Paper Mario Nintendo 64
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: Feb 5, 2001
User Score
8.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 109 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 100 out of 109
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 109
  3. Negative: 8 out of 109

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  1. jamba24
    Nov 28, 2012
    10
    Where to begin...This game is my favorite game of all time. To begin, let's start with the presentation, graphics and audio. The graphics are very good for n64. The contrast of the 2D characters with the 3D background still holds up today.
    The music is almost flawless. The title screen music gives the player a sense of fun urgency to begin the adventure, the battle themes are classic, and     the remaining themes are all conducted perfectly, fitting their respective environments.
    The story appears to be typical of a mario game as bowser steals peach and mario must rescue her. However, Paper Mario's story shines in its details. The npcs of the game are given a great amount of characterization, which this creates a sense of connectivity within the game that is not seen in many other mario games. The story is revealed in storybook fashion, with each world being called a chapter instead. Each chapter is completely different from the previous, keeping the game fresh by introducing new environments, objectives, puzzles, characters, and gameplay. After each chapter, you get to see what peach is up to. This is the worst part of the game, as you have to control kidnapped peach in an attempt to find out information to get relayed to mario. However, this is an interesting concept that would get expanded on in the next 2 paper mario games.
    Onto the actual gameplay elements: As you progress in the game, you pick up several party members. These party members are needed for puzzles and assist you in battle. The battles are turn based, yet are interactive, as you can perform action commands to do more damage or block attacks, much like in mario rpg. As you progress, you get more attacks, upgrades, badges, and items that add an amazing amount of depth and strategy to the game. You can level up if you get enough battle experience. As a kid I didn't know any better but to always increase my heart points (health) rather than allocating it between flower points and badge points. The bosses all bring something new to the table, and you must figure out a strategy to beat each one. Other gameplay elements include solving well thought out puzzles that progressively get more rewarding and challenging, collecting star pieces to get new badges, and exploring the vast maze of the toad town tunnels. Yeah, so in summary, the battle system is pretty amazing and deep and tops off an almost flawless game.    … Expand
  2. AZWification
    Dec 16, 2010
    10
    GOD!!!!!When i played this game I started to see the light!The light of a good game!This game is just a piece of COOLNESS!Paper Mario is a RPG game where you control Mario and his partners: Goombario, Kooper, Bombette, Parakarry, Bow, Watt, Sushie and Lakilester!This game gives you a lot of things to do!Fight bad guys, collect stuff, discover things(Luigi's Diary,8-bit Mario,etc)..The graphics are a bit too colorful for the N64, but it still works!In this game are some classic songs and classic sound effects and this is just great!Paper Mario is a MUST-HAVE for N64!… Expand
  3. MarkM.
    Dec 25, 2008
    10
    Honestly, my favourite game ever. Every moment is just perfect.
  4. [Anonymous]
    Aug 13, 2001
    10
    Good game.
  5. BonbonAliano
    Aug 6, 2005
    10
    I still play this game, you know?! Until now! It's just amazing!
  6. Amaris
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    This is THE best game I have ever played, the second Paper Mario game for the GameCube was also great, but this game was better! If you dont have it, get it now.
  7. DylanS
    May 4, 2008
    10
    Previous mario games, sadly, did not have much story involved. But, Paper Mario makes the story incredibly Epic, and started a series of more deep games after this. Not just other Paper Mario games, but the original descendants of Super Mario 64 [Such as Super Mario Sunshine and Mario Galaxy]. It takes days to finish, which is a good thing. And each time you play it, you can do it a different way [As you can focus and different strengths like badges and HP, I believe this is a form of RPG.] It also lasts to, as being a Nintendo 64 game - Many people still play this, 2 game consoles later after the N64. I believe this game deserves our full respect!… Expand
  8. CammeronJ.
    Sep 9, 2001
    10
    It has lots of action and adventure. I love it.
  9. MattF.
    Feb 20, 2002
    10
    I really liked the game although I think moustafa should be a partner.
  10. TylerV.
    Apr 1, 2004
    10
    Like all the known Mario Games, it pretty much is the same story. BUT!!! It not only has more extra features with a great blend of comedy, it allows you to get the personality of every character, let it be Mario or Bowser or even a ghost shopkeeper. Let just say it's a unique RPG.
  11. WillB.
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    I think this roll playing game is one of the greatest N64 games EVER!!!!!
  12. BenB
    Jun 25, 2008
    10
    When I played this game I didn't even think about pokemon at all it has a complete different feel to it and Pokemon has brought in the dough for Nintendo and they have the right to make a game after Mario that is somewhat related and to draw people away from RPG games of other systems since Nintendo does not have that many.
  13. ChrisB
    Jan 22, 2010
    10
    This is one of the greatest games for the N64. If you have an N64, buy it. If you don't, get it for the Virtual Console. If you don't have either. Then go to a friend's house, because not playing this game would be a terrible thing.
