29, 2014
    3
    Before we tackle why I gave this a 3, let's discuss what made it's predecessors great. First, the RPG elements made each battle worth it, with minimal grinding, battles were always enjoyable and it felt as if you were making a difference. Unfortunately, Sticker Star did not live up to this, with no RPG elements within the game it made battling a chore. The sticker system made it so you areBefore we tackle why I gave this a 3, let's discuss what made it's predecessors great. First, the RPG elements made each battle worth it, with minimal grinding, battles were always enjoyable and it felt as if you were making a difference. Unfortunately, Sticker Star did not live up to this, with no RPG elements within the game it made battling a chore. The sticker system made it so you are forced to attack with the penalty of losing a sticker when you use it, and what do you get after wasting your time battling? Coins used to buy more stickers and replace the ones you just used. It's just a circle of buy and use giving no incentive for battle.
    Another specialty the past games had was partners. The partner system gave the past games a sense of difference between other RPG's. Although Super Paper Mario was a bit iffy with their partner system, I still enjoyed the execution I've played and beat all past Paper Mario games and was eagerly awaiting to see what partners were to come. My hopes fell flat when I saw no partners in the game whatsoever. Instead there's an annoying crown shaped sprite following you throughout your useless journey.
    Also, the open world in previous games gave a sense of freedom throughout the game. All games lived up to this, from roaming the main towns, to warping through the doors of flipside. I was again disappointed with the the generic travel through level select. I'm not saying level select is bad, but Paper Mario wise, it should be a necessity.
    Lastly, the execution of story line. Past games have impacted my childhood like no game could have ever had. I remember saving the Mushroom Kingdom, the world, then the entire universe! It was a delightful adventure that I will always treasure from my childhood. What's the story line here?... Rescue the royal stickers... why? Because of the sticker festival in the beginning... This poor presentation of what I'm fighting for gives little to no incentive for me to complete the game. "Hooray! I got all the Royal Stickers!" "Now we can party!" That's just not appealing to me whatsoever.
    Now that we got the comparison between predecessors, let's talk about why it was a bad game... Everything above! No RPG elements, partners, open world, or story makes this "adventure" fall flat on its face and has forced me to give it a painful score of 3.
    It's as the title predicts, it's 2 dimensional. If you haven't played the past games, play those instead of this paper thin mess.    … Expand
  5. greninjaX
    Jul 20, 2020
    0
    this game is trash. the other 3 paper Mario games before it were much better. play those instead
  6. sbussinger
    Nov 11, 2012
    8
    Even though it is way better than the one on Wii, it still isn't better than the ones Gamecube and N64. It still is a great game though. It still has great humor and alot of great battles and the sticker combat system is a great feature that adds alot to the game.
  7. CaptainCool246
    Dec 8, 2012
    9
    This Paper Mario is fantastic! it feels fresh and new and exciting to play. Fans of the series might find some of the changes made to this game a hit or miss but i truly enjoy the gameplay as a whole and find it to have a large fun factor. The Paper Mario series is known for its comedy and fun bright and colorful environments which are all held in tact in this game along with great musicThis Paper Mario is fantastic! it feels fresh and new and exciting to play. Fans of the series might find some of the changes made to this game a hit or miss but i truly enjoy the gameplay as a whole and find it to have a large fun factor. The Paper Mario series is known for its comedy and fun bright and colorful environments which are all held in tact in this game along with great music and fun characters. This is a game that was made to be played for fun as all games should be but sadly many can't get that aspect right. If you are new to the series there isn't much of a learning curve you can learn the combat and main mechanics quite easily so you can be better equipped to face the challenges ahead. And speaking of challenge this game has a fair challenge to it not over the top like some games but enough to make you look before you leap and use more problem solving in certain situations. Overall i'd recommend this game highly to anyone looking for something fun cause thats what this game does best!… Expand
  8. AdolfNixon
    Dec 19, 2012
    9
    While fans of the Paper Mario series may be disappointed if they were hoping for a return to the classic RPG gameplay, if you stick it out and play the game anyways, you'll be rewarded with a unique, if slightly flawed, experience.
    . The Sticker system used by the game feels gimmicky at first, but as you play you'll realise the system actually forces you fight more strategically than    While fans of the Paper Mario series may be disappointed if they were hoping for a return to the classic RPG gameplay, if you stick it out and play the game anyways, you'll be rewarded with a unique, if slightly flawed, experience.
    . The Sticker system used by the game feels gimmicky at first, but as you play you'll realise the system actually forces you fight more strategically than Flower Points of past games ever did. You used to be able to play an extremely flashy move and just restore your Flower Points to do it again, in Sticker Star, use your most powerful sticker, and it'll be the last time you do until you can get another of those stickers. Large stickers do more damage, but they take up more room. Then there's thing stickers. These unique stickers represent 3D objects you've flattened into sticker form, you'll need them to solve puzzles and move forward within the game. This includes the puzzle of finding each boss's weakness and making them much more manageable to defeat. Keep in mind as you play that nontraditional thinking is the way of Paper Mario, and each puzzle may not be fixed by the most logical method. The system will keep you planning ahead for what you'll need later in the game.

    The battle system itself works similar to the original Paper Mario, pick the right attack, and time it right to do extra damage. Then block wheny our enemy attacks. The only real difference is that instead of an unlimited number of attacks, your moves are now represented by stickers. While definitely a fun system, the problem isn't with the mechanics of fighting, rather than your motivation to fight itself. With no exp or levels gained from fighting, only coins, you'll find yourself avoiding fights the entire game. The plot is lacking, just a standard Bowser snatches up Princess Peach story, I must admit I was expecting more from a Paper Mario game. Overall, risks were taken, and while Nintendo found a fun new gameplay, it needs to be refined before they use it again, which I honestly hope they do. Keep the classic Paper Mario formula for the consoles, this sticker based formula works great for the ds.    … Expand
  9. Sniffychimp
    Nov 11, 2012
    9
    While many of the core mechanics are just different enough to concern many long-time fans, fear not! This is certainly the heir to the Paper Mario lineage! Those that accept the sticker collect-a-thon will get dozens of hours of fun from this great game.
  10. iloveFFC
    Feb 15, 2013
    8
    This game was my least favorite in the paper mario series, it is extremely hard to finish without a game guide, it doesn't communicate with the player enough, the boss battles require specific hidden thing stickers that if the player doesn't find or use in battle, they will not be able to finish the boss fight, the availability of stickers is good though, and the levels (most of them) areThis game was my least favorite in the paper mario series, it is extremely hard to finish without a game guide, it doesn't communicate with the player enough, the boss battles require specific hidden thing stickers that if the player doesn't find or use in battle, they will not be able to finish the boss fight, the availability of stickers is good though, and the levels (most of them) are nicely done and sometimes pretty fun, but i dont see a use to the run away button if its a 50/50 chance to actually run away from a battle, it should be 100% if you tap A repeatedly.
    Final Score: 7.5, but there's no halfway scoring option T.T    … Expand
  11. indoGAMER
    Mar 13, 2013
    8
    Yep, I'm really enjoying sticking stickers for this Paper Mario sequel. And not just that, this Paper Mario sequel features a new RPG-looking that much like a paper.
  12. ShellGames
    Dec 15, 2012
    8
    Sempre é difícil quando um game muda seu gênero completamente, mostrando uma outra proposta e uma outra dinâmica aos gamers pelo mundo. Com esse Paper Mario não foi diferente. Sticker Star nos mostra algo realmente novo, mas não tão encantador como fora as outras séries de Mario de papel. Os outros Paper Marios (principalmente do N64)Sempre é difícil quando um game muda seu gênero completamente, mostrando uma outra proposta e uma outra dinâmica aos gamers pelo mundo. Com esse Paper Mario não foi diferente. Sticker Star nos mostra algo realmente novo, mas não tão encantador como fora as outras séries de Mario de papel. Os outros Paper Marios (principalmente do N64) foram clássicos e marcaram toda uma geração. ST, para quem é novo nesses mares, pode ser algo frustrante ou algo realmente bom. Mas para quem é velho de guerra pode se decepcionar muito com o game, fato esse os próprios Stickers ou selos. Mas quando se joga a fundo o jogo, vê-se que a Nintendo mais uma vez cala a boca dos haters dando aos jogadores algo novo e muito prático de ser usado. O sistema de leveis não existe mais, isso é bem verdade, todavia as batalhas ficaram muito mais rápidas e muito mais dinâmicas. Não há aquela necessidade monótona de enfrentar todo os inimigos do mapa a fim de evoluir no game. Apesar de ser taxado como RPG, acredito que ST esteja mais para um game mix de ação com plataforma com pitadas temperadas de RPG. Os selos são super variados, simples de se usar, caros nas lojas (mas chove dinheiro nesse game) e com efeitos muito legais. Os gráficos são bons, mas poderiam ser infinitamente melhores, contudo houve uma grande preocupação da Nintendo em mostrar os efeitos físicos do papel. Exemplo: quando se usa um ataque de água, o inimigo morre literalmente morre encharcado assim como fica um papel quando jogado em um balde d'agua; quando se usa a Fire Flower, os inimigos carbonizam e viram pó. Essas e mais coisas são legais de se ver e é gratificante ver o esforço feito nessa parte. Mas os gráficos poderiam ter sido mais caprichados e polidos. O game não é tão grande assim. Acredito que tenha horas suficientes e não chega a cansar o jogador. Se você ainda não jogou, jogue,… Expand
  13. dharma
    Nov 25, 2012
    8
    Do you want a hardcore Mario game? Paper Mario: Sticker Star is tougher than its predecessor and a surprisingly hardcore experience. Puzzles are sometimes difficult to solve; bosses battles are long and difficult (especially if you can't figure out their secrets). Many reviewers criticised its linearity and I have to agree with that. Lose a valuable sticker..BAM...you're either stuck orDo you want a hardcore Mario game? Paper Mario: Sticker Star is tougher than its predecessor and a surprisingly hardcore experience. Puzzles are sometimes difficult to solve; bosses battles are long and difficult (especially if you can't figure out their secrets). Many reviewers criticised its linearity and I have to agree with that. Lose a valuable sticker..BAM...you're either stuck or dead. Nevertheless, the game is so charming, funny and unique that you forgive the occasional frustration.… Expand
  14. SwitSwat
    Nov 28, 2012
    9
    Since I grew up with Paper Mario I have come to love the series with TTYD being my favorite, I went out and bought a 3DS XL just for this game (for now). The game immediately caught my attention when first playing it because of the unique changes they made to fit the criteria of the 3DS. I noticed right away that they discarded the "non-battle sequence" found in Super Paper Mario and putSince I grew up with Paper Mario I have come to love the series with TTYD being my favorite, I went out and bought a 3DS XL just for this game (for now). The game immediately caught my attention when first playing it because of the unique changes they made to fit the criteria of the 3DS. I noticed right away that they discarded the "non-battle sequence" found in Super Paper Mario and put in the basic idea of RPG fighting seen in Paper Mario (1) and TTYD, which was very nice addition. The new fighting mechanics of using stickers to fight can sometimes be a bit frustrating in some cases if you don't have enough stickers. Basically, if you don't have enough stickers you are forced to look for more to do battle. And by battles, I mean boss battles, as there are almost no reasons to fight enemies unless you want coins or some other stickers. And this leads me to another minor flaw about the game... Battles offer no real reward as in the previous titles. All you get are coins, like I already said. But those minor flaws don't really interfere with the rest of the reasons why I think it's a great game and it deserves its share of praise. Paper Mario: Sticker Star might not be the best game in the series, but it isn't the worst either. That said I give the game a high 9/10.… Expand
  15. malypso
    Nov 13, 2012
    10
    At first, Paper Mario will look like a smaller version of the RPG classic we've learned to love, but after the first 10 hours you'll realize that it's just as big (if not bigger), than its older brother. Paper Mario is a solid adventure with some reworked RPG elements, that have been modified to fit a handheld, and it does an excellent job in doing so. I'll give you the basics and what youAt first, Paper Mario will look like a smaller version of the RPG classic we've learned to love, but after the first 10 hours you'll realize that it's just as big (if not bigger), than its older brother. Paper Mario is a solid adventure with some reworked RPG elements, that have been modified to fit a handheld, and it does an excellent job in doing so. I'll give you the basics and what you need to know in deciding if this title is for you or not. The combat has been completely overhauled into a strategic battle that is turned based and executed with stickers. Instead of leveling up. Some people might not like that idea but for me it works great! Finding heart pieces to extend your life bar and stickers to make you more powerful works really well and I found myself liking it a bit more than having to level grind to get stronger. The point of battles is to acquire some rare stickers "at times", and coins to purchase and convert rare items (things), into stickers to unlock SEVERAL hidden areas. This game is HUGE and full of hidden areas that are only unlocked with rare stickers you might find in other areas. Paper Mario does a fantastic job in NOT holding your hand and making you actually think on were to go next. It is not linear and has a map that reminds me of SMW(SNES), where you are able to unlock certain areas after completing such and such objectives. Paper Mario focuses more on an adventure with some platforming but stays true to its roots. Combat is even more complex and could be easy or difficult, depending on your knowledge and album size; that's right, your able to upgrade your album as you progress to fit more stickers in. As I mentioned before, instead of leveling up, you have to find heart pieces and expand your album as you progress which actually is sort of like leveling up, without actually making your attack stronger, the stickers you find along the way make your attacks stronger. The rarer the sticker the stronger your attack so it evens itself out. I can't stress how beautiful the overall world is! This is truly a remarkable game that utilizes the 3D function to the fullest extent. I honestly was skeptical on getting this but am sure glad I did, because Paper Mario Sticker Star is one of the better titles in the series since Paper Mario 64. GET THIS GAME, but be warned that it is re-worked to be played on the go and is more like a wonderful adventure filled with puzzles and witty humor, instead of the traditional leveling up system. Either way, the combat is just as entertaining and satisfying as the previous versions. It's all up to the stickers and how you use them that will decide if your able to achieve victory... Enjoy!… Expand
  16. TheRedSnifit
    Nov 21, 2012
    9
    Sticker Star, like all the other games in the series, is a brilliantly-crafted game. The stickers, although they may feel gimmicky at first, turn out to be an entertaining addition to the game. The writing, as always, is consistently entertaining; there aren't many other Mario characters who repeatedly mock Kamek and his magikoopa brethren for being a hipster, and the visual presentationSticker Star, like all the other games in the series, is a brilliantly-crafted game. The stickers, although they may feel gimmicky at first, turn out to be an entertaining addition to the game. The writing, as always, is consistently entertaining; there aren't many other Mario characters who repeatedly mock Kamek and his magikoopa brethren for being a hipster, and the visual presentation is brilliant, perfectly complimenting that 3DS's 3D.

