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. SuperMarioBro
    May 15, 2016
    9
    Stunning. I must say one - this game actualy final awesomepart from Paper Mario series. Normal Graphis, cute platforming gameplay, and wonderful storyline. I think even Legend of Zelda not have so storyline, how Super Paper Mario. Actually this game stand in second place in my favorite Paper Mario games))
  2. Beastprogamer
    Mar 20, 2015
    8
    This game is great. A good start for the Paper Mario Series if ya missed out on the N64 Version. The graphics are okay. The "3D" walking thing is good. The story is awesome. The characters and design were awesome. Super Paper Mario is a VERY great game but I have not played it in AGES.
  3. KurtizW.
    May 29, 2007
    9
    Simple smooth clean colorful graphic with original 2D -> 3D concept...I love the slight RPG and puzzle solving element of the game...by far my fav Wii game for now!
  4. BlogDog123
    May 25, 2011
    9
    It's really too bad this game gets overlooked, because this game is among the best titles you'll get for Wii. Sure, it lacks the traditional Paper Mario RPG elements, but the unique press-a-button-to-turn-2D-into-3D gameplay is innovative and great. Knock-your-socks-off dialogue is great.
  5. Independent101
    Jul 14, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I feel we will never come across a game in general like super paper mario. going into some rooms thinking.... what? am i supposed to wait, but than realizing you have to flip into 3-D. and the final boss*spoiler alert* how dimentio just tries to kill count bleck is just awesome*spoilers end here*and i don't know which this game is.. more colorful or more dark? oh well but all in all, a great game.… Expand
  6. XZ2H3000
    Sep 30, 2012
    9
    There are games like Super Paper Mario that are terribly misjudged, just because the game is a Action RPG-Platformer means that the game is going to have bad quality, in fact, the game is one of the best Wii games and RPG of this gen.

    Let's start off with the gameplay, the factor that drew people away from the game, it is pretty good, despite not being the turn-based combat we all know    There are games like Super Paper Mario that are terribly misjudged, just because the game is a Action RPG-Platformer means that the game is going to have bad quality, in fact, the game is one of the best Wii games and RPG of this gen.

    Let's start off with the gameplay, the factor that drew people away from the game, it is pretty good, despite not being the turn-based combat we all know and love, the platforming brings a breath of fresh air to the Paper Mario franchise, it may not be as good as the normal combat, but it is very fun and somewhat addictive, and the menu interface is overall pretty accesible and easy to use, the gameplay is overall good and fresh.

    The presentation, menus are slick and the humor is again there just better than ever, the dialogue is pretty funny, combined with the great story that includes plot twists, emotional moments and GREAT villains, the presentation is of high standards.

    The graphics, something i always liked about the Paper Mario franchise was the charming visual style it had, it's still there, the paper characters and very nice backgrounds in 2-D mode, in 3-D mode it still looks pretty nice just not as good as the 2-D mode because the backgrounds in 3-D mode are somewhat empty, overall the graphics are good.

    The music, simply fantastic, this game has some of the most underrated soundtracks of any game, and the soundtrack is absolutlely FANTASTIC, the songs fit every situation, level or bosss battle perfectly, this is honestly one of the best soundtracks i´ve heard from any video game, as such, it's a fantastic soundtrack as i mentioned twice before.

    The replay value is decent, there's some sidequests here and there and some above-average after game content to keep you playing some extra hours of this game, so you should not quit the game inmediately.

