Super Paper Mario

 Wii
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 657 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 481 out of 657
  2. Mixed: 121 out of 657
  3. Negative: 55 out of 657
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  1. TravisRedux
    May 15, 2012
    7
    +Different playable characters, +Different ways to approach classic Mario combat, +Re-playable levels, +A Mario story where Bowser isn't the antagonist. -Complete removal of the RPG system from the past 2 Paper Mario games, -Using the "Score" as an EXP system is sort of redundant. Although this game is different from the last two, I enjoyed it. Nintendo/IS should have named this game+Different playable characters, +Different ways to approach classic Mario combat, +Re-playable levels, +A Mario story where Bowser isn't the antagonist. -Complete removal of the RPG system from the past 2 Paper Mario games, -Using the "Score" as an EXP system is sort of redundant. Although this game is different from the last two, I enjoyed it. Nintendo/IS should have named this game something else to avoid confusion from avid Mario RPG fans.… Expand
  2. ToddS.
    Nov 4, 2008
    6
    Changing from 2D to 3D to solve puzzles is fun. I like the platforming element to this game. But all in all, there isn't enough RPG elements to it, and it has little to no replay value.
  3. Hexnar
    Sep 7, 2013
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The puzzles were cool. The overall game was decent, wasn't too difficult. Was extra fun as you got to play as many different of the Mario characters, not just Mario the whole way through. It was slightly childish in its execution, and at times slightly boring, and other times annoying. But overall was fun to play through.… Expand
  4. Joe
    May 20, 2007
    5
    I feel exactly how Steve E. feels toward this game. There are some really boring parts in this game. Running in the wheel for 6 minutes was horrible, typing please 8 times to get a clue was annoying, then having the clue be a 30 step process that needs to be written down.........Also the ninja level..... I am currently on the 8th world and cant wait to beat it so i can sell it on ebay. I feel exactly how Steve E. feels toward this game. There are some really boring parts in this game. Running in the wheel for 6 minutes was horrible, typing please 8 times to get a clue was annoying, then having the clue be a 30 step process that needs to be written down.........Also the ninja level..... I am currently on the 8th world and cant wait to beat it so i can sell it on ebay. Painfully boring at parts and the game is too easy, big letdown and over hyped IMO After you beat it once why would you want to play this again?????? Super Mario RPG is 1000x better.… Expand
  5. TotalJ.
    Oct 30, 2007
    6
    I gave this a shot because it's a Mario game and because the graphics and art style are appealing. The game itself is a tedious journey. I admit I didn't finish the game, probably didn't even get halfway. 2d and 3d? Big deal. This game has very little action or strategy. Rent it and see, but don't buy blind or you'll probably regret it.
  6. GlenC.
    Jul 24, 2007
    6
    This game was a pain to get through. The gameplay was boring and frustrating for me, but admittedly I don't like rpg elements of most games. Some of the dialogue was pretty good (a lot of dialogue), and the visuals were very pretty. I can't complain about the control scheme except that I didn't see any of the style controls mentioned anywhere until after I beat the game. This game was a pain to get through. The gameplay was boring and frustrating for me, but admittedly I don't like rpg elements of most games. Some of the dialogue was pretty good (a lot of dialogue), and the visuals were very pretty. I can't complain about the control scheme except that I didn't see any of the style controls mentioned anywhere until after I beat the game. Probably my fault. I just didn't like this game all that much. It dragged on.… Expand
  7. St33rpike
    Jul 18, 2012
    7
    This was a fun and unique take on the Mario game concept. While I enjoyed playing it, the game's linear RPG storyline makes it unlikely you would want to play it more than once. The story is strange and funny (or at least tries to be), and the fact that you can switch from 1D to 3D added a cool dynamic to the gameplay. Over all, though, the pace was slow and the storyline was too goofy toThis was a fun and unique take on the Mario game concept. While I enjoyed playing it, the game's linear RPG storyline makes it unlikely you would want to play it more than once. The story is strange and funny (or at least tries to be), and the fact that you can switch from 1D to 3D added a cool dynamic to the gameplay. Over all, though, the pace was slow and the storyline was too goofy to really get me excited about playing. This would probably be very fun for its target audience, but older gamers might find it a bit simplistic and watered down.… Expand
  8. MaddoxWhite
    Apr 24, 2021
    7
    This was my first Paper Mario game. I don't like many RPGs, so seeing all the different opinions on this game that differ so widely is something I totally understand.

