Remember Super Mario RPG? It was basically the swansong of the SNES, and though sales for it were fairly poor (Since people had moved on to new consoles and all), the games managed to build up quite a fanbase, and is, nowadays, one of the most popular Mario games ever made, despite not being released in half the world (Europe/Australia).
It was no wonder then, that in 1997, only a year after SMRPG was released, Nintendo announced that they were making another Mario RPG game. Tentatively titled "Super Mario RPG 2", Paper Mario looked completely different from it's spiritual predecessor: Characters and environments all looked 2D, and when things turned around, you could see that they were paper-thin! The game was finally released in 2001 for most regions (Those lucky Japanese got it in 2000!).
Though the game is a departure from SMRPG in many ways, it still proved to be a success. Gameplay is still very similar, with the objective being to find 7 stars around the world in order to restore peace. The battle system is changed slightly - You do not have a team of three characters you can swap around with two more. Instead, your team consist of Mario and one partner. Partners are usually weak HP-wise, but have some very nice special moves that benefit you greatly. One, for instance, can temporarily make Mario invincible to enemy attacks! In-battle, your partner will hang around behind Mario for safety in order to pull off moves of his own. Partners are invincible, but if they get hit, they will not be able to move for a number of turns. You can also block moves by pressing a button at the right time, or dish out more damage yourself by doing the same. Located in various spots around the world are badges - You can put these on Mario to enhance attack power, make him impervious to spiky things and more. When you level up after getting 100 "Star Points" by defeating enemies, you can raise HP (Health Points), FP (Flower Power for special moves) or BP (Badge Points, to equip more badges).
You progress through the game in a fairly linear manner, similar to SMRPG. Locations are varied, with Toad Town acting as the central hub, with paths branching off to locations like a jungle, a haunted forest, a desert, a snowy mountain and more. There are lots of sidequests and secrets for you to discover, which will aid you quite a bit when done.
The game is divided into 8 chapters, each one ramping up in difficulty, until the final one, which is a massive multi-hour trek through Bowser's Castle, filled with dangerous enemies. Each chapter has it's own boss, which are usually pretty hard compared to their lackeys.
The game has very witty dialogue which should make you chuckle at least a few times. It's all well written and adds some life to the Mario world, which is usually devoid of much text.
The soundtrack is absolutely brilliant - Yuka Tsujiyoko, of Fire Emblem fame, composed it all. The songs are very varied and fit the areas they're in well. Each chapter boss has it's own special battle music, which is even cooler than the other music.
Paper Mario was, much like Super Mario RPG was to the SNES, the swansong of the N64. It was followed by a sequel, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, in 2004. It's still a frequent debate which of the two is better, though I would have to go with the sequel. Still, the original Paper Mario is also brilliant! Since the Wii can play GameCube games, you can just buy Paper Mario on VC and hunt down a copy of the sequel if you don't already own it. Any self-respecting Nintendo fan should play at least one of them.
1. Don-Bon
23 May 2007, 01:08 GMT
I hope this one comes out. It was the ONLY Paper Mario of the series that I like. I still have it for the 64 but that one doesn't work well.
2. BJ
23 May 2007, 01:12 GMT
I didn't see this coming. I was thinking that they wouldn't release this game until next year or so, do it being one of the last games on the N64. I WANT IT!
3. Mr Nin10do
23 May 2007, 02:56 GMT
This game was weird and I never thought it could be so fun I mean "Paper Mario" where do they come up with this stuff
4. Eric42
23 May 2007, 07:14 GMT
There are many games that I would rather see come to the console before this one. But if it does come out, I may give it a solid try for once. I bought the game originally when a local video store went out of business (for like $5/10) but yet never really played it. I've always had a lot of other games that I wanted to play.
5. John
04 Jun 2007, 17:42 GMT
I hope this comes out soon. I really like it but never got to finish it and have no way to play it any other way.
6. Brett Celinski
09 Jun 2007, 05:11 GMT
This game was definitely a grower for me. I was underwhelmed when I first played it, expecting a Square-style game but it has become one of my favorite N64 games. However, I lost the cartridge years ago so I'm going to drink myself to sleep now that I recalled that horrible moment.
7. Jonno
09 Jun 2007, 17:55 GMT
I was waaaaaaaaay overwhelmed when I played it! In my opinion Paper Mario = best Mario RPG. (And yes, I have played SMRPG)
8. SKTTR
10 Jun 2007, 02:22 GMT
this game would be too much of a competitor to SUPER PAPER MARIO.
In Europe anyway, cause we have no Super Paper Mario yet.
I have the feeling this game isn't coming in the next moths. This
OR
it comes out next week as the 100th european game and super paper mario will be delayed to christmas
9. Wolfman
11 Jun 2007, 22:40 GMT
SCkkKatTTrrRrbrain: Or maybe Nintendo will throw Europe a bone for once and release them on the same day. I wish they'd hurry up and give us something we all want... Either Paper Mario or Super Metroid.
I love the Paper Mario series, but when this game first came out I was too young to really appreciate it, so I'm eagerly awaiting the point when I can get it on VC.
Also, let me tell you here that Super Paper Mario is more than a brilliant addition to the series. Despite being almost a totally separate genre, it captures the feel of the previous games quite well, and has one of the strongest stories any video game has had for some time. You come away from it cheering for the characters and missing the ones that are gone, which is very rare.
Since I wasn't old enough to get involved in the original, I hope it proves itself to be the same way. Maybe Nintendo will do something that I know they won't and release Paper Mario and Super Metroid on the same day. Kind of like praying for a Hail Mary pass, but we can dream, can't we?
10. Jonno
13 Jun 2007, 18:26 GMT
Ok.... I have no doubt in my mind Paper Mario is coming out in late June-early July in both NA and EU. <br> <br>I was really into this game. I beat it almost fifteen times! Through a bad turn of events, (house burnt down) I haven't played Paper Mario for a long, long time folks. <br> <br>And the demanding $60+ price on eBay! Thank goodness my prediction WILL come true!
11. BJ
15 Jun 2007, 22:41 GMT
Jonno, I am TERRIBLY sorry that has happened to you. Let's hope and pray that Paper Mario will arrive on the VC, especially since there's not much of a variety of N64 titles on it. Where do you live now, if I may ask?
