Pretty much everything except for gameplay is really well done here. The visuals, music, and writing are all really good for a Paper Mario game. I just couldn't be bothered with the ring mechanic especially without any incentive to do so. Then the whole 4 elements parts felt out of place and forced, always leading to an expected dungeon then an expected boss fight. The last act of the game is where it really stood out since that typical pattern was absent.

I can't write a review without mentioning how strangely sad this game was. Maybe it's because I expected nothing but the usual Mario-esque story but both Bobby and the ending actually felt sad ;(

Also for context this is coming from someone who has still yet to play the first two Paper Mario games.