Paper Mario

 Nintendo 64
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 509 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 470 out of 509
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 509
  3. Negative: 21 out of 509
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  1. bestbloodyday
    May 22, 2012
    7
    This is one of the few (or maybe the only) RPG for N64. As RPG is very simple in its mechanics which I don't like. Some degree of complexity is always welcome in this kind of games. On the other side, I like the artistic style and the localizations. Maybe the only problem is that it could be completed in 10 or 20 hours (can't remember very well, sorry), which is very short for a RPG game.This is one of the few (or maybe the only) RPG for N64. As RPG is very simple in its mechanics which I don't like. Some degree of complexity is always welcome in this kind of games. On the other side, I like the artistic style and the localizations. Maybe the only problem is that it could be completed in 10 or 20 hours (can't remember very well, sorry), which is very short for a RPG game. This game is in the middle of the genre, not the best but not the worst certainly.… Expand
  2. forestofbramble
    Aug 12, 2012
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I grew up with Super Mario RPG on this SNES, and had wanted to play Paper Mario back when it was still Super Mario RPG 2 in development. So when I bought a Wii, this was the first game I downloaded. Did I enjoy the game? Yes and no.

    Starting with the good points. - There is a LOT to see and do in the game, and since most of the backtracking can be avoided it doesn't get old quickly, which I can really appreciate.
    - The character and enemy design is fairly decent. There's not a great deal of variety in either, but their graphics still look crisp for being 11 years old (though the 3D parts still look dated)
    - There's a lot of customizing to be done with badges, which does present a bit of thought provoking when you have to choose what will be good in the upcoming battles.
    - Humor is everywhere in the game. Most of it was too cheesy for me, but there were some I really enjoyed, like Whacka the mole.
    - The end credits were perfect, doing another march as in Super Mario RPG. Couldn't have done them better.

    Andddd the bad.
    - The story. For an RPG, they really didn't try too hard to make a decent storyline, just the same "Bowser kidnaps Peach" plot that they've reused dozens of times since 1985. - Though there are a lot of badge options, the low maximum for badge number really limits the usefulness. After equipping the 3 "Attack/Defense Plus" badges, you're down to only 12 to play with. I found the most effective build was to boost your normal attacking/defending skills, which really only gave you room for 1 special attack.
    - Whoever did the work on names really needed a second opinion. All of the toad names were mind numbingly terrible puns, like Tayse T. the cook, Russ T. the librarian, and Dain T. Gah.
    - The battle system needed a lot of polish. It still uses the same basic system from Super Mario RPG but was simplified at just about every turn. No armor and 2 weapons to choose from in the entire game made shops mostly invalidated. The enemy queue system meant that you were mostly stuck attacking whoever was closest first, unless you invested heavily in mostly useless badges. The experience system was frustrating at best, seeing as level-ups quickly made most battles pointless, as no experience would be awarded.
    - Mario's secondary characters were mostly useless. Goombario, Watt and Bombette would last you the entire game. The others were generally unimpressive in battle and really only served for non-combat abilities.
    - Peach's scenes were the worst by far. She couldn't take any real actions (no jumping or attacking) and it quickly became repetitive, as she could even take a "secret" passageway into Bowser's room with him IN THERE, and still get to try it again next time. Baffling. The cake making was miserable.
    - The arguing with Square got a lot of the more nostalgic points removed from the game (at least for me), with Star Hill becoming Shooting Star Point, and even "Time Hits" became "Action Commands". I would have loved to see Mallow in the game, but that's life.
    - No real mini-games to speak of. Unless you want to count the letter delivering. Which I don't.

