Paper Mario is a different take on the "Mario" formula, and it (for the most part) succeeds.

User Rating: 9 | Mario Story N64
So, Nintendo has finally decided to throw Mario into a turn-based strategy game and they do a fantastic job. Throw a little paper environment in, and BAM! you've got incredible environments that range from summer environments, to winter, to in SPACE! Although, Paper Mario certainly isn't for everyone as the challenge is pretty damn good. You get medals to unlock that give you different abilities. I also found that some side-quests are quite boring and repetitive. Mostly go here, and come back. Granted, it's a side-quest; but still, my expectations were a little high. Overall, Paper Mario was a game that fulfilled it's potential but the deep learning curve, and boring side-quests really take out the experience it was aiming for. I did enjoy the plot too, however I think Nintendo should stop using the "Peach has been kidnapped" as it's getting tiresomely old.