Your First Paper Mario Game: Where To Start?

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Your First Paper Mario Game: Where to Start?

Alright guys, let's talk about the Paper Mario series! If you're new to the whimsical world of papercraft adventures and wondering which game to jump into first, you've come to the right place. Choosing your starting point in a beloved franchise can feel a bit daunting, but don't sweat it! We're going to break down the options and help you find the perfect entry point to this awesome series. It’s all about diving into a world where characters are flat, battles are turn-based with a stylish flair, and the stories are always charming. So, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's figure out which Paper Mario game is your ideal first adventure!

The Original Classic: Paper Mario (N64)

If you're a purist or a retro gaming enthusiast, then starting with the original Paper Mario on the Nintendo 64 is a fantastic choice. Released in 2000, this game set the stage for everything we love about the series. You play as Mario, who, after being kicked off his house by Bowser, embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Peach and defeat the Koopa King once again. But this time, it's different! The world is literally made of paper, and so are its inhabitants. This unique art style was groundbreaking and still holds up incredibly well today, giving the game a timeless charm. The gameplay combines exploration in a 2D overworld with 3D elements and engaging turn-based battles that require timed button presses to deal extra damage or block enemy attacks. This 'action command' system is a cornerstone of the series and its introduction here is masterful. The story is classic Mario, but with a delightful twist of charm and humor that sets it apart. You'll meet a colorful cast of partners, each with unique abilities to help you navigate the paper world and solve puzzles. The music is catchy, the writing is witty, and the overall experience is incredibly satisfying. For many fans, this is where the magic began, and revisiting it or playing it for the first time offers a pure, unadulterated taste of what Paper Mario is all about. It's not just a game; it's an introduction to a whole aesthetic and gameplay loop that would define the series. The sense of discovery in its world, the clever level design, and the sheer joy of its presentation make it a worthy starting point for anyone looking to experience the roots of this beloved RPG.

Why Start Here?

  • The Foundation: This is where it all began! You'll experience the series' origins, understanding its core mechanics and charm from the ground up. It's the purest form of the Paper Mario experience.
  • Timeless Charm: The art style, though simple by today's standards, is incredibly effective and has a unique aesthetic that still captivates. It’s charming and has a distinct personality.
  • Classic RPG Mechanics: If you appreciate traditional RPG elements mixed with unique action commands, this game delivers. The combat is engaging and rewarding, requiring more than just button mashing.
  • Nostalgia Factor (or Discovery): For those who played it back in the day, it's a delightful trip down memory lane. For newcomers, it's the chance to discover a classic that shaped a genre.

The Fan Favorite: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (GameCube)

Ah, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. If there's one game that consistently tops fan polls and is often hailed as the pinnacle of the series, it's this one. Released for the GameCube in 2004, TTYD (as it's affectionately known) took everything great about the original and amplified it. The story sees Mario embarking on a quest to find the legendary Treasure of the Thousand-Year Door, which is said to hold immense power, after Peach is kidnapped by the X-Nauts. The narrative is arguably the strongest in the series, with a compelling mystery, memorable characters, and genuinely funny dialogue. The papercraft aesthetic is further enhanced with more detailed environments and expressive animations, making the world feel even more alive. The gameplay builds upon the N64 original with expanded action commands, a more robust partner system, and the introduction of a 'stage' mechanic during battles, adding another layer of excitement and challenge. Exploration is rich, with secrets hidden around every corner and a town that feels bustling and full of life. The writing is superb, full of wit, heart, and clever references. The sense of adventure is palpable, and the journey to collect the seven Crystal Stars is filled with unique and creative scenarios. Many players consider this the definitive Paper Mario experience, offering a perfect blend of story, gameplay, and charm. It's a game that doesn't just entertain; it immerses you in its world and leaves a lasting impression. This is the game that many players consider the absolute best, and for good reason. Its impact on the series and its dedicated fanbase is undeniable, making it a strong contender for your first foray into the paper kingdom.

Why Start Here?

  • Masterpiece Status: Widely considered the best in the series by many fans. It’s a benchmark for quality in the Paper Mario franchise.
  • Engaging Story: A captivating narrative with a great plot, memorable characters, and superb writing that will keep you hooked.
  • Refined Gameplay: Builds upon the original with improved combat, more partner variety, and fun new mechanics like the 'stage' elements.
  • Enhanced Presentation: Visually stunning for its time, with a world that is incredibly charming and detailed. The presentation is top-notch.

A Different Flavor: Paper Mario: Sticker Star (3DS)

Now, let's talk about Paper Mario: Sticker Star, released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2012. This entry is often seen as a departure from the traditional RPG formula that fans loved in the earlier titles. The core gimmick here revolves around stickers, which Mario collects and uses to perform attacks, solve puzzles, and interact with the environment. Instead of collecting experience points to level up, Mario's base stats are increased by finding specific 'shiny' stickers. The story is a bit simpler, focusing on restoring the 'Great Sticker' that was shattered during the Sticker Fest. While it retains the charming paper aesthetic and turn-based combat, the removal of partner characters and the unique sticker system drastically changed the gameplay feel. Some players really enjoyed the puzzle-solving aspects and the fresh take on combat, finding the sticker mechanics innovative. However, many long-time fans found it less satisfying due to the lack of RPG progression and the heavy reliance on consumable stickers. The world is still fun to explore, and the 3D effect of the 3DS is used cleverly to enhance the papercraft world. If you're looking for a more puzzle-oriented adventure with a unique combat system that doesn't necessarily lean heavily on traditional RPG elements, Sticker Star might appeal to you. It’s a distinctly different Paper Mario experience that offers a different kind of challenge and engagement.

