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BONUS QUESTIONS:
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
I WOULD have said the original Mario RPG until a couple weeks ago.
My vote goes to Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, for sure.
My vote goes to Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, for sure.
I'll admit up front that I haven't played too many of the eligible Mario RPG games in this debate. That being said my vote shouldn't be taken lightly, because I still think Paper Mario 64 was impressive as hell.
VOTE: Paper Mario 64.
Its sequel expanded on a lot of areas, but also got watered down in a few areas, and lacked that sliiiightly extra oomph in detail that let the first one make you LOL often or have your eyes widen upon finding some really clever secrets.
PM64 was actually somewhat simple, and the perfect example of how deep simplicity can go, which is why I still to this day want to see the Final Fantasy series head in this direction. I do not believe that the vast majority of FF fans wouldn't enjoy the tiny gameplay nuances in Paper Mario 64 added to all, some, or even just friggin ONE future FF game. I feel like if an FF game announced they're going to add a new battle feature where if you tap the X button RIGHT before you land your blow, it increases damage, or the chance to crit -- that many FF fans would blow their load and worship Squeenix and rabble on and on about how genius that is and blah blah blah. (Am I wrong, or doesnt FF9 do this slightly?) It really bugs me -- it's something that every damn RPG game in the entire genre should adapt. The majority of platformer games have stood on the shoulders of Mario platformer game ideologies, why must the RPG genre remain so fucking stubborn. This is just one of the incredibly satisfying nuances from this game that should be adopted by other RPG series -- not because they need those features, but because I'm certain the fans WOULD enjoy them.
Why else did I vote for this? Easy. Excellent animations, the beginning of the incredibly cute ans satisfying "Paper" graphics for the series, which I miiiight like just as much as cel-shaded Wind Waker. Goofy and great dialogue, without -- repeat -- without being wordy. Amazing casual gameplay style, badge system rocked, level design was awesome, which goes hand in hand with there being so many deeply fulfilling secrets hidden throughout the game.
The sequel was definitely fun, and not far below the original, and I have to admit its extensive exploration of the sewers tempts me to switch my vote, but it started something that hopefully Super Paper Mario Wii finished: excessively wordiness dialogue. Jeebus, way too overboard. However, the dimension changing trick of the Wii one was nothing short of genius. Sadly, much of the first third of the game that I got through felt more empty than its predecessors.
Still need to play the DS ones, and I definitely look forward to them meeting my high expectations. As for Super Mario RPG on SNES, I've played a bit of it, and seen a bit more of it played by others back in the day, and then again recently, and even though I haven't given it a true fair chance, my gut tells me it's not my cup of tee. PM64 looks far more enjoyable and better designed, even if it owes most of its success to expanding on what Super Mario RPG built designed from scratch.
VOTE: Paper Mario 64.
Its sequel expanded on a lot of areas, but also got watered down in a few areas, and lacked that sliiiightly extra oomph in detail that let the first one make you LOL often or have your eyes widen upon finding some really clever secrets.
PM64 was actually somewhat simple, and the perfect example of how deep simplicity can go, which is why I still to this day want to see the Final Fantasy series head in this direction. I do not believe that the vast majority of FF fans wouldn't enjoy the tiny gameplay nuances in Paper Mario 64 added to all, some, or even just friggin ONE future FF game. I feel like if an FF game announced they're going to add a new battle feature where if you tap the X button RIGHT before you land your blow, it increases damage, or the chance to crit -- that many FF fans would blow their load and worship Squeenix and rabble on and on about how genius that is and blah blah blah. (Am I wrong, or doesnt FF9 do this slightly?) It really bugs me -- it's something that every damn RPG game in the entire genre should adapt. The majority of platformer games have stood on the shoulders of Mario platformer game ideologies, why must the RPG genre remain so fucking stubborn. This is just one of the incredibly satisfying nuances from this game that should be adopted by other RPG series -- not because they need those features, but because I'm certain the fans WOULD enjoy them.
Why else did I vote for this? Easy. Excellent animations, the beginning of the incredibly cute ans satisfying "Paper" graphics for the series, which I miiiight like just as much as cel-shaded Wind Waker. Goofy and great dialogue, without -- repeat -- without being wordy. Amazing casual gameplay style, badge system rocked, level design was awesome, which goes hand in hand with there being so many deeply fulfilling secrets hidden throughout the game.
The sequel was definitely fun, and not far below the original, and I have to admit its extensive exploration of the sewers tempts me to switch my vote, but it started something that hopefully Super Paper Mario Wii finished: excessively wordiness dialogue. Jeebus, way too overboard. However, the dimension changing trick of the Wii one was nothing short of genius. Sadly, much of the first third of the game that I got through felt more empty than its predecessors.
Still need to play the DS ones, and I definitely look forward to them meeting my high expectations. As for Super Mario RPG on SNES, I've played a bit of it, and seen a bit more of it played by others back in the day, and then again recently, and even though I haven't given it a true fair chance, my gut tells me it's not my cup of tee. PM64 looks far more enjoyable and better designed, even if it owes most of its success to expanding on what Super Mario RPG built designed from scratch.
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (GBA)
Great memories of bringing that on my vacation to England and having to repeat bosses because my battery died. I think finally beating Cackletta may have been one of the greatest experiences in gaming for me.