    Overall Super Paper Mario is a greatly underrated title, and you should give the game a try, trust me, stop whining about the gameplay and play the game for what it is, a fresh Paper Mario with nostalgic 2-D sidescrolling elements, overall my score for the game is: 9.2    … Expand
  7. DaEpikDude
    Feb 13, 2016
    9
    Those who dislike this game probably only played the first 1/2 chapters of the game. Granted, they are the weakest chapters in the game, but after that it really picks up. I mean, you get to go into space!
    The music, like most Nintendo games is brilliant. I can't think of a single Nintendo game off the top of my head with bad music.
    The story is incredible (especially for a Mario game):    Those who dislike this game probably only played the first 1/2 chapters of the game. Granted, they are the weakest chapters in the game, but after that it really picks up. I mean, you get to go into space!
    The music, like most Nintendo games is brilliant. I can't think of a single Nintendo game off the top of my head with bad music.
    The story is incredible (especially for a Mario game): not just plain ol' cookie-cutter "Bowser kidnaps Peach: Mario save Peach". I'm looking at YOU, Sticker Star.
    The gameplay. Oh boy, the gameplay. It's a platformer, unlike the other Paper Mario series, with some RPG elements in it (level ups, increasing HP bar etc.). It's still as good as the other games, and it expands on the partner system: you get Pixls (the equivalent of partners), and different characters to play as (Mario, Peach, Bowser & Luigi). You're not stuck as one character and only one character the whole game. I'm looking at YOU, Sticker Star.
    In general, almost everything about this game is good. The only things I don't really like are the first two chapters and the fact that you don't get Luigi until near the end of the game, but that's pretty much it.
    I mean, you get to go into space!    … Expand
  8. MimoDX2
    Mar 14, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's quite different from the original style, but surprisingly, it's my 2nd favorite.
    Instead of a RPG it's a platformer, but the story is even better than TTYD's. It's more emotional, and i bet some people cried at the ending. The story is brilliant, the creativity is extreme for this game, it's fantastic.
    While it's a platformer with "levels" on it, it has a leveling up system where your HP and POW will increase by time, so the original gameplay is not totally let down. And the fact that you can control 4 (Mario, Peach, Bowser and Luigi) different characters WITH a partner (Which you can select on the menu) and Tippi (Which is actually a partner too) is brilliant. And there are vital secrets which you need to find with the help of Tippi, or else you won't be able to progress trough the story.

    As i said, it's my 2nd favorite Paper Mario game, but wait... Paper Mario was a RPG not a platformer, how can you consider that a Paper Mario game? Because of its charm, the charm that this game has makes it a Paper Mario game.    … Expand
  9. DBPirate1129
    Mar 22, 2015
    9
    Unlike most, I played this game's successor Paper Mario: Sticker Star after this one. Thankfully, I found Super Paper Mario to be superior in almost every way.

    Since this game is an RPG, it would naturally have an in-depth and engaging story (though Sticker Star begs to differ). SPM delivers with the best story in a Mario game to date, even if that's not too hard to beat. It has    Unlike most, I played this game's successor Paper Mario: Sticker Star after this one. Thankfully, I found Super Paper Mario to be superior in almost every way.

    Since this game is an RPG, it would naturally have an in-depth and engaging story (though Sticker Star begs to differ). SPM delivers with the best story in a Mario game to date, even if that's not too hard to beat. It has innovative gameplay as well. The switching from 2D to 3D mechanic never got old to me and it always opened up new puzzles and pathways.

    Super Paper Mario's soundtrack may not be quite as memorable as Sticker Star's but it still holds up with its funky 8-bit like tunes. The Pixls in the game are pixelated fairies that each have specific abilities. One can grab things and one can search for invisible objects, adding a fresh take on the gameplay.