    The game has some hiccups, though. Puzzles frequently stray from being to difficult to being plain unfair, making you burn through valuable stickers looking for an ambiguous answer; for instance, at one point you have to melt some snow, and have a Lighter, a Heater, and a Match. I hope you picked the Heater first, because those other two won't drop back into your inventory if you chose them. It's similar with bosses: most require a specific item to beat, but that item may not even be in that level. Another weak point is the story, which, unlike the deep plots of the previous two installments, is almost exactly like the original's, where an invisible Bowser captures Peach and you have to collect Plot Coupons to beat him.

    But those issues rarely detract from this otherwise engaging game. If you have a 3DS, Paper Mario: Sticker Star is a must-have.    … Expand
  17. holdmykidney
    Jan 4, 2013
    9
    I was moved to actually sign up and review a game here from the mixed reviews. It's clear this is a game that divides Paper Mario fans, but I have to say this is probably one of the best games for the 3DS. This is an turn-based battling adventure without XP or levels, instead relying on your gradual mastery over the efficient use of the limited resources which the stickers represent inI was moved to actually sign up and review a game here from the mixed reviews. It's clear this is a game that divides Paper Mario fans, but I have to say this is probably one of the best games for the 3DS. This is an turn-based battling adventure without XP or levels, instead relying on your gradual mastery over the efficient use of the limited resources which the stickers represent in battle.

    There is a little bit of backtracking, but it's nowhere near the time-wasting and stalling which put me off Super Paper Mario on the Wii. I disagree that the puzzles are random. They are occasionally obscure and could use a little signposting (hence the 9 instead of a 10) but they are always logical, given a little thought.

    This is also one of the best-looking games on the 3DS and the mix of fun platforming and turn-based combat has had me hooked from the start. I've barely even looked at another game, despite some real crackers waiting the in the queue!    … Expand
  18. CannonBlaster
    Mar 13, 2013
    9
    If you're a Paper Mario fan, you're either going to love it or hate. Of course just by looking at my score i loved it. The sticker system, while out of tradition, is fun to use, and great use of resource management. The puzzles are more engaging than in any other title. Not to mention the backtracking is not as dreadful as the previous titles, THANK GOD. My only gripe is the boss battlesIf you're a Paper Mario fan, you're either going to love it or hate. Of course just by looking at my score i loved it. The sticker system, while out of tradition, is fun to use, and great use of resource management. The puzzles are more engaging than in any other title. Not to mention the backtracking is not as dreadful as the previous titles, THANK GOD. My only gripe is the boss battles can be really annoying, forcing you to run away in order for you to find the 'right sticker'. Although I miss the old Paper Mario mechanics, this is certainly worth checking out.… Expand
  19. crabael
    Nov 24, 2012
    10
    A very enjoyable addition to the Paper Mario series. While the plot and gameplay never reaches the depth of Thousand Year Door, it feels perfectly suited to quicker handheld play.
    Excellent production values and music throughout.
  20. BROstoise
    Jul 6, 2014
    8
    In a paper world, stickers fit right in place. The best part of this RPG is the absence of experience. No more annoying grinding I hated in previous Paper Mario titles.
  21. Hitokiri_Ace
    Dec 12, 2012
    6
    Paper Mario: Sticker Star is a game that I wanted to love, and my 3ds was desperately waiting for a great RPG. This, however, is not that game. The humor, visuals, and music are all wonderful.. the only problem, is the main concept. There is very little RPG elements left in this game. Stickers do a defined damage, there are no stats, no leveling up.. no experience points. You arePaper Mario: Sticker Star is a game that I wanted to love, and my 3ds was desperately waiting for a great RPG. This, however, is not that game. The humor, visuals, and music are all wonderful.. the only problem, is the main concept. There is very little RPG elements left in this game. Stickers do a defined damage, there are no stats, no leveling up.. no experience points. You are collecting stickers, getting some money for beating baddies... so that you can buy a few more stickers. Hopefully being able to buy more than you used in the battle. It's sad how pointless battles are in this game. Strategy is limited, skill is almost a non-factor.. Those things that made the GC title (The Thousand Year Door) shine are gone. WIll the ever return? Is this the direction of the portable title alone? Will this style infect console Paper Mario titles? I can only hope this doesn't do well sales-wise.. which is sad because I'm a huge fan of Nintendo, and Paper Mario... this game was a let down for me.

    Rent it, but it used. Don't support this title. It's a disgrace to the other great PM games.. :(    … Expand
  22. RyanA
    Dec 27, 2012
    7
    I was disappointed with the newest entry to this series. Most of the good parts an RPG are not present. You don't level up, so when you complete a battle, it is only for coins (if you are perfect in the battle). You don't have a partner, or partners, like in all other RPGs. At least the stickers somewhat compensate this though. One part of RPG that should have definitely been kept out wasI was disappointed with the newest entry to this series. Most of the good parts an RPG are not present. You don't level up, so when you complete a battle, it is only for coins (if you are perfect in the battle). You don't have a partner, or partners, like in all other RPGs. At least the stickers somewhat compensate this though. One part of RPG that should have definitely been kept out was the world map system, which was quite out of tune to the other paper Mario games. The score is relatively high because the humour is still present in the game. Overall 7.1/10… Expand
  23. GoombaJMR
    Jan 12, 2014
    7
    It was unfortunate that the formula was really screwed up on for this Paper Mario Game...as my favorite series of all time, I wasn't happy about this game. Fortunately, the ok battle system and good dialogue+places can secure this game a solid 7. I will say that I am disappointed with this game though...especially the lack of rpg elements and a world map

    Gameplay: 8/10 Story: 7/10    It was unfortunate that the formula was really screwed up on for this Paper Mario Game...as my favorite series of all time, I wasn't happy about this game. Fortunately, the ok battle system and good dialogue+places can secure this game a solid 7. I will say that I am disappointed with this game though...especially the lack of rpg elements and a world map

    Gameplay: 8/10
    Story: 7/10
    Music: 9.5/10
    Presentation: 8/10
    Length: 7/10
    Overall: 7.5/10    … Expand
  24. Globox_ARG
    Sep 22, 2013
    3
    Lo malo que tiene este juego es que no podes subir de nivel, entonces cuando terminas una batalla no recibis nada de recompensa y tenes que conseguir o comprar mas pegatinas porque las perdes, me esperaba mucho mas de este juego
  25. MisterShmi
    Feb 18, 2014
    5
    Sticker system makes battling totally pointless. I was able to stay and complete the game though out of pure love of the paper mario series. Its too bad they removed the RPG elements and dumbed the game down to making battling such a chore.
  26. rhaynes7
    Dec 17, 2013
    7
    This game follows a fairly typical Mario storyline and restores the style of gameplay from the first two Paper Mario outings thankfully. The writing is witty and enjoyable, and I was laughing out loud at several points, sometimes to the concern of my roommates.

    In this game, the structure morphs to something more similar to Super Mario Bros. 3 or Super Mario World, having you complete    This game follows a fairly typical Mario storyline and restores the style of gameplay from the first two Paper Mario outings thankfully. The writing is witty and enjoyable, and I was laughing out loud at several points, sometimes to the concern of my roommates.

