Paper Mario (Nintendo 64) review "I played Paper Mario before I had experience Super Mario RPG, and well I did not expect that much from it. Paper Mario was the one of the few things that even resembled an RPG for the Nintendo 64, and well that made it an instand pickup. An intriguing storyline, but nothing to fancy made this a perfect RPG/Adventure game with our favorite mustached hero. "

I played Paper Mario before I had experience Super Mario RPG, and well I did not expect that much from it. Paper Mario was the one of the few things that even resembled an RPG for the Nintendo 64, and well that made it an instand pickup. An intriguing storyline, but nothing to fancy made this a perfect RPG/Adventure game with our favorite mustached hero.

STORY (10/15): Now this is an RPG supposebly. Therefor the story should be detailed with twists and such. The main idea of the story is weak. Princess Peach has been kidnapped by Bowser again, and Bowser has taken the precious star rod. You, Mario, have to strengthen up to collect 7 stars to and a group of friends to stand up to that big bully Bowser. This would be a good story if this was an Adventure game, but this is an RPG. However the story that backs up certain area's, and the villains he sends will somewhat makeup for this weakness, and it will be somewhat forgiven.

GRAPHICS (12/15): Well, I really can't penalize them, for they purposely wanted this look. 2D characters in a 3D world. Isn't is usually the other way around? However this fits what the game wanted to look like, so I will not complain. The look is different, and yet it will not annoy you at all after awhile, and it may even grow on you.

SOUND (9/10): RPG's are known for sound, and well Paper Mario does stand up like an RPG in this category. The sound has a resemblance to vintage Mario, and yet with a new syle to it, and well that is great. I like the music in Paper Mario, and it stands strong. Plus the sound effects Mario makes are pretty funny.

GAMEPLAY (39/45): Paper Mario is a combination of an RPG, and well I really don't know. It is like an RPG as you gain levels, and you pick the move that you want to do in battle. However to initiate battle you must jump on a creatures head if you want first attack, and to get the most out of your attacks you have to hit the ''A'' button at a precise time. This is actually an entertaining twist, and I will not complain, for it just gives depth to Paper Mario. Now there are also multiple things who join with you, all with their own special abilities. However for Mario, you get your own special abilities from badges and such. There are over 100 badges to collect, and some of them are harder than others. Only problems with the gameplay is you don't get higher attacks or defence rating, and you don't have equipment. That would've made Paper Mario a great RPG experience.

REPLAYABILITY (5/10): Paper Mario is an RPG, therefor there are various sidequests and the game does take fairly long to beat. However, it is shorter than many games out now, and you will beat it probably within a month. Now to the actual replay part, there is none. I have not played Paper Mario sense I've beaten it. I just don't have that feel to go up and pop it in for no reason.

DIFFICULTY (4/5): As many RPG's are, you will have to keep your level up to triumph in Mario RPG, but if you do this is a cinch of the game. Besides the forest, you will NEVER need a walkthrough, for it is a very straightforward game. Kindof a weakness to Paper Mario if you ask me.

OVERALL (79/100): Paper Mario is a fun experience while it lasts, and it is a change from the typical Mario game. However it does not live up to the standard Super Mario RPG created on the SNES, and well how could it with no equipment system, or a rating for offence and defence. I don't understand why they didn't include those, for that would've added alot to Paper Mario. However even with the problems Paper Mario is still a great game. If you are looking for a good Nintendo 64 RPG, you could give this a chance, but yet now adays there are alot better pickups, so I would think about this one before you purchase it.

Community review by ratking (July 02, 2002) A bio for this contributor is currently unavailable, but check back soon to see if that changes. If you are the author of this review, you can update your bio from the Settings page.