    Overall, Super Paper Mario is definitely a game to pick up for your Wii (or Wii U) library. It's a polished game that I can easily recommend over Sticker Star.    … Expand
  10. ali2005
    Nov 27, 2015
    8
    Super Paper Mario really delivers the awesomeness although it isn't entirely an RPG.The graphics are really good and some of the music is really catchy!This is a must own for anyone who has a Wii or Wii U as it is stunning!
  11. skiziks
    Mar 12, 2016
    9
    While this wasn't quite as focused on exploration like TTYD, I loved this game. I thought the three d mechanic worked well for what it was trying to accomplish and add a good level of depth. My main complaint was that it felt too much like a regular Mario game with the 2d side scrolling. However, the game's story and powerful array of character really brought it to life and made the gameWhile this wasn't quite as focused on exploration like TTYD, I loved this game. I thought the three d mechanic worked well for what it was trying to accomplish and add a good level of depth. My main complaint was that it felt too much like a regular Mario game with the 2d side scrolling. However, the game's story and powerful array of character really brought it to life and made the game memorable.… Expand
  12. Arilio
    Jun 12, 2016
    9
    This game is one the best mario games that i have ever played. It has amazing puzzles and beatiful levels. Th3 thing that i liked the most is that it isn't like any of most of mario games. Specifically, the story is nothing like the classic one and the game is written very well. I enjoyed a lot this game and i believe that is one of the best out there for the wii console.
  13. Don_Marce
    Jun 14, 2017
    10
    What happened to Lady Timpani had me crying all **** night, emotional story line, many worlds and fantastic diverse villains. Diverse meals with different effects, the ability to play 4 different characters to play as, an long, complex and rich story line. A perfect game.
  14. AndrewL.
    Jan 14, 2009
    9
    I knew when buying it it wasnt the gamecube/n64 style it used to be and i was still disappointed. fingers are still crossed for a new turn based paper mario on the wii, however the gameplay is surprisingly fun, its a shame its so short though! paper mario games are usually so long, for such a visually simple game it should definitely have been expanded, a LOT. i often wish i never traded I knew when buying it it wasnt the gamecube/n64 style it used to be and i was still disappointed. fingers are still crossed for a new turn based paper mario on the wii, however the gameplay is surprisingly fun, its a shame its so short though! paper mario games are usually so long, for such a visually simple game it should definitely have been expanded, a LOT. i often wish i never traded it back but unfortunately immediately after beating it i felt like id never touch it again. after all there is a LOT of story based on mystery to plow through, once you already know the big secret (which was obvious within the 2nd or 3rd chapter) its just a lot of boring chatter to skip through. still, the game is a nice one to keep, i sure wish it was still in my collection, just for funsies.… Expand
  15. AaronC.
    Apr 15, 2007
    10
    Stunning. I had to keep playing to find out what happens, not like FF7 where you didn't enjoy playing to find out, but you will be enjoying SPM.
  16. FojakV
    Apr 16, 2007
    9
    Great game, innovative, engaging. The strory in the beginning is a bit slow. Decent graphics, good scheme control and continues the quality of any other Mario related games. Play it now !!
  17. JamalJ.
    Apr 17, 2007
    10
    It rocks. Best game out for the Wii right now no question.
  18. 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
  19. Plasmaneedle
    Oct 20, 2013
    9
    This is one of, if not the best Mario games out there. It combines 2D platforming and RPG elements well. Its dialogue is quite long but can be very funny and very well written. There is tons of collectibles, unique and interesting enemies and fun boss fights. A must-have for any Mario fan.
  20. jonnyonthespot
    Jul 13, 2015
    9
    This game is a step down from the original two, but not by much. Chapter 7 is the best chapter of the game. I would recommend this game to anybody who is a fan of the series.
  21. Creeparoo
    Jul 1, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really don't understand how one of the reviewers gave 0 points to this masterpiece. This game may not be a classic Paper Mario game, but overall the best Mario game there. The gameplay is amazing and fun, the humour is really good, and the best thing about this game is the best story to be ever told in a Mario game. It's a story about (SPOILERS) a person losing hope in life who doesn't see a sense in living anymore. It's a story about love and obsession. The final boss was very climatic and had a really good music.… Expand
  22. MazinroboX2
    Aug 20, 2016
    8
    Although it's very different to the first two Paper Mario games in terms of mechanics, this isn't by any means a bad game, it's actually well made, with nice easter eggs from the first 2 games, and very cool story, places and characters. The 2D to 3D feature is cool yet a bit annoying to use sometimes, and partners lack the charisma they had in the past two entries. Being able to controlAlthough it's very different to the first two Paper Mario games in terms of mechanics, this isn't by any means a bad game, it's actually well made, with nice easter eggs from the first 2 games, and very cool story, places and characters. The 2D to 3D feature is cool yet a bit annoying to use sometimes, and partners lack the charisma they had in the past two entries. Being able to control Bowser, Mario, Luigi and Peach is very nice, and going on in the story is nice although there are some very time-consuming and annoying parts.… Expand
  23. wariothelegend
    Jul 16, 2017
    10
    The 3rd entry in the beloved series known as "Super Paper Mario". Things have gotten weird with the game play. Instead of the traditional turn-based battle system, it is instead a 2D-Platformer. It may sound like a bad change but it still managed to put everything else that made a "Paper Mario" game as great as the first two entries.

