• Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: Apr 9, 2007
Metascore
85 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 56
  2. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. Probably the perfect game for those that enjoyed New Super Mario Bros. and don't mind reading a bit too much as it has an actual story and cutscenes...This game is so engaging that you won't quit without finishing the game and finding out what happens at the end.
  2. Super Paper Mario's seemingly simple concept - giving the player the ability to flip between 2D and 3D worlds - pays off in level designs that are nothing short of brilliant.
  3. For a paper adventure, it's amazingly solid. [June 2007, p.100]
  4. The finest game yet released for the Wii, as well as my early pick for game of the year.
  5. The game is simply unadulterated fun. Through its fantastic storytelling, charming visuals, catchy music, and brilliant melding of classic conventions with new ideas, Super Paper Mario is a game that plays like a dream.
  6. With its zany graphics, hilarious dialog, and first-rate controls, not only is Super Paper Mario a smashing success, it’s also one more reason everyone should own a Wii.
  7. It’s relatively shallow but contains enjoyable combat, and is packed full of secrets and wonderfully realized worlds. [June 2007, p.102]
  8. Constantly switching between dimensions and characters may turn off those who wanted a more straightforward adventure. On the other hand, the writing, wit, and humor are some of the best stuff that Nintendo has ever come up with.
  9. Super Paper Mario is an intriguing mix of platforming and RPG, offering a entertaining and satisfying gaming experience even if the endgame comes too soon.
  10. It’s a surreal adventure you’ll get lost in – in the best way possible. The gameplay is remarkable, the innovations are superbly executed, and the graphic techniques and effects are amazing.
  11. An experience not to be missed. Personality drips from the television screen - personality you do not want to miss.
  12. 90
    It has the perfect balance of RPG elements and precise platform control. The visuals are amazing. The story is funny and smart. The control is not decisively Wii based, but it incorporates enough of the new remote's functionality while sidestepping the novelty pit many games before it have fallen into.
  13. The added platforming elements may come as a shock to some, but if anything, it makes Super Paper Mario an even truer and more exceptional Mario game.
  14. The storyline might be a little cliché, and the path is laid out for you, but as you find unveil the secrets of this dynamic world you will be captivated for as long as it lasts. Miyamoto should be proud; this is the first Mario game for the new Nintendo platform and it's a smashing hit.
  15. 90
    Besides the excellent story and dialogue localization, tight controls and new gameplay elements, the art direction is top-o-the line.
  16. 90
    Virtually everything you come into contact with during your time spent with this game is laden with a truly warped sense of humor.
  17. 89
    It controls tightly and uses the Wii remote in a smart manner without stepping into forced territory. The new 2D-to-3D dynamic is built around clever and surprisingly complex puzzles that will challenge and impress you. And it all comes together to make Super Paper Mario a highly enjoyable title, whether you want to call it a platformer, an RPG, or something in-between.
  18. Super Paper Mario's humorous story, accessible gameplay, inventive design, cool visual style, and impressive amount of content give it an undeniable charm. Anyone with a Wii should check it out.
  19. 88
    While the game is overly easy at times and some of the level design isn't as likable or memorable as past Paper Marios, we absolutely recommend Super Paper Mario. It's a great Wii game that just about anybody can enjoy.
  20. 88
    The premise may be simple, but the plot is surprisingly good, especially for a Mario game. Part of it is thanks to the excellent localization and likeable characters.
  21. Always entertaining, if a bit of a step back from past Paper Mario glory. [Nov 2007, p.64]
  22. Potent Mario magic, and, by God, that 2D-3D idea is brilliant. But it's got what we call the Pikmin effect: the sense that it'll take a sequel to really bring the concept to full fruition. [July 2007, p.36]
  23. 88
    If you can get past the fact that you must do a lot of reading, you'll find a game which is highly original, incredibly fun and will stay in your memory for many 'next-generations' to come.
  24. The red-hot Wii gets an entertaining new "Mario" platformer that fills the crucial gap the delayed "Super Mario Galaxy" should have occupied. [May 2007, p.76]
  25. In my opinion, this is by far the best Mario game currently available.
  26. A well-written, inventive and laugh-out-loud funny platformer with great puzzles. Unfortunately, the quirky game has not been polished to perfection, which can be seen in the lack of details, the faltering visual style and some dragging sections. [Sept 2007]
  27. So the real fun of the game is when you’re playing as Mario and you tap A to switch dimensions. Dead ends suddenly become open roads as you swap between a flat wall and a paper thin backdrop. This really shows off the great 2D art and kills the 3D presentation. [JPN Import]
  28. There are a few hangovers from its prior design that keep it from reaching the upper echelon of video game-dom, but next to Zelda, you won’t find a more robust or addictive game available for the system.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 249 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 79 out of 98
  2. Negative: 12 out of 98
  1. Here's my take on this game: The gameplay is fairly simple, but can get REALLY fun. I admit, it is a somewhat easy game, but that's not what compels you to keep playing. That's the story's job. This game has one of the most compelling stories I've ever seen in a video game, let alone a Mario game. It'll occasionally throw a curveball at you, be it a plot twist, character revelation, etc. Despite being a Mario game, it can get surprisingly dark, especially in worlds 2, 5, and 6. Combined with beautiful artwork, good level design, and multiple ways of playing, this is a game that is an experience you won't want to miss. Unless you're, I don't know, a prick who hates creativity and a good story? Full Review »
  2. ToddS.
    6
    Changing from 2D to 3D to solve puzzles is fun. I like the platforming element to this game. But all in all, there isn't enough RPG elements to it, and it has little to no replay value. Full Review »
  3. KurtizW.
    9
    Simple smooth clean colorful graphic with original 2D -> 3D concept...I love the slight RPG and puzzle solving element of the game...by far my fav Wii game for now! Full Review »