In the vast world of video games, Paper Mario stands out as a unique and captivating series. Known for its charming characters, witty dialogue, and innovative battle system, the Paper Mario games have captured the hearts of gamers for over two decades.
With five main installments and numerous spin-offs, the Paper Mario series has something to offer everyone. Whether you prefer the whimsical charm of the original game or the epic scope of the more recent entries, there’s a Paper Mario game out there for you.
In this article, we will rank all the main Paper Mario games from worst to best, based on factors such as story, gameplay, characters, and overall enjoyment. So, grab your copy of The Thousand-Year Door and get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane!
paper mario games ranked
Quirky charm, epic adventures.
- Original stands strong.
- Thousand-Year Door shines.
- Super Paper Mario divides.
- Sticker Star disappoints.
- Color Splash charming but shallow.
- Origami King pleasant surprise.
From N64 to Switch, a colorful legacy.
Original stands strong.
The original Paper Mario, released for the Nintendo 64 in 2000, remains a beloved classic to this day. It introduced the world to Mario and his paper-crafted friends, and its unique blend of humor, heart, and innovative gameplay set the standard for all future Paper Mario games.
- Simple yet engaging battle system:
Paper Mario‘s turn-based combat is easy to learn but difficult to master. Players must time their button presses carefully to maximize damage and avoid enemy attacks.
- Charming characters and witty dialogue:
The original Paper Mario is full of memorable characters, from the heroic Mario and his loyal partner Goombario to the villainous Bowser and his bumbling minions. The game’s dialogue is also full of clever humor and witty banter.
- Creative and varied worlds:
Paper Mario takes players on a journey through a variety of colorful and creative worlds, from the lush forests of Koopa Troopa Woods to the fiery depths of Bowser’s Castle. Each world is filled with unique enemies, puzzles, and secrets to discover.
- Lasting legacy:
The original Paper Mario has had a lasting impact on the RPG genre. Its innovative battle system and charming characters have inspired numerous other games, and it remains one of the most popular and critically acclaimed Paper Mario games to this day.
While the graphics may seem outdated by today’s standards, the original Paper Mario is still a timeless classic that deserves its place among the greatest RPGs of all time.
Thousand-Year Door shines.
The sequel to the original Paper Mario, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, was released for the GameCube in 2004. It took everything that made the original great and improved upon it, resulting in one of the most critically acclaimed and beloved RPGs of all time.
- Expanded and refined battle system:
The Thousand-Year Door‘s battle system builds upon the foundation of the original game, adding new mechanics such as timed hits and audience participation. The result is a more dynamic and engaging combat experience.
- Unforgettable characters and story:
The Thousand-Year Door features a cast of unforgettable characters, from the lovable partners like Goombella and Koops to the quirky villains like Doopliss and Mimi. The game’s story is also one of the most well-written and engaging in the entire Paper Mario series.
- Vast and explorable world:
The Thousand-Year Door takes players on a journey across a vast and interconnected world, from the bustling streets of Rogueport to the ancient ruins of the Thousand-Year Door. The game is filled with secrets to discover and side quests to complete.
- Gorgeous graphics and art style:
The Thousand-Year Door‘s visuals are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed character models. The game’s art style is also unique and charming, bringing the world of Paper Mario to life in a truly memorable way.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the series, and it remains one of the most popular and critically acclaimed GameCube games of all time.
Super Paper Mario divides.
Super Paper Mario, released for the Wii in 2007, is a controversial entry in the Paper Mario series. It marked a significant departure from the traditional turn-based combat of previous games, instead opting for a more action-oriented style of gameplay.
- Action-oriented gameplay:
Super Paper Mario‘s gameplay is more focused on action and platforming than previous games in the series. Players control Mario and his party members in real-time, battling enemies and solving puzzles as they explore the game’s world.
- Unique art style:
Super Paper Mario features a unique art style that blends 2D and 3D elements. The game’s characters and environments are rendered in a paper-like style, but they exist in a three-dimensional world.
- Mixed reception:
Super Paper Mario received mixed reviews upon release. Some praised its innovative gameplay and unique art style, while others criticized its departure from the traditional Paper Mario formula.
- Still worth a try:
Despite its divisive reception, Super Paper Mario is still worth a try for fans of the series. Its unique gameplay and charming characters make it a memorable experience, even if it’s not quite what fans were expecting.
Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Super Paper Mario is a unique and ambitious game that stands out from the rest of the series.
Sticker Star disappoints.
Paper Mario: Sticker Star, released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2012, was a major disappointment for many fans of the series. It marked a significant departure from the traditional Paper Mario formula, and its new gameplay mechanics were met with mixed reactions.
- Sticker-based battle system:
Sticker Star‘s battle system revolves around the use of stickers. Players collect stickers throughout the game, and they can use these stickers to attack enemies, heal themselves, and perform various other actions.
- Lack of traditional RPG elements:
Sticker Star removes many of the traditional RPG elements found in previous Paper Mario games, such as experience points, levels, and character customization. This makes the game feel more like a puzzle game than an RPG.
- Bland and repetitive world:
Sticker Star‘s world is often criticized for being bland and repetitive. The game takes place across six different worlds, but they all look and feel very similar.
- Mixed reception:
Sticker Star received mixed reviews upon release. Some praised its unique battle system and charming visuals, while others criticized its lack of traditional RPG elements and repetitive gameplay.
Overall, Paper Mario: Sticker Star is a disappointing entry in the series. Its new gameplay mechanics are not as fun as the traditional turn-based combat, and the game’s world is bland and repetitive. While it may have some charm, it’s not enough to save the game from mediocrity.
Color Splash charming but shallow.
Paper Mario: Color Splash, released for the Wii U in 2016, is a charming but shallow entry in the series. It retains the sticker-based battle system from Sticker Star, but it also introduces some new features, such as the ability to paint the world around you.
The game’s story is simple but charming. Mario and his friends are tasked with restoring color to Prism Island, which has been drained of its color by the evil Bowser. The game takes players on a journey across six different worlds, each with its own unique theme and challenges.
Color Splash‘s visuals are colorful and vibrant, and the game’s music is catchy and upbeat. The game also features a number of clever puzzles that require players to use their painting abilities to solve them.
However, Color Splash is also criticized for its shallow gameplay. The sticker-based battle system is still not as fun as the traditional turn-based combat, and the game’s worlds are often linear and uninspired.
Overall, Paper Mario: Color Splash is a charming and visually appealing game, but it lacks the depth and challenge of previous entries in the series. It’s a fun diversion for fans of the series, but it’s unlikely to satisfy those looking for a truly great Paper Mario game.
Origami King pleasant surprise.
Paper Mario: The Origami King, released for the Nintendo Switch in 2020, was a pleasant surprise for many fans of the series. It marked a return to the traditional turn-based combat of previous games, and it also introduced some new and innovative gameplay mechanics.
The game’s story is whimsical and charming. Mario and his friends must travel across a papercraft world to rescue Princess Peach, who has been transformed into an origami swan by the evil King Olly. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, both new and old.
The Origami King‘s battle system is a hybrid of turn-based combat and puzzle-solving. Players must line up enemies in a specific way in order to maximize damage. The game also features a number of creative boss battles that require players to use their wits as well as their brawn.
The game’s world is full of secrets to discover and puzzles to solve. Players can also collect a variety of items, including new weapons and accessories for Mario.
Overall, Paper Mario: The Origami King is a delightful and charming game that is sure to please fans of the series. It’s a return to form for the series, and it proves that the Paper Mario franchise is still capable of producing great games.
FAQ
Have a question about cool origami? We’ve got answers!
Question 1: What is origami?
Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. It is a fun and challenging way to create beautiful and intricate shapes using just a single sheet of paper.
Question 2: What kind of paper is best for origami?
Origami paper is specially designed for folding. It is thin and strong, and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns. You can also use regular printer paper, but it is not as ideal.
Question 3: What are some easy origami projects for beginners?
There are many easy origami projects that are perfect for beginners. Some popular choices include the paper airplane, the jumping frog, and the flapping bird.
Question 4: What are some tips for folding origami?
Here are a few tips to help you fold origami successfully:
– Start with simple projects and work your way up to more complex ones.
– Be patient and take your time. Origami can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding.
– Use your fingers to crease the folds sharply. This will help to keep your origami model looking neat and tidy.
Question 5: Where can I learn more about origami?
There are many resources available to help you learn more about origami. You can find books, websites, and even YouTube videos that teach you how to fold different origami models.
Question 6: How can I share my origami creations with others?
Once you have folded an origami model, you can share it with others by taking a picture and posting it online. You can also give your origami creations as gifts to friends and family.
Origami is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little practice, you can create beautiful and intricate origami models that will impress your friends and family.
Ready to take your origami skills to the next level? Check out our tips for creating cool origami.
Tips
Ready to take your origami skills to the next level? Here are four tips to help you create cool origami:
Tip 1: Start with good paper.
The type of paper you use can make a big difference in the final outcome of your origami model. Origami paper is specially designed for folding, and it is thin and strong. You can also use regular printer paper, but it is not as ideal.
Tip 2: Be patient and take your time.
Origami can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Just keep practicing and you will eventually be able to fold complex models with ease.
Tip 3: Use your fingers to crease the folds sharply.
This will help to keep your origami model looking neat and tidy. You can also use a bone folder or other creasing tool to help you make sharp creases.
Tip 4: Experiment with different folding techniques.
There are many different ways to fold origami. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you. You can also find many different origami tutorials online and in books.
With a little practice, you can create beautiful and intricate origami models that will impress your friends and family.
Now that you have some tips for creating cool origami, it’s time to put your skills to the test! Grab a sheet of paper and start folding.
Conclusion
Origami is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to relax and de-stress, and it can also help to improve your hand-eye coordination and spatial reasoning skills.
In this article, we have explored the basics of origami, from the different types of paper that can be used to the various folding techniques that can be employed. We have also provided some tips for creating cool origami models, and we have answered some frequently asked questions.
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced folder, we hope that you have found this article helpful and informative. Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to start experimenting and creating your own unique origami models.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a sheet of paper and start folding!