Great memories of bringing that on my vacation to England and having to repeat bosses because my battery died. I think finally beating Cackletta may have been one of the greatest experiences in gaming for me.
Super Mario RPG has the my vote. It's just one of the best and has the most memorable cast and story for sure.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
I'll have to go with Partners in Time. It was funny, yes, but it didn't quite grasp me as well as the other titles did.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
Geno was a great character to have in battles. He was just awesome. Bowser was greatness as well.
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Frogfucius! He had a magnificent beard.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Hurley Gloves! Bowser threw Mario as a weapon. That is all.
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
Against the Axem Rangers. I think it was just fun.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
The Geno Whirl trick. Massive damage.
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
I actually loved the overall level designs for Bowser's Inside story. Guts.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
More Bowser and Luigi action. Seems like fun.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
I'll have to go with Partners in Time. It was funny, yes, but it didn't quite grasp me as well as the other titles did.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
Geno was a great character to have in battles. He was just awesome. Bowser was greatness as well.
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Frogfucius! He had a magnificent beard.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Hurley Gloves! Bowser threw Mario as a weapon. That is all.
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
Against the Axem Rangers. I think it was just fun.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
The Geno Whirl trick. Massive damage.
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
I actually loved the overall level designs for Bowser's Inside story. Guts.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
More Bowser and Luigi action. Seems like fun.
Wow, I can't believe there are enough to do a vote like this. I liked Paper Mario 64, but I haven't played enough to vote here. I like Mario games because they aren't RPGs most of the time.
And I am so happy SMB3 didn't win. I have no idea what the fuck Sunshine is doing below Galaxy, but I guess I can't complain.
Also, Yoshi's Island should have scored higher.
And I am so happy SMB3 didn't win. I have no idea what the fuck Sunshine is doing below Galaxy, but I guess I can't complain.
Also, Yoshi's Island should have scored higher.
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story gets my vote. Not just because it's still very fresh in my mind, but because it stands out as one of the best games I have ever played, on any platform, ever.
The original Paper Mario. I just love everything about that game. I replay it often and enjoy it every time. I'd write more but I'm at work and have a deadline to meet!~
From favorite to least favorite:
1. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
2. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
3. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story
4. Super Mario RPG
5. Paper Mario
6. Super Paper Mario
7. Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
Tough time deciding between 2 and 3, but other than that I'd say this is pretty accurate. TTYD might have been a bit wordy, but for the most part the dialogue was actually pretty good, and made fun of itself frequently.
1. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
2. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
3. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story
4. Super Mario RPG
5. Paper Mario
6. Super Paper Mario
7. Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
Tough time deciding between 2 and 3, but other than that I'd say this is pretty accurate. TTYD might have been a bit wordy, but for the most part the dialogue was actually pretty good, and made fun of itself frequently.
Super Mario RPG, because it was actually the first RPG I ever played and gave me a taste for the genre.
BQ1: Mario & Luigi... never really got into that series at all :\
BQ2: Lady Bow from the first Paper Mario, her multi-slap was rad!
BQ3: Booster from Mario RPG, he was a crazy viking with a cool tower.
BQ4. Super Jump from Mario RPG, because you could jump as many times as you want if you timed it right.
BQ5. Bundt, the cake from Peach/Booster's wedding that attacked you
BQ6. Culex, the hidden Final Fantasy-style boss fight
BQ7. Can't remember them well enough / they're all great!
BQ8. Bring back Geno and Mallow!
BQ1: Mario & Luigi... never really got into that series at all :\
BQ2: Lady Bow from the first Paper Mario, her multi-slap was rad!
BQ3: Booster from Mario RPG, he was a crazy viking with a cool tower.
BQ4. Super Jump from Mario RPG, because you could jump as many times as you want if you timed it right.
BQ5. Bundt, the cake from Peach/Booster's wedding that attacked you
BQ6. Culex, the hidden Final Fantasy-style boss fight
BQ7. Can't remember them well enough / they're all great!
BQ8. Bring back Geno and Mallow!
Ok.. favourite is gonna be... Mario RPG. It's a Squaresoft SNES RPG. That's an automatic recipe for success. I'll admit that I haven't played any of the Mario and Luigi games but I have played all the Paper Marios. Everything good about those started right here.
Furthermore if you notice the last couple debates, the SNES is still a force to be reckoned with in gaming. Two consecutive wins, ... I don't know if I should feel bad for young kids who never got a chance to play these (still awesome) games, or if I should feel bad for myself for not experiencing enough of the new awesome.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Oh, I dunno.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
Mallow. Why? Because he was cumulonimbus. Need I say more?
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Umm... clearly I have not played in a long time.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
... a hammer? I should have studied. Or the wario costume
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
That dragon fight ... it was a flying dragon on the wii. it was pretty cool I guess, since it's the only thing coming to mind
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
The good one
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
ok, I give up
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
Make it rated M for mature.
Furthermore if you notice the last couple debates, the SNES is still a force to be reckoned with in gaming. Two consecutive wins, ... I don't know if I should feel bad for young kids who never got a chance to play these (still awesome) games, or if I should feel bad for myself for not experiencing enough of the new awesome.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Oh, I dunno.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
Mallow. Why? Because he was cumulonimbus. Need I say more?
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Umm... clearly I have not played in a long time.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
... a hammer? I should have studied. Or the wario costume
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
That dragon fight ... it was a flying dragon on the wii. it was pretty cool I guess, since it's the only thing coming to mind
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
The good one
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
ok, I give up
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
Make it rated M for mature.
I'm gonna have to go with tTYD. It took everything right with Paper mario, and made it better. There are so many things to do, badges to get, and quests to do. It has a remarkable "feel" to it, and I loved it.
Also, super paper Mario doesn't count.
Also, super paper Mario doesn't count.
Oh, that's tough. As a huge RPG an, and a huge Mario fan, some of Mario's best games imo have been his absolutely hilarious RPGs. I've found myself enjoying all of them to a certain extent. As for favorite, that's tough. It'd usually be a tie between Paper Mario 2 and Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga.
Right now, I'm in the mood to say Paper Mario 2: The Thousand Year Door. Sequels usually have a tough time living up to the original (just look at Partners in Time), but TYD was an improvement over Paper Mario in every way (in my opinion, I know a lot of fans would disagree). Great characters, truly epic story (for a Mario game), and some really hilarious scenes. The original was just as great in that area, but there was something especialy memorable about TYD for me. Whether it be the rude dirty-mouthed toadette who cooked for you, or the robot that probably saw Princess Peach naked, or even RAAAAAAAAWK THE HAAAAAAAAWK, TYD always has a special place in my heart. Don't get me wrong, I loved the original PM, but just for me, there was something special about TYD.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Mario and Luigi 2: Partners in Time. Like I said with Mario 64. It's by no means a bad game, just the weakest in my opinion. The l33t hammer bros were HILARIOUS though.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
Bow from the first PM was one of my favorites. Probably because I like "Ojou" type characters (for those not into Anime, it pretty much means spoiled princess). Admiral Bobbery in PM2. He was seriously one of the most badass party members ever. Also, look at that stache he was packing! He should've had it registered as a lethal weapon!
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
RAAAAAAAAAWK THE HAAAAAAAWK!!!! Also, that robber guy from Superstar Saga that convinced an amnesiac Bowser that he was his lackey.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Mario's ability to turn into a paper plane, tube, etc. in TYD. The accompanying dialogue with each, "curse" was quite amusing.
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
The final battle against Bowser in PM1. Sure, Bowser doesn't seem like an epic villain, but the way they built things up to this huge climax, it really made you feel like everything was on the line in this one final battle.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
I know there are a bunch, but I can't think of any right now. :\
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
Funny enough, I'm really enjoying playing in Bowser's organs in Bowser's Inside Story. Something quite funny and entertaining about it all.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
More suggestively effeminate Luigi animations and voice clips. Because Luigi's crying voice is one of the most hilarious noises I've ever heard.
Right now, I'm in the mood to say Paper Mario 2: The Thousand Year Door. Sequels usually have a tough time living up to the original (just look at Partners in Time), but TYD was an improvement over Paper Mario in every way (in my opinion, I know a lot of fans would disagree). Great characters, truly epic story (for a Mario game), and some really hilarious scenes. The original was just as great in that area, but there was something especialy memorable about TYD for me. Whether it be the rude dirty-mouthed toadette who cooked for you, or the robot that probably saw Princess Peach naked, or even RAAAAAAAAWK THE HAAAAAAAAWK, TYD always has a special place in my heart. Don't get me wrong, I loved the original PM, but just for me, there was something special about TYD.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Mario and Luigi 2: Partners in Time. Like I said with Mario 64. It's by no means a bad game, just the weakest in my opinion. The l33t hammer bros were HILARIOUS though.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
Bow from the first PM was one of my favorites. Probably because I like "Ojou" type characters (for those not into Anime, it pretty much means spoiled princess). Admiral Bobbery in PM2. He was seriously one of the most badass party members ever. Also, look at that stache he was packing! He should've had it registered as a lethal weapon!
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
RAAAAAAAAAWK THE HAAAAAAAWK!!!! Also, that robber guy from Superstar Saga that convinced an amnesiac Bowser that he was his lackey.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Mario's ability to turn into a paper plane, tube, etc. in TYD. The accompanying dialogue with each, "curse" was quite amusing.
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
The final battle against Bowser in PM1. Sure, Bowser doesn't seem like an epic villain, but the way they built things up to this huge climax, it really made you feel like everything was on the line in this one final battle.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
I know there are a bunch, but I can't think of any right now. :\
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
Funny enough, I'm really enjoying playing in Bowser's organs in Bowser's Inside Story. Something quite funny and entertaining about it all.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
More suggestively effeminate Luigi animations and voice clips. Because Luigi's crying voice is one of the most hilarious noises I've ever heard.
Super Mario RPG: The Legend of the Seven Stars. It was a very pretty game, with easy controls, a lot of good humor, and nice turn-based mechanics.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Probably the GBA one, with Mario and Luigi. It was pretty much just Pokemon.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
Bowser. Drill claw. Also, Bow from Paper Mario, because of her multislap.
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Yoshi! Obviously, because Yoshi is amazing.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Drill Claw, Lazy Shell. Just fun to watch and time properly.
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
The cake in Mario RPG. One of the most original boss ideas ever.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
The curtain the Booster's Tower. Retro.
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
The sunken ship in Seaside Town, and the ice castle at the end of Paper Mario.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
Nothing. It's been getting progressively cartoonier from what I can surmise, and I doubt they'd revert from Pokemon-esque Paper Mario 2 (or whatever it's actually called), to the FF-esque mechanics and gameplay. Even the first Paper Mario was a step down from Super Mario RPG in terms of humor and gameplay, though the non-fighting mechanics were done very well, I prefer the simpler overworld gameplay for an RPG.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Probably the GBA one, with Mario and Luigi. It was pretty much just Pokemon.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
Bowser. Drill claw. Also, Bow from Paper Mario, because of her multislap.
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Yoshi! Obviously, because Yoshi is amazing.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Drill Claw, Lazy Shell. Just fun to watch and time properly.
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
The cake in Mario RPG. One of the most original boss ideas ever.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
The curtain the Booster's Tower. Retro.
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
The sunken ship in Seaside Town, and the ice castle at the end of Paper Mario.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
Nothing. It's been getting progressively cartoonier from what I can surmise, and I doubt they'd revert from Pokemon-esque Paper Mario 2 (or whatever it's actually called), to the FF-esque mechanics and gameplay. Even the first Paper Mario was a step down from Super Mario RPG in terms of humor and gameplay, though the non-fighting mechanics were done very well, I prefer the simpler overworld gameplay for an RPG.
Tough one but my vote goes to Super Mario RPG.
2) Bowser's Inside Story
3) Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door
4) Superstar Saga
5) Paper Mario
2) Bowser's Inside Story
3) Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door
4) Superstar Saga
5) Paper Mario
Unfortunately I haven't played enough of the RPGs to do the bonus questions, but the original Superstar Saga is one of my favorite GBA games. Everything about it was incredible; the art, the length, the battle system, the humor, all golden.
When I broke my wrist, I actually taught myself to play the game without a thumb.
When I broke my wrist, I actually taught myself to play the game without a thumb.
Partners in Time is my favorite. The babies added depth to the button pressing in combat and weren't boring as shit like Bowser in Bowser's Inside Story.
I guess I'll go with the one that started it all, Squintendo's Super Mario RPG!!! It combined everything good about Final Fantasy, everything good about Mario, and everything really odd that they could toss in. Plus it was beautiful, and I think it was the first game (aside from Mario Kart) where Bowser was playable (Geno was pretty cool too). It was a damn fine game.
Warning: Wall of Text incoming. Long Story Short: I vote Paper Mario
This is fantastically difficult. Let us take a stroll through memory lane. I personally didn't get to play Super Mario RPG (SNES) until much later in my life (3 or 4 years) after Paper Mario so let's keep this in mind.
SMRPG is technically amazing. A fantastic story with just a hint of platforming and some fun puzzles. But what really set it apart was the story and the battle system. Having Bowser in your party was so...weird and epic. It was what really made this game so much more amazing to me. Mallow was meh, then Geno was weird and then Squeenix throws Bowser and Peach in your party and it just feels good and awesome! As well, the games difficulty should be mentioned, it's not particularly hard, but it's certainly got challenging bossfights, and creativity as well. The battle system was also fantastic. I might've broke the "Y" button shooting so many damn fireballs as Mario. Overall, how can you go wrong with this game? Funny, charming, good battle system, fun characters/party members. And the first non-Bowser boss I'd ever personally experienced.
Progress to the N64. Paper Mario. It was weird, it was paper, but it was ultimately back to the same old, same old story. Bowser trying to take over the world. Yet somehow, they really managed to take the whole thing and make it work fantastically. It was as funny as SMRPG and yet it was even MORE charming than SMRPG. The characters were more fleshed out in PM and the game certainly had a fun feel. The 2d/3d style was unique and made me smile every time Mario flipped back and forth walking. However, the game's difficulty was a bit easier in my mind. Much easier actually. Still it had badges, exploration, and incredible style/polish. Two of my favorite things from this iteration: Mario going down pipes (brilliant swirl motion technology!) and the progression of the game being somewhat parallel to the SMB3 worlds. Don't tell me I was the only one to notice it. Overall, the game had polish and some really really fun (and unique) moments. (Sneaking through the castle (a la Link), playing as Peach, fighting Blooper, the Shy Guy level. To name a few.)
We move to Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. This is the 'direct' sequel to Paper Mario and it's quite interesting. Admittedly a bit different to the first game, but not really in a bad way. The story is hilarious, cutscenes always making me laugh, and the dialogue was roll on the floor laughter funny (if not a bit verbose...) I think the hallmark of this Paper Mario is the fantastic exploration and the paper forms (curses?!) which was so very fun. Personally, I didn't like the whole appeal system, but I got over it quickly. The system felt a bit tacked on and...cheesy. Ah well. Another super solid entry to the RPG series.
Holy crap there's a lot of Mario RPG's... okay time to get to the short story. Super Paper Mario became a cross between a Mario platformer with RPG elements. It was interesting if not a little gimmicky, but it fell short of the former Mario RPG glory due to a MUCH weaker storyline, less funny, and the whole platform thing was unappealing to the RPG player in me. Mario Galaxy for the platforming, Mario RPG's for the RPG playing. Come on Nintendo. Plus, as Fronz stated and I've reiterated, there is WAY TOO MUCH TEXT. Holy crap, talking pixels...
And then there's the Mario & Luigi series, which I'm less well versed in. Partners in Time was absolutely hilarious and fantastic. Bowser's Inside Story was pretty good as well, though I haven't gotten around to beating it yet...(oops Dragon Age...)