12. SKTTR
21 Jun 2007, 23:49 GMT
Super Paper Mario is now officially scheduled for 14th september 2007 in Europe.
That means the chances are good that Paper Mario N64 will be released earlier than expected, say July.. maybe.
13. Bass X0
25 Jun 2007, 13:45 GMT
I still have the Paper Mario cartridge lying around my bedroom somewhere. I don't play my N64 anymore but I can't bring myself to sell this cartridge. Maybe when its available as a VC download I will. I enjoy Paper Mario more than I did Super Mario RPG.
14. beefy
28 Jun 2007, 16:55 GMT
i have super paper mario, so it will be interesting to see how different the two games are, as i have never played this game before.
15. Storm101
30 Jun 2007, 00:56 GMT
Yeah, I highly recommend this game. If you liked Super Mario RPG, then you'll love this. If you don't generally like RPG's then you'll probably still like it as this plays a little different and has puzzles in the dungeons to solve sorta like Zelda.
16. Fearnavigatr
30 Jun 2007, 11:43 GMT
This happens to be my very favorite game, and I am very surprised to see it becoming available so soon. The interesting thing about it is that I'm not drawn to it by the gameplay, which is in fact pretty mediocre, but the atmosphere of all those wonderful locales. They always say graphics isn't everything, but I dare claim the very same about gameplay.
I have the original and my Wii is running out of blocks to store my VC games, but nontheless I will not hesitate for a second to download this sweetie. My N64 controller is almost unusable after all...
17. Jon
30 Jun 2007, 19:41 GMT
LOVE this game. Played and beaten it many times. Storyline is great, and gameplay is very interesting and fun. Seperate 'battles' for each foe that you face only adds on to the excitement of the game. Pretty much just an awesome game. You should definately download it if you don't already have it on N64!
18. Jonno
01 Jul 2007, 07:04 GMT
So nostalgic and so fun at the same time! Awesome...
19. Jonno
02 Jul 2007, 21:44 GMT
Coming out in Japan tomorrow. They are so very lucky!
20. Dark Warrior
03 Jul 2007, 17:38 GMT
I hope they release it in Europe soon. Damn, I wish to be japonese!
21. Sage
05 Jul 2007, 10:00 GMT
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door was my favourite title released for the gamecube. I've heard wonderful things about this game, too - unfortunately I was never able to play it as a kid. If they do release it on the VC, that would be a godsend because I've really wanted to play it ever since I played through PM:TTYD. If it's half as good as its successor then we're all in for a real treat.
22. Mark
06 Jul 2007, 19:15 GMT
I just got an issue of nintendo power in. They say Paper Mario should be coming out within the month!
23. Jonno
08 Jul 2007, 17:57 GMT
Within...a......month!?
Oh and, my mistake, Japan is getting it this Tuesday.
24. SKTTR
09 Jul 2007, 06:35 GMT
This was N64's best RPG. It's more fun than the Gamecube sequel or any other Mario RPG for that matter.
Everyone GO GET IT! 1000 Wii Points you'll never spend better.
25. sco0504
10 Jul 2007, 20:49 GMT
this game came out today in japan so hopefully we will get it soon does anyone know how long this game is
26. Johannes
13 Jul 2007, 01:07 GMT
it's here, woohoo!
*download*
27. Jazzem
13 Jul 2007, 02:38 GMT
Woo! Love this game, and now us Europeans have it =D
It's a whopping 270 blocks as well, but it's worth every single one. Third best N64 game behind OOT and Mario 64 in my book!
28. accidental
13 Jul 2007, 05:26 GMT
PAL Virtual Console, say "Hi" to Paper Mario!
We finally got it.
29. DiscoBoy
13 Jul 2007, 08:24 GMT
Yay! And my vacation starts today... This game couldn't have come at a better time.
Thank you bigN for this EU-release.
30. johnsen6
13 Jul 2007, 10:33 GMT
This shows Nintendo's vision for the VC, as the release of a "non Euro" game opens the floodgates (Surely) for all manner of games. I have been looking forward to this and signifies to me what the VC is all about - games most people would never have had a chance to play (although I did not play most old games - there was no way I could afford it!).
31. wooden ghosts
13 Jul 2007, 10:34 GMT
just as i'm about to send my wii off for repairs...
*headdesk*
32. Dazza
13 Jul 2007, 10:44 GMT
Ben - Paper Mario did get released on October 5, 2001 in Europe
33. Matrix101
13 Jul 2007, 10:53 GMT
Hi all! Does the game support more than one save slot? (if yes, how many?) Never played it but it looks like this will be my 14th VC download...
34. Mendez
13 Jul 2007, 11:51 GMT
Yeah, there's 4 save slots for the game!
I haven't played it loads yet, but I can already tell what a brilliant game it's going to be!!
35. Bustacap
13 Jul 2007, 11:52 GMT
@ Matrix101: it supports 4 save slots
36. Dark Warrior
13 Jul 2007, 11:58 GMT
I´m so happy! I bet saying this is even better than Ocarina of Time!
37. BJ
13 Jul 2007, 13:22 GMT
You got that right, Dark Warrior!
38. Deckers
13 Jul 2007, 15:36 GMT
So some of our prayers have been heared ^^
anyway ... i'm gonna finish it this time, i used to get lost in chapter 3 :-/
39. whiteshadow
13 Jul 2007, 18:40 GMT
wow, never played this and by the looks of it nobody has a bad word to say about it.Im going to download it right now with my last 1000 points.
40. John Hood
13 Jul 2007, 22:03 GMT
Delighted to finally download this for VC! A seminal game.
41. Tides of Chaos
14 Jul 2007, 00:37 GMT
This is probably my favorite game of all time. I've beaten it like 3 times on my N64 version and I am willing to play it FOUR more times. Do not hesitate to buy this one!......unless the Wii version has something wrong with it.
42. Chaisu
14 Jul 2007, 21:09 GMT
God, They should throw US a freaking bone!
We ain't got squat for games on the VC. I can't wait till this comes out in the US. I bought a points card 4 weeks ago and still have yet to spend it XP
43. Jakurdo
14 Jul 2007, 23:50 GMT
Great game, downloaded it instantly!