    For me, then and now, it's still all right. Story is better than the gameplay IMO.
  9. SteveE.
    Apr 22, 2007
    6
    My wife loves this game, but me, not so much. I love, absolutely love, the old 2D Mario games. But this game is slow-paced and unexciting. There's a painful amount of lengthy dialog and backtracking. Two examples: having to run in a hamster wheel for 6 minutes or walk in a totally blank (white) level in one direction for 4 minutes. It's pointless, and you can't skip it. The My wife loves this game, but me, not so much. I love, absolutely love, the old 2D Mario games. But this game is slow-paced and unexciting. There's a painful amount of lengthy dialog and backtracking. Two examples: having to run in a hamster wheel for 6 minutes or walk in a totally blank (white) level in one direction for 4 minutes. It's pointless, and you can't skip it. The gameplay is fun when it's there, even though it mostly amounts to looking for keys to locked doors. I miss being able to hit a "run" button like all of the earlier Marios. Mario only moves at "walk" pace. He can't pick up shells now without the help of a Pixl, either. Where's the fun in that? This is the worst Mario game I've ever played, but it's still a Mario game. It's fun at times, just not constantly fun like earlier games.… Expand
  10. DavidD.
    Jun 10, 2007
    7
    A very neat game. It still has the humour from te previous Paper Mario's, but it lacks the RPG element. The flipping between 2-D and 3-D is fun for a while, but it wears of fairly quick. If you are a fan of the series, it is worth a play through. The game is pretty straight forward and pretty easy. Rent it first too see if you like it or wait till it drops in price.
  11. SimonG.
    Sep 5, 2007
    6
    Here I am, commenting the fourth best game on the Wii according to all the critics. First, I think Super Mario Bros is by far the best 2D platformer series ever, period. Second, I don
  12. A.D.Olson
    Apr 20, 2007
    7
    A very, very basic game, with a boring storyline that's overdone. The platforming is not challenging in any way, shape, or form, and the only RPG elements that were left in were the annoying ones such as stupid run here, run there, talk to someone, and read more than you read through all of high school. The flipping to 3D is more annoying than anything else, and the presentation A very, very basic game, with a boring storyline that's overdone. The platforming is not challenging in any way, shape, or form, and the only RPG elements that were left in were the annoying ones such as stupid run here, run there, talk to someone, and read more than you read through all of high school. The flipping to 3D is more annoying than anything else, and the presentation loses a lot of polish when you're using component cables, in comparison to the 2D look and feel. All is not lost, however, as there are a few throwbacks to classic games and other Nintendo fanboyish things, and for that I gave it a few bonus points. I hope that there is a RUN ability in the next Mario game that Nintendo bothers to push out to us (or better yet, make a new IP rather than continually re-using Mario).… Expand
  13. AndrewG.
    May 9, 2007
    7
    SPM's presentation is beautiful and nostalgic, but the gameplay is pretty boring. There are maybe 3 parts of the game (other than the pits of 100 trials) where the platforming is interesting. The 2D/3D mechanic is an extremely cool idea, but was not implemented particularly well. It becomes tedious because you have to constantly switch to 3D in order to make sure that you aren't SPM's presentation is beautiful and nostalgic, but the gameplay is pretty boring. There are maybe 3 parts of the game (other than the pits of 100 trials) where the platforming is interesting. The 2D/3D mechanic is an extremely cool idea, but was not implemented particularly well. It becomes tedious because you have to constantly switch to 3D in order to make sure that you aren't missing any secrets. In addition, while the writing is very funny, and some of the story elements of the chapters are well developed, it is really tiresome to be constantly reading. The worst part, in fact, is the beginning of the game because it takes way too long for the action to start. To top it off, the game is incredibly easy - the bosses, in particular, are complete jokes. If it weren't for the pits of 100 trials, the cool art style, and the (mostly gimmicky, but still interesting) 2D/3D mechanic, I would not recommend SPM. As it is though, I definitely recommend buying the game, even though it sadly failed to meet my expectations.… Expand
  14. CameronS.
    Jul 20, 2007
    7
    A great addition to the Mario series, but the childish jokes and EXTREMELY long and boring cutscenes make it a game that nobody over 10 would enjoy thouroughly.
  15. Rick
    Nov 27, 2007
    7
