Like in one of his classic platform adventures, Mario can actually hop over or run away from enemies when he's feeling pacifistic urges or is just trying to get somewhere quick (a good choice to keep things flowing, as there's some minor backtracking involved here and there). I know it sounds like a crazy concept, but Mario's latest RPG outing does not throw hordes of random enemies at you and force you to battle the same enemies again and again. Get this: battles in Paper Mario 2 are fun. Since leveling up characters is such a vital component of RPG gameplay, a boring turn-based battle system can easily break a title. Many of these special powers can also be used in the game's ingenious battle sequences. Once he has unlocked them, special abilities let Mario roll up into tube or turn sideways to slip into small spaces, twist into a spiral to smash things with a hammer spin attack, and fold into different shapes to float or soar to new objectives. Though it may sound like a disadvantage at first, being a flat piece of paper has its benefits. But Mario himself isn't completely helpless either. For example, Goombella can tell you information about your surroundings and help provide clues, Koops can use his shell to hit switches, Yoshi can carry Mario across gaps and chasms, and so on. In typical Nintendo style, each character comes with a number of unique abilities that can be used to unlock new secrets and gain access to previously hidden areas. Mario is joined by a host of sidekicks, including the University of Goom archeology major Goombella (yes, a Goomba), the self-doubting Koops, and a spunky orphan Yoshi baby, among others. NPC characters, like Frankly here, sometimes tag along as well. Only when these artifacts are united will the magical Thousand-Year Door swing open and reveal the secret treasure that lies hidden. Using a map sent by Peach, Mario embarks on a long quest to find seven Crystal Stars. It's what keeps Mario from plumbing - and gives us the chance to keep playing and see a world outside the kitchen sink. Kidnapped again? Hey, everyone's got a job, and Princess Peach's lot in life is to get kidnapped again and again. You take control of Mario and set out to join the lovely Princess Peach on a mysterious treasure hunt in a rundown port town. The game mixes the exploration, conversation and battle-heavy gameplay found in RPGs with action sequences and platforming elements so comfortably at home in the Mario universe. Platform RPG Perfection If you've played the original Paper Mario, you'll be instantly familiar with the overall system. Kids can enjoy the intuitive gameplay, colorful worlds, and happy-happy characters, while older gamers will chuckle at the many classic Nintendo references and humorous situations. Nintendo has once again crafted a game that manages to appeal to two distinct audiences at the same time. With nearly every other RPG series out there going for elaborate story cutscenes, twisting narratives, and darker visuals, Paper Mario 2 manages to stand out as something a bit different. Sure, The Thousand-Year Door doesn't stray far from the formula, but it oozes fun, polish, and, strangely enough, originality. But before you shrug off Paper Mario 2 as an uninspired repeat not worthy of your attention, consider for a moment what really makes a great Mario game. The cutesy presentation starring flat sprite characters, the turn-based combat system with action elements, the simple "someone kidnapped the princess" narrative, the humorous text-based conversations, the memorable soundtrack - it's all back for an encore presentation. Since not much was broken in the N64 predecessor, Nintendo went for evolution over revolution with The Thousand-Year Door. There is no radical switch in style and presentation like between Majora's Mask and Wind Waker, or from Super Mario RPG to the original Paper Mario. Not Far From the Tree Like recent Nintendo sequels like Pikmin 2 and Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door doesn't break any new grounds in terms of originality. Battle and gather intel on more than 120 different enemy characters.Collect 85 badges to open up new moves, sound effects, and outfits.Experiment with item combinations to create 57 different recipes.Join forces with a host of supporting characters, each with their own special moves.Utilize Mario's paper-like properties for unique special moves.Battle using a turn-based combat system with timed action elements.Play through seven chapters for more than 30 hours of gameplay.Play as Mario and friends in a full-fledged RPG, complete with stats upgrades.Fast forward to 2004 - enter Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Although released late in the system's lifecycle and sporting a unique (and not necessarily mass market-friendly) look, Paper Mario managed to sell more than a million copies worldwide.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |