Paper Mario, a turn-based JRPG entry in the Mario franchise with a paper-based aesthetic and platforming elements, sees the titular character working his way through the Mushroom Kingdom's diverse locales and biomes, meeting its inhabitants, fighthing unruly enemies and recruiting an array of companions in order to once again save Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Koopa King Bowser.
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Paper Mario's transformation of the beloved Super Mario universe into a papercraft world is an absolute delight. The RPG-infused gameplay adds a layer of depth and strategy, while the charming story and witty dialogue create an unforgettable experience. Battles are timed to maximize impact and minimize tedium, and Mario's quirky crew of partners bring their unique abilities both in and out of combat. Though some occasional navigation confusion and backtracking exists, this N64 gem remains an imaginative journey and a must-play for RPG fans and Super Mario enthusiasts alike.
I thought I had beaten this game as a kid but it turns out I had actually gotten lost on Chapter 6 so badly some 15 years ago that I think I gaslit myself over the years into thinking I actually had beaten it. But I finally beat it now and it's great. Some parts have gotten a little rough with age (that The Thousand-Year Door proved could be polished to near perfection with a sequel) but it still holds up overall as a Nintendo 64 game that's absolutely still worth your while.
Full of style & great ideas, it was fun to finally play this. There's a lot of fun companions and interesting locales, chapter 7 was def my favorite. Overall, I felt that the game is a bit tedious, though its parts are solid on their own.
Probably my first RPG ever? Even though the sequel improves upon effectively every aspect of the game, I have a ton of nostalgic love for this, and (like many people probably) I credit it with making me into a fan of the genre. Timed hits and badges still feel great today, and new Romhacks coming out upping the difficulty give me more reason to replay it.
Disappointingly underdiscussed game. Maybe not perfect per se and quite derivative of SMRPG, but still impressive for how it manages to breathe life into the often stale Mario universe. Second best Mario RPG, I reckon.
Absolutely loved it. Can't usually get into RPGs but the active combat system makes it much more interesting and enjoyable. The cast of quirky companions and character flood this game with so much personality not many other Mario games can replicate. Felt like I was exploring a fully realized Mushroom Kingdom with people living there and having their own lives. Just nonstop fun puzzles and combat from start to end.