Pros:
- Uniquely adapts some of the RPG elements of "Paper Mario" into a platformer style.
- Dimension-flipping mechanics add a greater sense of exploration to the gameplay.
- Consistently great level design.
- Addition of multiple playable characters (with more powers) adds more variety to the game.
- Controls are translated to the Wii Remote surprisingly well; the lack of a control stick doesn't become a detriment.
- Lovely music, as you'd expect from any "Mario" game.
- Colorful visual style that plays perfectly into the storybook feel of the series.
- A surprisingly deep and dark story that bucks the typical "Mario" trend.
- Even without traditional "partners" (I miss them, too), the characters are incredibly memorable.
Cons:
- The change in style does make the game just a touch too simplistic.
Some of the puzzles can feel a bit obtuse.
Consensus: The last "Paper Mario" game that I'll be reviewing (I skipped "Sticker Star" and didn't care much for "Color Splash" or "The Origami King" when playing those), "Super Paper Mario" serves as the beginning of the era where "Paper Mario" would radically shift the formula, much to the chagrin of the hardcore fans. Comparatively speaking, though, this actually manages to be an enjoyable game in spite of the changes; while it doesn't feature a lot of what made the previous two games what they were, it so happens to be a fun game with enjoyable platforming and storytelling in the process. Does it come anywhere close to the first two games, which are genuine masterpieces? No, not at all. But as far as the post-"The Thousand-Year Door" era of the franchise, "Super Paper Mario" still has plenty of fun moments to it. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's worth a play if you haven't gotten around to it yet.
Final rating: 8 out of 10 "Great"