Release (UK): 14/09/2007
RVL-R8PP-UKV
Release (USA): 09/04/2007
RVL-P-R8PE-USZ
Release (Jap): 19/04/2007
RVL-P-R8PJ-JAP
Genre: Action, RPG
Developer: Nintendo Co., Ltd., Intelligent Systems Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Nintendo Co., Ltd.


A unique twist on the RPG genre
Originally intended for the GameCube, Super Paper Mario’s release was moved without fanfare to the Wii, sealing its destiny of becoming Mario’s first outing on Nintendo’s new console in 2007.
Super Paper Mario offered a unique blend of platforming and RPG elements. The game followed Mario as he journeyed through the Paper World, meeting new characters, solving puzzles, and battling enemies. The game’s quirky visuals, combining 2D and 3D elements, and its engaging story made it a standout in the Paper Mario series.
2D and 3D gameplay mechanics
One of the most interesting gameplay features of Super Paper Mario was its ability to shift between 2D and 3D perspectives. Players could flip the world from 2D to 3D to solve puzzles and access hidden areas. This mechanic added a unique layer of strategy to the game, as players had to think creatively to navigate the environment. It was a clever twist that set the game apart from other platformers and made exploration more rewarding.
Engaging story and characters
The game’s story, featuring a cast of quirky characters, was one of its highlights. From Princess Peach and Luigi to new characters like Tippi the Pixl, the game had a rich narrative that kept players engaged. The humorous dialogue and heartwarming moments made Super Paper Mario a memorable experience, blending traditional Mario gameplay with a compelling story and creative mechanics.
The usual turn-based battle gameplay that fans of the series became accustomed to was swapped on this occasion for a combined platform sidescroller/RPG experience.
The series is most notable for its stunning 2D and 3D dimension-shifting visuals, and this version certainly doesn’t disappoint.
See the whole series:
- Paper Mario (2000)
- Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004)
- Super Paper Mario (2007)
- Paper Mario: Sticker Star (2012)
- Paper Mario: Color Splash (2016)
- Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020)
- Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Switch) (2024)
(Indicates year of first release. Dates may differ between regions.)