[Update: In an effort to make this debate as confusing as possible, this is both a day late and a week old. Last week when this was first posted, it was swiftly wiped off the front page in a matter of minutes by the deluge of more important Dtoid E3 posts. As a result, it noticeably received far less votes than usual, and I have a feeling it's not just because our readers don't enjoy the Paper Mario series. So for the first time ever, I've decided to extend the voting for a debate one more week -- keep on debating and discussing and check back next week for the winner and round two of this series' debate!]
In the last debate, I took a reader request and asked everyone to choose between the Devil May Cry series and Ninja Gaiden games. Each action series adds different qualities to its genre, and I think Dtoid reader RobotFart summed it up best with "Personally I think Devil May Cry is more about style than skill, and is more forgiving. Whereas Ninja Gaiden is pretty much the exact opposite." Judging by the votes, both gameplay setups are thoroughly enjoyed, but the winner is clear. Here are the results:
- Ninja Gaiden series (55 votes) -- Winner!
- Devil May Cry series (46 votes)
This week I'm taking ZombiePlatypus's debate request, and we're watching all three Paper Mario games compete against each other. Next week, when the triple threat dust finally settles and reveals a winner, we'll crank things up and have the victor take on Super Mario RPG for the throne.
So which Paper Mario game is your favorite, and why? Did the story of one of them stand above the rest? Were the characters more enjoyable in one than the others? Or maybe the Wii gameplay really impressed you? Has the series gone downhill, or is it only getting better with each update? Give it some serious thought, cast your votes, get some Paper Mario pals to share their opinions as well, and check back next week for the winner.
Bonus Question: What would you like to see the series do next?
Contest:
11:58 PM on 07.23.2008 | 
![Game Debate to the Death!<br>Best Paper Mario game? [Update] photo](http://www.destructoid.com/elephant/ul/95526-game-debate-paper-mario.jpg)
...sigh...
I still plan to finish the Wii one, but because of its so many faults, I have to vote for the amazing Paper Mario 64. The game is still one of my favorite N64 games of all time, it does so much right, and next to nothing wrong. It's EXACTLY what I wanted more of from Squaresoft, and even though it's kiddy, I still enjoy it more than probably just about every Final Fantasy game ever. (I still haven't gotten to FF3/6 yet, though.)
Vote: Paper Mario 64.
Bonus Question: Use the Wii game's gameplay mechanic again, but make a good story this time, and have more fun with the levels!!! Just skim out the shit you messed up on the first try, and I can forgive you and we can be friends again.
Plus, Mario obsessed Goomba's rock.
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
Just because I recall how hilarious it was, not that they all weren't.
It needs to play like Super Mario World, rideable characters,
hidden exits, block switches, and completely non-linear gameplay. If you can beat the game on level 1 with one support character and 0 items, you shouldn't be punished by 20 hours of storyline just to prove it.
LOVED that game.
Although I find myself playing the 1st paper mario more( dont own a gamecube anymore) Paper Mario TTYD ofers more gameplay,dialouge, comedy, and more Nintendo nostalgic than the 1st one offered.
for the next paper Mario, it should not be pure boring talk like super paper Mario( except the lizard geek, great work nintendo)
Lengthy, great story, and just plain fun!
I would really like to Play as Luigi in the formula Thousand-year door had, but with some new mechanics or upgrades to the games system. Luigi needs more love and an RPG would do it I believe.
And I hope they bring back the goods that the original had to offer.
Cool\cute characters characters, witty dialog and super customizable.
I love that game =]
Paper Mario 64
B: i'd like to see the guys at nintendo just fly off the handle... just walk up to the metaphorical wall and blast through it with a cannon... crazier shit the better... stories should always be interesting but i don't want to spend half the game just reading... instead of long winded speeches, make them interactive by sending me into a mini game that tells the story... always love me some mini games...
Also, Paper Mario 64.
My vote is the Thousand Year Door.
I hated that last boss so much, and that if you lost you had to go through a really annoying unskippable cutscene.
But it makes up for it for the ocean turning into gold, which looked like pee to me.
debate over folks... nothin to see here...
Super Paper Mario had some nice idea, but it's not an RPG anymore.
Bonus question: A Paper Mario game for the DS please. The series seriously needs to go portable!
That game was truly amazing, not just for nostalgia and funny script writing like the other ones (64) but the story in all, and the use of skills was unique, and kept my attention and made me want to beat it in a weekend.
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door.... for the win.
They didn't kill it with dialogue or too many options, plus Twink is the best ally ever.
No particular reason, I just enjoyed it the most.
Man. Truly a great game experience and at times laugh out loud funny. My favorite parts were between chapters, when Luigi would come up to you and talk about this crazy-ass simultaneous adventure he was having on another island. Each time I kept thinking, Dude! I totally want to play his game too!
My favorite parts of the actual adventure were when you had to win the colosseum fights, and that freaky part when the dude stole your identity and you had to play as "ghost" Mario.
Also fuck Bowsers 40 HP recovery move.
Bonus: I would like to see a Wii Paper Mario more like the first two games.
TYD is a very good game, but I think the surprise and charm of the 64 one just didnt carry over.
I was really excited for Super Paper Mario, then was really let down by the extremely easy difficulty and the CONSTANT dialogue segments.
So yes, Paper Mario 64.
but i would like to see a Super Paper Mario and Luigi
TTYD failed to draw me in a similar way. Super Paper Mario failed to do ANYTHING for me. I actually despise that game a bit; it failed as a platformer and as an RPG for me. In particular, the fact that a 20-40 minute monotonous task was an integral part of the gameplay emboldens me to despise what happened to the series.
In any case, I'd love to see Paper Mario come to the DS, or work as a flagship for Nintendo's next handheld. Maybe a Wii Ware title?
Or, better yet, use the series as leverage to get Square Enix in talks for another Super Mario RPG. Mmm, Geno!