Now that I've written a book and considered my angles I have to vote for <b>PAPER MARIO</b>. The game is just style and polish heaped with funny and great gameplay. I never felt like the game got boring, and it was cheeky yet addictive. Runner up: SMRPG followed by tTYD followed by Partners in Time.
<b>BONUS QUESTIONS:</b>
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Super Paper Mario. Hands down. As I've stated above, it just veered too far from the series. I didn't enjoy the loss of turn-based action, and the game felt like Nintendo said "Well, we need another Paper Mario, but we can't repeat the last one, but let's not do anything too risky, sooo...crossing genres sounds awesome!" Nothing about the game made me go "whoa!" at all. Even the dimension switching was unappealing to me. Give me the curses.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
Bow! Multislapping was the shit!
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Bowser in Paper Mario was just hilarious. Peach countered that hilariousness with more hilarious.
Boswer in SMRPG trying to not cry. Everytime it was awesome. Be strong Boswer, be strong!
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Frying Pan from SMRPG. Made me afraid of Peach like, hardcore.
Also, SMRPG had the best weapons of the series, hands down.
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
Dragon in SMRPG. Really challenging at that part in the game.
Shy Guy Tank in Paper Mario. I loved the various Shy Guy collaborations.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
The ridiculously overpowered shells for mario in SMRPG. They were so cool to discover randomly.
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
Shy Guys in Paper Mario
Arena in tTYD
Shy Guys in SMRPG (seeing a pattern yet? The shy guys are comedic gold Nintendo. BRING EM BACK!)
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
Go back to its roots. Get some turn-based action again, bring back the humor and Mushroom Kingdom. Maybe it's nostalgia, but oftentimes when the RPG Mario's lack a Mushroom Kingdom, the game just loses a bit of the funny and ridiculousness. To me, that's what made tTYD less good was that you see almost nothing of Mushroom Kingdom. New characters are awesome, but let's get some old favorites as well.
Also, avoid anything to do with Super Paper Mario. Please for the love of god. Please. Ugh.
And yes, I want a Shy Guy party member.
This is fantastically difficult. Let us take a stroll through memory lane. I personally didn't get to play Super Mario RPG (SNES) until much later in my life (3 or 4 years) after Paper Mario so let's keep this in mind.
SMRPG is technically amazing. A fantastic story with just a hint of platforming and some fun puzzles. But what really set it apart was the story and the battle system. Having Bowser in your party was so...weird and epic. It was what really made this game so much more amazing to me. Mallow was meh, then Geno was weird and then Squeenix throws Bowser and Peach in your party and it just feels good and awesome! As well, the games difficulty should be mentioned, it's not particularly hard, but it's certainly got challenging bossfights, and creativity as well. The battle system was also fantastic. I might've broke the "Y" button shooting so many damn fireballs as Mario. Overall, how can you go wrong with this game? Funny, charming, good battle system, fun characters/party members. And the first non-Bowser boss I'd ever personally experienced.
Progress to the N64. Paper Mario. It was weird, it was paper, but it was ultimately back to the same old, same old story. Bowser trying to take over the world. Yet somehow, they really managed to take the whole thing and make it work fantastically. It was as funny as SMRPG and yet it was even MORE charming than SMRPG. The characters were more fleshed out in PM and the game certainly had a fun feel. The 2d/3d style was unique and made me smile every time Mario flipped back and forth walking. However, the game's difficulty was a bit easier in my mind. Much easier actually. Still it had badges, exploration, and incredible style/polish. Two of my favorite things from this iteration: Mario going down pipes (brilliant swirl motion technology!) and the progression of the game being somewhat parallel to the SMB3 worlds. Don't tell me I was the only one to notice it. Overall, the game had polish and some really really fun (and unique) moments. (Sneaking through the castle (a la Link), playing as Peach, fighting Blooper, the Shy Guy level. To name a few.)
We move to Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. This is the 'direct' sequel to Paper Mario and it's quite interesting. Admittedly a bit different to the first game, but not really in a bad way. The story is hilarious, cutscenes always making me laugh, and the dialogue was roll on the floor laughter funny (if not a bit verbose...) I think the hallmark of this Paper Mario is the fantastic exploration and the paper forms (curses?!) which was so very fun. Personally, I didn't like the whole appeal system, but I got over it quickly. The system felt a bit tacked on and...cheesy. Ah well. Another super solid entry to the RPG series.
Holy crap there's a lot of Mario RPG's... okay time to get to the short story. Super Paper Mario became a cross between a Mario platformer with RPG elements. It was interesting if not a little gimmicky, but it fell short of the former Mario RPG glory due to a MUCH weaker storyline, less funny, and the whole platform thing was unappealing to the RPG player in me. Mario Galaxy for the platforming, Mario RPG's for the RPG playing. Come on Nintendo. Plus, as Fronz stated and I've reiterated, there is WAY TOO MUCH TEXT. Holy crap, talking pixels...
And then there's the Mario & Luigi series, which I'm less well versed in. Partners in Time was absolutely hilarious and fantastic. Bowser's Inside Story was pretty good as well, though I haven't gotten around to beating it yet...(oops Dragon Age...)
Now that I've written a book and considered my angles I have to vote for <b>PAPER MARIO</b>. The game is just style and polish heaped with funny and great gameplay. I never felt like the game got boring, and it was cheeky yet addictive. Runner up: SMRPG followed by tTYD followed by Partners in Time.