    In this game, the structure morphs to something more similar to Super Mario Bros. 3 or Super Mario World, having you complete a stage so you can go to the next stage along the path. There are several points where it diverges and several hidden secrets. Sometimes, you must go to another one of the worlds areas before you can advance in another. This prevents the game from going stale from being too linear, but it goes to the opposite problem of forcing you to retread certain areas too often. Not a huge problem, but enough to be a smudge in the otherwise enjoyable structure.

    Unlike previous Paper Mario games, the turn-based system is now almost entirely dependent on stickers. If you have no stickers, you better hope you can run. As a result, you make sure that you're stocked up and ready to take on the next foe. You also end up peeling all the stickers off the walls that you can find. You can choose to donate them to a museum for the reward of some great humor, but otherwise, you'll likely be very stingy with your stickers, not wanting to use them.

    This is where the games biggest flaw rears it's head. The boss battles are ridiculous. Sometimes they force you to use a special sticker to defeat them. These stickers can either be found in one place or brought for a ridiculous price, and you can only have one. This forces you to retread more or gouge your pockets empty to get what you need. These stickers hardly seem special either because they're based on appliances or little knick-knacks. Knowing what to use is very vague and up to trial and error if you don't want to use the internet as a resource. Then there's the final battle, which will require several of these special stickers. This final battle is frustrating as a result, and unfortunately, it usually freezes when I try to play through it. I put this game down for a month as a result.

    It's sad to see that the most charming elements of removing all these stickers and using them also becomes the worst elements of the game. Aside from the special stickers, and the freezing up that occurs during the final battle (don't use the bowling ball), this game is very enjoyable.    … Expand
  27. GERCharon
    Feb 2, 2014
    7
    An overall OK game. It has nice graphics and a neat overall design. I really liked the boss fights and small riddles in the game. You will play it quite long if you want to find everything. Sadly there is not a single element like character development or level-ups. You just get stronger by collecting better stickers which are used to attack or by finding some max health upgrades. IAn overall OK game. It has nice graphics and a neat overall design. I really liked the boss fights and small riddles in the game. You will play it quite long if you want to find everything. Sadly there is not a single element like character development or level-ups. You just get stronger by collecting better stickers which are used to attack or by finding some max health upgrades. I expected more RPGish gameplay but the game is still good. Just not what I expected it to be… Expand
  28. DrewtheDude85
    Apr 9, 2014
    7
    Like many other Paper Mario fans, this game was a bit disappointing to me, but for some reason I kind of knew that Nintendo was not just going to go straight back to the amazing gameplay of Paper Mario 1 & 2. I mean the trailers made the game look very promising to the point where I was excited, but I do think that unfortunately this just went a totally different direction. However enoughLike many other Paper Mario fans, this game was a bit disappointing to me, but for some reason I kind of knew that Nintendo was not just going to go straight back to the amazing gameplay of Paper Mario 1 & 2. I mean the trailers made the game look very promising to the point where I was excited, but I do think that unfortunately this just went a totally different direction. However enough of this kind of talk for this is a game that I actually do like, I like the atmosphere and gameplay fairly well. I did think the sticker concept was neat but nothing special. There were some witty dialogue that is expected for a Paper Mario game and some alright characters. Also, the music; some people have actually stated that they really like the music, however to me it seemed like a hit or miss. Now lets talk about my two biggest problems in this game. First off, the story; if this is a Paper Mario game it should have a nice good story, but it had some very cliche elements in it that were annoying and of course another reuse of the generic "Bowser kidnaps Peach" which was annoying enough, but I think it was even worse because Bowser never talks which is a shame since he had some great witty dialogue in some of the previous games. However the biggest flaw in this game is the battles, for the battles in this game give you absolutely no experience, the only thing you get in battles is either more stickers or more coins, and all the stickers can be used for is just for more battles and what do the coins do, just buy more stickers, so besides battling bosses, it felt too redundant. Overall this game was not terrible, just something that I only enjoyed a little bit. For there were so many awesome aspects of the Paper Mario series I like that even Super Paper Mario had, that were not present in this game leaving me displeased. However I still had fun when I could ignore the flaws and I guess it nothing that I would consider all that bad so I will only slightly recommend this game.… Expand
  29. WheelzFourReelz
    Dec 30, 2014
    5
    The game is full of charm and the visuals are absolutely beautiful, but the "use stickers to attack" gameplay lacks any kind of depth, making this game feel very stale and not as fun as it could be if it had the RPG elements of the previous games.
  30. DBPirate1129
    Jan 13, 2015
    8
    Paper Mario: Sticker Star breaks the trend of Paper Mario games coming to consoles and Mario & Luigi games coming to handhelds...does it break even more trends than that?

    I was a big fan of Super Paper Mario and I probably enjoyed it a bit more than I should, no matter how much things it did differently from Paper Mario (N64) and Thousand-Year Door (GCN). I was a bit hesitant about    Paper Mario: Sticker Star breaks the trend of Paper Mario games coming to consoles and Mario & Luigi games coming to handhelds...does it break even more trends than that?

    I was a big fan of Super Paper Mario and I probably enjoyed it a bit more than I should, no matter how much things it did differently from Paper Mario (N64) and Thousand-Year Door (GCN). I was a bit hesitant about Sticker Star but it proved to be a decent game. The first difference you'll notice is the addition of a world map. The map makes it easier to get from level to level and it suits a portable adventure. However, this is probably one of the more excusable of Sticker Star's many tradition-breaking gameplay elements.

    Mario no longer attacks during battles. Yep, you heard me. Instead, he uses various stickers he finds scattered around the world to use. Hammer stickers allow Mario to use a hammer, fire flower stickers allow Mario to throw fire, and there's much more. However, you can run out of stickers incredibly fast as you'll find yourself fighting enemies more times than you'd like to. It you run out of stickers, it can be pretty hard to get your supply back up. The battle system works great, along with the roulette spinner (it can give you more attacks), I just wish it was a bit more improved.

    One of my other main problems with the game is the story. Mario RPGs always have complex and engaging stories, with the possible exception of the first Paper Mario. Super Paper Mario is a fantastic example of great storytelling. Sticker Star's story: Bowser crashes a festival and kidnaps Peach. Mario must collect items in the world. Sounds a lot like Super Mario Galaxy. The story is way too simple for an RPG in my opinion but it doesn't make the gameplay bad or anything. In fact, the gameplay itself is very fluid and nice. At points you may come across things you need to fix which requires a "Thing Sticker"...which brings me to another point.

    Thing Stickers are...well, things (fans, trumpets, toy boats, etc.) that can do certain things in battles and in the overworld. Unfortunately, you can run out of Thing Stickers so you will find yourself backtracking to past levels over and over again to find the specific Thing Sticker you need to accomplish a task. Kind of ruins the "portable" experience a bit.

    Overall, Paper Mario: Sticker Star isn't a bad game. In fact, I enjoyed it...but when you have to use a guide to see where to get Thing Stickers and the story doesn't match an RPG, there's probably something a bit off.    … Expand
  31. Datamari
    Nov 8, 2015
    7
    It's a good game, but not a great RPG.
    In Paper Mario: Sticker Star, you don't level up or gain new moves. You find stickers to use in battle, so the game is more about managing resources rather than grinding for levels. There's no reward for battling other than coins, and the only thing you spend coins on are more stickers. The game is pretty easy, I beat it in only a week, but the    It's a good game, but not a great RPG.
    In Paper Mario: Sticker Star, you don't level up or gain new moves. You find stickers to use in battle, so the game is more about managing resources rather than grinding for levels. There's no reward for battling other than coins, and the only thing you spend coins on are more stickers. The game is pretty easy, I beat it in only a week, but the boss battles are tough, and cause massive spikes in difficulty. But the game is still good; the visuals are nice, it has some good ideas to it, and it's very fun to play. It has some lost RPG elements, but it's still fun to play, and it shouldn't be overlooked.

    Paper Mario: Sticker Star gets a 7/10    … Expand
  32. TearsMacabre
    Aug 1, 2016
    2
    I'll start with the good parts of the game: The graphics are really nice, and the new sticker mechanic was interesting at first.

    Unfortunately, that was about it for me. There was no story whatsoever, and the characters were all incredibly bland and one-note. The stickers soon became very tedious, as did combat, as well as the constant, confusing backtracking. Bowser, once again, is the    I'll start with the good parts of the game: The graphics are really nice, and the new sticker mechanic was interesting at first.

    Unfortunately, that was about it for me. There was no story whatsoever, and the characters were all incredibly bland and one-note. The stickers soon became very tedious, as did combat, as well as the constant, confusing backtracking. Bowser, once again, is the generic annoying villain - not an amazing, well rounded character as in the previous games. The paper theme was also way overdone.

    Overall, if you loved The Thousand Year Door or even Super Paper Mario, steer clear of this one. If not, maybe you'll find something you'll like - but there are a lot of gameplay flaws to deal with, so be careful.    … Expand
  33. GamecubeLover
    Jul 14, 2016
    3
    Paper Mario is amazing so is the thousand year door and super paper mario and this game...is alright. Story is bad and the gameplay is really bad. The graphics are okay and the fighting combat is probably the worse thing about this game! Did I say this game was okay? No it's trash instead.
  34. Dweep
    Jul 23, 2016
    3
    This game was so bad that I had to make an account on Metacricit just to down vote it.

    Its not a good Paper Mario, and its not a good game in general. Frustrating level design, bad combat system and no sense of progression (its better to skip all combat because you get no XP, you only waste resources by fighting). Uninteresting story, bad characters and weird layout of things. One of    This game was so bad that I had to make an account on Metacricit just to down vote it.

    Its not a good Paper Mario, and its not a good game in general. Frustrating level design, bad combat system and no sense of progression (its better to skip all combat because you get no XP, you only waste resources by fighting).

    Uninteresting story, bad characters and weird layout of things. One of the few games ever I quit because it was too bad and boring :(

    This will not go down as a "real" Paper Mario, its just a bad Mario and Luigi.    … Expand
  35. TheWaffleGuy
    Oct 2, 2016
    1
    Ah paper mario sticker star. Truth be told i was excited when i first got this. I started playing it right when i got it. I kept on wondering "when will i get my first partner" and "when will i level up" And then i figured out, no partners and no leveling system. No charming characters and no funny jokes. Just a bunch of toads and mario doing the cliche save princess peach. I got so boredAh paper mario sticker star. Truth be told i was excited when i first got this. I started playing it right when i got it. I kept on wondering "when will i get my first partner" and "when will i level up" And then i figured out, no partners and no leveling system. No charming characters and no funny jokes. Just a bunch of toads and mario doing the cliche save princess peach. I got so bored and so stuck i stopped playing. I tried to go back to it but i was so stuck on a part i could not do it. Theres no point in battling either. No reward but coins. And wanna know what you use coins for? MORE STICKERS! AND YOU USE STICKERS TO BATTLE. I was really disappointed. The gameplay certainly isint bad, But its easy to get stuck and no point in even battling. Battles are easy due to some op stickers as well. So this is just a bad game. And with color splash i think paper mario is a dying series. And i hate to say it. So this is just a bad game.… Expand
  36. Maryo
    Sep 6, 2017
    9
    I'm glad I didn't play the other Paper Mario games first, as this one seems poor in comparison to so many. To me it was a very satisfying game, beautifully made, with the right pace and enough challenges to not make it a breeze. It was clever I found, but I had no idea how a Paper Mario game was supposed to feel. All I can say is I had a great time playing to the end!
  37. Kick454
    May 10, 2018
    8
    Unpopular Opinion time! Sticker Star is a great game. Don't kill me.