44. Shortay-01
15 Jul 2007, 00:07 GMT
I've just downloaded this and after playing it for the first time I'm very impressed. The start of the game worried me slightly because of turn-based fights but they just add to the game's individuality and uniqueness.
But the US are already gettin some great Wii games before us so it's nice for europe to catch a break.
45. James
15 Jul 2007, 00:21 GMT
Wow, so this has 14 full 5 star ratings? I've yet to play a Paper Mario game. I don't care if I'm not keen the RPG genre. You cannot argue against this kind of rating!
I'm spending too much on the VC...
46. Yosh Man
16 Jul 2007, 01:15 GMT
I have very faint memories of playing this on the N64. I played this game so much my parents threw it away. WAAAAAAAAAAAA! So sad "sniff". I cant wait to get this game so I can finish what I started. Those were the best 8 hours of my life! WAAAAAAAAAA......
47. Endy
16 Jul 2007, 02:05 GMT
I'd say most people would like Paper Mario even if they're not in to RPGs. I instantly downloaded this as soon as I got the chance, excellent game only surpassed by its sequel to Gamecube (have not played Super Paper Mario for wii yet)
48. johnsen6
16 Jul 2007, 11:42 GMT
Dazza - I am getting confused with Super Mario RPG areen't I?!! Well, there goes my argument (I will reiterate it for the aforementioend title). Its still a huge release though and I stand by my own personal reasons for this, as there was never going to be a chance of me affording N64 (or any pre 2002) games back in the day!
49. Flip13lolb
16 Jul 2007, 16:28 GMT
omg it is coming to US today hey, I have a question. Do you know what time of day virtual console games get released?
50. Shortay-01
16 Jul 2007, 16:29 GMT
Great Addictive Game - I really wanna get The sequel and then obviously Super Paper Mario on Sept 14th!
51. yoda31419
16 Jul 2007, 16:53 GMT
Awesome, awesome game. I finally get to play it in it's (almost) true form.
52. Pit 42
16 Jul 2007, 18:27 GMT
I haven't played this game but I've played Super Paper Mario for Wii. Is it just as good?
53. Cowmansr
16 Jul 2007, 21:02 GMT
mario/yoshi: I'm not exactly sure, but I think that US VC releases are at around 10 or 11 AM Pacific Time every Monday. Maybe someone else knows for sure?
54. Deckers
16 Jul 2007, 22:29 GMT
Pit 42 : It's even better ^^
55. SergeEXE
16 Jul 2007, 23:50 GMT
CowmanSR: US VC releases come out 12pm EST (I live on the Eastern coast, so yeah)
I really loved this game back on the N64, and I'm so glad it came out so soon here on Virtual Console. Although, I admit, I did not like it as much as SMRPG, but I can't really classify them together as they have completely different tones. Still great though, and a definite download!!!
56. cartoondream
17 Jul 2007, 00:02 GMT
I rented this game once, and the rental copy suffered from random stack overflow errors that would crash the game. I couldn't get very far before it would crash. Years later I was playing another copy that my girlfriend owns and it too crashed as a result of a stack overflow. Anyone else ever have this problem on the original system? I don't need a $10 programming nightmare. Thanks
57. Peter
17 Jul 2007, 04:23 GMT
I have been waiting for this title since I got my Wii on launch day, I just hope they don't stop putting out decent titles in the near future. Maybe we'll get Super Mario RPG soon, that would be quite a treat.
58. Jonno
17 Jul 2007, 05:56 GMT
Gotta disagree with you, Drake. PM > TTYD > SPM
'Magnificent Game Award' from Jonno
59. yo
17 Jul 2007, 08:50 GMT
id better beat super paper mario first lol
im waiting for that truly good game (goldeneye hopefully)
to spend my last points on
im not into the turned based battle system unless its similar to the superstar saga system which you actually do something to determine damage
what is this battle system like?
60. Pocketim
17 Jul 2007, 09:16 GMT
Very good game, I agree with anyone that thinks this is better then Legend of zelda! however, I am having trouble getting lost in the stupid dry dry desert.
61. bngrybt
17 Jul 2007, 16:44 GMT
the battle system is very similar to superstar saga actually, where if you time button presses correctly you can avoid or lessen damage from enemy attacks as well as increase damage you give to enemies. at the very start of the game it's not obvious but within the first hour or so you'll get the ability to do it.
62. Jonno
18 Jul 2007, 17:50 GMT
Definetly the Best Game for N64, by the way.
63. Damon
18 Jul 2007, 20:19 GMT
I downloaded this last night because I thought Super Paper Mario looked so cool and oldschool before I even bought my Wii. I'm old enough to remember waiting in line for the original NES and right now I'm waiting for my wife to buy it for me for my birthday. In the meantime I though since this came out on VC I'd buy it to see what it's all about. At first I thought it was kind of cheesy and silly, but the more I played it the more I liked it. Now I'm pretty hooked....so it's worth the 10 bucks...just get it.
64. Deckers
18 Jul 2007, 20:23 GMT
Pocketim where you got lost?
65. K1LLEGAL
18 Jul 2007, 20:30 GMT
I'm having trouble downloading this from the Virtual console. I paid the 1000 points as it was removed from my balance, but the download failed half way through. I had to add another 1000 points to my balance in order to be able to even click the "download now" button again, thinking that i could re-download for free... but it won't download it keeps coming up with an error... is anyone else having this trouble? Also it keeps saying that when the transaction IS successful I will be left with 500wiipoints againt even though i have 1500wiipoints at the moment. Does this mean its going to charge me again? Can anyone help :S
(Btw i rated this game 5 stars because i had it on my N64 so i know the game really well and i really enjoyed it
)
66. Brian
18 Jul 2007, 23:01 GMT
Great game! As many have already said, its a classic and a very fun game to play time and time again. I personally like the GC sequel a tad more but this, imho, is well worth the 1k wii points.
67. Pocketim
18 Jul 2007, 23:03 GMT
I got lost trying to find dry dry ruins but now I am trying to find the start of chapter 3! and yes I have beat the boss at the ruins.
68. John
19 Jul 2007, 05:56 GMT
just wondering...are the instructions for these vc games located somewhere? For those who haven't played this game...how do you know what the controls do?
