#41: Paper Mario (Nintendo 64)
Release Date: February 5, 2001
Paper Mario was one of the Nintendo 64's final Nintendo games, and also one of its best. The game really came out of nowhere, and the idea seemed almost too odd to be true. Mario finds himself in an RPG adventure. Sure I'll go with it, as it's happened before (although Square helmed the game), but this Paper-cutout art style? Talk about out of left field. But the wonderful thing is that it all worked out spectacularly, and this became one of the few RPGs that I've really loved. Intelligent Systems created a wonderful world to explore, an always engaging and fun battle system, lovable partners to fight with, and fantastic (and hilarious) dialogue that can put a smile on anyone's face. When you get the basics right, everything else fits into place, and the crazy paper world of Paper Mario was a true delight to explore.
Favorite Partner: Watt
Favorite Boss: The Koopa Bros. *bling!*