    Pros: + Artstyle: Paper Mario's artstyles always look good to me. + Gameplay: The combat is... good, but not the best I've seen in a RPG, and definitely not the best Mario gameplay. + Soundtrack: Pretty great. + Level Design: Not bad, not bad at all. Cons: - Puzzles: They're meh at best. - Characters: Toad,    Unpopular Opinion time! Sticker Star is a great game. Don't kill me.

    Pros:
    + Artstyle: Paper Mario's artstyles always look good to me.
    + Gameplay: The combat is... good, but not the best I've seen in a RPG, and definitely not the best Mario gameplay.
    + Soundtrack: Pretty great.
    + Level Design: Not bad, not bad at all.

    Cons:
    - Puzzles: They're meh at best.
    - Characters: Toad, Toad, Toad, where is the differences?
    - Story: ...Bowser Kidnaps things #1020202 without any differences except for a Crown or a Star (I forgot what it was)

    Overall, Paper Mario: Sticker Star is a great Mario game (though nowhere near my top 5) and warrants an 8.5/10 from me.    … Expand
  38. CyberRobotnix
    Mar 8, 2018
    3
    The battle concept, despite being innovative, is not nice.

    It may add some strategy elements, but otherwise it barely works. The stickers are limited which forces you to keep them for later use. Also, I heavily dislike the fact that you can finish a boss off as quickly as you started fighting it. So basically it has most of the flaws that modern Mario games have and it is mostly    The battle concept, despite being innovative, is not nice.

    It may add some strategy elements, but otherwise it barely works.
    The stickers are limited which forces you to keep them for later use.

    Also, I heavily dislike the fact that you can finish a boss off as quickly as you started fighting it.

    So basically it has most of the flaws that modern Mario games have and it is mostly obnoxious.

    The worst with this game are still the puzzles, they drag on and on and on for too long sometimes, imagine chapter 4 of TTYD, but instead of being one single chapter IT IS THE ENTIRE GAME!!!

    Too much backtracking, no replayability value and no story at all.

    Avoid this game at all costs.    … Expand
  39. MeatwadMeatwad
    Jun 14, 2018
    3
    This is by far the worst paper Mario game because it just over relies on the stickers and makes the combat very frustrating and annoying because you forgot to search around for some stickers that are semi-decent. The puzzles are also very difficult to figure out because it's just a search fest for these very specific puzzles to get these special stickers to trigger scripted events and youThis is by far the worst paper Mario game because it just over relies on the stickers and makes the combat very frustrating and annoying because you forgot to search around for some stickers that are semi-decent. The puzzles are also very difficult to figure out because it's just a search fest for these very specific puzzles to get these special stickers to trigger scripted events and you can't complete the game unless you look up how or get lucky. The battles are more of just a hindrance than something you'll want to do because you get a pointless reward which is literally just coins.… Expand
  40. Namel
    Jun 3, 2019
    3
    Worst Paper Mario ever.

    i won't say details, ill only say that the game sucks, taking all of the spirit that paper Mario series have.

    Don't play this game.
  41. MonadoBoy16
    Nov 4, 2019
    0
    This game started to make the Paper Mario Series Gone Downhill thanks to ALL NPCS BEING TOADS and ONLY TOADS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  42. Sercho
    Jul 24, 2020
    0
    This is the game that ruined the franchise, no more RPG elements, no more partners, no more original characters, unnecessary battles and a tedious battle system. Thanks to this game Color Splash and The origami King are not great games. Sticker star is a catastrophe thanks to Tanabe and Miyamoto's outdated ideas
  43. livelovelaugh22
    Mar 23, 2020
    2
    Alright, here we go. This is the worst Paper Mario game, and it doesn't even deserve to be called Paper Mario. This game was a train wreck, and I'll tell you why.
    Now Mario games aren't really known for their story, but this made me want to puke.
    ANOTHER BORING BOWSER TAKES PEACH CLICHE' It isn't even just boring, now just b l e h. Also, you have to collect these Comet pieces across    Alright, here we go. This is the worst Paper Mario game, and it doesn't even deserve to be called Paper Mario. This game was a train wreck, and I'll tell you why.
    Now Mario games aren't really known for their story, but this made me want to puke.
    ANOTHER BORING BOWSER TAKES PEACH CLICHE'
    It isn't even just boring, now just b l e h.
    Also, you have to collect these Comet pieces across the world to save Peach. Woohoo.
    If the gameplay was good, it might make up for it. Sadly, it was so bad we didn't even level up. We collect coins in which we use for stickers, which we attack enemies with. That's okay, but if you go into an actual battle you will find yourself playing a tedious, grinding turn taking RPG with no personality. The puzzles in this game had you backtracking, and it was confusing. The game was difficult, and not in the way you would like. The ending was very basic. Other than Toads whom had no personality, we had no characters other than Mario, Peach, and Bowser. Your sidekick, Kertsi, was an annoyance more than a help. The only actual enjoyment I had playing this game other than getting done with it so I could review it was the jazzy soundtrack. It was alright. I dug it.
    If you enjoy frustrating, energy grinding, zero charm, zero story, and zero personality games with the dumbest combat system imaginable, this one is a hit. I would give it a 1, but that might be a bit too harsh, even for this garbage. 2 it is!    … Expand
  44. Dukedahouse
    Jul 23, 2020
    1
    After the greatness of Paper Mario, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, (And debatably,) Super Paper Mario, Nintendo followed up with this piece of crap. The story aims for a generic “Bowser kidnaps the Princess” story, unlike its predecessors, which had really unique stories. But the gameplay is even worse. You attack by using stickers, which are really annoying and isn’t anything likeAfter the greatness of Paper Mario, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, (And debatably,) Super Paper Mario, Nintendo followed up with this piece of crap. The story aims for a generic “Bowser kidnaps the Princess” story, unlike its predecessors, which had really unique stories. But the gameplay is even worse. You attack by using stickers, which are really annoying and isn’t anything like an RPG, but unlike Super Paper Mario, it isn’t fun. The characters suck. Thousand year door had 10X more character development with about 7 more characters. Instead of partners, you get stuck with an annoying punk named Kirsti. She isn’t likeable at all, unlike the first 3 games. The only good thing are the graphics. They are pretty, but that doesn’t make up for a crappy storyline and god-awful gameplay. Avoid at all costs.… Expand
  45. TheHand
    Aug 17, 2020
    0
    I would rather chew on glass than play this horrible waste of time and money again, Paper Mario: Sticker Star is so horrid is not worth being called a video game
  46. h3xed
    Jul 20, 2020
    0
    sticker star is a stupid ****ing **** **** **** **** **********************
  47. Bebrop
    Aug 1, 2020
    0
    Terrible combat, terrible story, no real characters. For your own sake, avoid at all costs.
  48. BeeSting1
    Jan 1, 2021
    2
    A hollow shell of the OG Paper Mario games.

    Good - the cardboard and paper themes are really well done, probably the most well done in all of the paper Mario games. The attention to detail when I came to how objects interacted with the elements, like wind, was very well depicted. - the 3D looks really good. - peeling stickers off of walls on the floor feels quite satisfying,    A hollow shell of the OG Paper Mario games.

    Good

    - the cardboard and paper themes are really well done, probably the most well done in all of the paper Mario games. The attention to detail when I came to how objects interacted with the elements, like wind, was very well depicted.

    - the 3D looks really good.

    - peeling stickers off of walls on the floor feels quite satisfying, and putting stickers onto missing parts of the levels also felt quite nice.

    - I like how the music transitions into a different remix of the same song when I enter a new world on the map

    - the roulette is pretty fun to use, as I got good at the timing. Made the random battles go by much quicker.

    Bad

    - you don't even need the time block that well. The window to block is so huge that it's really hard to fail it. There's just no challenge when it comes to countering. I'm also really upset at the removal of super guard, because it removes the option of very skilled players to attempt it.

    - because there is no XP, the wild enemies became a matter of how well i could Dodge them, because there was absolutely no reason for me to fight them since they offered nothing besides some coins, which I could already find plenty of in the level, and after the level.

    - the combat is also very shallow. There are no special timing moves. All the qte's were timing the hammer and timing the jumps. Which is way less diverse than the original two paper Mario games.

    - some of the scraps that you have to turn into stickers aren't very obvious as to where you're supposed to use them. And collecting the three tablets that you need to access world 2-5 was also very ambiguous as to their location. It was never made clear that each piece was hidden in a separate world, inside of a chest. The game never stated that I needed to combine tablets, never did they mention that the tablets were scattered across three different worlds, and never did they mention that each piece was hidden in a chest. As a consequence, I was trying to paper eyes random scraps in world 2-5, obviously to know avail. And now my scrapbook was stuck with a bunch of scrap stickers which took up all the space from regular stickers.

    - it's completely unintuitive and annoying that you must turn objects into stickers in order to use them against the boss. It basically meant I had to fight the boss one time without the super effective sticker, probably lose, restart, go back to deckleberg, make the object into a sticker, travel to the boss again, then fight him. I felt the game should have just allowed me to use the object without having to turn it into a sticker.

    - because battles gained me nothing, I avoided them. But this caused another issue. because I tried to avoid as many battles as I could, there were many puzzle clues that I missed because I was trying to escape the enemy.

    - sometimes puzzles require certain stickers to be solved. if you didn't have those stickers, it meant you have to walk all the way back to the entrance, then all the way back to the store to buy the stickers you need, then travel all the way back to where the puzzle was. This was extremely tedious.

    - Overly cryptic puzzle: 3-5 random hidden blocks to cross broken bridge

    - Overly cryptic puzzle: 3-4 wiggler segment hidden in random bush

    - Overly cryptic puzzle 5-5: refrigerator freezes entire volcano?!

    - Overly cryptic puzzle 5-5: falling rocks don't create hole in cracked ground except on a single crack. How am I supposed to know that one crack is special?!

    - for the log River level, how does running on a raft make it move? The logs are clearly connected, or else they would have drifted apart. and if they are connected, there is no way one can run on the raft to make it move. They should have just given Mario a paddle, which makes way more sense.