69. Concrete Donkey
19 Jul 2007, 10:25 GMT
K1LLEGAL - My first attempt of downloading failed but no wii points were deducted. The second time round I made sure the wii controller was pointed at the screen the whole time, making sure the pad wouldn't fall asleep.
Almost finished replaying the thousand year door, so will be starting this shortly. Had a quick look playing the intro, and it seems just as good as I remember.
70. Jonno
19 Jul 2007, 16:02 GMT
@BJ: I live in my newly rebuilt house.
71. K1LLEGAL
19 Jul 2007, 18:47 GMT
Thanks for helping Concrete Donkey (lol) but thats not the problem, because now my wii only TRYS to download the game for about literally 2 seconds before it gives up and gives me the same error again and again. Im worried that I wont be able to download it again
72. Jon
19 Jul 2007, 23:02 GMT
great game...if i didn't already have it still working on my n64 (and if i wasn't cheap) i'd totally buy it! lol
73. TenguTomato
19 Jul 2007, 23:02 GMT
Yes all VC games should have the instructions downloaded with them. Start the VC game. Then hit the Home button. Then hit Operations Guide. There should be a menu with everything about the game, including controls. About Paper Mario...I played Super Paper Mario for Wii and didn't care for it. I love Mario RPG. But I never played this one or the one for Gamecube. Is it worth the download? How much like Mario RPG is it?
74. Jspartan
20 Jul 2007, 07:19 GMT
Dude this is an rpg. This is no adventure like platformer like super paper mario.
75. link64
20 Jul 2007, 14:15 GMT
Paper Mario was released in Europe it was just largely ignored.
76. Daniel
21 Jul 2007, 00:56 GMT
I remember buying this game when it first came out. It was fun, but I won't download it again. Great game though.
77. Sean
21 Jul 2007, 05:28 GMT
Great game! I've always been a big fan of the series and I'm extremely happy to have the whole collection of them back on my Wii and to be playing through the original again... I just have one question for you guys though. What's up with the spinning 'N' (Nintendo64 logo) after you return to the game from the Home Menu? It just spins there and makes me wait about 5 seconds before I can play the game again. I've never seen that with any of my other N64 VC Games! Weird...
78. majoras_insanity
21 Jul 2007, 16:28 GMT
You cannot believe how happy I was when I looked up the Wii Shop Channel on July 13, although I sure wish I still had my copy of the Thousand Year Door.
79. xyz13
23 Jul 2007, 11:09 GMT
It should be made law that every one has to play this game at least once its ace even better than the gamecube version and with improved graphics compared to the n64 cart and for only a 1000 points this has to be the bargain of the century...well done nintendo you've done us proud for once!...H@ppy G@ming mario fans!!!!!
80. patrick
23 Jul 2007, 23:01 GMT
A very good game with plenty fun gameplay. The main problem is the cliche story lines that have appeared so many times. The sequels manage to improve upon this matter, but until you play them, this is still quite the steal
81. Eric42
24 Jul 2007, 00:52 GMT
As I mentioned I would back in May, I have purchased and downloaded this game and am currently giving it a good try. So far, I like it. I hate the "paper" effect and always have. I think it was one of the major reasons I have never given this game a good try.
I've been wondering... with so many parallels in storyline to Super Mario RPG (like the storyline involving Stars), I wonder if Nintendo meant for this to be a replacement, not just a sequel, to Super Mario RPG.
Nonetheless, so far, I like it, and I'll do my best to play through to the end of the game.
82. Tom Kerr
26 Jul 2007, 01:39 GMT
God I just realised I am really late to download this. Everyone already has it.
I have never played Super Mario RPG (It didnt come out in Europe) and have never played any Paper Mario games before. I have heard nothing bad about it so I thought 'What the hell? £7 is money well spent" And downloaded it about 3 hours ago. I cant wait to get into it. After I have completed it (If I do, that is), I will try and find PM: TTYD, and buy Super Paper Mario, although I hear its not as good.
Hardcore Gamer,
-Tom-
Age 13.
PS: Is there a percentage counter that tells you how much of the game you have completed? Cheers
83. Razor61289
27 Jul 2007, 20:19 GMT
This is the first Paper Mario game I have played. It's really good. The one thing that does get annoying is that there is so much reading. It's a good game though with really good gameplay. If you like Final Fantasy, you will like this. If you don't like Final Fantasy but like Mario, you will like it.
84. INpixl
28 Jul 2007, 18:02 GMT
This game is great. Hadn't tried this series before, but after playing Paper Mario, I have to hunt down the other games as well. Believe it people. The multiple 5 star ratings on this site is justified.
85. merc2k
28 Jul 2007, 18:26 GMT
Just downloaded papermario as I never played it on my old N64. This game ROCKS!! love it and love the virtual console!!
86. Stryder
29 Jul 2007, 17:05 GMT
OMG, I love Paper Mario! It's just about my favorite game of all time, better than TTYD (although that was good). I had it for a year, and I played it all the time, until it was stolen
I can't wait to get it!
87. Marioman64
30 Jul 2007, 05:05 GMT
this is the best paper mario in the trilogy! i forget if i already commented here... oh well
i just wanted to say... im in dry dry ruins, and the name of my file is "EAT@JOES"
and you know why it's "EAT@JOES"? because it fits perfectly! try it its funny
88. Mart
30 Jul 2007, 15:35 GMT
@ Tomm Kerr - The game doesnt have a percentage counter as far as i can remember but it does have 7 chapters to is so if you're on chapter 4, you're more than half way through!
Like many i played Thousand year door before this one and loved that one. Didnt think it was possible but this one for the N64 is just as good as its gamecube counterpart. Brilliant.
89. Flip13lolb
30 Jul 2007, 21:22 GMT
I love this game glad I downloaded it
90. Suburban_Sensei
03 Aug 2007, 23:59 GMT
Right now, I feel that Paper Mario is THE must-have game on the VC. In fact I think I enjoy the original PM more than Super Paper Mario. The RPG elements are fun and simple, the storyline is nice, and at the time this game was really original, and that originality still holds up today(even with the PM sequels). Overall, its a great game, and I think everyone needs to download it to their VC libraries...no exceptions...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!
91. Elijah
09 Aug 2007, 04:20 GMT
the first paper mario I played and the second I bought (SPM has that honor) I took me six years but I FINALLY bought it.
