By Michael Wenzel
IV Leader Game Critic
THE GOOD: THE 3D FLIPPING MECHANIC
THE BAD: TRYING TO ATTACK ENEMIES WHILE IN 3D MODE
COMPLETIONISTS BEWARE: OVER 200 COLLECTIBLE ITEMS TO FIND!
Following in the footsteps of the previous
two Paper Mario titles, comes Super Paper Mario on the Wii system. This title
will satisfy just about everyone who is a Mario fan as well as those looking for
a deep RGP experience. The bulk of your time will be spent playing the game as
Mario, as opposed to Princess Peach and Bowser who join your party later in the
game.
The main reason you’ll want to stay with Mario is because he
has been imbued with a new power: the ability to flip from a two-dimensional,
side scrolling world into a three-dimensional one.
This allows for awesome game play possibilities. For example,
have you ever wondered just what is behind all those green warp pipes? While
playing as Mario, just flip to 3D mode and take a look. You may just find a 1UP
mushroom or one of the two-hundred plus collectible cards.
This dimension-flipping mechanic allows for neat, new
possibilities when fighting bosses or exploring the world map. And in many
cases, you’ll have to flip dimensions to find a doorway or path leading you to
the next area.
On the contrary to the fun you’ll have exploring, however,
trying to attack enemies while in this 3D environment isn’t very pleasant. Many
times you’ll mistake where enemies are and end up too close or too far away,
only to wind up ultimately being hurt by them. This is especially unfortunate
when you are low on “Heart Points” (the game’s life meter) and you die, only to
have to go back to your last save.
The save points, or lack of them, is another strike against
the game. The save points are few and far between. If you happen to die you have
lost all progress from your last save, which, in a few instances for myself,
were up to a half hour worth of game play. This is frustrating and rather
disheartening.
These gripes aside, however, Super Paper Mario is an
excellent game with loads of replay value (including two one hundred floor
towers opened up after you beat the game) and pure, unadulterated fun.
You’ll laugh from the dialogue and get a child-like giddiness
out of the cartoony graphics. For the great time you’ll have playing Super Paper
Mario, I give it an eight out of ten.