**SPOILER WARNING!
I write reviews for all games I play and beat and save them for future references (such as this) so here you go:
Review Standards for Videogames: Out of 100 points
Originality: This game returns to the rpg roots of the original two Paper Mario games, but in a much different way. The focus is on stickers instead of action commands with bp points makes it incredibly unique. In fact, I doubt I’ve ever really played a game similar in that sense. The art style and combat system are very original, whereas the story is ridiculously similar to the first Paper Mario. Overall a fairly original game.
17/20
Graphics: Art style was clearly the focus on this game, though it still is pretty.
7/10
Art Style: Nintendo clearly focused more on art style and less on graphics for this game compared to its 3 predecessors. That move makes sense, worked, and appears to be the formula for other game(s) coming (Super Smash Bros. 3ds compared to Wii U). The game looks fantastic and I can honestly say the art style was so colorful it made me happier as I was playing it…kind of weird yea lol.
14/15
Story: This is usually the part that is epic in Paper Mario games, but this one is different. While compared to all the non RPG Mario games that I’ve played, this story is great. Compared to the RPG games though, it’s not that great. It would have been had the first Paper Mario game not already covered a wish granting power (the Star Rod in that game compared to the crown sticker in this one). Also, Bowser as the enemy wasn’t unique, though him kind of going crazy and being out of control did add a little twist. Overall, not a ‘bad’ story, but certainly not a worthy follow-up to the epic stories of the previous 3 games.
23/30
Game Interface: Clear and focused.
5/5
Controls easy and fluid or difficult and rigid? Easy to use, though my one complaint is that I wish the bottom half of the screen could be activated seamlessly and instantly while the top half is still active.
4/5
Is it fun? Other than the need to grind out shiny/flashy stickers for big boss battles, yes.
13/15
Total Score = 83 / 100