    - I think the biggest problem with this game is having to convert things into stickers inside of shops. This means that if I encountered puzzles requiring a thing sticker, I would need the thing itself. If I didn't, I'd probably be trying a bunch of different s*** that doesn't work, until I looked at a guide to see the thing that I was missing. At which point, I would have to backtrack to a certain world to get the thing. Then go to a shop to convert the thing into a sticker. Then travel all the way back to the world with the puzzle, and all the way to where the puzzle is actually located. Only then can I apply the thing sticker. This is completely unintuitive backtracking. And is almost impossible to solve if you haven't found that thing when trying to solve the puzzle.

    - they removed everything good from the paper Mario series. Partner abilities, star Spirit abilities, partners in general, XP, and an actual hub world. Instead of learning new abilities to open the way to the next world, the progression is made way more linear, and when it isn't, you're forced to trial an error thing stickers to attempt to open the way.    … Expand
  49. unluckygamer
    Jan 6, 2013
    9
    Now paper mario had rough road it had to really good games then super paper mario which was a platformer but not a very good one. Now we are at paper mrio sticker star came out on portable system. So before I begin the review I have to say people sure like to compare this to quest 64. So it start out with the genric plot of bowser stealing peach and the the game begins and your collectingNow paper mario had rough road it had to really good games then super paper mario which was a platformer but not a very good one. Now we are at paper mrio sticker star came out on portable system. So before I begin the review I have to say people sure like to compare this to quest 64. So it start out with the genric plot of bowser stealing peach and the the game begins and your collecting toads and sticker with the navi of this game kersti who from sticker place where they grant wishes and if this sounds familar it is because it is really simalr to super mario rpg except no geno and then after you save town you are sent out into the world where you collect comet pieces and with little to no story. So in the end it a good game but lacks paper mario normal orignality and exploring mario universe maybe it should stay on consles but still a very solid rpg on the 3ds… Expand
  50. Guile147
    Jan 15, 2013
    9
    Paper Mario: Sticker Star is a hard game to review. As a Paper Mario game, it's very unexpected and different than the past console games in the series. However, it does a superb job as a handheld take of the series, and I feel that is the most important part. The visuals are done with love and care, and look great. The dialogue is great, as the series is reputed for having. The removal ofPaper Mario: Sticker Star is a hard game to review. As a Paper Mario game, it's very unexpected and different than the past console games in the series. However, it does a superb job as a handheld take of the series, and I feel that is the most important part. The visuals are done with love and care, and look great. The dialogue is great, as the series is reputed for having. The removal of some of the RPG elements of the game will no doubt disappoint many, but to be honest, they wouldn't really even be necessary in a game like this. It's a good game that all 3DS owners, fans and non alike, should at least try.… Expand
  51. Darkresurrect
    Jan 12, 2013
    10
    Im a huge fan of Mario and even more the original Mario RPG on Snes, this game is awesome in a single word, spectacular. I love this game in all aspects.
  52. SuperLeo
    Apr 30, 2013
    8
    The puzzles are quite hard to figure out but don't worry you will figure them out. When I get to the bosses it is frustrating because I use up most of my stickers. It is a really good adventure game and you need to think about your strategy.
  53. camilosanchez16
    Dec 4, 2014
    9
    La razón principal por la que le coloco un 9 a este juego es por que pienso diferente al promedio... La mayoría odio este juego por que no era un Paper Mario real, y es verdad, no lo es, es una fusión entre Mario RPG y Paper Mario que dio una combinación rara pero original, y esto le da un toque único a este juego... Tal vez la marca no sea la correcta, pero si no lo vemos como PaperLa razón principal por la que le coloco un 9 a este juego es por que pienso diferente al promedio... La mayoría odio este juego por que no era un Paper Mario real, y es verdad, no lo es, es una fusión entre Mario RPG y Paper Mario que dio una combinación rara pero original, y esto le da un toque único a este juego... Tal vez la marca no sea la correcta, pero si no lo vemos como Paper Mario, sino como un RPG, es un muy buen experimento.… Expand
  54. pocky
    Jul 13, 2013
    8
    Great dialogue and music, enjoyable gameplay. The only thing that annoyed me was I felt you had to look up a guide at times to find out which sticker would be effective or go where, it wasn't really the obvious choice a lot of the time. A great game still, I enjoyed it a lot.
  55. GreystrikeX3
    Aug 3, 2013
    8
    My favorite installment in the Mario franchise is the paper Mario series. each title rarely eveir disappointed and even if it did it made up for it in other areas. Sticker star was a great game. while it abandoned some of its roots like partners, fp, and badges, sticker star was still fun and I hope to see more out of paper Mario soon. my only real concern is that im not sure how well thisMy favorite installment in the Mario franchise is the paper Mario series. each title rarely eveir disappointed and even if it did it made up for it in other areas. Sticker star was a great game. while it abandoned some of its roots like partners, fp, and badges, sticker star was still fun and I hope to see more out of paper Mario soon. my only real concern is that im not sure how well this game would have done if It weren't for the past 3 games.… Expand
  56. MW1AA2Gs
    Aug 15, 2013
    9
    An amazing game everything that was lost with Super Paper Mario was reborn with Paper Mario Sticker Star. With great level design, amazing music (with Koji Kondo having a very new take on Mario music), great bosses, a decent storyline (that is saved by the characters), and a fantastic battle system. My only complaints are it can be hard to find out what to do at times, there aren't anyAn amazing game everything that was lost with Super Paper Mario was reborn with Paper Mario Sticker Star. With great level design, amazing music (with Koji Kondo having a very new take on Mario music), great bosses, a decent storyline (that is saved by the characters), and a fantastic battle system. My only complaints are it can be hard to find out what to do at times, there aren't any partners, and Mario never levels up but those are all just nitpicks.… Expand
  57. MasterColonico
    Jan 4, 2013
    9
    "Waaaaa, they took out all the RPG elements, waaaaaaaa, no XP or levelling-up, waaaa"

    Shut up, and enjoy a fantastic game. The humour and the use of stickers is great, the 3D looks awesome, and the environment was cleverly thought out. I love how the shiny stickers use the systems gyroscope to make them shimmer!
  58. TheBlueBadger
    Nov 14, 2012
    7
    I honestly feel that the gameplay is too different, throwing the familiar battle system out of the window for this sticker gimmick. The story on the other hand is not different enough. Someone familiar with the Mario RPG's would know that they usually have really creative setups and villains that become instant fan favourites such as Fawful and Dimentio. None of that here. Just BowserI honestly feel that the gameplay is too different, throwing the familiar battle system out of the window for this sticker gimmick. The story on the other hand is not different enough. Someone familiar with the Mario RPG's would know that they usually have really creative setups and villains that become instant fan favourites such as Fawful and Dimentio. None of that here. Just Bowser kidnapping Peach. Same old. Pity, but it's a perfectly functional game so my personal gripes aside, it's still a solid game, as to expect from Mario.… Expand
  59. Linkfan
    May 18, 2017
    0
    This game is absolute trash, what happened? The first 3 entries of the series were awesome! Then comes this pile of crap... I hate the sticker system, it completely ruins the whole game. A sloppy and disappointing entry in a franchise that deserves much better.
  60. RalphcCiurczak
    Nov 27, 2021
    4
    +Art style is nice
    +Soundtrack is pretty good
    +Fun at first

    -Battle system sucks and is not fun
    -Quite lacking story(not telling you to avoid spoilers)
    -Sticker system works nice at first,but turns to be a huge drawback
    -Boss battles are lame,depsite what gameplay shows
    -No assistants to help in battle
    -Feels unrewarding
  61. Guitarist500
    Aug 10, 2013
    8
    Although it has the best soundtrack in my opinion, it is technically the worst Paper Mario game overall. However, it doesn't mean it's a bad game, it still is a lot of fun and I recommend any newcomers to the series to try out this simple entry first before tackling the other ones.
  62. maddymarie
    Dec 28, 2012
    5
    Paper Mario; The series that has had a firm grip over the past years as to what an engaging, and humorous Nintendo RPG should be like. Until now. It would be an overstatement to say that this game was just 'okay'. To be honest, I didn't enjoy this game much at all. Every now and again I find myself going back to it, when I feel as though there is nothing else to play. The sticker idea wasPaper Mario; The series that has had a firm grip over the past years as to what an engaging, and humorous Nintendo RPG should be like. Until now. It would be an overstatement to say that this game was just 'okay'. To be honest, I didn't enjoy this game much at all. Every now and again I find myself going back to it, when I feel as though there is nothing else to play. The sticker idea was unique, I'll give it that, but the fact that I couldn't level Mario up, was absolutely atrocious. It took away from the point of even jumping on enemies, which in most Mario games, is one of the best things to do. There was no partners either. Having to go back and forth between levels that I've already played was tedious. The 'puzzles' were tedious. Basically everything about this game, was tedious. I enjoy the graphics that Paper Mario has to offer, but after playing Paper Mario 64, or playing Paper Mario : The Thousand Year Door, this one does not live up to its predecessors. Too much change, is not always a good thing. For those who are new to the series, I recommend only picking this up if you absolutely are desperate for a Mario game on the 3DS and have played - and beaten - the others.… Expand
  63. MegaMattTyrrell
    May 19, 2015
    8
    I enjoyed Sticker Star. It's no Thousand Year Door...but it sure as hell is a good game. Sticker Star had new battle mechanics which actually needed some skill to use. I think that is what threw people off the most.
  64. Fireriku546
    Oct 7, 2016
    0
    I am only making this review to compare how absolutely terrible this game was compared to Paper Mario: Color Splash. Take Color Splash and remove all semblance of thought that went into it and you basically get a tl;dr for this game.
  65. BasilZero
    May 10, 2019
    8
    Game: Paper Mario Sticker Star
    Genre: RPG
    Developer: Intelligent Systems Publisher: Nintendo System: Nintendo 3DS (3DS) Year of Release: 2012 Length of Playthrough: 20 Hours Total Score: 81/100 Value Score: 8.1/10 • Story: 8/10 • Characters: 9/10 • GamePlay: 8/10 • Graphics: 9/10 • Sound: 9/10 • Music: 8/10 • Length: 7/10 • Replay Value: 5/10 • Player Value: 8/10    Game: Paper Mario Sticker Star
    Genre: RPG
    Developer: Intelligent Systems
    Publisher: Nintendo
    System: Nintendo 3DS (3DS)
    Year of Release: 2012
    Length of Playthrough: 20 Hours

    Total Score: 81/100
    Value Score: 8.1/10

    • Story: 8/10
    • Characters: 9/10
    • GamePlay: 8/10
    • Graphics: 9/10
    • Sound: 9/10
    • Music: 8/10
    • Length: 7/10
    • Replay Value: 5/10
    • Player Value: 8/10

    Pros
    +Decent story for the Mario Universe with great character interactions
    +Unique gameplay using stickers in and outside of battles
    +Very lengthy in overall length and large levels of exploration

