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How Metascores Are Calculated
60
Adventure Island: The Beginning
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
The newest chapter of the Paper Mario story isn't just out of this world ... it's out of this dimension. What at first glance appears to be a 2-D sidescroller ripped straight from the pages of the Paper Mario universe soon turns into a 3-D action-adventure that defies all video game logic. Fusing 2-D and 3-D perspectives, not to mention RPG and platformer elements, the game slips back and forth between dimensions. The action sprawls across eight worlds filled with traps, puzzles, bizarre mysteries and items that often draw themselves out of thin air. Oh, and just because Mario's in the title doesn't mean he's the only star – players also get to play as Peach and Bowser. [Nintendo]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 96
Cheat Code Central
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.
 95
Game Informer
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.
95
Nintendo Power
For a paper adventure, it's amazingly solid. [June 2007, p.100]
95
GameCritics
The finest game yet released for the Wii, as well as my early pick for game of the year.
93
GamingExcellence
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.
91
Gaming Age
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.
90
NintendoWorldReport
An experience not to be missed. Personality drips from the television screen - personality you do not want to miss.
90
GamePro
Virtually everything you come into contact with during your time spent with this game is laden with a truly warped sense of humor.
90
Deeko
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.
90
Extreme Gamer
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.
90
Thunderbolt
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.
90
GameZone
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.
90
ZTGameDomain
Besides the excellent story and dialogue localization, tight controls and new gameplay elements, the art direction is top-o-the line.
90
Nintendojo
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.
90
games(TM)
It’s relatively shallow but contains enjoyable combat, and is packed full of secrets and wonderfully realized worlds. [June 2007, p.102]
90
Console Gameworld
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.
89
IGN
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.
88
GameSpot
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.
88
Kombo
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.
88
RPG Fan
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.
88
NGamer UK
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]
88
Games Master UK
Always entertaining, if a bit of a step back from past Paper Mario glory. [Nov 2007, p.64]
88
NZGamer
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.
87
Game Chronicles
In my opinion, this is by far the best Mario game currently available.
87
Pelit (Finland)
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]
87
GameBrink
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]
87
Electronic Gaming Monthly
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]
87
GameTrailers
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.
86
Gaming Target
With Super Paper Mario, Intelligent Systems has crafted a game that will appeal to fans of both the platforming and RPG genres.
85
AtomicGamer
A fun experience. However, don't come into it expecting a pure platformer – there are multiple RPG elements here that can interrupt the flow a bit. The whole 3D flipping aspect, for example – it is a neat idea, but I feel it could have been better implemented.
85
Play Magazine
It feels and looks polished, considerate, and expensive. [Apr 2007, p.40]
83
Da Gameboyz
And even though there are some hiccups to be found (e.g. the 3D levels lack of oomph) I had a real great time playing Nintendo’s latest addition to the Mario universe.
83
The Onion (A.V. Club)
The switch to 3D is dazzling. The rest of the game, not so much.
83
GameShark
The game has lots of extras like "catch cards" and “recipes” to make new items, so it definitely has a high replayability factor.
83
Gamer 2.0
It’s unfortunate that the game ruins the nice sense of pacing in the gameplay with an overemphasis on story that makes you want to skip it, despite knowing that it’s not wise to do so. Luckily, the game is fun and creative enough to overlook these issues and it’s easy to get drawn into the game for hours at a time.
83
Game Almighty
The sound is also unfortunately not quite up to snuff compared to the rest of the game. It’s done well enough, and it sounds crisp, but the music is just not memorable.
81
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
It's fun to play and has a fantastic script but the annoyances are too blatant to ignore. [Sept 2007, p.78]
80
Eurogamer
It uses the Wii tech so cleverly, remembering that simple is best, but letting it play in a way impossible on any other console. It's non-stop hilarious, and utterly adorable. If only it had been more inventive with the 3D potential, it would have been a stand-out classic.