    So much text (becomes boring), also is not as too fun as previous Super Mario Bros 2 or 3.
  16. austinbond
    Apr 1, 2011
    7
    The game is not a Mario RPG... it really is something original. The game has lot's of charm, has clever puzzles and is often hilarious. BUT there are parts when I was wondering, "What were the developers thinking?!". Seriously, for every amazing part, such as a castle for dorks, video game hell & an amazing space shoot-out, there is a dumb, bland sequence. Literally, there is a part whereThe game is not a Mario RPG... it really is something original. The game has lot's of charm, has clever puzzles and is often hilarious. BUT there are parts when I was wondering, "What were the developers thinking?!". Seriously, for every amazing part, such as a castle for dorks, video game hell & an amazing space shoot-out, there is a dumb, bland sequence. Literally, there is a part where you run right in a blank white space for 5 minutes... WTF? Good for a rental, but if you want classic platforming, get Kirby, Donkey Kong or New Super Mario Bros… Expand
  17. TheCritic1
    Aug 8, 2011
    7
    Don't get me wrong, this is a good game, but sometimes it feels like your just running around in circles! Want a good Mario game on Wii? Pick this if you want but if you are looking for the best Mario game on Wii, Galaxy 2 is for you then!
  18. Theday
    Jun 1, 2011
    6
    The Paper Mario series by Intelligent Systems is a series of games dating back to the N64, Intelligent Systems took the reins of the Mario RPG series after Square made Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, the games have always had colorful characters, interesting locations and worlds and witty writing. Super Paper Mario takes away the turn base format from previous titles for moreThe Paper Mario series by Intelligent Systems is a series of games dating back to the N64, Intelligent Systems took the reins of the Mario RPG series after Square made Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, the games have always had colorful characters, interesting locations and worlds and witty writing. Super Paper Mario takes away the turn base format from previous titles for more of a plate former feel and action while still keeping the health and moves. While the new take on the series does feel fresh, the way the abilities and character switching completely wrenches the experience. To have to change from one character who can bomb to one that can hammer just gets annoying after a short time. At times it felt that the game was rushed, and rushed bad. The entire use of the mirror town of Flopside is completely under used and felt like a last second addition. In fact, this game lacks a lot of polish the previous games of the series had. Sure the other ones had a few slow chapters, but this one really gets to you.
    If you can trudge along then you'll enjoy it, if not then you'll be annoyed out of playing this game.    … Expand
  19. Jorgendrix
    Dec 19, 2012
    6
    En su tiempo me encontré lo bastante ansioso y emocionado por esperar y obtener este título, jugándome en contra mi afición por muchas de las series de Nintendo. Al principio, me gustó mucho pero me fuí dando cuenta que es un juego que promete mucho pero que no te llena al final de todo. Si es uno para pasar el rato.
  20. Jorchking
    Feb 13, 2020
    5
    De la saga RPG es el peor Mario que he jugado.
    Venía muy emocionado jugando a tiro el Paper Mario 64 y La puerta Milenaria, pero con este juego nunca me terminé de enganchar. Intenté 2 veces cogerle el la mano al juego y nunca pude. Más que nada porque es tedioso y poco atractivo, se hace MUY aburrido. Además creo que tiene que ver mucho el cambio de mecánicas que tampoco me convenció.    De la saga RPG es el peor Mario que he jugado.
    Venía muy emocionado jugando a tiro el Paper Mario 64 y La puerta Milenaria, pero con este juego nunca me terminé de enganchar. Intenté 2 veces cogerle el la mano al juego y nunca pude. Más que nada porque es tedioso y poco atractivo, se hace MUY aburrido. Además creo que tiene que ver mucho el cambio de mecánicas que tampoco me convenció. También se me contrastó demasiado ya que venía del mejor Mario RPG que era La Puerta Milenaria y haber jugado el peor inmediatamente lo terminas sintiendo más. Es el peor Mario en RPG que he jugado.
    Es un juego bastante olvidable, y que no invita a quedarse, y que ha tenido poca trascendencia en la saga RPG de Mario, eso dice demasiado.
    5/10.    … Expand
  21. MechanicalWood
    Aug 6, 2013
    6
    Although this game was okay for me, it is not as good as Paper Mario from Nintendo 64. There's no more turn fights which used to get annoying on Paper Mario 64 (but where fun). What I liked about the game is the flip from 2D to 3D, the second world is really fun and the world about the nerd was also fun and even hilarious.