    The plot is arguably the best in the series (I'm not    The 3rd entry in the beloved series known as "Super Paper Mario". Things have gotten weird with the game play. Instead of the traditional turn-based battle system, it is instead a 2D-Platformer. It may sound like a bad change but it still managed to put everything else that made a "Paper Mario" game as great as the first two entries.

    The plot is arguably the best in the series (I'm not gonna tell you 'cause that's the fun of first playing a game). Added with enriching characters and alot of humor, it feels more like watching a movie. With that being said, the text in the game does get really long at times, so be prepared to do a whole lot of reading.

    It also managed to put partners in the game. Not as lively as characters like Kooper or Goombella, but still have SOME sort of personality. They also incorporated items in the game. And let's not forget, Peach and Bowser join forces with Mario to save the day! Each one has their own special abilities. Mario can flip into a 3-Dimensional world to solve the majority of the puzzles. Peach can float and use her indestructible parasol. Bowser can deal double damage and can breath fire. There's also a secret character: IT'S-A-WARIO!! WAHAHAHAHAH!!! Nah, that was just a joke. But seriously there is a secret character.

    While the battle system was cut in half, everything else stayed, and to it's core, it's still a true "Paper Mario". And was the last "Paper Mario" game until the whole series broke apart.    … Expand
  24. ZeroEhxe
    Jun 29, 2018
    10
    have been a serious gamer all of my life, but this is the first Paper Mario game I have played. It may have kiddie graphics and be on a Nintendo system, but it requires some brainpower to get through. The puzzles are great brain teasers, but are never unfair. There are some mazes that take a lot of exploring and can seem like filler, but completing them brings a sense of accomplishment andhave been a serious gamer all of my life, but this is the first Paper Mario game I have played. It may have kiddie graphics and be on a Nintendo system, but it requires some brainpower to get through. The puzzles are great brain teasers, but are never unfair. There are some mazes that take a lot of exploring and can seem like filler, but completing them brings a sense of accomplishment and relief.

    I don't like difficult games, or games where you lose a lot of progress and have to do the same thing over and over. Super Paper Mario is not a hard game. I died and had to repeat a section twice, and there are save points before all of the major boss battles. Speaking of boss battles, they are clever and because you have four controllable heros to switch between, all with different strengths and abilities, the boss battles are fun puzzles in their own way.

    I usually don't like side-scrolling games, but this one is clever in its use of 3D. You can press a button and turn the 2D world into 3D to get past obstacles or see hidden pipes behind bushes, but you can only stay in 3D for a limited time. You can also point the Wiimote at the screen to reveal hidden things like doors and staircases. There is a lot of exploring and experimenting required to complete the game, but it never felt like a chore.

    My favorite game series of all time is The Legend of Zelda. Those games have a formula where you get a new ability and that allows you to go to a new area, where you get another new ability, and the cycle continues. Super Paper Mario has that same feeling, and all of the new tools you get in the form of abilities, heroes, and companions, are all clever and interesting.