92. doorknob60
11 Aug 2007, 08:10 GMT
I don't own a Wii but I have this game for N64 and it is one of my favorite games of all time! It rocks!
93. Bitfreak
14 Aug 2007, 10:59 GMT
This is really a great game!! I've downloaded it to shorten the time until Paper Mario Wii hits the Stores in Europe.
Yesterday i finished Chapter 3... Can't wait to go on with Chapter 4 tonight. ^^
94. josh t
15 Aug 2007, 02:22 GMT
this is gonna be my first vc game.( i just got wifi so i can download it! w00t! too bad my connection is just to slow to do mario strikers online...) either way i never bought the game but i played it at my cousins house and i loved it. just didnt' get it cuz the n64 had no life left to it at that point.
95. Ray
17 Aug 2007, 11:03 GMT
Hmm not overly impressed. Spent my last 1k points on it for the month. Lots and lots and ... lots of talking in this game (did I say "lots"? Quadruple that!). Turn based battles are sucky. I like RPGs but not this one. Frankly, I am suspicious of the unadulterated praise in the above reviews.
96. Damo
17 Aug 2007, 11:09 GMT
And so you should be Ray. Nintendo gave us, and all the other guys who left positive feedback, loads of sweets to say it was a good game.
Shocking, eh?
97. jg233
17 Aug 2007, 16:36 GMT
buy this now!
98. WoRMaSTeR
18 Aug 2007, 12:49 GMT
Ray: You propably played it for 15 minutes, the battle system isn't so much turn based because you can do action commands to dodge enemy attacks and do more damage.
It doesn't even have much talk, I mean compare this to any PC RGP (fallout comes to mind) and it doesn't have 1/100 of the speech it has. And most of the suff is hilarious to read, so I really don't know what you are complaining about.
If you really want not to like it you are gonna have to do better than that!
99. Steph
21 Aug 2007, 19:47 GMT
I have it for the N64. This game is very easy, but definitly worth 10$ for the time you'll spend on it. It's not very old either, so 10 bucks is awsome bargain for that game. I always thought this was the best Paper Mario they made.
100. tank2tank
25 Aug 2007, 11:58 GMT
I'm surprised at how similar to thousand year door this is. And that's certainly a good thing! I'm not that far into it but i've already been playing it for longer than most VC gaems!
101. Laxity
13 Sep 2007, 09:20 GMT
Thanks for linking my vid
102. SamuraiSonic
26 Sep 2007, 19:16 GMT
I now have all the Papaer Mario games!!! Although Super Paper Mario was a bit of a disappointment (It's really good, but I prefer the older system - plus, Chapter 4 SUCKS! =( ), this reminded me why I love Paper Mario in the first place. I've now completed it, and am now playing the Thousand Year Door. Even if you don't generally like RPGs, I recommend this to everyone due to the user friendly battle system and exploration.
P.S. Sorry for the long post
103. BJ
28 Sep 2007, 22:32 GMT
This game is ten times better than Super Paper Mario. Now between this and The Thousand Year Door?, I actually like them both equally. I'm sorry to say this but Super Paper Mario is not worth the money. It is worth a rent, though.
104. Joel
06 Oct 2007, 01:38 GMT
I've played and beat Thousand Year Door and Super Paper Mario. Super Paper Mario wasn't as good as TYD so I'm hoping that this is as good as TYD.( THY is one of favorite games ever)
105. Sam
15 Oct 2007, 04:16 GMT
I wanna download paper mario on my VC but it says that I can only use either classic controller or a game cube controller, does that mean I can't use the wii remote??
106. GamerWho
19 Oct 2007, 10:19 GMT
When you complete the game and get the end screen do you have to reset the console? I wanted to save after I'd beaten the last boss so I could go back and do all the mini quests but it didn't budge from the "the end" screen. If this is so it's a pain! Don't know if I can be bothered to backtrack all the way from the last save point in the game!
107. Felius
21 Oct 2007, 12:07 GMT
This is the best AUD$15 you could spend on the virtual console, I reckon. Thousand Year Door was my introduction to Paper Mario and I absolutely loved it. Playing through the original Paper Mario on VC was just as much fun.
I finished Super paper Mario on Wii recently - too short, too easy, too "not Paper Mario".. yet still well executed. It just makes me wish for a new RPG-style Paper Mario!
108. SuperMichael64
29 Oct 2007, 19:03 GMT
Ive had this game for about a month and i must say its a surprisingly solid rpg! I believe its equally as good as the thousand year door. It has cute yet lush graphics, and humorus dialogue, and catchy music that isnt annoying. This is a good deal at 1000 wii points. And should keep you busy for about three months (if your skilled :0)
109. BJ
31 Oct 2007, 13:03 GMT
That happened to me too, Andrew. No, you would have to delete the game and start all over. Sorry, that sucks!
Felius, I totally agree. Super Paper Mario was a waste of my time and money.
110. Drake
31 Oct 2007, 13:54 GMT
Honestly - the backtrack through the castle isn't THAT long. Because of all the puzzles you've solved it's just a long straight path, completely devoid of enemies (Assuming you killed everything).
111. Tandem
14 Nov 2007, 03:27 GMT
This is the first serious turn based RPG I've ever played for more than a few hours. I found it to be a really good introduction to genre.
I recommend anyone who has been put off turn-based RPG's because of the complexity or the lack of action to give this game a try.
There are lots of tough decisions to make when you level up or buy badges but the system isn't overly confusing. The way you have to perform actions on the controller in time with attacks and blocks really brings the battles to life and make it a blend of skill and tactics. Sometimes a good tactic can be compromised by failing to get the action spot on.
I have noticed the battles against mixed enemy types tend to be a lot more fun and allow for some pretty ingenious strategies compared to the rather drab single enemy-type battles. I imagine they increase in frequency as you the learning curve increases.
Oh and don't stress too much about wether or not to upgrade your HP, FP or BP at the start. You find some badges early on that essentially allow you to swap the upgrade equivalent of HP for FP or BP.
112. Link O' Fett
20 Nov 2007, 21:11 GMT
Currently one of the best VC games. For 1000 points, PM will last you a good 20 hours. It's a great adventure full of fun characters and great boss battles. Download it now RPG fans.
