Infendo Weigh In - Super Paper Mario
Thursday, April 12th, 2007 at 1:15pm by Staff
Jack and David weigh in on Super Paper Mario, released earlier this week.
Jack:
Visuals? I missed out on Paper Mario for GameCube, so I have nothing to compare this version to. Regardless, the graphics were crisp for the most part. There were a few GameCube-like moments, like when you enter a house and the screen shifts that were noticeable to me, but otherwise the character animations and worlds you explore are top notch. Little easter eggs, like the eyes of the dragon boss when it goes haywire, are sure to bring a smile to nostalgic fans and completely new fans alike. Musical cues include subtle references to past Mario games, but include a quirky new Paper Mario flavor.
How far? I’m currently battling my way through world 2-1, so I only have a toe in the pool. From what I can see from World 1, as well as the commentary from other blogs and news sites, things will only get better. My advice is to take your time and make generous use of the A button with this title. Items and cards are literally right out in the open, but only appear in 3D. Dead ends become hidden ladders and paths. Rocks hide mushrooms behind paper thin facades. Think outside the box with this one, and you’ll be all the better for it.
Overall? I’ve heard from some people that the RPG element scares them off, but I assure you the RPG elements are minimal. Sure, you “level up” every once in a while, but this is a platformer through and through. Ok, a platformer+ The items you collect make this more like Monkey Island than Final Fantasy, and I seriously think the term RPG has been diluted a bit if people are applying it to titles like this. There is a lot of text to read through in Super Paper Mario, especially in the beginning. It wears thin after a while, but then you jump into the action and things speed up considerably. Luckily, the 1 and 2 buttons make the text go faster.
David:
Visuals? For the most part, they are pretty much on par with the GameCube title, if somewhat improved. The new characters in the town of Flipside are cute and bouncy. Fracktail was absolutely awesome; I wish I could go back and fight him over and over again. Some of the power-up animations are absolutely amazing, especially when you get a classic invincibility star. Sound effects are a great homage to the entire Mario series while still adding plenty of new twinkles and chirps. Crank this up in surround sound if you have it.
How far? As of this writing, I’m halfway through Chapter 2-2. So far, it’s a nice blend of freedom to explore while still keeping a narrative path. The 2D/3D flipping is addictive and really adds a unique element to this game.
Overall? I was a huge fan of Thousand Year Door and that has made it hard for me to give this new title a fair shake. It’s played differently, but retains the same humor, style, and overall feel. The prospect of leveling up makes you search out and attack enemies rather than avoid them. If I have one complaint, it’s that the general premise is extremely familiar: go out, find things, bring them back to town, and show them to a dusty old bookworm. And the term “legendary hero” in an RPG has become as cliche as crates in an FPS. Of course, the game tends to make fun of itself, so these could just be more self-referential jabs. Is it better than Thousand Year Door? Too early to tell, but if you like adventure games or platformers, this one is a must-buy.
Have you played Super Paper Mario yet? Weigh in with your comments!
April 12th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
I got Super Paper Mario Tuesday after wanting it from watching the previews. So far, I am starting world 3. The bosses aren’t easy, but not too tough, and the switch to 3d makes this game have exponential possibilities. I am addicted to this game and love it. The visuals are nice, but the gameplay is what matters and this game hits the spot with the gameplay, controls, and funny storyline.
April 12th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Yeah, this game is great compared to some other Wii games out there, Nintendo has done it yet again. (I’m gonna do a mini-impressions like Dave and Jack, watch out.)
Visuals: Crisp and refreshing, the colors are lustrous and bountiful wherever you like. Somehow, looking at this game is like biting into a fresh apple spilling out its sweet juice.
How far: I’m in 2-4 and the game just really makes me want to play more and more. I hear there are 8 chapters in it, I’m wondering if it’s too short, hope it’s not.
Overall? Like I said, Nintendo has done it again. The game is a delight to play and the music is subtle, yet invigorating (not really, I just wanted to say that… the music’s really good though) and the sounds provided on the Wii Remote (like when you point at the screen with Tippi, be sure to turn your Wiimote volume up folks) are great, and then don’t sound like they just came out of a blender, like in Twilight Princess (for some things.) The controls are fantastic and I love how they use items in the game, makes me want to use them even if I don’t need to. Oh, and speaking of controls, remember to shake that Wiimote (one shake, up and down, quick) after jumping on an enemy to make it stylish and just look cool. They don’t tell you about that, they really, really should, I only know about it because it was in a commercial.
I recommend this game to anyone who likes platformers, adventure games and Mario games. If you’re coming for the RPG element, I would still try it, but you may be dissapointed, buy Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, if that’s what you’re looking for.
And speaking of RPG, someone called God of War an RPG, that was amusing.
April 12th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Love this game. I jys got done with ch 5. took 2:30 of play time on ch5 for me. the lvl up thing makes the game better
April 13th, 2007 at 2:20 am
Im downloading the iso right now…
April 13th, 2007 at 4:20 am
Downloading the ISO? Wow, do you want a cookie? Congrats on screwing over Nintendo; hope you’re happy.
Anyway, I just beat the 3rd chapter and am having fun so far. Haven’t really been blown away by anything yet but several of the 2-D/3-D puzzles have been quite clever. I also really like the use of Tippi as a flashlight.
My biggest complaint though would have to be one of the tasks you have to perform in chapter 2 (warning: mild spoilers ahead). Whose idea was it to make you run in a hamster wheel for 5 minutes to earn points? Pretty tedious…. anyway, the rest of the game’s not like that from what I can see, and I look forward to seeing how the rest of it turns out.
April 13th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
That iso thing was a joke.
Oh man, the police is coming after me, help!!
April 13th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
I thought the hamster-wheel segment was brilliant. It didn’t take too long, but just long enough to be a searing comment on RPGs and their mindless level-grinding.
April 14th, 2007 at 2:35 am
Actually, SPOILERS
You can skip all of the ruby collecting (well, most of it) by going into the room with a bunch of people just sitting around (not the room with the mushroom dispenser), flip to 3-D, give the guy 10,000 rubies, go to the second floor, go behind the wall, flip through the lasers and open the safe for 1,000,000 rubies, which completely liquidates your debt.