    The world about game over was rather scary which talked about    Although this game was okay for me, it is not as good as Paper Mario from Nintendo 64. There's no more turn fights which used to get annoying on Paper Mario 64 (but where fun). What I liked about the game is the flip from 2D to 3D, the second world is really fun and the world about the nerd was also fun and even hilarious.

    The world about game over was rather scary which talked about hell and heaven and even that one business woman mentions if you where bad you'd suffer eternally (on a children's game what the There where also demons on that level (D-Man as they are called).

    What I hated about this game is that you need Mario to flip the world and you can't use the other characters because you can miss hidden stuff. I wish I could had played more with Peach or Bowser but the game didn't let me. Very bad. Also when you flip you have a meter which removes 1 HP each time the meter is over, after the 1 HP is reduced it starts over and I found it very annoying.

    The elevators at flipside are long and annoying, the pixls unlike the friends at Paper Mario 64 have no story at all and become useless, you even need a pixl for the hammer COME ON!

    In all the game was rather enjoyable.. but not as good as Paper Mario 64. Should you get this game? Maybe. Is it better than Paper Mario 64? NO!    … Expand
  22. ScribbleNaughty
    Aug 15, 2013
    7
    Super Paper Mario is the third Paper Mario Game in the series. SPM is a very dark game for a Mario Game but has a very great story and takes quite a long time to complete the game. The weak point of this game is that the game really doesn't let you explore Flipside for the majority of the game.
  23. Galacta1310
    Apr 30, 2014
    6
    This game wasn't bad but it was a bit of a disappointment. When it came out i thought it would be similar to the first 2, especially by looking at the box art. I did enjoy this game alot but it didnt even come close to the first 2 Paper Marios. Not only was the gameplay much different, the game was WAY to easy for me, i can get through the game without getting a game over. It was still funThis game wasn't bad but it was a bit of a disappointment. When it came out i thought it would be similar to the first 2, especially by looking at the box art. I did enjoy this game alot but it didnt even come close to the first 2 Paper Marios. Not only was the gameplay much different, the game was WAY to easy for me, i can get through the game without getting a game over. It was still fun but like i said, not the same. What was worse is that there was no turn based battling, but still leveling up which gave you a purpose to fighting enemies unlike Sticker Star. Most of the Pixls in the game were useless for most of the game. And the chapters were very short, on top of the game being easy with short levels it just got boring… Expand
  24. Tbone413
    Jun 12, 2015
    6
    Overrated. Not horrible, just overrated. It's decent fun, but I'm not a fan of Paper Mario. Overall ok, but not for me. Occasionally confusing, but the Flipside feature is cool.
  25. GaryFaulkDoesIt
    Jul 31, 2016
    7
    While not quite living up to its predecessors, this game is still very good in its own right.

    Right off the bat, this game's greatest strength is its great story, one with genuine intrigue, surprising plot twists, and characters on both sides having hidden agendas. This game may even top its predecessor in terms of overall story, even if it doesn't have the same advantages of having a    While not quite living up to its predecessors, this game is still very good in its own right.

    Right off the bat, this game's greatest strength is its great story, one with genuine intrigue, surprising plot twists, and characters on both sides having hidden agendas. This game may even top its predecessor in terms of overall story, even if it doesn't have the same advantages of having a unique subplot for each chapter.

    Character wise, this game was a bit hit or miss. The villains are extremely memorable and unique, while for the most part, Mario's allies are a bit forgettable. The Pixl characters are a bit of wasted potential, since unlike Mario's partners of the previous games (the direct predecessor especially), they remain silent and essentially blend into the background for the rest of the game after their introduction cutscene.

    The game's main flaw is its gameplay, which, while not terrible, and actually blending platforming and RPG elements in an interesting way, does get a bit stale and repetitive after a while.

    But, if you can look past the the gameplay flaws, you'll find a decent game that still maintains the spirit of the Paper Mario series in its incredible story.    … Expand
  26. EdwardG
    Aug 6, 2020
    7
    Super Paper Mario is a flawed game. It's certainly a well-written one, with funny dialogue and a genuinely good story, but it's just not as fun as a lot of other Mario games. The 2D gameplay with the 3D flipping gimmick is decent for the most part, but the platforming isn't as fun as it is in more traditional Mario titles. The combat is nothing special but it's serviceable and fun enough.Super Paper Mario is a flawed game. It's certainly a well-written one, with funny dialogue and a genuinely good story, but it's just not as fun as a lot of other Mario games. The 2D gameplay with the 3D flipping gimmick is decent for the most part, but the platforming isn't as fun as it is in more traditional Mario titles. The combat is nothing special but it's serviceable and fun enough. Being able to switch between different characters on the fly is nice though, and getting to play as Bowser is pretty cool.

