Sticker Star

I recently finished Paper Mario Sticker Star, and I have to say that I am very glad to have enjoyed the latest entry in the Paper Mario series. I was highly skeptical if I would enjoy this game after playing the entry for Wii; the Wii PM left a really bad taste and I can't bring myself to continue it to this day. The pre-release footage showed the battle system to be back, although with some changes, hence the name, but the buddy system was still left out. Upon learning this, I admit I jumped to a quick conclusion that Intelligent Systems was probably going to botch this one up too. Upon starting the game, my pre-release impression stayed the same. The sticker battle system worked, but the original was still missed; albeit it grows on you quickly. I was confused when I was taken to the overworld level selection screen as It was something I didn't know was going to be present. Again, it worked and fit in perfectly. Admittedly, the first two worlds didn't really hook me in deep, but starting with world three I was hooked. After getting drawn in to this PM, I couldn't believe I was at the end (the last levels pretty much are self-given away) so in other words the game is short. Especially short for an RPG if you ask me. However, the final Bowser fight was really well done and of good challenge level. Overall, I would say this is my second favorite title in the series.

The Thousand Year Door

I think many of us after playing the first one were left wanting more. I remember being hyped when my buddy showed me some gaming magazine and I noticed an entry discussing the new PM game. Me and my brother went on release day to buy it and had to take turns to complete it. We did have our own Gamecube's but only one copy of the game :P Though this game definitely felt like a PM sequel, the worlds were subpar compared to the original. I don't mean to say that this game was dissapointing, instead this one was not as good as the first when it comes down to the worlds; although it probably does have a deeper more engaging story. The buddy system, or the buddies you partner up with, are better and now they have their own life system which was a welcomed addition. Not much more to say as it would need me to do a more recent playthrough; overall my third favorite in the series.

Paper Mario 64

I leave this one for last because it's not only my favorite game in the series but one of my favorite games of all time. I think this one hit a lot of Nintendo fans because it felt like a spiritual sequel to Super Mario RPG. I remember picking this one up in a Swapmeet and coming home not really knowing what to expect. My only knowledge of this game was a funny commercial on television I would see regulary. Here is the commercial: 

Lulz. Anyway, this had by far an amazing adventure and one the best worlds of any game I have played. My favorite being when you visit Yoshi's Island. As a kid, it was easy to pick up and play. Some parts were pretty challenging as with the last boss (as usual Bowser) and world bosses. Music was top notch and always a pleasure to revisit on YouTube. Such a sketchy concept (Paper!) being formulated with Super Mario ended up being popular series that is still going today. Overall, my favorite in the series.

Future

Where would you guys want Nintedo and Intelligent Systems to take this series? We are likely going to get an entry for WiiU this gen as the latest was for 3DS. I hope they keep the traditional battle system although I can live with any tweeks to live up to it's name (like Sticker Star). Finally, I'd like for the buddy system to make a return.

Reviews

Paper Mario 64 - 9.5 / 10 Outstanding

Paper Mario Thousand Year Door - 8.5 / 10 Memorable

Super Paper Mario - -- / 10

Paper Mario Sticker Star - 8.5 / 10 Memorable

Nvm, it appeared.

I only played Super Paper Mario, and I really enjoyed it.

64 is still my favorite, I don't even know how many times I've beaten the game, its amazing.  I hope they go back to that if they are gonna make another one.

64 and Thousand Year Door tie for me. I definitely prefer the worlds of the first one a bit more, but I got more into the story in the second game (also, Glitzville was pretty much the greatest place ever). And I agree with the original poster, please bring back the buddy system, Nintendo! Honestly, I was okay with the last two entries in the series even if I didn't like them as much, but more interaction from partners has always been part of what made the first two games so colorful, at least to me.

i've played them all.
Super Paper Mario is the best one.
seriously, you go to the videogame equilivant of hell, Luigi becomes an evil masked villain after being brainwashed by a psycho clown who acts as the main antagonist's ally, only to be revealed in the end as the true villain, and he uses Luigi and the Chaos Heart to become the ultimate villain, too much awesome.

for any of you guys who complain about the NSMB games not having a good story, Super Paper Mario is what you need to play.

Spoilers. Some may not be happy. Please add to your post.

shit, sorry, fixed it :P

The N64 Paper Mario was basically the first RPG I played (even before Pokemon), so the game will always have a special place in my heart, I loved it as a kid and still love it now. Great story, great gameplay, great music, it's basically a masterpiece in my mind.

Then it comes The Thousand Years Door which implemented what made the first game amazing and perfected it. The gameplay is superior imo, music is amazing and story is better than the first game. A masterpiece x 2

I have a soft spot for the first game for being my first RPG and all, so that game is my favorite in the series, but if I look at it objectively TYD is a better game imo.

Super Paper Mario was....ok. I don't hate it like a lot of people do, but I don't like it either, for me it was just a "meh" game. It doesn't live up to the expectations of the series but it's not the worst thing that ever happened like some people said...

I haven't play Sticker Star, but I haven't heard too many good things about the game. I will play it some day when I can find it very cheap.

64 - Good.

TTYD - Masterpiece, one of the greatest RPGs ever created.

Super Paper Mario - Different, but I still enjoyed it.

Sticker Star - Piece of garbage.