The original paper-thin RPG is back on the Virtual Console, and it's as great as you remember it.
After more than twenty years of Mario games, you’d probably guess that the storyline has something to do with Bowser kidnapping Princess Peach. There is a little bit more to it this time around; this is an RPG after all. Bowser has managed to get his claws on the Star Rod, a powerful artefact that allows it’s wielder to grant wishes. Naturally, he kidnaps Peach. Mario’s quest will take you all over the Mushroom Kingdom trying to rescue the seven star spirits, the guardians that Bowser stole the Star Rod from. Only with their power can Mario defeat Bowser and rescue his beloved Princess Peach.
Paper Mario is a turn-based RPG at heart, but it’s simplified to the point where anyone can play it. You won’t find pages of statistics here; Paper Mario sticks to heart points, flower points, badge points, and star points. These represent your health, ability to perform special moves, the amount of badges (which grant special skills) you can equip, and the points you gain after battle to level up. This is complimented by an array of items from the Mario universe that you can use in battle (such as mushrooms and fire-flowers) and the action-command system. All this means is that by the use of correctly timed button presses, you can increase the power of your attacks and reduce (or even negate) the damage of incoming attacks. For example, if you tap “A” just before Mario stomps on a goomba, he’ll hit for twice the damage. The commands add a lot to the game; they break up the monotony that is associated with turn-based RPG battles by giving you a direct influence on the battle. Each move has a different action command, which helps in making Paper Mario a fun and challenging game.
Over the course of the game, you’ll be visiting many of the Mushroom Kingdom’s most famous locales which include Toad Town and Boo’s Mansion. All of the environments are crafted wonderfully well and retain the classic Mario feel. To go with the familiar places, there are plenty of familiar faces. You’ll meet classic characters from the past and meet some brand new ones. Some of these characters will join your party, such as Goombario. This keen goomba will provide you with information about the place you’re in and he can help out in battle with his headbonk attack. You’ll have a large band of companions by the time you finish the game. Their skills in and out of battle are unique, and you’ll need to use them all to make your way through the game.
Although Mario himself is paper thin, parts of the environment are modelled in 3D. This proves to be an interesting contrast and makes for a unique visual style. The graphics haven’t aged too well in that the edges don’t look super sharp and the colours look a little washed out. However, the paper-themed art style is as charming and attractive as it was in 2001. The audio stands up pretty well; anyone who has played a Mario game will appreciate the catchy remixed versions of the more iconic tunes. There are also some great originally composed tracks which do a great job of setting the scene, whether that be in the middle of a battle or during a story-progressing cut-scene.
Paper Mario really is one of the best games on the Virtual Console. For a very reasonable price of 1,000 Wii Shop Points, you’re getting a full length RPG with plenty of exciting twists and turns. Newcomers to the genre will certainly find it more appealing than the veterans, but anyone can enjoy this game. A story filled with humour and adventure, involving gameplay, and a timeless art style come together and make Paper Mario a complete package.