Super Paper Mario

The 3rd Paper Mario game is finally out! If you loved the Paper Mario RPGs, and can't wait for more, then you might be a tad disappointed when you see Super Paper Mario, for the Wii.

Super Paper Mario is not an RPG, but rather, a platformer. A 3-D PLATFORMER. Now, if you like platformers, I have no more to say to you. However, if you dislike platformers, it does not matter much anymore. The game is unique, rich, and has a lush storyline. The plot is not just, 'Oh no, let's kill everything and beat the game.' It has real puzzles, and interesting dialogue and maybe witty at some point.

The game features all the basic characters, Mario, Peach, Bowser, Luigi. Now, you may think, 'Oh no, not another Bowser kidnapped Peach and now we have to save her game again.' Those four characters are playable, even Peach and Bowser! Each member of the party, or hero, if you prefer, has a unique talent. Peach can float and block attacks, Mario can flip into the 3rd dimension, Bowser can stomp and breath fire, and Luigi can super jump into the air to deal massive damage. Pixls, also your allies, are the key to getting forward the game. There are 12 Pixls in total, each doing a specific function. I could talk about them all day, but now is not the time for that.

Anyways, besides the neat characters and fun storyline, this brings us to one important new feature. Flipping. Flipping is an ability used by Mario and taught by a magician. Mario can flip to 3-D now, and the whole 2-D world changes and alternates. What may look like a wall in the 2-D world might actually be a statue! Flipping can help you solve otherwise impossible troubles, gain items, fight new enemies, and meet new characters. However, you cannot stay in the 3rd dimension that long. Once Mario flips, a bar starts tickng down and if it becomes empty, Mario will lose a health point and the bar will refill. The flipping is the most important and interesting feature in the game, probably.

Now, onto the review~!

Gameplay: 10/10

Now, I have to say, this is almost flawless! The game has neat puzzles that require you to use a Pixl or character, or even Mario's flipping! Sometimes, you can't progress if you do not talk to a certain NPC with a certain character and Pixl. The game always features new prizes and hidden areas for the gamer to find. Who knows? There might be a secret behind the kitchen door! Overall, the gameplay is astounding and fun at the same time.

Graphics: 8/10

Well, I have pretty low standards for graphics, as long as it's fun, it's okay. The papery look may not appeal to the more mature gamers, but this adds a fun and unique way of moving and flipping. Paper can peel off or pencil in magically. The graphics are great for a 2-D platformer.

Sound: 7/10

Music that matches the background is a must for all games. The music changes in almost each chapter, and it's pretty easy to remember. While it's not catchy, it is pretty good to hum along to while playing.

Difficulty: 8.5/10

This game is on the medium range. If all you want to do is just beat it, it'll still take quite a while for you to beat it. Almost each situation has you flipping and using new characters and Pixls. Some puzzles are easy to solve, or you may have to memorize a chart or diagram. The game is a bit straightforward, but it's fun nevertheless.

Replay Value: 9/10

You can continue playing after you finish the game, I believe. After you beat story mode, you can do lots of new sidequests. Such as collecting Catch Cards, make food using recipes with Saffron or Dyllis, or play mini-games in the basement of Flopside using the Wiimote.

Final Score: 8.5/10

The game is fairly entertaining and is bound to keep you playing for a while. The game lacks some of the more interesting features though, such as the Trouble Center, but makes up for it with new features. As usual, the Pit of 100 Trials is here, but it seems to be harder than last time. Now, you have to flip cleverly and defeat all the enemies on the floor to aquire the key and escape the level. The game is fun and if you want to rent it first, rent. It's either you hate it or you love it.