<b>BONUS QUESTIONS:</b>
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Super Paper Mario. Hands down. As I've stated above, it just veered too far from the series. I didn't enjoy the loss of turn-based action, and the game felt like Nintendo said "Well, we need another Paper Mario, but we can't repeat the last one, but let's not do anything too risky, sooo...crossing genres sounds awesome!" Nothing about the game made me go "whoa!" at all. Even the dimension switching was unappealing to me. Give me the curses.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
Bow! Multislapping was the shit!
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Bowser in Paper Mario was just hilarious. Peach countered that hilariousness with more hilarious.
Boswer in SMRPG trying to not cry. Everytime it was awesome. Be strong Boswer, be strong!
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Frying Pan from SMRPG. Made me afraid of Peach like, hardcore.
Also, SMRPG had the best weapons of the series, hands down.
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
Dragon in SMRPG. Really challenging at that part in the game.
Shy Guy Tank in Paper Mario. I loved the various Shy Guy collaborations.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
The ridiculously overpowered shells for mario in SMRPG. They were so cool to discover randomly.
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
Shy Guys in Paper Mario
Arena in tTYD
Shy Guys in SMRPG (seeing a pattern yet? The shy guys are comedic gold Nintendo. BRING EM BACK!)
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
Go back to its roots. Get some turn-based action again, bring back the humor and Mushroom Kingdom. Maybe it's nostalgia, but oftentimes when the RPG Mario's lack a Mushroom Kingdom, the game just loses a bit of the funny and ridiculousness. To me, that's what made tTYD less good was that you see almost nothing of Mushroom Kingdom. New characters are awesome, but let's get some old favorites as well.
Also, avoid anything to do with Super Paper Mario. Please for the love of god. Please. Ugh.
And yes, I want a Shy Guy party member.
mario and luigi hands down. The newest one was amazing, i loved the theme from the final boss fight.
SUPER MARIO RPG: LEGEND OF THE SEVEN STARS
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Probably Super Paper Mario, since for some reason, even though I PLAYED it (holy shit, I actually played a game), I couldn't force myself/feel compelled enough to actually finish it. It didn't seem to have the charm like the other titles I find.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
EVERYONE from Super Mario RPG! I mean aside from nowadays, back when it was released, WHEN if EVER did you get to be the typical "main villain" from a series? NEVER! Bowser was goddamn awesome! Hurly Gloving Mario into bad guys! Then you have Princess with her frying pan and such. And who could EVER forget MALLOW and GENO! The puff ball that when the first time I ever played it, consistently thought he was a she, and provided so many "D'awww!" moments, and the badass gun toting doll of Geno! Goddamn pure awesome!
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Hmmm . . . so many! You can't forget RAWK HAWK! That guy was just plain dumb awesome, the best kind of awesome! Then there's O'CHUNKS! I mean, his name is goddamn O fucking Chunks! How can you top that? Even though he doesn't mutter a single word . . . DODO from Super Mario RPG, just cause he's an adorable dumb lackey! AXEM RANGERS! Does it really need an explanation?
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
EXTREMELY bias, but like EVERY weapon from Super Mario RPG! As I stated before, Frying Pan, Hurly Gloves, etc. The Lazy Shell just cause it's huge and awesome. What about the Super Cymbals? CYMBALS GODDAMMIT! Rocket Punch! The list just goes on . . .
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
As FORCEPATH stated . . . SHY GUY TANK! Shy Guys fucking rule! But the true one for me would be . . . THE AXEM RANGERS! I mean . . . COME ON! Their banter back and forth, and the giant oversized robot, and like EVERYTHING about it was awesome. They were a BITCH on a Level 3 game though!
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
Normal answer = CULEX! ^_^ Obvious reasons. The best one though was the ATTACK SUIT! 100 Super Jumps in a row! Eat that!
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
Star Hill, because it just seemed so cool reading peoples' wishes and such. Nimbus Land . . . it's a city in the clouds yo! That Shy Guy storybook in Paper Mario. The Volcanic Island in The Thousand Year Door.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
I've yet to get Bowser's Inside Story, but something similar along those lines as in keeping it fresh, but in line with "TRUE" Mario RPG style, which Super Paper Mario failed at.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Probably Super Paper Mario, since for some reason, even though I PLAYED it (holy shit, I actually played a game), I couldn't force myself/feel compelled enough to actually finish it. It didn't seem to have the charm like the other titles I find.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
EVERYONE from Super Mario RPG! I mean aside from nowadays, back when it was released, WHEN if EVER did you get to be the typical "main villain" from a series? NEVER! Bowser was goddamn awesome! Hurly Gloving Mario into bad guys! Then you have Princess with her frying pan and such. And who could EVER forget MALLOW and GENO! The puff ball that when the first time I ever played it, consistently thought he was a she, and provided so many "D'awww!" moments, and the badass gun toting doll of Geno! Goddamn pure awesome!
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Hmmm . . . so many! You can't forget RAWK HAWK! That guy was just plain dumb awesome, the best kind of awesome! Then there's O'CHUNKS! I mean, his name is goddamn O fucking Chunks! How can you top that? Even though he doesn't mutter a single word . . . DODO from Super Mario RPG, just cause he's an adorable dumb lackey! AXEM RANGERS! Does it really need an explanation?
