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Saturday 9 February, 2008
Gameplay:
After more time playing, Super Paper Mario seems to keep its charm. The simple paper style of characters continues to amuse, characters are still unique and interesting as ever. Gameplay wise, everything has only gotten better. New powers allow Mario (and allies) to go to new places and defeat more powerful foes. The paper aspect of the game world has also been implemented into the gameplay, such as the ability to become flat to slip in between things just like a sheet of paper. The game continues to amuse and entertain every step of the way.
Design:
The thing that is most interesting about this game compared to the two previous ones is that the level design is dramatically different. "Super Paper Mario" is certainly a fitting title, as it has the feel of the old Super Mario Bros., but with elements of Paper Mario well mixed in. This game is very reminiscent of Super Mario, as it is (leaving out the 3-D flipping power) a side scroller where one has to make it to the end of the level and hit a box with a star in it to finish. There are eight chapters, like the worlds of the original, with four sub-worlds each. Some of the RPG elements of the other two Paper Mario games still exist in this game, such as the level-up system and the overworld which one can find things like an item shop, arcade, or restaurant, but the bulk of the game has definitely become "make it to the end of the level to proceed with the story," which is a formula that has stood the test of time and continues to be fun.
Another thing that makes this game fun and interesting is the use of space and Mario's power to flip between the planes of 2-D and 3-D. Some things in a specific area of a level may seem impossible to do in one realm, but can easily be accomplished in the 3-D world. In one case I remember, I had come to an area where I could not progress because I could no jump high enough. By flipping I found two boxes that I could flip by hitting. I hit them, flipped back to 2-D, and jumped on top of the boxes to proceed. Secret areas are also accessible through flipping, where one can obtain new powers. This power was definitely integrated into the game well, and feels like it definitely has a purpose in the game. To me, it almost feels two game levels exist in each one. There is a 2-D version of the level, as well as a 3-D version.
This game is definitely a must play. It excellently blends the old-school feel of Super Mario Bros. with the comical and entertaining feel of Paper Mario.
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