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. nitorita
    Oct 14, 2019
    8
    Playing this for the first time after almost two decades, I'd have to say that it's quite nice. The game aged well and I can see why it was considered the best of the best for its time. I played and beat Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga twice when I was younger, and loved it to death.

    Sadly, I genuinely believe that this game does NOT warrant full 10/10 ratings, despite it being ahead of    Playing this for the first time after almost two decades, I'd have to say that it's quite nice. The game aged well and I can see why it was considered the best of the best for its time. I played and beat Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga twice when I was younger, and loved it to death.

    Sadly, I genuinely believe that this game does NOT warrant full 10/10 ratings, despite it being ahead of its time. It is at best an 8. The combat mechanics are great and the story is as amazing and goofy as you would expect from any other Nintendo game, but there are a few issues that just can't be ignored.

    Roaming enemies can be tedious to deal with since they take up time, and it doesn't help that you have to do a lot of travelling on foot which can be hard to endure throughout the game. The game progresses at a slow pace, and movement is slow too. You get tired of the game as you reach the last few bosses, and it feels like the game is dragging on. Essentially, the game is just really, really slow.

    There are several parts in the game where you aren't given any indication whatsoever as to how to progress, meaning you waste time roaming around blindly until you ultimately give up and read a guide, just to find out that the solution is something you would never figure out anyway. My advice: If you do get stuck, don't hesitate to use a guide.

    Overall, the game has a solid RPG mechanic and is a breath of fresh air from your typical Mario platformer. The fights are challenging, but not to the point where you'd have to grind. I enjoyed the experience, despite its flaws (but what game doesn't have some, right?).    … Expand
  2. Patters53
    Feb 14, 2019
    10
    A fantastic game that still looks great 18 years later. I got this on the Wii U virtual console, and I am having a great time with it. I am sad I have never tried these games before, but this has gotten me greatly interested in the other games in the series.
  3. Neatqt
    Feb 25, 2019
    9
    Cast: 10/10
    Story: 6/10
    Fun: 9/10
    Gameplay: 9/10

    Recommended
    ----------------------
  4. greninjaX
    Jan 24, 2022
    10
    an absolute masterpiece. an all time classic. it's a shame that modern paper mario games have to suck, but the first 3 games were amazing, and this is the one that started it all.
  5. Ytaaps
    Jan 22, 2019
    10
    By far one of the best games i've played, it has a great story and the gameitself its quite enjoyable, if you dont have one nintendo 64 you can also download it from a wii u if you have one, i highly recommend this game.
  6. MarioSonicfan
    Apr 25, 2019
    10
    This is my favorite game, just where to even begin! I'd highly recommend this game to any gamer out there, it's just a really well done rpg that is just a blat to play through.
  7. Onioncreature
    Mar 12, 2021
    10
    While I still enjoy the aesthetic of Super Mario RPG a bit more, Paper Mario is overall the better game; as it offers key improvement to many facets of the game's design. The battle system is more digestible and user friendly, while still remaining difficult enough to be engaging. The characters, world, and music are all top quality, and apart from a few minor pacing issues everythingWhile I still enjoy the aesthetic of Super Mario RPG a bit more, Paper Mario is overall the better game; as it offers key improvement to many facets of the game's design. The battle system is more digestible and user friendly, while still remaining difficult enough to be engaging. The characters, world, and music are all top quality, and apart from a few minor pacing issues everything falls into place perfectly. A truly phenomenal game, it really is a shame Nintendo isn't making Mario RPGs of this caliber anymore.… Expand
  8. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    9
    Although one of the most important aspects of a rpg is a great story, it does not have one. On the other hand, its fun and addictive battle system makes you forget about it. Essential.
  9. Jonrodrr
    Apr 20, 2022
    10
    I started to play this game at 35y old, for the first time, whit the extra pack for Nintendo switch. The game is just awesome. I just collect the first star, at the moment everything is fine. Thanks Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 games!!! As a kid i was a playstation boy, now whit my own money i can play everything.
  10. Zioreturns
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    Love this game a wonderful rpg for fans of the Mario series. Well worth playing for rpg fans
  11. pdavis22
    Feb 2, 2021
    10
    Have beaten this game over and over does not get old.

    Has everything you could want in a RPG. Fun, strategic boss battles, very little grind and back tracking.