Why Start Here?

  • Unique Mechanics: Features a distinctive sticker-based combat and puzzle-solving system that sets it apart.
  • 3DS Showcase: Utilizes the 3DS's capabilities for a visually appealing paper world with neat 3D effects.
  • More Puzzle-Focused: If you enjoy environmental puzzles and strategic use of items in combat, this game offers that in spades.
  • Accessible Entry: Can be less intimidating for those new to RPGs due to its streamlined progression system.

The Latest Iteration: Paper Mario: The Origami King (Switch)

Jumping to the present day, we have Paper Mario: The Origami King on the Nintendo Switch, released in 2020. This is the most recent entry and introduces a brand-new combat system that’s more rhythm and puzzle-based. The story kicks off with a major origami invasion led by the Origami King, Olly, who has folded Peach's castle and kidnapped the princess. Mario teams up with Olivia, a reformed origami general, and a host of other characters on a journey to stop Olly's plans. The game is visually stunning, pushing the papercraft aesthetic to its limits with vibrant colors and creative designs. Exploration is a huge focus, with a vast world filled with secrets, optional challenges, and quirky characters to meet. The writing is, as expected, exceptionally funny and charming, filled with witty dialogue and humorous situations. The combat, however, is where The Origami King truly diverges. Instead of traditional turn-based battles, players engage in ring-based puzzles where they must position enemies to strike them effectively. This system can be a bit divisive; some love the fresh challenge, while others miss the more straightforward RPG combat of previous games. If you're looking for a game that excels in exploration, humor, and unique puzzle-solving, The Origami King is a fantastic choice. It’s a beautiful game that offers a different kind of adventure within the Paper Mario universe, prioritizing narrative and world exploration over deep RPG mechanics.

Why Start Here?

  • Modern Presentation: Features the most advanced graphics and art direction in the series, leveraging the Switch's power.
  • Humor and Charm: Delivers the series' signature wit and charm in abundance, with a great story and memorable characters.
  • Unique Combat: Introduces a novel ring-based puzzle combat system that is challenging and engaging.
  • Focus on Exploration: Offers a massive world to explore with tons of secrets and side activities.

Other Notable Entries (and why they might not be the first choice)

While the games mentioned above are the main entries in the Paper Mario series, it's worth briefly touching on others. Super Paper Mario on the Wii is a fascinating departure, shifting to a 2.5D perspective and a more action-platformer-style gameplay with flipping between dimensions. It has a great story and characters but plays quite differently from the core RPG entries. Paper Mario: Color Splash on the Wii U also features a unique paint-based combat system and focuses heavily on exploration and uncovering hidden areas. Like Sticker Star, it's a bit more divisive among fans due to its gameplay changes and reliance on consumable items. These games are great in their own right, but for a first experience, sticking to the core RPG titles often provides a more representative introduction to the Paper Mario magic.

Why Consider These Later?

  • Different Gameplay: Super Paper Mario and Color Splash have significantly different mechanics compared to the N64 and GameCube titles, which are often seen as the series' RPG bedrock.
  • Divisive Mechanics: Color Splash, in particular, shares some of the gameplay decisions with Sticker Star that weren't universally loved by the fanbase.
  • Context is Key: Playing the earlier titles first can give you a better appreciation for the evolution (and sometimes, the deviations) within the series.

So, Which Paper Mario Game Should YOU Play First?

Choosing your first Paper Mario game really depends on what you're looking for. Here's a quick rundown to help you decide:

  • For the Purist & RPG Lover: Paper Mario (N64). You want the original experience, the roots of the series, and a classic RPG adventure. It’s the blueprint!
  • For the Story & Gameplay Connoisseur: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (GameCube). You want the critically acclaimed, fan-favorite masterpiece with an incredible story, characters, and refined gameplay. It’s widely regarded as the best.
  • For the Puzzle & Item Strategist: Paper Mario: Sticker Star (3DS). You enjoy unique mechanics, puzzle-solving, and don't mind a departure from traditional RPG elements. It’s a different kind of challenge.
  • For the Explorer & Humor Seeker: Paper Mario: The Origami King (Switch). You want a modern, visually stunning adventure with a massive world to explore, tons of laughs, and a fresh, puzzle-based combat system.

Ultimately, any of these games can be a great entry point. The Paper Mario series is known for its charm, wit, and unique presentation. Whichever you choose, you're in for a delightful adventure in a world unlike any other. So, go ahead, pick one, and get ready to unfold some fun! Happy gaming, guys!