    I wasn't expecting much of a story from a Mario game, but there is one here. I won't spoil it here, but the "Mario has to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser" is turned on its head when a new bad-guy is introduced, and Bowser helps Mario and the Princess. There are subplots and love stories and more to uncover, and it is all done spectacularly. This is one of the funniest games I have ever played too.

    Overall, I highly recommend this game to any adults or kids that want a funny game with a great story and puzzles that are just the right amount of difficult. You will not be disappointed in this 20-hour game. 10/10.    … Expand
  25. JPK
    Jun 8, 2019
    9
    Another Great Entry
    Super Paper Mario is certainly not as masterful as TTYD, But it’s still extremely unique, hilarious, well written, and charming.
  26. Heshton316
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Despite the fact that the game lacks the rpg elements from the first 2 games, is a great platform game, and it has one of the best Mario stories ever created.
  27. CyberRobotnix
    Mar 8, 2018
    8
    Want to play Paper Mario, but in a platformer style? There you go,

    This game is one of the finest spin-offs around. However it has many noticeable flaws. The music is often meh, there are a few excellent tracks along the many meh musics. The controls feel loosy and heavy, well the developpers didn't care that much about the platformer aspect of paper mario, which ruins the    Want to play Paper Mario, but in a platformer style? There you go,

    This game is one of the finest spin-offs around.
    However it has many noticeable flaws.

    The music is often meh, there are a few excellent tracks along the many meh musics.

    The controls feel loosy and heavy, well the developpers didn't care that much about the platformer aspect of paper mario, which ruins the gameplay as a whole.

    Some levels drag on and many puzzles are mind boggling.

    Otherwise, I like how each character has its own abilities and its own uses. For example, most of the puzzles require Mario to switch to 3D mode to complete, also there are infact so many puzzles that it's to the point of being overwhelming.

    The story is just perfect, the story is some high paper mario quality like TTYD and overall this game deserves its praise.    … Expand
  28. Samielthegoat
    Dec 27, 2018
    10
    Super Paper Mario is the perfect Mario game. A mix of soft tender emotions, and careful danger, Super Paper Mario knows how to make the audience feel something special. The villains are so incredibly complex, they have some of the most interesting stories. Count Bleck and his relationship with Timpani, is so romantic for being a kids game. That isn't to go without saying that NintendoSuper Paper Mario is the perfect Mario game. A mix of soft tender emotions, and careful danger, Super Paper Mario knows how to make the audience feel something special. The villains are so incredibly complex, they have some of the most interesting stories. Count Bleck and his relationship with Timpani, is so romantic for being a kids game. That isn't to go without saying that Nintendo isn't extremely well at creating ways to get older players involved. The Gameplay is fine, but I was so invested with everything else that I just stopped caring and soaked it all in. Super Paper Mario just happens to be one of the greatest games I've ever played, and easily the best Mario game for me.… Expand
  29. Awesome_r
    Sep 27, 2018
    10
    this game is my favorite, even though it is the border of most fans minds, this game is great with great music, great charecters, and i think that the 3d thing is really cool, hope there is a version for the switch for the little kids
  30. Kamelion99
    Oct 9, 2018
    10
    This will probably be the darkest Mario game you ever play. But that's what makes it so awesome. A completely original plot frees the franchise from its usual constraints, and takes you on an adventure through some of the wildest worlds the franchise has ever seen. Awesome characters, fantastic music, and a surprisingly deep story (for a game about a plumber in a magical kingdom who lovesThis will probably be the darkest Mario game you ever play. But that's what makes it so awesome. A completely original plot frees the franchise from its usual constraints, and takes you on an adventure through some of the wildest worlds the franchise has ever seen. Awesome characters, fantastic music, and a surprisingly deep story (for a game about a plumber in a magical kingdom who loves mushrooms and fights turtles) combine to make this game a must-play.… Expand
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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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