  14. Jack
    Aug 25, 2001
    10
    The best RPG and 64 game I have ever played in my life.
  15. MamadaGuy
    Dec 21, 2002
    10
    MAKING THE CAKE KICKED ASS.
  16. B.S.
    Oct 23, 2002
    10
    For once a perfect 64 game...
  17. MarceloP.F.
    Jun 24, 2002
    10
    I´m a big Mario fan and I would say... Wow!!... This is one of Mario´s best games in my opinion, not only because I loved its ancestor, Super Mario RPG, but also because it´s a unique experience. Although at first place it seems to be a silly game, it isn´t at all! The Tayce T´s Recipes, the Badges Combinations, Mario´s new friends are the perfect ingredients for a perfect game!… Expand
  18. [Anonymous]
    Jul 9, 2002
    10
    This game is one of the greatest games I have ever played. Once I started I just could not stop!
  19. BeckyW.
    May 30, 2003
    10
    I think the game was fabulous, and although I'm stuck on Huff n Puff, I love it. It's adventurous and action packed!
  20. PAPRMRIODSTROYR
    Nov 29, 2010
    0
    Project 64 emulator boots up. The lights dim. I think nothing of it. I open the paper mario rom for the first time. A cold shiver runs up my spine. Little did I know, a dark abomination had been loaded onto my computer. I could not unsee it. It was too late. My eyes darkened as my mortal coil was shattered. I had begun playing not a game, but something so bad, so horrible, so utterly ruinous that there are no words to describe how awful I felt after experiencing it. Pros: quirkly dialogue. Cons: everything. This is final fantasy + mario + dog sh*t spawn of satan combined into one. Save yourself before it's too late.… Expand
  21. SwitSwat
    Aug 31, 2012
    10
    Paper Mario is what I call, "Perfect Perfection." Everything in the game is truly memorable. From the characters, the environments, the enemies, and everything else! And thus far, I think it is one of the best RPG games ever made. The game is very original, turning Mario into Paper material, as you explore various worlds in search of the missing "Star Spirits." The plot is very well put together. And the battle system is just simply unique, easy to use, and fun. This is definetely a must play for Mario fans or any other serious gamer. In the end, this game receives a well earned score of 10 from me.… Expand
  22. Mick-Le-Pick
    Sep 19, 2012
    10
    Amazing game. This is my favorite game of all time, and for good reason, the only thing bad about it is that it wasn't longer. This game is a great combination of RPG and platforming, the badges and upgrade systems really allow you to tweak your character just right.
  23. DanielS.
    Jul 6, 2001
    8
    This is a good game. It has great graphics, but it's too much like Pokemon. It is ruining a great classic. Mario is one of the best of all time.
  24. AB
    Nov 11, 2004
    10
    This is the best N64 game since The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. And I totally agree with Mamada Guy!
  25. RodH.
    Apr 29, 2004
    10
    Great game, deeper than SMRPG, hopefully 2 will be as good.
  26. DanG.
    May 3, 2004
    10
    Worth buying. If you loved Super Mario RPG or any RPG's period, then this is for you! You'll be hooked instantly.
  27. Vic
    Aug 23, 2005
    10
    Most cool game on N64 if you see it buy it now.
  28. AndrewD.
    Sep 8, 2007
    10
    On my top 5 list of N64 games. I have downloaded this game on the wii virtual console, and spent 3 days straight of just playing. Very addictive and fun. Great turn-base and is not like pokemon where every 5 steps there is an enemy. After the finishing the storyline, I had lots of fun collecting badges and extras. I recommend a buy on N64, and the wii virtual console.
  29. BradJ
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    This is one heck of a game. I was lucky enough to buy this when I was younger, and have a lot of great memories with this game. It is just amazing. The story manages to be both very epic and incredibly humorous at the same time. The graphics were damn sweet for an N64 game, gameplay was boss! Battling is cool with timed button presses with attacks. Lot's of neat abilities as well. The game is lengthy as well, with lots of sidequests. You NEED to download this game on the virtual console. It's a steal for $10! One of the greatest N64 games, very underated. You owe it to yourself to buy this amazing game!… Expand
  30. ShawnL
    Dec 8, 2008
    10
    A really awesome RPG game that has an awesome story and overall a really special experience.
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
93 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Nintendojo
    96
    While said story may not live up to the expectations of most RPG fans, or fans of Super Mario RPG, it is far better and more interesting than the typical 'stories' you have to endure in a Mario game.
    Read full review
  2. Da Gameboyz
    95
    With its light-hearted plot, loveable characters, innovative gameplay and perfectly fitting music, this game should appeal to anyone and everyone.
  3. GameSpot
    95
    With stunning graphics, excellent sound, and extremely solid gameplay, Paper Mario is a quality game on all fronts.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »