Kotaku
Things will become confusing soon. Just think about it: Super Mario Bros. was a simple title. But after growing tired of sequels, Nintendo offered us names like The New Super Mario Bros and now Super Paper Mario. I fear the day in which we're reporting on The New Super Paper New Mario Bros' World II. But until then...
Super Paper Mario is the new 2D/3D sidescroller/RPG by Intelligent Systems. And while we've already heard that it's pretty awesome, inquiring minds need to know the exact level of awesomeness that we are talking about here.
So hit the jump for our Frankenreview: every word that matters in the world, all in one place (minus my daily unrequited love musings to Ash).
GameBoyz
Although [graphics are] generally good I have to mention that the 3D worlds could have used more work. They were just as bright and vibrant in terms of colors, but they seemed to lack the overall punch that the rest of the game had. I think they just weren't as interesting as the 2D levels....[but] this whole lack of oomph is not a deal breaker...
RPG Gamer
While the dialogue in Super Paper Mario is abundant and the game could be considered pretty text-heavy, nearly every line is well-written and punchy. Because the game doesn't take itself seriously, it makes fun of just about everything in some very clever ways. With a charming cast of heroes and villains, every single character is appealing...if you don't take the time to constantly talk to people, you're missing out on a good portion of the game's hilarity.
Nintendo World Report
Let's get one thing straight: Super Paper Mario is not a Super Mario Bros. game with Paper Mario visuals. In fact, this game is more accurately described as Paper Mario without turn-based battles...Super Paper Mario focuses on more leisurely exploration...The dungeons and Bowser mini-stages from The Thousand-Year Door are analogous to Super Paper Mario's gameplay and pacing.
UnderGroundOnline
At any time Mario has the ability to "flip" the world, turning the 2D environment on its ear, allowing you to explore the "depth" of the level. It's a little hard to explain, but imagine mixing Super Mario with the original Crash Bandicoot and you can sorta begin to understand. Most of the game's puzzles involve this "flipping" as secret pipes and items are often obscured by rocks and pipes. Getting past a previously inaccessible mountain is as simple as flipping and walking right past it. After an hour or two you'll be looking at the world in both dimensions at once.
IGN
Super Paper Mario proves the point that even as Nintendo makes titles like Wii Sports and Wario Ware, it hasn't forgotten about the hardcore gamer. The title not only harkens back to the days of the 2D platformer, but retains enough of the RPG mechanics to satisfy players who liked the previous outings in the franchise. And unlike some Wii titles, which can be completed in an afternoon, this undertaking will keep you busy for a good 20 hours, give or take...
So who out there has tried the game? I'm looking forward to a vicarious play session tonight as my wife probably won't pass off the controller anytime soon.