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
EXTREMELY bias, but like EVERY weapon from Super Mario RPG! As I stated before, Frying Pan, Hurly Gloves, etc. The Lazy Shell just cause it's huge and awesome. What about the Super Cymbals? CYMBALS GODDAMMIT! Rocket Punch! The list just goes on . . .
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
As FORCEPATH stated . . . SHY GUY TANK! Shy Guys fucking rule! But the true one for me would be . . . THE AXEM RANGERS! I mean . . . COME ON! Their banter back and forth, and the giant oversized robot, and like EVERYTHING about it was awesome. They were a BITCH on a Level 3 game though!
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
Normal answer = CULEX! ^_^ Obvious reasons. The best one though was the ATTACK SUIT! 100 Super Jumps in a row! Eat that!
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
Star Hill, because it just seemed so cool reading peoples' wishes and such. Nimbus Land . . . it's a city in the clouds yo! That Shy Guy storybook in Paper Mario. The Volcanic Island in The Thousand Year Door.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
I've yet to get Bowser's Inside Story, but something similar along those lines as in keeping it fresh, but in line with "TRUE" Mario RPG style, which Super Paper Mario failed at.
Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door really hit the spot for me. Everything from the excellent script (and localization), soundtrack, battle system, level design (well, the chapter 2 tree segment was annoying) - The whole game just ended up being very memorable for me. I loved the chapter breaks where it would focus on Peach and the playable segments with Bowser.
My only real complaint was that Bowser was kind of pushed aside at the climax of the story, was hoping he would of had something a bit more to contribute, but that is just nitpicking.
BQ1: Partners in Time... While I like the Mario/Luigi games this one was just lacking, also the time travel didn't make sense, that and I hate the baby characters.
BQ2: Goombella from TYD: Her psychic ability can bring up some very entertaining moments.
BQ3: Luigi from TYD - Everything he says is amazing.
BQ4: Its too late for me to think about that right now
BQ5: Shadow Queen was epic, but I loved the climax of Super Paper Mario - but I may have to go with the Shy Guy quad for being awesome.
BQ6: Look at 4
BQ7: Star Hill from Mario RPG, The Train from TYD, Chapter 1 from Super Paper Mario
BQ8: Super Paper Mario was a nice experiment but came off as a bit awkward at times - I felt just about everything before the last 2 chapters felt very thrown together, story and level design wise (although I did get a kick out of Chapter 4) Also having the central location of the game take place in a strange alternate dimension town that requires use of annoying elevators made it easy to get lost didn't really help it. The items also felt useless as you were more powerful then almost everything in the game (especially if you played bowser)
I would love nothing more than Intelligent Systems to make more 'paper' games, there are so many possibilities of what they can do - Bowser's Inside Story is selling great, how about a Paper Bowser? or a Paper Mario/Sonic? or simply a Paper Mario 3.
They could change up the progression formula, not have a "Collect X amount of these" story. Another thing they could improve on is making full use of party members, I can't help but feel they introduce some party members that are only useful in their respective level then never really utilized after (or even contribute to the story afterwards)
Or have Square come back and make another stab on consoles, that would also be great
-
I'm currently still playing Bowser's Inside Story so I don't know where it fits on the list, but so far its my favorite of the M/L games - I wish the story was a little bit deeper but hey, I finally got a Bowser RPG and it is awesome.
My only real complaint was that Bowser was kind of pushed aside at the climax of the story, was hoping he would of had something a bit more to contribute, but that is just nitpicking.
BQ1: Partners in Time... While I like the Mario/Luigi games this one was just lacking, also the time travel didn't make sense, that and I hate the baby characters.
BQ2: Goombella from TYD: Her psychic ability can bring up some very entertaining moments.
BQ3: Luigi from TYD - Everything he says is amazing.
BQ4: Its too late for me to think about that right now
BQ5: Shadow Queen was epic, but I loved the climax of Super Paper Mario - but I may have to go with the Shy Guy quad for being awesome.
BQ6: Look at 4
BQ7: Star Hill from Mario RPG, The Train from TYD, Chapter 1 from Super Paper Mario
BQ8: Super Paper Mario was a nice experiment but came off as a bit awkward at times - I felt just about everything before the last 2 chapters felt very thrown together, story and level design wise (although I did get a kick out of Chapter 4) Also having the central location of the game take place in a strange alternate dimension town that requires use of annoying elevators made it easy to get lost didn't really help it. The items also felt useless as you were more powerful then almost everything in the game (especially if you played bowser)
I would love nothing more than Intelligent Systems to make more 'paper' games, there are so many possibilities of what they can do - Bowser's Inside Story is selling great, how about a Paper Bowser? or a Paper Mario/Sonic? or simply a Paper Mario 3.
They could change up the progression formula, not have a "Collect X amount of these" story. Another thing they could improve on is making full use of party members, I can't help but feel they introduce some party members that are only useful in their respective level then never really utilized after (or even contribute to the story afterwards)
Or have Square come back and make another stab on consoles, that would also be great
-
I'm currently still playing Bowser's Inside Story so I don't know where it fits on the list, but so far its my favorite of the M/L games - I wish the story was a little bit deeper but hey, I finally got a Bowser RPG and it is awesome.