113. b. lippy
01 Dec 2007, 03:07 GMT
this game totally owns man! i lovve it. i got it for my wii VC immediately dudes, best game ever! u will never find a better deal than this man
114. Sharecrow
05 Dec 2007, 16:46 GMT
This was the first game I've played in the Paper Mario series. I was pleasantly surprised--I liked it much more than I thought I would. I recommend it to any fans of turn-based RPG's. It is enjoyable from the beginning to the end.
115. Tom H.
17 Dec 2007, 21:06 GMT
If SMRPG came out on VC Christmas Eve and I could only buy ONE of the two (not likely, i'll end up buying both, but work with me)...which one should it be and why? (price excluded)
116. Elliott
23 Dec 2007, 06:59 GMT
Oh. My. God.
This was my FAVORITE game for the N64 (and I have some goodies...Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, Pokemon Stadium, Kirby 64, Smash Bros., etc.) and I LOVE it! This is the only game I've ever played and I just started bawling because I remember the amazing, childhood days of playing this. DOWNLOAD THIS NOW!
117. Tom H.
23 Dec 2007, 16:41 GMT
Wait this game literally made you cry?
118. David
28 Dec 2007, 06:50 GMT
This was the first game i EVER played. Its my favorite
i beat it on the N64 3 and a half times (N64 broke)
i downloaded it and im on my 2nd run (got it late nov)
TYD beat 7 times- favorite
2nd run of SPM
119. Tristan
28 Dec 2007, 14:29 GMT
This was the best game I ever played.Not just for the N64 either.I used to rent it but someone stole it and now I cant find it anywhere
120. alexmann
04 Jan 2008, 13:05 GMT
great game worth the points:)
121. Clayfrd
05 Jan 2008, 21:23 GMT
EASY FIVE STARS! This game is fantastic. I still have the cart, but I bought this on VC for the sake of convenience, and I have no regrets. Since starting a new file, I remember why I spent so much time on this game. There is no excuse not to buy this! For 1000 Wii points, it is about the best deal on VC. Great deal of RPG with platforming peppered in, which is Super Paper Mario inverted. Both are great. On a side note, it is interesting that every Paper Mario is playable on Wii. Anyway, buy now.
122. Cally
13 Jan 2008, 19:36 GMT
Maybe it's my loss, but I couldn't get into this game though I stuck it out to the end. Long before it released it was dubbed "Super Mario RPG 2," which got me excited. But compared to the superlative Super Mario RPG, Paper Mario plays like a baby game with the most incredibly simple battle system I've ever seen in an RPG to the point of feeling like you're trading punches (attacks) with practically no room for genuine strategy. The visual style was all right to me, even if--completely unlike Super Mario RPG--it is extremely light on taking any chances, innovations, or creativity with the Mario universe that we've seen/experienced a thousand times already. (On a sidenote, I felt Nintendo trying to redeem this particular fault with some new stuff in "Mario and Luigi")
On the other hand, I guess the game is nice and low-key, and the easy accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere can feel like a breath of fresh air these days (isn't pretty much every high-profile title M-rated these days? Sheesh). But it's sheer lack of ambition almost breaks it in many aspects in my opinion (the pedestrian story, locations, and battle system).
Points for charm, low-intensity (though consequently kind of boring) stuff. It's not bad--especially for ten bucks--and I actually still strongly recommend it especially because games (or media in general, for that matter) with such innocence seem to come so seldom in recent times, but I do believe Mario's career as an RPG character have seen better times. 4/5
123. y2josh
17 Jan 2008, 04:41 GMT
This game is awesome. Just downloaded it to night. I never played it for the 64, didn't think I would like it and I thought the graphics would be cheap also. Boy was I wrong! The graphics are awesome and saving the princess never gets old. I'm only about 2 hours in, but it is so fun so far. Must have as far as I'm concerned. Now I'm gonna have to play the Gamecube Paper Mario when I finish this one.
Oh, how the money leaves my pockets
124. The shoemaker
21 Jan 2008, 01:15 GMT
Yeah this game is great this was the first time I played it and ht's awesome. But It's the worst in the series. For me it goes super paper mario thousand year door then paper mario. Or maybe the original beats the second I dunno
125. ToadTheMushroom
22 Jan 2008, 02:47 GMT
The Paper Mario games are awesome.
The only reason somebody would not download this, is because of all the reading.
126. Mad Bomber
22 Jan 2008, 19:56 GMT
Fun.
I think Paper Mario 2 and Super Paper Mario are superior games, but that's the way it should be with sequals even if that is so rarely the case.
Download this now if you've never played it. It is great fun for both Mario and RPG fans. We're still waiting for Super Mario RPG, though. I had a Genesis. I need it now.
127. Mario
23 Jan 2008, 01:31 GMT
Download this.NOW
128. agent_lime 24 Jan 2008, 02:59 GMT
Awesome! download it!!
129. Plan B
28 Jan 2008, 03:48 GMT
yet another Mario classic...
130. Paperfox
31 Jan 2008, 01:37 GMT
Quite possibly my favourite game, and the reason for the 'paper' in my name. Yet I never actually owned the game, and (most) rental stores stopped carrying N64 games years ago... I'm going to download this as soon as I get a classic controller.
131. uncle smuck
01 Feb 2008, 19:10 GMT
After the dissapointment of super paper mario on the wii this game (never released in the EU) is a superb start to the series. Get it now!!
132. mario221
02 Feb 2008, 04:35 GMT
awesome game
133. Bass X0
03 Feb 2008, 13:40 GMT
ehh. super paper mario has been released on the wii. i have it.
134. Drizzt
04 Feb 2008, 16:08 GMT
Fabulous game. A must get for the VC.
135. Jonny
06 Feb 2008, 18:42 GMT
1000xtimes the game that Super Paper mario is. Probably the best game i've downloaded so far. Definately the best value.
136. Virus
07 Feb 2008, 04:43 GMT
This is a kind of a no-brainer game to get even if you aren't an RPG fan. I'll have to agree with the commenter above; it's the best game I've gotten on the VC so far. It's long, humorous, and downright fun. I'd even say it's better than both its Gamecube and Wii (half-brother) iterations. Get it.
