This may not be the most debatable game, but when it came out there seems to be a difference between critics and fans. Critics gave it positive reviews, while "some" fans of the series did not like it. I say some because I know there are many people who love the game despite the change in gameplay, but we'll get to that later. For now, do I think it folds with the rest of the series or should it be crumbled up and thrown in the recycle?
Story
Since this is an RPG I feel like I need to explain the story. I know, "story is non existent in the Mario series!" But considering the Mario RPG series is actually known for having interesting stories and twists, this one needs to be worth talking about, and besides, this game is well known for having a good story and if I can't share my opinion then who can? So this means I'm going to be sharing spoilers, but just in case, if I do more reviews I'm going to be adding spoiler boxes down below, so you can enjoy for yourself or in case you're one of those gamers who don't give a s**t about story in a video game.So Princess Peach gets kidnapped by Bowser (must be monday), and Mario and Luigi goes out to save her. Until a new villain named Count Bleck takes all of Bowser's forces, along with Bowser himself, Peach, and Luigi. Mario on the other hand gets sent to Flipside, where their universe (honestly that part was kind of vague, they never really said what it is.) is going to be engulfed by a void. Because Count Bleck has forced Bowser and Peach to be married, because a tome known as the Dark Prognosticus foretold that the Chaos Heart will be summoned once a couple has been married and that's exactly what happens. However, A Light Prognosticus foretells that a hero will bring 8 pure hearts to flipside and stop destruction from happening, and Mario is chosen as the hero. Later on, it's revealed that 3 more heroes will assist Mario with his quest, so Peach, Bowser, and even Luigi much later in the game. Throughout the game we see some flashbacks (not exactly see, it's literally all dialogue and no visuals.) about a couple named Timpani and Blumiere who his father banished Timpani to other dimensions and eventually it's revealed that the couple might be among each other.
So what don't I like about the story? Well, this game seems to hammer in the fact that Mario is the Chosen One, when he has barely any development or even impact on the story, yes he collected all of those Pure Hearts, but any hero in their own story could've done that. He's like Ash Ketchum from Pokemon the Movie 2000, he claims to be a hero yet he overshadows the true main characters story arc, in SPM's case, it's Tippi and Count Bleck. It's like the chosen one thing was just thrown in, because hey kidnapping the Princess is cliche, but we can't change the premise in the main games, let's get a different story cliche here. But I will say this about Tippi and Count Bleck's character arc, in the end when they reunite is a satisfying reunion. The emotion they bring, the farewells they bring, and the redemption from Count Bleck is done well. It brings in some sad stuff, but keeps it bittersweet, because of the hope that the couple will come back. But in the end the story is a bit unfocused.
Also here's a quick summary on the characters (How some of the will play is for later), there's Mario, Peach, and Bowser who to be honest don't have an impact on the story, there's Luigi, who gets possessed and turns into Mr. L which I have to admit was kind of cool. But then you got Dimentio who is actually the best part, even to fans of the game for good reason. Just the fact that he still keeps his calm throughout the game just gives me his charm. The other characters are kind of forgettable and really not much to talk about.
Gameplay
I bet you want to know what I think of the gameplay. Well, I can sum it up like this. Nintendo, if you wanted to make a Mario platformer for consoles, make one. Don't put it in a spin off that has a different focus. As for the gameplay itself, you can switch between 2D gameplay and 3D gameplay. I think the problems for me is in the controls. I understand that Nintendo wants to be like the NES controller, but I wish you could also use the classic controller. I'm glad there are motion controls, but I don't really like playing the wiimote at least sideways. It's like using a TV remote sideways and all of words and numbers are on their sides, it doesn't look right. This is one of those games where they should at least have more controller options, like the Gamecube controller (because a PM game was released for it). Mainly because there's not many buttons for the Wiimote on it's own. you press up next to the door. Now that would've been fine in 2D, but sometimes when you flip in 3D trying to enter a pipe it gets confusing. (It gets worse in 4-4 where the gravity changes along with the control scheme in any direction) If only they could've used the B button. The controls are just too restrained. The platforming itself is fine, but what I really hate are the segments where up have to go up the level, because any time you get hit or make a wrong move, you get knocked back, and fall down sometimes back where you started. It's starting to become a bad cliche isn't it? I feel I should mention the Pixls, they act as weapons and special attacks, like throwing, bombs, hammers, ground pounds, etc. Like Zelda, some of the Pixls can be underused, sure they can be used to solve puzzles, but in battles only a few are useful. It gets worse as some of them aren't even useful in boss fights. Speaking of which, except for some bosses, a lot of the game is too easy, more or less than the other Mario platformers depending on your skill, Granted in my recent playthrough I got Barry right after I beat the Chapter 3 Boss and it made most of the game easier because if your timing is right, you can get through the bosses easily. Even if you don't have these kinds of crutches they can still be easy because you can just use Throueu (sp. right?), or do the usual jumping on technique to hit the enemies, and they are not that hard to dodge, the only real challenges are Francis (who doesn't really turn invisible as much as turns unsolid..), and Count Bleck. I haven't beaten Pit of 100 Trials yet, but that's optional and not really part of the main game. So while the gameplay can be good and not bad, it needs to be more of a challenge. This is before people complain about the main Mario platformer series being too easy mind you.
Graphics and Sound
I will say that the graphics are the most creative I've seen on the Wii and the level design looks good. Especially when you begin a chapter and all the lines draw themselves revealing the level, that was amazing! The character designs made for this game, don't really match up with the previous Mario characters, to the point where I don't know if the new characters are out of place or the old characters. For the music, not a lot of the music stand out. Most of us know the final boss theme, The Ultimate Show and... that's it. I barely even remember the songs in this game. (Note: I know this part was very short compared to the rest, but just expect that for other future reviews)
Overall
This game is not really that bad, and I'd appreciate Nintendo for trying something new, but if Chuggacconroy calls this game a "love letter" to the classic 2D Mario games, then it could technically be called a dear john letter to the Traditional Turn based gameplay. While the story at times can be good, it just comes off as being unfocused. Some people have said this is a parody, but if this is a parody, then I must ask why we have some emotional conflict done right and a dark tone? That's like making a funny satire with a dramatic scene that makes you cry. Also one minor point, the cameos need to stop! They just feel forced and for the references to previous Paper Mario games, don't make sense since this game takes place in an alternate dimension, that isn't the one from the previous Paper Mario games, so how do they know this stuff?My rating will be different, instead of numbers or letters, it'll be depended on this.
Worth Keeping
Worth Playing
Worth Renting
Worth Testing
or Worthless
And the rating for this game is: Worth Renting
Now that I'm done with this, the next game I plan to play is... this.
Wish me luck, guys!
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