Yo peeps! Juano here, with his review of Super Paper Mario for the Wii! Before I start, this is my first Paper Mario title so I didn’t really know what to expect when I bought it. However, once I started playing, I fell in love. The RPG with other elements makes for a must have Wii title. So… LET’S A GO!

Super Paper Mario for the Wii starts of with an introduction that tells about the Dark Prognosticus, a book detailing the end of worlds as we know it. The marriage of Bowser and Princess Peach is taking place and Luigi tries to intervene, but is taken down by Count Bleck and the Chaos Heart is formed. This creates something called, “the Void”, what we might know as a Black Hole which sucks everything in. It’s up to Mario to save the others (as predicted in the Light Prognosticus), gather the 8 Pure Hearts, prevent any worlds from being destroyed, and save Princess peach (surprise, surprise). Throughout his travels Mario will meet many allies, like the Pixls, which will help him with his powers. And the enemies, Count Bleck’s minions. Enough spoiling, let’s get to the gameplay.

The gameplay actually diverts from the first 2 Paper Mario titles. Instead of just a turned based RPG, this incorporates platforming elements, making it more of an action-adventure type of game. The enemies have a set amount of HP and attack power, as do you. What was really hyped about this game was the ability to change from 2D to 3D, and I have to say, Intelligent Systems did one heck of a job! You can find many hidden features by flipping or even hidden items or Pixls. Some of the Pixls have powers that help out in combat a lot. Take Fleep for example. This Pixl, used to normally active space rifts, can make enemies dizzy by spinning them. Every hero has a unique power and there are items that will help you throughout your journey. One of them… let’s just say… gives you an immense sense of nostalgia

The controls are pretty simple. You move with the Wiimote sideways, as if it was an NES controller. There are some instances, however, when you will take advantage of the Wiimote, motion sensing and pointing ability, like when you use items, or Tippi. Nothing very “special” about the control scheme, just a mix of various ones.

The graphics of this game are great. There is one level that stand out in my mind. It is practically what SMB would have looked like if created with current day 2D graphics. when you flip to 3D, its not like everything turns into SMG like graphics. The style stays the same. I do think that there are some parts where the graphics could have been better, like when you zoom into characters, you notice to many jaggies. The rest I like.

The sound is a mixture of original and remixed, sad and happy, fast paced and slow songs. I like them all! Especially the music when you place the Pure Hearts on the Heart Pillars. EPIC! The action sounds and enemy sounds are ok, nothing big or great. Overall, the sound is pretty good.

What am I missing here? Oh yes. The Ups, the Downs, and what could’ve made it better

Pros:
- Great 2D graphics
- Gives you a sense of nostalgia
- The storyline is full of twists and turns
- The switch to RPG with platform elements went perfectly

Cons:
- Could have better music
- 3D Graphics are good, but not close to what the Wii can do
- Jaggies are noticeable at some points

What could have made this game better would’ve been the addition of Yoshi! Yes, Yoshi, everyone’s favorite dinosaur. I don’t know exactly how he would’ve fit into the story, but I know it would’ve been great.

In conclusion, Super Paper Mario is an amazing title. Is it a must-have? Definitly! As my first venture into the Paper Mario series I was left amazed, and hoping for a sequel! Now excuse me while I go buy Paper Mario on the VC!

Overall Score: 9.4/10