137. Jupiter Adept
09 Feb 2008, 03:20 GMT
Buy it now. Best VC game I have, unless you count the ones I have on other systems.
138. JZLAM
11 Feb 2008, 04:40 GMT
Paper Mario is simply great. It's the fourth best game I own for my Wii behind Super Mario Galaxy, Wario Ware Smooth Moves, and Super Mario 64. At just $10 it's a bargain; I got 50 hours of addictive game play out of it before saving Peach. I probably could have gotten 70+ hours out of it if I had more aggressively pursued side missions and explorations. There is great character development and pacing to the game. My only complaint is that some of the side missions can be a bit tedious and pointless. Although, some of the side missions are also quite interesting. The core of the game is great and you can have a lot of fun with this even if you pay little attention to the side missions. After playing this, I can't wait to pick up Super Paper Mario.
139. Mr.Mat
11 Feb 2008, 19:42 GMT
I had never played this game until last friday (feb. 8th 2008), I must admit I'm hooked!!! I'm almost finished with it, and I know for sure I'll be getting the second one for GC after this one and then the wii one... Very very nice discovery for me. That's what I love about the VC, you get to try out some games you never had a chance to play, or you replay classics!
140. Hexxen7
18 Feb 2008, 00:02 GMT
Hmm I am a huge fan of Mario RPG, I like all the RPG elements, turned based fighting with 3 characters..from the reading it seems that this game may have lightened up on the RPG elements...so I am still unsure if I want to spend 10 dollars or not..
141. GameGod3008
22 Feb 2008, 16:45 GMT
This game is a great RPG. the battle system is quite good, the story is great, funny and clever and the Graphics are nicely done. The was first game i downloaded and i haven't regretted that decision, i embraced it.
142. Objection_Blaster
23 Feb 2008, 21:15 GMT
My first and so far only, VC title. It took me about a month to beat,s o you get your money out of it,as its about 20 hrs long. I enjoyed the combat too and the graphics reminded me of the good ol' days...I guess they were good. 5 stars, but its as big a download as the Internet Channel. (200-250 blocks)
143. Roo
28 Feb 2008, 17:32 GMT
Just completed it today, after a total of 25 hours and 14 minutes playing. That's crackin' value!
144. MasterMario
02 Mar 2008, 18:00 GMT
A nice Mario RPG, but The Thousand Year Door is the best in the series.
145. Ivan
04 Mar 2008, 09:39 GMT
i agree. the tousand year door is the best in the trilogy, but this is still a great game
146. SBOY
05 Mar 2008, 14:09 GMT
1 word: WOW!
But I'm still waiting for Mario RPG...
147. Marvel_Maniac
06 Mar 2008, 04:53 GMT
Just downloaded it. First time play for me. So far its impressive. The fun factor actually increases along with the story, so if you're someone who's just started to play- it does get better. Not sure what my opinion of the whole is yet; of course, I'll figure that out once I beat the thing.
148. Chester
10 Mar 2008, 07:59 GMT
I got really glad when I saw Paper Mario coming out on the VC, because I didn't find it for the N64 when it was supposed to hit the shelves. Anyway, I think the first Paper Mario is the best of the series, and I highly recommend it to any gamer.
149. konkerdoodle
16 Mar 2008, 03:01 GMT
I don't understand why everyone on this thread is so down on Super Paper Mario! It's definitely one of the top five games released for the Wii so far. It's just hard to compare it to Paper Mario directly, as they are surprisingly different games. I am of the opinion that they are both excellent in their own right, and until I play both again I can't really say I have a favorite of the two.
150. Lurch
17 Mar 2008, 06:51 GMT
Paper Mario...the only game that is better valued for 1000 points is Ocarina of time. 5/5
151. 2hip2beskware
21 Mar 2008, 05:46 GMT
Loved this game on my 64. Way better than anything on the system except Ocarina and (possibly) Majora's Mask. I'll download it tommorow, after I get my gamecube controller. How similar is TTYD?
152. Quimby
23 Mar 2008, 01:45 GMT
@2hip2beskware this is very similar, but don't be thrown when you can't use your timed button presses to do extra damage... that comes a little while in.
To everyone else who doesn't own this already, DOWNLOAD IT NOW! And then buy the GC sequel Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door because it IS THE best game on GC.
Oh, be warned though, Super Paper Mario is warm sloppy dog shit.
153. Quimby
23 Mar 2008, 01:53 GMT
@2hip2beskware again.
Sorry I missunderstood your question. TTYD is direct sequel and very close to PM64 but TTYD rocks SOOO much harder. Thats why newbies should play PM64 on VC first & then track down TTYD on GC. PM64 is an awesome game, but TTYD leaves it in the dust.
154. NHKagent
25 Mar 2008, 04:04 GMT
I just bought this game today and played it for three hours. So fsr, I think it is the second best gsme on the N64
The best is still Mario Party 3........well in my opinion
155. WoRMaSTeR
25 Mar 2008, 15:31 GMT
@konkerdoodle: "I don't understand why everyone on this thread is so down on Super Paper Mario!" Because it is strictly inferior to it's first two incarnations (not counting Super Mario RPG) and frankly the biggest disappointment on the Wii so far.
This is a very good game and certainly worth the download. Thousand Year Door is a better game, but you cannot get it for 1000 Wii points.
156. redskinsfan1997
30 Mar 2008, 14:11 GMT
even though i think paper mario the thousand year door is a five and better, paper mario for the n64 is also a great game. paper mario for the n64 is 5 star. paper mario definitely one of the best n64 and vc game.
157. Kingston
04 Apr 2008, 00:25 GMT
Easily the greatest game on the vc.
whether you've played the sequels or not, download now!
Gameplay 9/10
Audio 8.5/10
Graphics 9/10
Lasting appeal 10/10 (Longest VC game that held my attention to defeat: about 8-9 hrs or even more if you read all the dialogue)
Overall 9.5/10
158. NintendoNerd
10 Apr 2008, 23:27 GMT
@ Kingston- "Easily the greatest game on the vc"
not even close buddy, not even CLOSE!!!
159. Stu
12 Apr 2008, 13:48 GMT
One of the true N64 greats.
Slightly better than TTYD on the GC in my opinion, but there's not much to choose between the two.