80
Total Video Games
An incredibly enjoyable and clever game that will appeal to Mario fans new and old, Super Paper Mario may not have been originally built for Wii, but it nonetheless shines as one must have title for the Nintendo console.
80
Gamestyle
If it wasn't so utterly charming, perhaps we wouldn't have bothered; but the truth is, Super Paper Mario is thoroughly imaginative, refreshing and creative.
80
Armchair Empire
Super Paper Mario does a nice job of bringing the Paper Mario series to the Wii.
80
NTSC-uk
If you have never tried a Paper Mario game then this is the most accessible game in the series to date and if you have tried one but did not find it to your taste then give this one a try.
80
G4 TV
Undeniably fun, and funny.
80
Worth Playing
Full of quirky characters and solid gameplay, there is nothing that I can think of that would really prevent one from wanting to play this fun game. Be warned, however, that it lacks replay value and, as I've stressed repeatedly, has a few levels that just bomb.
80
WHAM! Gaming
Blending classic platform game elements with a humourous storyline and a cool dimension-flipping gimmick makes this one of the most satisfying Mario games in years.
80
Yahoo! Games
While Super Paper Mario obviously isn't "Super Mario Galaxy," and doesn't exactly exploit the Wii remote's gadgetry, it's got all the charm and gameplay expertise we expect from the Bros. Add in some fun mini-games, card collecting, and lots of exploration, and you have a title that's well worth your paper.
80
Games Radar (in-house)
Anyone with half a heart will absolutely fall in love with the characters, the graphics, the dialogue, the old-school shout-outs to previous games, the little visual effects lingering in the skies of every world... the love just keeps plopping out of the speakers at an incredible rate. For every annoying, excessively long fetch quest or mundane puzzle, there's a huge, cutesy payoff that makes all the trouble worthwhile.
80
1UP
While it's far from the platforming/role-playing godsend that some Nintendo fans expected, Super Paper Mario still qualifies as a must-play for any Wii owner. It's creative, fun, and perhaps most importantly, funny.
80
GameSpy
One of the game's strongest features is its highly bizarre and amusing story line, with a localization that Nintendo of America can be proud of.
79
The New York Times
Parts of the game are remarkably tedious, like a series of easy duels that wears out its welcome by the first duel. The game also refuses to let you skip expository scenes you’ve already witnessed, which is particularly unfortunate since the story and dialogue are rather dull. While all this keeps Super Paper Mario from being a great game, the imaginative level design, clever ideas and varied locations still make it a very good one.
75
Hardcore Gamer Magazine
It's not perfect, but it is fun and addicting and really, who can ask for more than that? [June 2007, p.52]
75
Game Revolution
The tone is sweet but cynical, a refreshing departure from the usually saccharine Muschroom Kingdom. Lots of humor, lots of character, and lots to do.
75
PALGN
Super Paper Mario is a game that doesn’t quite know what it wants to be and while it’s enjoyable, it’s ultimately an unremarkable adventure.
70
Play.tm
When push leads inexorably to shove, there are probably two good games here. The problem is that you have to play them both at the same time. Those of us that would have preferred a pure platformer, or indeed a pure RPG experience, will suffer the most. Those that are happy to live with the combination will find a compelling experience, with well written dialogue, innovative play dynamics and bucket loads of Nintendo charm.
70
Edge Magazine
Charming, irrepressible and inventive, the fact that it never manages to blend its ingredients smoothly together doesn’t stop it being a toothsome pick ‘n’ mix of playful puzzles, familiar faces and unrestrained whimsy. [June 2007, p.84]
70
GameDaily
Looks a lot more exciting than it actually is. Nintendo fans will revel in the 2-D-meets-3-D world of Mario and company, and the recent drought of good Wii games makes this a welcome addition to any library. Yet, Nintendo drowns players in boring dialogue, and the ability to switch the 2-D world to 3-D makes the game too easy.
Ryan O. gave it a10: Paul D. gave it a9: Brendan S. gave it a10: Sarah K. gave it a10: Rick gave it a7: Daniel K. gave it a10: Total J. gave it a6: |
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