Paper Mario First Timer? Which Game To Start With!

So, you're thinking about diving into the wonderful world of Paper Mario? Awesome! But with a handful of games in the series, deciding where to start can feel a little overwhelming. Don't worry, guys, I'm here to help you figure out which Paper Mario game is the perfect entry point for you. We'll break down a few of the top contenders, considering their gameplay styles, stories, and overall accessibility for newcomers. Let's get started and find your ideal Paper Mario adventure!

Why Paper Mario is Awesome

Before we dive into specific games, let's quickly cover why the Paper Mario series is so beloved. At its heart, Paper Mario blends the classic exploration and storytelling of RPGs with a charming, papercraft aesthetic and a healthy dose of humor. The turn-based combat system is engaging, with action commands that let you actively participate in battles, making them more than just passively selecting attacks. The characters are memorable, the worlds are vibrant, and the stories are often surprisingly heartfelt.

One of the biggest draws of Paper Mario is its unique visual style. Everything, from Mario and his companions to the environments and enemies, looks like it's made of paper. This gives the game a distinct and whimsical feel that sets it apart from other RPGs. But it's not just about the looks; the paper aesthetic is often incorporated into the gameplay, with characters able to fold into different shapes or peel back layers of the environment to reveal secrets.

Beyond the visuals, Paper Mario is known for its lighthearted and often quirky humor. The dialogue is witty, the situations are absurd, and the characters are full of personality. The games don't take themselves too seriously, which makes them a joy to play. Whether you're laughing at a goofy enemy or chuckling at a clever pun, Paper Mario is sure to put a smile on your face.

Finally, the Paper Mario series is known for its engaging stories and memorable characters. While the plots are often relatively simple – usually involving Mario saving Princess Peach from Bowser – the games are filled with charming characters and surprising twists. You'll meet a diverse cast of allies and enemies, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. And as you journey through the world, you'll become invested in their stories and root for them to succeed. This blend of engaging gameplay, unique visuals, quirky humor, and memorable characters is what makes the Paper Mario series so special.

Top Recommendations for Your First Paper Mario Game

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are a few Paper Mario games that are particularly well-suited for newcomers:

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (GameCube)

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is often considered the holy grail of the series by many fans, and for good reason. Its captivating story, memorable characters, and refined gameplay mechanics make it an excellent starting point. In The Thousand-Year Door, Mario sets out on a quest to find the legendary Crystal Stars and unlock the secrets of the ancient Thousand-Year Door. Along the way, he teams up with a colorful cast of partners, each with their own unique abilities and personalities.

One of the things that makes The Thousand-Year Door so appealing is its engaging story. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the characters are incredibly well-developed. You'll find yourself invested in their stories and rooting for them to succeed. The game also features a unique chapter structure, with each chapter taking place in a different location and introducing new characters and challenges. This keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting throughout the entire adventure.

The gameplay in The Thousand-Year Door is also top-notch. The turn-based combat system is engaging, with action commands that let you actively participate in battles. You'll need to time your button presses carefully to maximize your attacks and defend against enemy attacks. The game also features a variety of puzzles and challenges that require you to use your partners' abilities in creative ways. This adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay and keeps you on your toes.

Another great thing about The Thousand-Year Door is its accessibility. The game is relatively easy to pick up and play, even if you're not familiar with RPGs. The tutorials are clear and concise, and the difficulty curve is well-balanced. This makes it a great choice for newcomers to the series. While it's an older game, its charm and quality have aged incredibly well, and it remains a fan favorite. If you can get your hands on a copy (or emulate it), you won't be disappointed!

Paper Mario: The Origami King (Nintendo Switch)

If you're looking for a more modern Paper Mario experience, Paper Mario: The Origami King on the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic option. It revitalizes the series with stunning visuals, a clever storyline, and unique gameplay mechanics. In The Origami King, Mario must stop King Olly from folding the entire world into origami. He teams up with Olivia, Olly's good-hearted sister, and travels across a vast and beautiful world to save the day.

One of the standout features of The Origami King is its gorgeous visuals. The game is absolutely stunning, with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and charming character designs. The origami aesthetic is used to great effect, with everything from the characters to the environments looking like they're made of paper. This gives the game a unique and whimsical feel that sets it apart from other RPGs.

The gameplay in The Origami King is also quite different from previous Paper Mario games. The turn-based combat system has been revamped, with battles taking place on a circular arena. You'll need to rotate the arena to line up enemies and maximize your attacks. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the battles and keeps them engaging.

The Origami King also features a variety of puzzles and challenges that require you to use your environment and your partners' abilities in creative ways. You'll need to solve riddles, navigate tricky platforming sections, and defeat challenging bosses. This keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting throughout the entire adventure. It’s a visually stunning and creatively designed game that offers a fresh take on the Paper Mario formula. It's a great entry point for newcomers who appreciate modern graphics and innovative gameplay. The story is engaging, the characters are memorable, and the world is a joy to explore.

Paper Mario (Nintendo 64)

The original Paper Mario for the Nintendo 64 is a classic for a reason. It established many of the core elements that define the series, including its charming papercraft aesthetic, engaging turn-based combat, and lighthearted storytelling. In this game, Mario must save Princess Peach from Bowser, who has stolen the Star Rod and imprisoned the seven Star Spirits. He teams up with a variety of partners, each with their own unique abilities, and travels across the Mushroom Kingdom to restore peace.

One of the things that makes the original Paper Mario so appealing is its simplicity. The game is easy to pick up and play, even if you're not familiar with RPGs. The tutorials are clear and concise, and the difficulty curve is well-balanced. This makes it a great choice for newcomers to the series.

The turn-based combat system in Paper Mario is engaging, with action commands that let you actively participate in battles. You'll need to time your button presses carefully to maximize your attacks and defend against enemy attacks. The game also features a variety of puzzles and challenges that require you to use your partners' abilities in creative ways. This adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay and keeps you on your toes.

While the graphics may look a bit dated by today's standards, the game's charm and quality have aged incredibly well. The characters are memorable, the world is vibrant, and the story is surprisingly heartwarming. If you're looking for a classic Paper Mario experience, the original is a great place to start. It's a great starting point due to its classic gameplay and nostalgic charm. If you don't mind the older graphics, it’s a fantastic way to experience the roots of the series.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Ultimately, the best Paper Mario game to start with depends on your personal preferences. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Gameplay Style: Do you prefer a more traditional RPG experience or something with a unique twist? The Thousand-Year Door and the original Paper Mario offer classic turn-based combat, while The Origami King features a revamped battle system.
• Visuals: Are you looking for a game with modern graphics or are you okay with something a bit more retro? The Origami King is the most visually stunning game in the series, while the original Paper Mario has a more classic look.
• Story: Do you prefer a lighthearted and humorous story or something with a bit more depth? All of the Paper Mario games have engaging stories, but some are more comedic than others.

Final Thoughts

No matter which Paper Mario game you choose to start with, you're in for a treat. The series is known for its charming visuals, engaging gameplay, and lighthearted storytelling. So, pick the game that appeals to you the most and get ready to embark on a papercraft adventure! Happy gaming, folks! You really can't go wrong with any of these choices, so trust your gut and dive into the wonderful world of Paper Mario!