    Cons
    -Too easy
    -Gameplay is too simple to the point where it has the least amount of mechanics in a RPG (HP is like the only RPG aspect in the game)
    -Replay value is poor with no post game content
    -Too much backtracking and easy to miss items (that would be needed in certain parts of the game)    … Expand
  66. Yulo303
    Feb 19, 2013
    7
    If you loved paper mario:the thousand year door and think its an amazing game, and you're like "this game is its sequel I'm expecting so much", a friendly advice: forget it, this game is average at best unfortunately. No new characters other than Kersti,. Bowser the awsome villain doesn't say anything, and the changes in this game are too great. Don't get me wrong, changes aren't bad, butIf you loved paper mario:the thousand year door and think its an amazing game, and you're like "this game is its sequel I'm expecting so much", a friendly advice: forget it, this game is average at best unfortunately. No new characters other than Kersti,. Bowser the awsome villain doesn't say anything, and the changes in this game are too great. Don't get me wrong, changes aren't bad, but taking everything that was good in paper mario(partners, leveling, badges, playable characters etc) and replacing them with just stickers is like paying 10 bucks just to receive 2. I mean, just go to Wiki once and see differences between this game and its previous titles, and you'll get a WHOLE lot of "this is the first game in the series NOT to have (that)".The areas are too simple- snow area, desert, forest, unlike the usually unique places of previous paper mario games. One thing that i'd love to say is good but unfortunately didn't turn out that well is that this game is based on puzzles a lot more than other mario rpg's which would be a good thing, but it is very likely that you'll miss whatever you need to solve the puzzle and you'll have to backtrack to get it., and there are tons of stages. Sometimes the solutions don't make sense either. It is very likely that you'll be frustrated/stuck here and there:p The battle system is done entirely by stickers. No stickers=can't attack. At all. The battles feel and are pretty much unrewarding as you have no experience points/level. When you win you get coins, which you use to get stickers, but in order to win you have to use stickers, which is kinda..you know. But in the end they did revert back to turn based battle system-the only good change to the game imo. Although I did list tons of negative aspects compared to positive ones, this is by no means a bad game, but is far inferior to other mario rpg's.… Expand
  67. Delonocisms
    Jun 24, 2013
    7
    This is a bare-bones Mario game that only little kids will enjoy this experience, and here is why.
    Paper Mario is a deep and profound experience to many, with its clever sense of humor, charming graphics, enlightening visuals, and of course that "X" Factor that has seemed to intoxicate many gamers to create an enchanting bridge between RPG's and the beloved Super Mario Franchise.
    Having    This is a bare-bones Mario game that only little kids will enjoy this experience, and here is why.
    Paper Mario is a deep and profound experience to many, with its clever sense of humor, charming graphics, enlightening visuals, and of course that "X" Factor that has seemed to intoxicate many gamers to create an enchanting bridge between RPG's and the beloved Super Mario Franchise.
    Having said that, it breaks my heart to say that this game is not the Paper Mario we have come to love and adore. The music is still wonderful, the comedy is subtle and cute, and the story is the perfect dualism of shallow and expansive that we have all come to enjoy so much.
    So what could be the problem? The game is not even an RPG in comparison to its predecessors. The game doesn't even give you a reward for entering battles, In fact quite the opposite, battles become a burden due to the using up of each sticker. Also meaning that you can go through the entire game only fighting the necessary battles and you would end up fine. Next is the severe lack companions, I understand You have Princess Rosalina's Crown the whole game and little characters every now and again like wiggler, but that's nothing compared to the amazing characters provided in the last game. Such as the bad boy Yoshi trying to be the best fighter, or the constantly injured koopa. It makes me miss Goombella the know it all and Vivian the singer and they were annoying.
    Before I rant here, let me just say that this game is quite obviously not made for the demographic it has typically appealed to, its for the kiddies. This is a game that has PLENTY to adore on the outside, but fundamentally has none of the core gameplay mechanics that has indoctrinated and cultivated the adoring fans it has today.
    If it were any other game i would give it a 6, but the Paper Mario coattails have brought it up one more number.

    (By the way its de-LAWN-o-siz-ms)    … Expand
  68. johnnyrio
    Jun 5, 2015
    10
    Fans of the Paper Mario series won't be disappointed. Yet another fine entry and it looks amazing on the New 3DS. It's not Super Paper Mario or Thousand Year Door, nor does it pretend to be. It's a new entry in the series and quite enjoyable. Recommended for anyone who has played all the others.
  69. Digibutter64
    Sep 24, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In my opinion, this first handheld Paper Mario isn't strictly a "bad" game; it's just poor in comparison to previous entries in the series. Where past games had a vast array of varied humorous and unique characters, this one mostly uses creatures from standard Mario games, which weakens its value in my opinion. In addition, battle partners are gone, with your only companion for the majority of the game being Kersti; a character that sometimes makes some funny lines but doesn't actually directly attack enemies herself, instead providing the occasional hint on what Mario should do next in his adventure. Speaking about the storyline, that is another element that for me, fell short of the standards set by prior entries; instead of a new enemy trying to destroy the world, you've instead got the generic "Bowser causing chaos" plot. In addition, after Super Paper Mario's RPG/platforming hybrid, Paper Mario: Sticker Star sort of returns to the RPG style; I say sort of because levelling-up and set attacks are gone. Instead, you'll need to collect stickers scattered around the world which are used as your one-use methods of attack, each sticker having different properties. I found this method not quite as fun as past entries, as if you have no stickers, you're left with no means of attacking. Also, due to a lack of levelling-up, attacking non-boss enemies is rather pointless in this game. Overall, this is an okay game, but when compared to other Paper Mario games, Sticker Star is immensely disappointing.… Expand
  70. SuperMatt777
    Dec 12, 2015
    5
    As a long time fan of Paper Mario, I was truly excited for a handheld installment. Unfortunately, I don't feel this game lives up to the reputation of the past three in the series. While it has a few charms here and there, they are mostly overshadowed by its flaws. Battles are fun when you first start, but the lack of reward you get for battling makes them more pointless as you go along.As a long time fan of Paper Mario, I was truly excited for a handheld installment. Unfortunately, I don't feel this game lives up to the reputation of the past three in the series. While it has a few charms here and there, they are mostly overshadowed by its flaws. Battles are fun when you first start, but the lack of reward you get for battling makes them more pointless as you go along. The sticker concept is an interesting idea, but the stickers themselves had many flaws, such as many being over powered and unnecessary to use against almost any enemy. The boss battles were either tough as nails or complete pushovers depending on if you had the right stickers to use. I can say that many of the puzzles the game had to offer were fairly clever and really did get you thinking on which sticker you needed to solve it, Lastly, the lack of a story and creative Paper Mario staples made it feel like I was playing a main game rather than a Paper Mario game. All in all, I'd highly recommend playing the first three games before going to this one.… Expand
  71. Fawfully-doo
    Jan 13, 2016
    7
    In my opinion, this is the most underrated Mario game out there. People constantly talk about how this game is terrible because it isn't like the first two Paper Mario games, but that doesn't make the game bad. Super Paper Mario is by far my favorite Paper Mario game, due to how creative, clever, and overall fun it was. Sticker Star has some unique ideas, but there are some notable flawsIn my opinion, this is the most underrated Mario game out there. People constantly talk about how this game is terrible because it isn't like the first two Paper Mario games, but that doesn't make the game bad. Super Paper Mario is by far my favorite Paper Mario game, due to how creative, clever, and overall fun it was. Sticker Star has some unique ideas, but there are some notable flaws that it has.

    Essentially, Sticker Star has a lot in common with the original Paper Mario games in that you have platforming in a free-roam environment, and the return of turn-based combat. The combat allows Mario to pull off attacks, use healing items, and all sorts of unique things depending on the stickers he has equipped. You don't have stickers, you can't battle-it's as simple as that. Experimenting with all kinds of stickers is a lot of fun, and you can still block to reduce damage taken from attacks. However, what I find flawed here is the complete lack of leveling up or experience. This means that Mario never gets stronger, except for the fact that some stickers are more powerful than others. This gets a bit old after a while, and it makes the bosses feel like they go on way too long.

    Another point I find both good and bad about the game is the story. It's incredibly simple, especially compared to the other Paper Mario games. It's still about as funny and charming as ever, but don't expect the darkness of Thousand-Year Door or the emotional characters of Super Paper Mario.