    Really, I was having fun most of the time but there's just some stretches of gameplay that are a chore to get through. The quality of the different chapters varies quite substantially. One particularly funny one sees Princess Peach stuck in a dating sim with a chameleon, but another is a tedious combat marathon of running to a platform in the middle of a room, beating an opponent, and running to the next room over and over. I wish this was a more consistent game, but as it is some bits just aren't fun enough.

    Moving away from gameplay, I've got to say that the story is good in Super Paper Mario. I wouldn't say it's amazing, as some of its power of love elements feel a little simple. There's a lot of well written dialogue though that bring the characters to life. Mario's silent throughout but his companions have some funny things to say. The music is also solid, as you'd probably expect from a Mario game. Visually, it's got a decent style but it's nothing spectacular.

    After finishing the game, I'd say getting through its weaker parts was worth it in the end as it has a strong ending with good boss fights and a sweet ending to the story that mostly gets away with its simple love trumps all message.    … Expand
  27. BearPolar
    Feb 25, 2019
    7
    I really enjoyed playing this game but I have mixed feeling about it being a "Paper Mario" game. Part of me enjoys the aesthetic of it due to most of the things being impossible with the standard 3D Mario feel. The other part of me wishes this was more similar to Paper Mario 64 and TTYD. Either way, I think you should try this game if you're into quirky platformers that have some emphasisI really enjoyed playing this game but I have mixed feeling about it being a "Paper Mario" game. Part of me enjoys the aesthetic of it due to most of the things being impossible with the standard 3D Mario feel. The other part of me wishes this was more similar to Paper Mario 64 and TTYD. Either way, I think you should try this game if you're into quirky platformers that have some emphasis on story.… Expand
  28. shado1313
    Sep 10, 2018
    5
    i think this game has a lot of bad stuff. the characters to me were pretty forgettable, there was not a single side character i was like "hey, i like this guy" . bowser is pretty fun, some of the dialogue is pretty fun, there are parts of the game that i just feel like is not that well done. i found this game extremely easy to beat, its pretty cool at some points, the 2D-·3D transitionsi think this game has a lot of bad stuff. the characters to me were pretty forgettable, there was not a single side character i was like "hey, i like this guy" . bowser is pretty fun, some of the dialogue is pretty fun, there are parts of the game that i just feel like is not that well done. i found this game extremely easy to beat, its pretty cool at some points, the 2D-·3D transitions and how developers explore them are pretty cool at some points and sometimes it feels like they just forget they had that mechanic (mostly at the end of the game) but hey, i finished, and i finished because the story can be pretty addictive sometimes, there are moments where you found yourself at a extremely dumb and dull world and you just want to get over it because you will get a cool story at the end of the level. this game is a must play ONCE and never ever again. unlike its big brothers paper mario 64 and paper mario TTYD this one feels weird, sometimes incomplete, and sometimes... well, just weird.… Expand
  29. DarCbrGr
    Jun 26, 2021
    7
    I remember this being a relatively enjoyable game. I think I beat it, but I can't fully remember.
  30. bancandrei
    May 14, 2020
    5
    I had heard good things about Paper Mario so I had great expectations coming in which were definitely not met. This is not the type of game I was expecting. Will probably have to check out the first 2 entries in the series for more RPG elements
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best Wii Game of 2007
2
#2 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2007
2
#2 Most Shared Wii Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. Play Magazine
    85
    It feels and looks polished, considerate, and expensive. [Apr 2007, p.40]
  2. GamesRadar+
    80
    Anyone with half a heart will absolutely fall in love with the characters, the graphics, the dialogue, the old-school shout-outs to previous games, the little visual effects lingering in the skies of every world... the love just keeps plopping out of the speakers at an incredible rate. For every annoying, excessively long fetch quest or mundane puzzle, there's a huge, cutesy payoff that makes all the trouble worthwhile.
    Read full review
  3. IGN
    89
    It controls tightly and uses the Wii remote in a smart manner without stepping into forced territory. The new 2D-to-3D dynamic is built around clever and surprisingly complex puzzles that will challenge and impress you. And it all comes together to make Super Paper Mario a highly enjoyable title, whether you want to call it a platformer, an RPG, or something in-between.
    Read full review
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