    In the end, Paper Mario was a serviceable RPG. Too simplistic to really be called amazing, but it was decent. And it's hard to fault the game too much, because it's a non Squaresoft, non-Pokemon RPG. At least they tried. But I doubt I'd play it a second time through.    … Expand
  3. ZiggyStardust
    Oct 31, 2002
    7
    Admittedly I am not a fan of the RPG genre in general, but if I had to play one, this would be near the top of the list. It blends skill based moves with turn based combat. It's a decent game.
  4. nintendo-sekta
    Nov 1, 2018
    6
    Игра не плоха. В игре есть не плохой сюжет. Это приятное RPG, но в игре мне что то не нравиться. Возможно на это повлиял потеря сохранения и 1 часа игры.
  5. DoctorZack
    May 18, 2020
    6
    A sound fundamental RPG. While sporting charm, the game is extremely wordy and not challenging at all. The perfect 10's are insanely nostalgic for Super Mario RPG; it also doesn't help N64 had zero RPG competition on its own console.
  6. ND-Bringer
    Jun 10, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Paper Mario 64 is an awesome game, but does everyone enjoy it solely because it's not a difficult game to complete? I'm not talking about collecting all of the Star Pieces, I'm talking about defeating Bowser in general. Granted, you can't save after the final boss...but no one needs proof that they defeated the final boss fight against Super Bowser, because it's not a big challenge. I prepared myself with a large assembly of items & I needed up only using a single Life Shroom. Don't get me wrong, I think this is an excellent game...but, compare to something like Dragon Quest 8 & the challenge feels easy. I think this game's strong points come from the grand theme & level design. This title is like the little sister of Super Mario RPG. With its wonderful Action RPG elements, colorful characters, & the occasional breaking of the fourth wall...makes this world all the more wonderful to explore. The story this time, is that Bowser actually defeats Mario for the first time after gaining invincible power from the Star Rod. So Mario must go on a quest across the land in order to rescue the 7 Star Spirits. Only then, will he be able to defeat Bowser. And it doesn't just feel great while collecting new powers from the Star Spirits alone, with every level up Mario is recharged instantly, making training feel all the more rewarding. Mario becomes stronger in a different kind of way throughout his quest, collecting stronger boots & hammers that change up his technique in exchange for power. The change of timing with jumping felt irritating at first, but it helped refresh my skills so I could later, master the perfect timing with the Power Bounce attack. And by collecting the right badges, it's possible to raise Mario's power even further! And let's not forget about those refreshing Super Blocks, that are used to upgrade your sidekicks powers & abilities. While enemies may stun your team every once & a while, you can save on healing items at the same time since they don't have health bars. I think Mario's sidekicks are one of the best things about this game, it feels nice to have a whole crew of friends to support you on your journey. And there abilities are also used from some creative puzzle solving as well. This game is responsible for creating the fanbase for Mario enemies, whether it's giving them fun personalities playing as hero versions as them, I've always gotten a kick out of it. Especially in Chapter 6 where one of the boss' ex-minions wins your team. You even get to play as Princess Peach in a few stealth missions. They may be short, but it helps break up the game by adding a cooking level, a gameshow level, & even an impersonator level with Peach's Sneaky Parasol! Man I hope we get that again someday, it has a lot of unused potential. Lot's of things in this game do feel a bit rushed. Whether its empty space in the desert that could've been used to make lacking stages more interesting. Or perhaps having more stealth levels within the Tubba Blubba Castle since he's no that hard to avoid. These levels may have great design, but levels like Shy Guy's Toy Box make me a bit mixed with my view. A little backtracking here & there won't hurt anyone, but making backtracking minor in the last stages, only to follow it up with major...makes the whole experience drag on pretty long. Honestly, I think crazy backtracking should only exist during optional side quests, instead of the actual story levels. However, when puzzles are concerned I honestly think the challenge is fair, especially since you can even get hints from the wizard Merlon in case you're stuck. Though that's the same as looking up the answers on the internet. I rather use my head to solve these challenges & use Goombario to at least get a general idea of what I'm supposed to do. At times like in the desert world I think they could've been more specific on what to do. Like you can speak to someone nearby the beggar in order to figure out what food he likes. That being said, they did capture the theme of walking in an endless desert this way & fighting mountains of enemies helps you get used to the controls a little more. My personal favorite stage was actually the final one. The final battle may not be all that special, but the stage itself is massive! The dungeons! The caves! The traps! The magma pool! This an excellent final stage! And it even has a hilarious fake-out battle against the Koopa Bros. This game also has plenty of PG dark themes. Like Mario being accused of murder, assaulting cute moles, & making Shy Guys scream like possessed children...holy smokes that's nerve-racking! Whatever this game made millions of children smile. I bet there's still many former players who look back at the lovely lullaby style music right before they close there eyes. Some parts of the game may feel rushed in development, but they're still excellent moments in gaming history regardless! This games represents pure Nintendo 64 magic! It's a game...with a big heart(:… Expand
  7. Yojimbo2015
    Jan 17, 2023
    7
    Arcade RPG and forerunner to the Mario & Luigi games on the Nintendo handhelds, it's a little simplistic but makes up for it with some gorgeous visuals.
  8. GameCatastrophe
    Sep 3, 2023
    7
    This game is really fun, but the lack of a post-game really disappointed me. I wish I could have explored the world more!

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best N64 Game of 2001
2
#2 Most Discussed N64 Game of 2001
2
#2 Most Shared N64 Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Nintendojo
    96
    While said story may not live up to the expectations of most RPG fans, or fans of Super Mario RPG, it is far better and more interesting than the typical 'stories' you have to endure in a Mario game.
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  2. Da Gameboyz
    95
    With its light-hearted plot, loveable characters, innovative gameplay and perfectly fitting music, this game should appeal to anyone and everyone.
  3. GameSpot
    95
    With stunning graphics, excellent sound, and extremely solid gameplay, Paper Mario is a quality game on all fronts.
    Read full review
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