    The game's strongest point is how well the paper gimmick is used. So many amusing gags, puzzles, and the stickers in general prove this. Sticker Star may have its flaws, and it may be very confusing at times, but it's still very enjoyable overall. For that, I give it a 7/10.    … Expand
  72. blawren4
    Sep 28, 2016
    8
    Ignoring all of the, "I only want TTYD, and nothing else" cries. I've never played TTYD, only the first paper mario, and super paper mario. This means that I have fresh perspective and I've played 3 very different paper mario games. I really have enjoyed this game. Is it different, yes...is it bad...NO. 75 critic score is accurate and deserved. There is no grinding involved whichIgnoring all of the, "I only want TTYD, and nothing else" cries. I've never played TTYD, only the first paper mario, and super paper mario. This means that I have fresh perspective and I've played 3 very different paper mario games. I really have enjoyed this game. Is it different, yes...is it bad...NO. 75 critic score is accurate and deserved. There is no grinding involved which many people don't like, and often you should avoid battles as they tend to use up your resources, but resources aren't hard to come by. The battle system is refreshing to me. I've certainly never seen another like it. The game is on the easy side, battle wise, and there could be more info about what stickers to use when, but if you pay attention to the game world and the dialogue, you can figure it out.… Expand
  73. Gamelove
    Mar 28, 2016
    9
    Per molte persone il voto che ho messo a questo gioco è pura follia, ma comunque sono felice di poter esprimere la mia opinione.
    Per analizzare questo gioco, giudicherò gli aspetti principali di ogni gioco:
    1.TRAMA Sulla trama non c'è molto da dire perchè è praticamente inesistente ed inoltre non sono presenti personaggi diversi da Toad, però questa situazione è identica per la maggior    Per molte persone il voto che ho messo a questo gioco è pura follia, ma comunque sono felice di poter esprimere la mia opinione.
    Per analizzare questo gioco, giudicherò gli aspetti principali di ogni gioco:
    1.TRAMA
    Sulla trama non c'è molto da dire perchè è praticamente inesistente ed inoltre non sono presenti personaggi diversi da Toad, però questa situazione è identica per la maggior parte dei giochi di Mario e comunque meglio di un altro rpg di Mario la cui trama è un'accozzaglia di eventi senza un senso logico.In conclusione non ho sofferto molto per la mancanza di trama ma ciò non rende giustificabile la sua assenza.
    voto:5 (solo per la situazione simile ad altri giochi di Mario, che lo salva da un voto piu basso)
    2.GAMEPLAY
    Il gameplay è l'aspetto che ha fatto più discutere, ma io personalmente l'ho trovato divertente e per certi versi innovativo, ma è per sempre vero che la mancanza di esperienza non è cosa da poco e sicuramente se fosse stata presente(anche se non so come si sarebbe integrata con il sistema di sticker).
    Il combattimento con gli sticker l'ho trovato divertente seppur probabilmente inutile, e nei combattimenti con i boss è sempre presente un determinato sticker da usare per infliggere un danno maggiore(e pensare che la gente su internet dice che senza quegli sticker è impossibile vincere, quando in un solo caso è vero).
    Poi passiamo ai puzzle dove le lamentele sono vere solo in parte:
    gli enigmi che utilizzano gli sticker-oggetto riguardano il trovare uno sticker-oggetto specifico che potrebbe essere ovunque, in quel caso l'enigma può essere definito frustrante mentre quando l'enigma riguarda i ritagli,cioè i pezzi di scenario mancanti, basta analizzare bene lo scenario e se non lo si trova significa che bisogna tornarci dopo, ed in questo caso il puzzle non è frustrante ed il dire che lo è dimostra magari il non riuscire a risolverli.
    Per ultimo vorrei parlare del level design: specificato che non trovo fastidiosa la mappa dei mondi, io ho adorato il level design di questo gioco, perchè ogni singolo livello o quasi, è caratterizzato a suo modo.
    voto:9
    (oggettivamente non è cosi alto ma il mio gradimento è stato questo)
    3.COLONNA SONORA
    Su questo punto c'è poco da discutere, la ost è sublime e la maggior parte delle tracce mi sono rimaste in testa.
    voto:10
    4.GRAFICA
    La grafica di questo gioco rende perfettamente l'idea di diorama, concetto reso ancora più vivo da uno dei migliori effetti 3D del catalogo giochi del 3DS.
    voto:10
    CONCLUSIONE
    In conclusione posso affermare che secondo me questo gioco è uno dei giochi sottovalutati degli ultimi anni, odiato dai fan della sua saga e anche da qualcun'altro.
    Ovviamente anche io preferisco i capitolo per WII e GAMECUBE(il primo non l'ho giocato) ma il maltrattamento verso questo gioco mi sembra eccessivo, basti guardare il fatto che nella media utente di Metacritic ha appena raggiunto l'insufficienza(in senso scolastico).
    Il voto che metto è puramente soggettivo e non voglio assolutamente spacciarlo come oggettivo, (non sono mica un critico) ma sono fiero di dire che ritengo questo titolo uno dei migliori titoli per 3DS almeno secondo me.
    voto generale:9
    (non so se il voto sia una media tra i diversi aspetti, ma è solo un indice del mio gradimento generale per questo gioco)    … Expand
  74. ShulkStrife15
    Jul 21, 2016
    6
    This is not a bad game but is very disappointing ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg I added a bunch of gas to make the review 150 characters long
  75. GranTheftWalrus
    Feb 3, 2017
    8
    May be the worst Paper Mario but still a good game on its own merits. The dialogue is as witty as I've expected from the series and the puzzles and battles are a nice change of pace, not perfect but a good game still. I just wish they were a bit more creative.
  76. Magmaboy1
    Jul 17, 2020
    9
    With fun combat and great writing this is another excellent addition to the Paper Mario series. While the addition of more story elements would have made the game even better, the story itself is passable. The world while segmented feels connected, but could also feel more inhabited. Overall the game is an entertaining way to spend the 20 or so hours it will take you to beat the game ifWith fun combat and great writing this is another excellent addition to the Paper Mario series. While the addition of more story elements would have made the game even better, the story itself is passable. The world while segmented feels connected, but could also feel more inhabited. Overall the game is an entertaining way to spend the 20 or so hours it will take you to beat the game if you don't feel like working towards the extra content surrounding the main story.… Expand
  77. Chell_R
    Aug 23, 2020
    5
    ****************Garbage.************************* -COLOR SPLASH is better..
  78. WizardMinecraft
    Apr 25, 2018
    10
    This game is actually good. I wanted to h8 this game but i can't because its's a spin-off what did u expect? but seriously the battle system is good when you don't try to run away every battle you come across. As for the story, its mario what did you expect? have you seen big rigs: over the road racing or sonic 06 or superman 64 or Action 52 or hell bubsy 3D. this is just as if not moreThis game is actually good. I wanted to h8 this game but i can't because its's a spin-off what did u expect? but seriously the battle system is good when you don't try to run away every battle you come across. As for the story, its mario what did you expect? have you seen big rigs: over the road racing or sonic 06 or superman 64 or Action 52 or hell bubsy 3D. this is just as if not more overhated than any of the games i mentioned above, in "fact" this game's hatred is the equivalent to that of how people overrate Zelda: Ocarina of Time.… Expand
  79. PhantomAnime98
    Dec 28, 2018
    9
    Paper Mario Sticker Star is by all means not a bad game. Granted there are little nicks that even I found lackluster, but that didn't take away from how I feel about the game. The combat was better in this than in Super Paper Mario, which I hate because it is the worst Paper Mario game I ever played, and the story was abid not there but it had some very good bosses and I liked the ideasPaper Mario Sticker Star is by all means not a bad game. Granted there are little nicks that even I found lackluster, but that didn't take away from how I feel about the game. The combat was better in this than in Super Paper Mario, which I hate because it is the worst Paper Mario game I ever played, and the story was abid not there but it had some very good bosses and I liked the ideas they implemented in the game itself. I think that it has a lot of poor reviews mainly because the ones who complain about this game are just hardcore Paper Mario fans who complain about how this game isn't in the same lines as the others and not one complained about Super Paper Mario even though the combat was complete and utter trash. I digress, this is a really good game and I find it enjoyable.… Expand
  80. LuigiHelpsOut
    Jul 16, 2020
    6
    Okay, this game isn't great, but it's not as horrendously bad as it's often made out to be. Yes the battle system isn't great, yes the new characters are non existent, yes the story is bland, but besides that the rest of the game is pretty decent. However, the issue is that it has some critical flaws that hold it back from achieving greatness.
  81. KaS36
    May 14, 2023
    7
    One of the most overhated games on the internet, but to be fair it is the weakest Paper Mario games (though I haven't played Color Splash). Isn't horrible by any means, but don't go in expecting a proper RPG. Music is great.
  82. DaniloRosales33
    Jan 8, 2021
    10
    Es un juego EXELENTE, divertido y con mecanica de busquedas y combates muy entretenidas, quiero pensar que quienes le dan malas puntuaciones son quienes no la an jugado nunca o muy poco, yo lo he terminado almenos 3 veses y es realmente bueno, Nintendo le puso mucho cariño y cuidado a los graficos, a la historia y los personajes. Finalmente NO, NO ES EL DE CUBO, ninguno lo es, ni el de 64,Es un juego EXELENTE, divertido y con mecanica de busquedas y combates muy entretenidas, quiero pensar que quienes le dan malas puntuaciones son quienes no la an jugado nunca o muy poco, yo lo he terminado almenos 3 veses y es realmente bueno, Nintendo le puso mucho cariño y cuidado a los graficos, a la historia y los personajes. Finalmente NO, NO ES EL DE CUBO, ninguno lo es, ni el de 64, pero es lo que es, y es bueno, exelente diria yo, SALUDOTES Y JUEGUENLO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  83. Ningata
    Jul 27, 2020
    9
    Just because it's not the exact same game twice in a row does not mean this game is bad. This broke the mold of the first two original games, and took a new direction for the series, while also taking ideas from the previous games. Just because it's easy doesn't mean its bad, and it has a massive amount of appeal for a new person who wants to get into RPGs, while also being a safe bet forJust because it's not the exact same game twice in a row does not mean this game is bad. This broke the mold of the first two original games, and took a new direction for the series, while also taking ideas from the previous games. Just because it's easy doesn't mean its bad, and it has a massive amount of appeal for a new person who wants to get into RPGs, while also being a safe bet for veterans of RPGS.

    The jazzy music adds a new spin on Paper Mario, and the Mario series in general. The presentation of the game is easily the best of the series, using arts & crafts as its scenery. The game play itself is simple, but it didn't need to take a big risk, it knew what it needed to be.

    The battles themselves are easy, while the boss battles require some thinking behind them, albeit less than there should be. The boss battles are easily the high-light of the games, as the battle system works better than people give it credit for.

    Sticker Star is not a terrible game, nor is it the worst game in the series. Comparing this with a completely different game is an unfair criticism, and does not really explain what can be said about this with a deep discussion.    … Expand
  84. TMTMG
    Sep 7, 2020
    9
    I do really love this game, and I hate that people dislike it. Paper Mario: Sticker Star takes the "paper" idea and runs with it, and does it really well. The only big flaws that really annoy you are the times when the game does a poor job explaining to you what to do. This game looks and feels great for the 3DS. If you like Paper Mario you should play this.
  85. DynamicMutch
    Dec 29, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game had it's problems like the bowser fight requiring very specific mega stickers which was annoying and sometimes it did get pretty repetitive. But I still thought it was a blast to play and to find every secret… Expand
  86. BandanaDee13
    Jan 18, 2021
    10
    The fourth entry in the beloved Paper Mario series, Sticker Star isn't what many wanted out of the series, being unafraid to break the tried and true traditions of its predecessors. But the result turned out quite brilliantly, in my opinion. Stickers provide a new and engaging way to battle, with nearly 100 different types to chain together and experiment with, and some of the puzzles willThe fourth entry in the beloved Paper Mario series, Sticker Star isn't what many wanted out of the series, being unafraid to break the tried and true traditions of its predecessors. But the result turned out quite brilliantly, in my opinion. Stickers provide a new and engaging way to battle, with nearly 100 different types to chain together and experiment with, and some of the puzzles will certainly give you a run for your money (though some of them are perhaps a little *too* tough). The Mushroom Kingdom may perhaps be a little too familiar a setting for longtime fans, particularly to those that enjoyed the more unique settings of previous Paper Mario entries, but make no mistake--its realms are just as vibrant, colorful, and papery as ever, made even more appealing by the addition of 3D visuals. And perhaps most admirably, the game is continually inventive and always finds new ways to impress throughout the lengthy 30+ hour campaign, amid many witty bits of dialogue that'll ensure you're in for a good laugh.