    Ughhh the memories were amazing.
  12. 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
  13. TSNintendogamer
    May 11, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is great and it's one of the best rpg's on the N64. The story isn't exactly mindblowing but it's still very creative. The problem with the story is that most of the chapters feel samey although in those chapters, they are also creative in the way they tell the story. The battle with bowser is epic too but the funny thing is that while there is more at stake, bowser and Mario have the same type of rivalry. As for gameplay, it's fun and satisfying pressing the buttons just right The badges in the game also help out with the battles but the game is reliant on badges in order to get far and that includes changing them constantly. Other than those flaws, I loved the game even if I played most of it as an adult.… Expand
  14. BaldursThones
    Apr 14, 2022
    8
    I love the the paper mario series and this started it all. There is so much to love about this game
  15. Vitalus
    Apr 15, 2023
    8
    It's a blast from my past and it held up surprisingly well. It's definitely basic for a turn-based rpg but that was exactly what I wanted for a low-stakes ride.
  16. BlueToadGaming6
    Apr 28, 2022
    10
    This is my favorite game of all time. Everything in this game is near-perfect, or at the very least, pretty good. The story is basic, but good, even if it's not as deep as that of TTYD and Super Paper Mario. While its not too graphically impressive today, it still looks pretty nice, especially Chapter 7. The enemies are also very well-done. There are some annoying ones, like the HyperThis is my favorite game of all time. Everything in this game is near-perfect, or at the very least, pretty good. The story is basic, but good, even if it's not as deep as that of TTYD and Super Paper Mario. While its not too graphically impressive today, it still looks pretty nice, especially Chapter 7. The enemies are also very well-done. There are some annoying ones, like the Hyper Clefts, Groove Guys, Clefts, Amazyee Dayzees, and Crayzee Dayzees are dreadful to fight, but that's such a small number in comparison to how many enemies there are in this game. Clubbas, White Clubbas, Gulpits, Frost Piranhas, Putrid Piranhas, Duplighosts, Ruff Puffs, Huff Puffs, and most of the Shy Guys are some of the best enemies in the game. And then there's the bosses. Goomba King and General Guy, while nothing special, are good. The Koopa Bros. are great, and then literally all of the other bosses in the game are some of the best in the entire series. Tutankoopa and Tubba's Heart are in my top ten, Lava Piranha is in my top 5, and Bowser, Huff N. Puff, and Crystal King make up my top three. Then there's the chapters. The original Paper Mario has the best chapters in the entire series. There isn't a single bad one here. Chapter 8 I'm a little mixed on, the Prologue is a good introduction, Chapter 1 is an even better introduction, Chapter 4 is good, though it does have some backtracking that holds it back, Chapter 6 is a similar story to Chapter 4, but slightly better since it has a way better boss, better music, and I just like it better, Chapter 5 is simply a really solid chapter with a few annoyances, a few fantastic parts, but mostly just really good, Chapter 2 is in my top five favorite chapters in the series, I really like getting to thoroughly explore Mt. Rugged for Parakarry's letters, Dry Dry Desert is vast with tons of different rooms to find, Dry Dry Outpost is my second favorite town area in this game, and Dry Dry Ruins is my third favorite Dungeon in this game, Chapter 3 is also in my top five favorite chapters in the series, Forever Forest is a really cool and creepy are and is Lost Woods done right, Boo's Mansion is a really fun mini-dungeon, and is in fact the only mini-dungeon in the game, with just puzzles and no enemies, Gusty Gulch is a simple but fun area, Tubba Blubba's Castle is my second-favorite dungeon in the game with lots of fun stealth sections, Chapter 7 is in my top three favorite chapters in the series, I love the Penguin "murder mystery" in Shiver City, like Gusty Gulch, Shiver Snowfield is a basic but fun area, Starborn Valley gives some more depth to the stars, Shiver Mountain is another awesome area and the Crystal Palace is the best dungeon in the game.… Expand
  17. GDsReviews
    May 27, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If Super Mario 64 started the N64’s run with a bang, then Paper Mario certainly ended it with a bang. It is not the last game officially made and released for the N64, but it certainly feels like the swan song for it is as great or even greater than Super Mario 64 in many cases.

    While Super Mario 64 was a 3D platformer, Paper Mario is a turn-based battle Role Playing Game (RPG) that has 2D paper characters in a 3D world, and it is an extremely diverse and large one too. Along the way, you will pick up partners that you can switch depending on the task at hand, and have colorful backgrounds. A self-taught Goomba in Goombario, an adventurous Koopa in Kooper that is the son of the adventurer Kolorado, A feisty peace loving Bob-Omb in Bombette, a mail carrier Paratroopa in Parakarry, the headstrong privileged Boo leader in Lady Bow, a baby electric spark in Watt, A fish out of water Cheep Cheep in Sushi, and a rogue turn friend Lakitu in Lakester. Peach also gains a sidekick in a little star named Twink.

    The story and soundtrack is extremely solid, but what make this game standout among Mario games is how Bowser and Peach are portrayed in it. In almost every Mario game, Peach is a fragile, high-pitched, and dumb damsel in distress, and Bowser a manically cocky villain. Not the case at all with both in Paper Mario 64. In Paper Mario 64, Bowser is an extremely intelligent villain where you get creeps from him being on screen just because he is so refreshingly intelligent here. He completely suckerpunches Mario by lifting Peach’s Castle into space, and then you are forced into a fight that you will never win and casts Mario into the empty vacuum of space to fall back down to earth. Peach is certainly not dumb in this game either, and you will have to control her in between chapters where you have to stealthily sneak out of her trapped bedroom. Peach is at her absolute finest after Chapter 6, where you have to disguise yourself as a guard and sneak deep into the castle. How you get caught in the end is not a case of Peach being dumb at all. Instead Bowser’s cunning villainess sidekick in Kammy Koopa is at first fooled, and then smells a rat and blows your cover.

