Game Card
Super Paper Mario (Wii)
- Publisher:
- Nintendo
- Developer:
- Intelligent Sys.
- US Release:
- 09.04.2007
- EU Release:
- n/a
- Number of players:
- n/a
Review
We play Super Paper Mario...
The first Mario for the Wii, Super Paper Mario takes the easy route towards gaming on the console. No fancy hand gestures for the RPG-like Mario game, which instead uses a mixture of simple button commands and even simpler wiimote movement to bring the two dimensional world to life.
That two dimensional, though, world is only the half of it. The real point of the game is to go beyond the flat surface and play through that extra dimension we like to call width. By the push of a button the entire world changes from 2d to 3d, which carries huge potential for puzzles and secrets, which the Mario team really taps into.
The story, strangely different from their norm, begins with Princess Peach’s abduction. Mario and Luigi head over to Bowser’s castle knowing that he is the only one who would kidnap her. Instead, they find out that it was Count Bleck, an evil sorcerer with powers over dimensions. As is seen throughout the game, traveling through dimensions to get to different worlds is pretty standard.
Bleck’s plan is simple but long winded: destroy the universe. In fact, everything in SPM is extended, dragged out and discussed at length. It isn’t uncommon to have the number of dialogue lines raging within the early tens of thousands, but the majority of those don’t take place during cinematics. A few books could come out of how much plot dialogue there is here.
This would be great if it were actually interesting or useful. What the excessive dialogue ended up doing was waste plenty of time. There’s nothing like wasted time to take players out of the game.
Setting the story aside, gameplay was smooth, loading times were quick, and artwork was splendid. For the type of game it is anything less would add marks against it, though nothing really added to the overall appeal. The use of original Mario screens was a nice touch, but it was just a novelty. It’s almost surprising that the same game couldn’t be released for the Nintendo DS. Then again, those cartridges can only hold so much data.
One of the biggest selling points for SPM was the playable characters, which includes Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Bowser. Each has some special ability, though none compare to Mario’s dimension-change (which allows switching between 2d and 3d). It is so potent and useful that using other characters tends to be helpful only in certain specific situations. Otherwise, changing character’s constantly becomes stressful.
Using the other characters is also required to progress further in the story, as expected. Using Peach’s slow-fall ability is the only way to get across long gaps, but at least hold down makes her umbrella a shield against attacks. Luigi’s super jump is useless except for getting to areas required to keep the game going. Bowser’s fire breathing is awesome because it deals out a healthy does of pain. His double damage doesn’t come without a price; he runs incredibly slowly. The only way to counter this is to use a special Pixl to carry him.
Pixl’s are also new additions to the Mario universe. These fairy-like creatures each have one special power, and all but one are both helpful and required. Whether it’s using one as a bomb to blow up bad guys and breakable walls or flip baddies in circles and open hidden portals. Each is useful and requires some skill to use properly. Like any Mario game, it takes a bit of practice to mast using any of these abilities.
Riddled with bosses, simple enemies and challenging puzzles, SPM is meant for everyone but really is the kind of game expected for children to enjoy. Most of the humor is very light and is meant for children. The adult humor isn’t really adult at all, it just requires some knowledge to understand. For example, death doesn’t exist; it’s being out of lives. And running out of lives takes characters to the Underwhere, an obvious pun of the Underworld in Greek mythology.
They also do their best to stay true to the games roots as an RPG, meaning that SPM features plenty of extra side things to do. Whether it’s gathering different recipes to make all kinds of food, playing games in the arcade or looking for the hundreds of secret areas and items, there is plenty of replay value for those interested.
Charming and somewhat witty, Super Paper Mario is one of those games that everyone will pick up because the current library of titles for the Wii is just so limited. It’s not a bad choice in any way, but it also isn’t spectacular. Having kids play may end up keeping them bored through the immense dialogue, but it is an excellent addition to the console.
