Worth way more than what Nintendo is asking for, and a much better turn-based Wii experience than $50 Pokemon Revolution
The graphics are unimaginable for the Virtual Console. While like other N64 titles on the VC the polygonal graphics are showing some age-inherent fuzz, the 2D "paper" style still impresses my eyes, even after seeing graphically unmatched games like Super Mario Galaxy and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Colors are still vibrant, and even the fuzzy 3D graphics look good next to the wonderful character models, which seem to shape up the worlds nicely. And for some unexplainable reason, Bowser's floating castle fortress still wows me with its stylish doom-gloom look.
The gameplay is classic. Well, at least now it is. But back in 2001, it was Paper Mario and Super Mario RPG that really did interactive, turn-based action RPGs right. Timing your button presses allow for a more powerful version a basic attack like jumping and less damage taken when on defense. The game also involves first striking, where you attack an enemy who you haven't gone to battle with yet in order to start the battle with an opponent that has already taken damage instead of a perfectly healthy one, making him quicker and easier to defeat. While outside of combat, you run and jump a bit like you did in Super Mario 64. It is more simplified, however, leaving out triple jumps, flip jumps, and the like. That is fine though; here platforming isn't the center of the game like in Super Mario 64; here, your running and jumping is merely a method of transportation. Exploration and talking to people are also part of this game, just like any other RPG, and of course you'll need to collect some valuable items along the way if you hope to rescue the princess and defeat Bowser.
The sound is fine. I can't say much more. Like most games on the Virtual Console, the sound is lackluster compared to today's sound, but it will do. Plus, since Mario doesn't speak more than yelps and other sounds, and none of the game uses voice acting seeing as most N64 games didn't, it is perfect for this game and acceptable for anything else. Also, the Paper Mario's unmatchable charm really makes the game sound better than the game's age should allow.
Value is a new strong point for the game now that it has been re-released
for only ten bucks on the VC. Back when the game cost $50 on the N64 it had a long main quest and many great rewards for side-quests and exploration that made it worth the full price of the game. However, because the game aged so well, it doesn't seem fair to Nintendo for it to be only $10 on the Virtual Console now. Thus, you are getting way more than your ten bucks deserve if you decide to download Paper Mario. It is much better than some of the Wii's other, $50 turn-based action RPGs such as Pokemon Revolution, and it is even better, in my opinion, than Super Paper Mario, Paper Mario's now $50 sequel, and a very good game in its own right.
Paper Mario was easily the best turn-based action RPG on the N64, displaying then showstopper graphics, catchy tunes, awesome combat, and some of the best style ever seen in a video game. But that was in 2001, and as you may have guessed, passing years and 2 new, more technically powerful sequels have indeed aged the game. But I tell you this: Paper Mario is definitely the best turn-based Wii RPG as well. With its still insanely charming graphics, wonderfully interactive turn-based RPG battles, a fun little story, and everyone's favorite Italian protagonist, Paper Mario has aged better than any other game on the Virtual Console, and even when compared to current gen titles of the RPG genre or any other, it still rocks.