    The chapter system is based on the 7 star spirits that are imprisoned by Bowser and Kammy Koopa, and stealing the all-powerful Star Rod. The prologue starts with Mario falling into a wooded area in the humble Goomba Village, and the imprisoned Star Spirits in one final burst of strength revive him. After that, Mario is discovered by a young Goomba girl in Goombaria, who takes them to Goomba Village. Your first partner is her brother in Goombario, and after saving their grandfather in Goompa, goes on the path toward Toad Town that serves as the main hub for the game. The first 7 chapters start at the entry of the world region each star spirit is imprisoned in, conclude with freeing the star spirit, and end with you doing stuff with Peach to help Mario down below. However after the 7th chapter concludes, there is just a final cutscene of Peach and Twink getting confronted by Bowser and Kammy Koopa knowing that Mario is coming back with force. The 8th and final chapter starts at the entry to Bowser’s Castle, and ends with the ultimate showdown against Bowser and reclaiming the Star-Rod. Overall, a masterpiece game that ends the N64 era as greatly as Super Mario 64 started it.    … Expand
  18. Derpcat
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Paper Mario is often overlooked to its sequel. It’s my favorite game, and I’m here to rectify that. Because Paper Mario is one of the greatest video games ever, and the best game of the N64.

    It’s plot, while being simplistic, really is great. Bowser had kidnapped Peach, but also imprisoned the Seven Star Spirits who grant wishes. Mario needs to travel around the world and save them so he    Paper Mario is often overlooked to its sequel. It’s my favorite game, and I’m here to rectify that. Because Paper Mario is one of the greatest video games ever, and the best game of the N64.

    It’s plot, while being simplistic, really is great. Bowser had kidnapped Peach, but also imprisoned the Seven Star Spirits who grant wishes. Mario needs to travel around the world and save them so he could save Peach. In this day it is kind of bad, but you forget that you’re trying to save Peach when you’re trying to save the Star Spirits.

    This game was made for beginners in mind, so a lot of the standard RPG elements aren’t here. You have two moves, jump and hammer, and you have to time a certain input to do more damage. The damage is also greatly simplified. In EarthBound, you deal hundreds of damage. Here, you deal up to 6. The enemies have less HP then you’d think, and you deal less damage then you think. You also have partners, but you can only have one out at a time. They each have special abilities and you really are going to need all of them. My favorite is Kooper, because he has an interesting design and personality, but I still loved all of them.

    The graphics are bad only if you’re highly allergic to cuteness. Instead of going with a weird, polygonal look, they went with a paper-y style. This game looks different from the other games in the series, but that’s not a bad thing. The music is also very good, especially for an N64 game.

    There is about 15 hours of story, but usually you don’t find everything until you’ve played it 3 times. It has two very long side quests. It’ll take you about 30 hours to 100%, but I still played it 3 times. It’s just a personal thing.

    Despite its age, this remains one of the best games. Compared to other N64 games, this one is the cutest and probably the best-looking. Best N64 game- or best game ever.    … Expand
  19. 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.
  20. FunkyPopMan
    Jan 14, 2023
    10
    This game is basic and simple in the best ways possible. It's wackiness is just incredible. The art style is great and It just does a good job with the mood. If only there were more RPGs like this game.
  21. marcusaureliuz
    Jan 28, 2023
    10
    ESP: Un RPG bastante básico y sencillo que resulta muy agradable para casi cualquier tipo de jugador, desde veteranos del género como novatos. La ambientación es hermosa, la música increíble, controles amigables y una progresión bastante entretenida. De lo mejor del 64 y Nintendo en general.
  22. Shinglinhg
    May 17, 2023
    10
    The best Mario game that Nintendo has ever created, I'm not a big fan of RPGs and turn-based games, but this game is unbelievably good, in my opinion. It's the best N64 game and the best RPG ever made. The characters are charismatic, the game's graphics are beautiful, the world is huge and full of things to explore. The turn-based battles can be a bit repetitive, but you can just playThe best Mario game that Nintendo has ever created, I'm not a big fan of RPGs and turn-based games, but this game is unbelievably good, in my opinion. It's the best N64 game and the best RPG ever made. The characters are charismatic, the game's graphics are beautiful, the world is huge and full of things to explore. The turn-based battles can be a bit repetitive, but you can just play while ignoring the enemies, and I dare say that the soundtrack of this game is the best soundtrack Nintendo has ever made.… Expand
  23. GameMan2005
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    Set a great standard for the next Paper Mario game and has a beautiful artstyle, memorable characters, and fun and unique gameplay.
  24. 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!
  25. TreasureOrTrash
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    Treasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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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.
    Read full review
  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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