Favorite moment: Completely beating all of the casino games on the first go.
 |
 |
|
| Pixl’s are useful for finding hidden doors, getting to hard to reach places... | ...and even finding the strengths and weaknesses of enemies |
That two dimensional, though, world is only the half of it. The real point of the game is to go beyond the flat surface and play through that extra dimension we like to call width. By the push of a button the entire world changes from 2d to 3d, which carries huge potential for puzzles and secrets, which the Mario team really taps into.
The story, strangely different from their norm, begins with Princess Peach’s abduction. Mario and Luigi head over to Bowser’s castle knowing that he is the only one who would kidnap her. Instead, they find out that it was Count Bleck, an evil sorcerer with powers over dimensions. As is seen throughout the game, traveling through dimensions to get to different worlds is pretty standard.
Bleck’s plan is simple but long winded: destroy the universe. In fact, everything in SPM is extended, dragged out and discussed at length. It isn’t uncommon to have the number of dialogue lines raging within the early tens of thousands, but the majority of those don’t take place during cinematics. A few books could come out of how much plot dialogue there is here.
 |
 |
|
| Stomping through a level as the original Mario has never been more satisfying | While this world looks good and all... |
This would be great if it were actually interesting or useful. What the excessive dialogue ended up doing was waste plenty of time. There’s nothing like wasted time to take players out of the game.
Setting the story aside, gameplay was smooth, loading times were quick, and artwork was splendid. For the type of game it is anything less would add marks against it, though nothing really added to the overall appeal. The use of original Mario screens was a nice touch, but it was just a novelty. It’s almost surprising that the same game couldn’t be released for the Nintendo DS. Then again, those cartridges can only hold so much data.
One of the biggest selling points for SPM was the playable characters, which includes Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Bowser. Each has some special ability, though none compare to Mario’s dimension-change (which allows switching between 2d and 3d). It is so potent and useful that using other characters tends to be helpful only in certain specific situations. Otherwise, changing character’s constantly becomes stressful.
Using the other characters is also required to progress further in the story, as expected. Using Peach’s slow-fall ability is the only way to get across long gaps, but at least hold down makes her umbrella a shield against attacks. Luigi’s super jump is useless except for getting to areas required to keep the game going. Bowser’s fire breathing is awesome because it deals out a healthy does of pain. His double damage doesn’t come without a price; he runs incredibly slowly. The only way to counter this is to use a special Pixl to carry him.
Pixl’s are also new additions to the Mario universe. These fairy-like creatures each have one special power, and all but one are both helpful and required. Whether it’s using one as a bomb to blow up bad guys and breakable walls or flip baddies in circles and open hidden portals. Each is useful and requires some skill to use properly. Like any Mario game, it takes a bit of practice to mast using any of these abilities.
Riddled with bosses, simple enemies and challenging puzzles, SPM is meant for everyone but really is the kind of game expected for children to enjoy. Most of the humor is very light and is meant for children. The adult humor isn’t really adult at all, it just requires some knowledge to understand. For example, death doesn’t exist; it’s being out of lives. And running out of lives takes characters to the Underwhere, an obvious pun of the Underworld in Greek mythology.
They also do their best to stay true to the games roots as an RPG, meaning that SPM features plenty of extra side things to do. Whether it’s gathering different recipes to make all kinds of food, playing games in the arcade or looking for the hundreds of secret areas and items, there is plenty of replay value for those interested.
 |
 |
|
| ...this one is a bit more exciting | Hidden pipes like this one are littered everywhere. Just spend some time and treasures will unfold |
Charming and somewhat witty, Super Paper Mario is one of those games that everyone will pick up because the current library of titles for the Wii is just so limited. It’s not a bad choice in any way, but it also isn’t spectacular. Having kids play may end up keeping them bored through the immense dialogue, but it is an excellent addition to the console.
Favorite moment: Completely beating all of the casino games on the first go.
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Characters Gameplay Trailer
Posted 05.04.07
Length 00:53 Views 762 -
Story line Trailer
Posted 29.03.07
Length 01:00 Views 711 -
Spacefaring Gameplay Trailer
Posted 05.04.07
Length 01:07 Views 596
