Super Paper Mario, is a must own for anyone who has a Wii. Why? Read this review and find out!
The presentation of Super Paper Mario is both unorthodox and exquisite. As its predecessors, it is a reminiscent of the old school SNES titles. Once again the “Paper” aspect of it flows heavily with the environments and gameplay. Make no mistake the 2D like structure does not warrant a bland and generic atmosphere as some would expect. The game flawlessly provides that “classic” feel while at the same time being easy on the eyes. On a musical notation, Nintendo has not failed on providing fresh and original music to supplement the experience. Many tunes are catchy and bring more emotion to the environment or the dramatic scene that may be into play.
The game exploits subtle use of the Wii’s Wii Remote. Players will use the Wii Remote to reveal hidden objects and platforms frequently though out the game using Tippi by simply pointing the remote at the screen. Escape from certain enemy attacks or item usage may also call for using the remote. Making a return from previous titles, the “style” feature has returned. After jumping on an enemy’s head, by shaking the remote after a jump, Mario will perform tricks in the air and also boosting your score to new heights. The A button is essential to completing the game, as it is used to make Mario shift through dimensions (2D/3D). Using this ability will reveal either hidden passages or inaccessible areas that cannot be reached in 2D. This keeps the player alert of their surroundings; making sure they examine every nook and cranny in order to proceed. The gameplay bears a profound semblance to earlier Mario titles. The player will be constricted to a 2D environment with standard platforming. Players will be hopping from block to block quite periodically. But the dimensional shift ability known as “Flipping” keeps the action fresh.
It should also be noted that the game has retained some of its RPG Elements. As your score builds up, so does your level. Leveling up primarily increases your health and strength. But the feature does give the player a sense of progression. Aside from that, the game is purely action adventure. As you play through the game, you will gain both new allies (each unique in their own particular way) and pixls. These pixls will have a tremendous influence on the player’s gaming experience. There will be obstacles impassable without their aid. For example, the first pixl (not including Tippi) you meet, Thoreau has the ability the grab foes and other block like objects. There will sometimes be switches out of Mario’s reach but can be only be hit by using Thoreau due to his unique trait. In some instances the time for using them will be dead obvious. At others, it can grow rather perplexing and annoying because you have to observe everything carefully.
The game is also subject to many puzzles. Each puzzle can only be solved with patience, because some are so irritating to figure that it takes a great deal strategic thinking to solve them. Many times, the answer to many riddles will be right there in the players face. But the clues can be so vague that recognizing them instantly will rarely happen. Even more so, the game will give the player the answers directly. This brings much “Damn it! How could I not figure that out!?” moments. Dialogue is abundant in this game. As expected, the game is devoid of much voice acting (not including several grunts or sound effects). But the story is so well written, it will not prove much as a bother. The sheer depth of it may seem light hearted, but it has many emotional moments with unexpected plot twists. The gripping story will draw the player in, compelling them further to play the game. As always, the eccentric humor is present as always as in the earlier games. While the characters may be in the most serious or predicaments, they manage to make the player pull off a laugh or two in the process. I can barely count how many times I have laughed in this game.
In short, this game is an absolute must have for any Nintendo Wii Owner. Period. It has its set backs, but in the end the game is brilliant. What are you waiting for? Get this game now!