160. konkerdoodle
13 Apr 2008, 17:04 GMT
@WoRMaSTeR: GameInformer gave Super Paper Mario a 9.5, IGN an 8.9, GameSpot an 8.8, and GameSpy a four out of five stars. I'm not saying everyone should change their opinion of the game, I'm just saying that this seems to be the only website where the people consistently hate Super Paper Mario...
161. Clayfrd
21 Apr 2008, 05:03 GMT
I own all three Paper Mario games, and this is awesome. I don't know if TTYD is better, but I haven't quite beaten it yet (I have the to find that elusive bob-omb to fire me to the moon). I need to beat TTYD. For some reason, I haven't beaten TTYD or SPM, but I am on the final part of both! I am on World 8-3 on SPM. I love the 64 version, and I have beaten it, but I downloaded it again for convenience and more save files. It is a blast to replay since I probably haven't played it since 2002. I don't know why everyone dislikes SPM. It is an awesome blend of platforming and RPG, it is the funniest so far, and you can play as Luigi! Sorry, I think Luigi is awesome... They need to make a level in some Mario game where Luigi races a bullet bill to a star by using his Green Missile from Smash. Sorry, most of that paragraph was totally unrelated. Anyway, this may be the best N64 game. Oh, and Ocarina fans, first of all, a Link to the Past is better, secondly, I'm a Mario fanboy, don't even try to sway me. This game is 100% recommended.
162. GameGod3008
21 Apr 2008, 21:30 GMT
I've heard rumors of a DS remake alongside DK64. Apparently, CoroCoro said this. Is that true? Also, i heard something about a Mario Pinball Sequel for the Wii. Any truth in that either?
163. Kingston
24 Apr 2008, 01:25 GMT
@NintendoNerd- For the sake of curiosity, what is the greatest game on the vc?
Please enlighten me.
164. konkerdoodle
24 Apr 2008, 02:20 GMT
Definitely Donkey Kong Jr. Math. No question.
165. sparrow-1993
25 Apr 2008, 20:37 GMT
This looks good, never got round to buying it on n64.
166. Bass X0
25 Apr 2008, 22:28 GMT
I don't understand why everyone on this thread is so down on Super Paper Mario!
Its dull. First time I started, I almost got bored enough to turn it off before I could actually play - the intro was so long and boring. There are also several other places in the game that made me want to give up because I just couldn't be bothered continuing. But I eventually did and I am currently in space... I haven't touched the game in a few months.
167. couthedman92
28 Apr 2008, 00:56 GMT
@bass
You probably thought it sucked because you were expecting more of an RPG. Unfortunately, your feeble mind was unable to process the fact that it falls under a different genre.
Either that or your taste just sucks LOL
P.S. @NintendoNerd Kingston was pretty much right on. Oh, and Luigi's Mansion was terribly crappiful.
168. Objection_Blaster
10 May 2008, 21:07 GMT
Note to everyone: SPM does not suck. It is very different. It is not Paper Mario-ish really. But it does not suck.
@couthedman92 Luigi's Mansion doesn't suck either. I just replayed and still enjoy it as much as I did at launch. Even if I did beat it in about 5 hours.
169. 2hip2beskware
11 May 2008, 01:35 GMT
I beat this game last week. It was amazing.
170. couthedman92
13 May 2008, 02:33 GMT
This game is probably the best RPG on the VC (BoF2 is pretty close).
Oh, and Objection_Blaster, I have played Luigi's Mansion as well and yes, it does suck. The only good thing to come from it was the Poltergust Kart on Mario Kart DS. I PWNED with that thing.
171. Matmax14
13 May 2008, 20:09 GMT
a great game^^and i think one of the best mario games...
172. Jona
15 May 2008, 04:47 GMT
this game and series is the best spinoff series ever!!! check it out its worth the time and $
173. Jimmy Damage
16 May 2008, 15:06 GMT
Great fun in the Mario universe
174. Tannman42
01 Jun 2008, 17:15 GMT
An awesome RPG that i missed out on first time round.Definitely worth 1000 Wii points.
175. Zeroagean
08 Jun 2008, 18:54 GMT
An awesome RPG with a great story line just like all the Paper Mario games. I love this game
176. TinnyTB
19 Jun 2008, 17:01 GMT
I downloaded this VC game by accident and it's one of the best games I have ever played, I don't regret hitting the wrong button!
177. pApEr y0sh!
28 Jun 2008, 19:10 GMT
well... as you can see from my icon, i really, really like PM:TTYD.ive heard this ones better, is this true. ill get it anyways, but i would like to know
178. Kingston
29 Jun 2008, 21:42 GMT
It's not necessarily better, but it has some neat features that aren't in TTYD.
179. Saint Nick
03 Jul 2008, 02:30 GMT
Great game! I mean, anything that allows me to make mario jump in that old skool fashion is a-ok with me. WERD!
180. Mipsymoodle
04 Jul 2008, 23:14 GMT
One Of The Greatest Games Of All Time..........In My Opinion, It Is The Best On The Nintendo 64
181. calc_nerd
08 Jul 2008, 02:13 GMT
Fine, but I'm still waiting for the vc release of the Mario RPG that started it all....(japan people please don't comment)
182. Mr. Cheez
08 Jul 2008, 21:29 GMT
^nobody from japan comments here.
I had to move Sin & Punishment AND Toki Tori to an SD card to make room for this one (it took forever), but it was all worth it! It's one of my favorite VC games as of now, right up there w/ Super Metroid and Gunstar Heroes and the like. It's inferior to TTYD in my opinion, but I do like how this game doesn't have audience you need to please all the time. "I'm trying to decide between a jump attack or the hammer! Stop throwing rocks at me!"
One thing that really annoys me about this game is how Mario is the only one who can take damage and use items. I tend to die a lot more in this game than TTYD, since I can't put an ally in front to guard me, and I can't use Mario's supermoves as often since I have to occaisionally waste attacking opportunities to use items.
183. Mickeymac
09 Jul 2008, 00:17 GMT
This game is one of my favoritest RPG's of all time! It was devilishly simple to pick up and was suprisingly complex. The Cooking system alone brought hours of entertainment. I loved the battle system, and it was the first time I found a turn-based battle system to be fun, and the only one until its sequel.
The badges were one of th