Console: Nintendo 64
Cost: 1000 Wii Points
Released towards the end of the N64's life span in 2001, this game was among the last hits for the console. Paper Mario is essentially the sequel to Super Mario RPG, which was itself released in the latter days of the SNES. Unlike Super Mario RPG, which was developed by Square, Paper Mario was created by Intelligent Systems, one of Nintendo's second party developers.
Of course, the first thing that stands out is the look- 2D characters inhabit a 3D world, making them look like paper cut-outs (hence the name). It's a strange and unique style, something that still looks weird even to this day. However, personally I feel that the paper aspect of the game was somewhat under-utilised compared to Gamecube sequel Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, as if it didn't really make the most of the idea. It's only a minor complaint though, the game already has plenty of good ideas as it is.
The plot is not drastically different to the standard plot for a Mario game- Princess Peach is kidnapped by Bowser (again!), and of course it's up to Mario to rescue her and save the day. This time though, Bowser has stolen an item called the Star Rod, effectively making him invincible to Mario's attacks. After being attacked by Bowser and left for dead, a Star Spirit visits Mario and explains that the only way to overcome the Star Rod's power is free the seven Star Spirits, who are all being held prisoner by Bowser's minions in different places around the world. The story is full of more clichés than you can shake a stick at, and you'll spot most of the plot twists a mile off, but then again the Mario games never had great stories. Mario teams up with various characters along the way, who aid him with their own abilities both inside and outside of battle.
Gameplay will be familiar to anyone who's played an RPG before, but it has enough unique elements to differentiate itself from other games of its type. Battles are turn-based, with Mario and one partner in the party at any time. Each character has their own abilities, which you can use as long as you have enough FP. To make things a little interesting, abilities can be boosted via timed button presses. Partners are invincible (although they will be temporarily knocked out if attacked), but if Mario runs out of HP, it's game over. Scattered throughout the game are different badges, each of which gives you some ability or power boost. The more BP Mario has, the more badges he can wear. After accumulating enough experience, Mario levels up and you can choose which stat (HP, FP or BP) you wish to increase. It's a fairly simplified combat system compared to the average RPG, but there's enough depth to make it fun.
Outside battle, you'll find yourself doing a lot of platforming and solving the occasional puzzle here and there. There are several different regions, each with a particular theme (e.g. icy wastes, green fields, etc.), which must be visited. They are all connected by the hub area of Toad Town near the centre of the world map.
Although there's a few decent jokes, talking with people can be a little tiresome as they have a tendency to talk too much (especially during tutorials). Also, there are certain sections where you take control of Princess Peach as she attempts to learn of Bowser's plans and evade his guards. These sections are probably the weakest parts of the game, and end up seeming like distractions when you want to get on with the game.
Overall, this game is easily one of the best available for the Virtual Console. For the typical gamer there's around 20 hours of gameplay, and as with any good Nintendo game, there's quite a few little secrets to discover. The graphics and sound might be nauseatingly cute for some though. It's simple enough for someone who's never experienced an RPG before to pick up and play, and yet there's enough depth to please most fans of the genre.
Graphics: 7/10
Sound: 6/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Lifespan: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