    It's inevitable that a game that bucks so many traditions will be controversial, especially as a successor to a classic like The Thousand-Year Door. But despite this, Sticker Star gets it right where it matters, and that's in providing you 30 hours of a joyful and colorful adventure--and one you can take with you, too. It has proven difficult for many fans of the Nintendo 64 and GameCube classics to accept Sticker Star's rather unconventional style, but you've truly never played anything like this before and it's absolutely worth a look. As of the time of writing, the game tends to fetch around $20 on eBay, so you certainly don't have to look far, either.    … Expand
  87. William11111
    Jun 1, 2021
    10
    Masterpiece!
    Excellent adventure, unique levels...the list goes on!
    Sure, it might be the same kind of story where Bowser kidnaps Peach again, but its the little things that really makes this game shine!
  88. Qat
    Apr 27, 2022
    10
    Great game. Very original and nice ost. Good ambience. If you’re not one of those old nostalgic rpg players, you will love this game.
  89. Nevu_z
    Feb 1, 2023
    10
    Nostalga carries this one. love to play this game. The Raft level suck though.
  90. DantaeC
    May 14, 2023
    8
    I first experienced the game when I got it for my birthday, And this game has a reason to exist in the Paper Mario series. I give it a 8/10
  91. MimoDX2
    Mar 14, 2016
    6
    It's a good game, but sadly it's not a Paper Mario game.
    The graphics are great, that's all i have to say that is good about it. While this game needs some strategy while using stickers to defeat bosses, the sticker system is not good, in Paper Mario you can jump and use a hammer without any costs, and use the special attacks with the Hammer/Jump costing you FP, but now everything has a    It's a good game, but sadly it's not a Paper Mario game.
    The graphics are great, that's all i have to say that is good about it. While this game needs some strategy while using stickers to defeat bosses, the sticker system is not good, in Paper Mario you can jump and use a hammer without any costs, and use the special attacks with the Hammer/Jump costing you FP, but now everything has a cost, stickers. This system is far from being the best, it's good, but it's a betrayal for Paper Mario fans, but that's not the problem.
    The huge letdown this game has is lack of charm, this game is good on it's own, but the charm Paper Mario had is not there. Where are the original characters (aside from Kersti)? Where is the new Goomba partner? Where's the new Koopa partner? Where's the new Bomb partner? Even Super Paper Mario had these, but now everything we have is Toads, and there's no one behind Mario, it's just him and his stupid stickers. The great story, where is it? Why is everything based on a gimmick (stickers)?
    I actually remember when this game was announced back in 2010, Mario had a chomp partner (something we never had), he was useful in both battles and in the overworld. It was something that made me excited when i was 9 years old. But sadly, you made this game a excuse of a game, i mean, how the heck can you make a game destined to be great be a excuse? It WAS going to be great, it HAD a partner system which would qualify this game as a Paper Mario game, but then you removed the new partner system, and basically turned it into Super Mario 3D land, with unoriginal worlds and characters. I remember a lot of Toads which were original in the Paper Mario and Paper Mario TTYD, but then you made all of them silly Toads, without diversity. There's not even Enemies NPCS or at least not those who where partners or lived on a village. And the battles are almost pointless, you can earn coins to buy new stickers, but there's no leveling up, something that made Paper Mario great. Well, that's all i have to say.

    Intelligent Systems, please add at least ONE thing that was great on Paper Mario, all i want are Partners, no, not a new Kersti please, at least 7-9 partners, i beg you. I'm actually fine with a system like Sticker Star's, but all i want is someone behind me, someone to help me, someone to make the game more challenging, that's all i want.

    I would say this is my 4th favorite Paper Mario game, but it's not even one, it's just a Super Mario 3D Land copy with a Mario made of paper on it.    … Expand
  92. EpicLadySponge
    Nov 10, 2016
    5
    [Re-edited on November 11th, 2016] People, hate on Sticker Star all you want, but don't hate on it being a normal game, hate on it being a Paper Mario game. If you take Sticker Star as its own self, you can make a great game out of it. Unfortunately, this game screwed many things with the franchise itself yet if they're all taken to different media like a movie or another video game, they[Re-edited on November 11th, 2016] People, hate on Sticker Star all you want, but don't hate on it being a normal game, hate on it being a Paper Mario game. If you take Sticker Star as its own self, you can make a great game out of it. Unfortunately, this game screwed many things with the franchise itself yet if they're all taken to different media like a movie or another video game, they can be great things. This game behaves a lot and builds a relationship with the main series. This caused a few things wrong.

    The entire Paper Mario franchise builds up in eight different chapters of progressing. Sticker Star took it down to six and worse, it's not even chapters, it's worlds. What is this? A Super Mario game or something? It says Paper Mario on it, not Super Mario. Please get it right. Bowser does not say a single word. Literally, not even a single letter. Not even a dialog box. Alright, we get that you're trying to make it like a platformer more than a RPG, but come on, this is a RPG. You must respect its genre and it's a must. No denies and counters. In the Paper Mario franchise, Mario is the silent one. Make it that way.

    Sticker Star does have a story, but it's clichéd and predictable from the start. Mentions of previous Paper Mario characters are featured in this game, but there are no new Paper Mario characters in this game or even returning ones, except for Kersti, which ironically doesn't sound original whatsoever. And whatever you do, get at least some fighting stickers or you're already prepared for a game over. No, you cannot level up either. It's impossible to determine what level Mario is in this game.

    The music (I'm looking at you, Supreme Sparkling King; Bowser Battle) is great which is quite ironic to say, but most of them doesn't even fit their respective scenarios. How am I going to fight Bowser for the final battle with some cheesy running music and not some menacing feeling like in the first three games? At least Shadow Queen and Super Dimentio had better final battle themes. Bowser even had one of the most menacing one in the series and ironically, he also have the least menacing one in the series. I can make most of the music fit onto YouTube videos and you could just pretend they didn't even come from this game. If you have read my Ghostbusters (2016) review, I have compared this game to that movie with a note of a reason. They both screwed their beloved franchises loved by many people, except Sticker Star is better at just being a good game than the reboot I would not love to call Ghostbusters.

    Onward, character design is very generic. It just rehashes previous Mario characters from already-existing Mario games. I've heard of this phrase before and it describes what this game needs. "Get it right and make it that way. Leave it alone."

    Sticker Star is like a near 8/10 if you just make it a game itself, a 5/10 if you make it an RPG, but when you put it onto the Paper Mario series, you disappoint many people, 2/10. I can now see where people are getting the 'Paper Mario 3D Land' title thing from. November 11th is Veterans Day, but what does Veterans Day have to do with the topic anyways? Sticker Star is released on the same day. This Veterans Day, don't think bad, think about veterans... and then you can flame Sticker Star on it being a Paper Mario installment afterwards.    … Expand
  93. Djungelorm
    Sep 27, 2016
    5
    This game is bad, but not as absolutely awful as some have suggested.
    The main bad thing about it is that it ditches some of the basic elements of an RPG, while still pretending to be one. I actually quite liked the gimmick of using stickers in battle, and having a certain amount of consumable attacks. However, the sticker interface is clunky and not user-friendly; it can take ages to    This game is bad, but not as absolutely awful as some have suggested.
    The main bad thing about it is that it ditches some of the basic elements of an RPG, while still pretending to be one. I actually quite liked the gimmick of using stickers in battle, and having a certain amount of consumable attacks. However, the sticker interface is clunky and not user-friendly; it can take ages to find the stickers you want to use and sometimes you might find you don't even have the ones you've been looking for for ages. A menu would have been better. Another concern about battles is the fact that you no longer gain EXP at the end of a battle, which means that there is absolutely no incentive to play battles at all unless they are unavoidable. The bosses are quite fun but very easy with the right stickers available and sometimes impossible without them.
    Also, the areas are more bland, and lack the original characters that made the first 2 PM games so great, in fact every character is called 'A Toad'. It really wouldn't have been hard to at least give them names or different colored spots, or have female toads. The fact that you are going through a linear level instead of looking around areas to complete quests makes it boring as well.
    I mean, it's still an entertaining game. There are small amounts of humor and a few more interesting areas, including a roller coaster queue and a quiz show. The soundtrack is average, and the graphics look good in 3D.
    You can find fun in this game. But if you want a game similar to the first 2 Paper Mario games, prepare to be extremely disappointed.

    Rating: 5.9    … Expand
  94. nintendofan08
    Aug 30, 2016
    7
    The things I like from the game is the paper environment for Mario, and the decent plot, but as everyone says (and I agree with them), the game lacks original characters. I mean, there's Kerstie, but she is the only original character. Another thing that I didn't like is the worlds. This is Paper Mario, not Super Mario Bros., and the last thing the game can improve on is the combatThe things I like from the game is the paper environment for Mario, and the decent plot, but as everyone says (and I agree with them), the game lacks original characters. I mean, there's Kerstie, but she is the only original character. Another thing that I didn't like is the worlds. This is Paper Mario, not Super Mario Bros., and the last thing the game can improve on is the combat systtem. Sure, the thing that this game is focused on is stickers, but come on! If you want to try it out, go ahead I'm okay with it, but I didn't enjoy this game as much as I did with Super Paper Mario… Expand
  95. JPK
    Jun 8, 2019
    7
    The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull Of Paper Mario
    What I mean by that is that it gets decent reviews from critics but gets absolutely destroyed by fans. And like Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull I thought Sticker Star wasn’t nearly as great as the previous 3 games, But still thought it was decent.
  96. VogtVanRoberts
    Jan 10, 2018
    7
    It's an okay enough game. It's fun and looks nice, but it's not my Paper Mario. No characters, RPG elements, or story to be found anywhere in this game.
  97. RatedRForReview
    Feb 25, 2018
    6
    This Was.....Decent? I Guess You Could Say That. A lot Of Things Were Dropped, It Was Also Kinda Bland....Uhm...It Just Wasn't Too Good....But Not Bad Either..There's Really Nothing Else To Say Since That's It. Still. It Was A Solid Game, Nintendo Just Could Of Done WAAAAYYYYY Better. My Final Rating Is...
    X Best
    X Buy
    > Bad
    X Barter
  98. ViniOfficial
    Apr 2, 2018
    7
    O jogo é bom, trouxe uma ideia boa, mas após um tempo você se enjoa de batalhar, assim simplesmente desviando dos inimigos, e as batalhas são inuteis você só ganha moedas e stickers, preferia a mecanica antiga!
  99. PaperMarioFans5
    May 6, 2022
    10
    Many criticize this fourth installment of the series without any valid reason, I can assure you that Paper Mario Sticker Star is more than a great video game; It is a true masterpiece with a fantastic cast of characters and an epic battle system! A beautiful comedy and unique music. I recommended it to all my friends and they loved it.
  100. StarYT
    Jul 31, 2019
    7
    Good game, awful Paper Mario game. While it doesn't capture the magic of the first 3, its still enjoyable for what it gives you.
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best 3DS Game of 2012
2
#2 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2012
5
#5 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 69 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 69
  3. Negative: 1 out of 69
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Feb 21, 2013
    78
    Brilliant humor and an interesting world won't save Mario's latest RPG offering. Even though the stickers add a lot of variety to the turn based battles, an RPG without any character development tends to turn repetitive eventually. Unfortunately for Mario such is the case with Sticker Star. [Feb 2013]
  2. Hyper Magazine
    Feb 10, 2013
    80
    A great reinterpretation of what makes Mario work. [March 2013, p.72]
  3. DarkStation
    Feb 7, 2013
    70
    Unfortunately for it, Paper Mario: Sticker Star has to deal with being a “pretty good” entry in a series that is usually considered amongst the best games on their respective consoles. While I did have fun with it, there were times when I felt like I was just going through the motions, and very little of the innovation or character of previous entries shone through.
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