Shit I missed the first questions, but damn I can't believe mario sunshine is even less popular than mario 64, I mean expectations were higher when mario64 came out
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGE, HOW THE FUCK DID SUPER MARIO WORLD WIN? THE GAME HAS NO SOUL FFS
It's not half as good as SMB3 or Yoshi's island
you people make me sad
i haven't played any of the RPG's, just needed to vent a bit :'(
It's not half as good as SMB3 or Yoshi's island
you people make me sad
i haven't played any of the RPG's, just needed to vent a bit :'(
Every Mario RPG is pretty great, but I'll go with Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door as my favorite. I think it was one of the best Gamecube games period. It was just a really complete experience that threw new challenges and gameplay at you throughout.
I love the Mario and Luigi series, but I find that they get repetitive after a while. I'd put Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga as my second favorite. It's pretty impressive to think that thet crammed that game onto a GBA cartridge.
I love the Mario and Luigi series, but I find that they get repetitive after a while. I'd put Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga as my second favorite. It's pretty impressive to think that thet crammed that game onto a GBA cartridge.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Nice stories, nice twists, nice character designs, nice music, nice everything. It's a nice game.
BQ1: I know this is considered a sin by some people, but I really dislike SMRPG. The character designs were extremely un-Mario, and it's a lot like a real RPG. And I don't really like RPGs, other than the Mario ones.
BQ2: The Goombas. I love to Tattle anything, because I'm a huge Mario fan. Give me lore! I need background info!
BQ3: Flavio. That lovable glory hogging jackass.
BQ4. Lucky Start. Makes something good happen when you first enter battle: dodginess, electrified, or HP or FP recovery for 3 turns.
BQ5. There's so many good ones, I can't decide. General Guy, Rawk Hawk, Macho Grubba, Doopliss and Smorg are certainly up there.
BQ6. Mrs. Mowz. A secret partner? Hell yeah!
BQ7. Any from Paper Mario 2. The levels were so good. Be it because of story, or level design. The first two chapters of PM2 weren't too hot, though.
BQ8. I honestly don't know. No Paper Mario could top Paper Mario 2. We've had 3 Mario & Luigi games, and Fawful died at the end of the last one. What's left?
BQ1: I know this is considered a sin by some people, but I really dislike SMRPG. The character designs were extremely un-Mario, and it's a lot like a real RPG. And I don't really like RPGs, other than the Mario ones.
BQ2: The Goombas. I love to Tattle anything, because I'm a huge Mario fan. Give me lore! I need background info!
BQ3: Flavio. That lovable glory hogging jackass.
BQ4. Lucky Start. Makes something good happen when you first enter battle: dodginess, electrified, or HP or FP recovery for 3 turns.
BQ5. There's so many good ones, I can't decide. General Guy, Rawk Hawk, Macho Grubba, Doopliss and Smorg are certainly up there.
BQ6. Mrs. Mowz. A secret partner? Hell yeah!
BQ7. Any from Paper Mario 2. The levels were so good. Be it because of story, or level design. The first two chapters of PM2 weren't too hot, though.
BQ8. I honestly don't know. No Paper Mario could top Paper Mario 2. We've had 3 Mario & Luigi games, and Fawful died at the end of the last one. What's left?
Paper Mario: TTYD, though SMRPG comes close.
It perfects pretty much everything PM did, the battle system being the most noticeable overhaul. The audience system and the stylish moves made battles a lot more interactive than they already were, and a lot more fun. The bosses were great and got fleshed out more than "baddie that's guarding this treasure," and the plot twist at the end, though a tad predictable, was new for a Mario game and a welcome sight.
The partners were all great too, and all had distinct personalities. They did in PM, sure, but PM2's were just more fleshed out (Bobbery anyone?). And don't get me started on the music--PM2's soundtrack is one of my favorite video game OST's. Especially the boss themes. In fact I think I'll listen to it after this.
The chapters were also all distinct, but without too much departure from the original (Chapter 5 featuring a tropical island and a quirky explorer, for example). Chapter 3 and Chapter 6 spring to mind since they were both decidedly different, and Chapter 4 was great if not for the backtracking.
As an aside, I really want to see the X-Nauts again someday. They better come back.
The Mario RPG series is my favorite game series ever. SMRPG is hard to rule out, but I think it's nostalgia. PM2 I can just replay infinitely.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Partners in Time. Only one I couldn't finish because I just got so bored.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
Through the games, Geno, Parakarry, and Vivian. Geno was sort of my fangirl crush when I was little (yeah yeah, laugh), Parakarry's attacks I find fun to abuse on Bowser, and I love Vivian's story in the game and love her simply because she defected from evil. Don't see that too much in a Mario game.
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Generally the unusual, crazy types, like Flavio. They're nice to throw in for weird flavor.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Jelly Ultra. Really helps for the last bosses.
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
Probably Bowyer, Doopliss, or the Smorg. Bowyer's fun because that's when you get Geno (and I'm biased), Doopliss is fun because you're fighting yourself, and the Smorg is fun because that whole chapter is awesome (train battles? hell yes!).
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
Princess Toadstool's ???. Just...Princess Toadstool's ???.
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
I really like everything of Chapter 7 in the first Paper Mario. I love ice worlds and I love mirror worlds, and the Crystal King has awesome boss music. From PM2, Chapter 6 was great, because I'm a sucker for trains. SPM Chapter 6 was great too, because of the plot elements in it. That one guy spurting WE ARE ALL DOOMED. HAH HAH HAH. really freaked me out.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
I'd love to see another straight-up Paper Mario game. I loved SPM (especially the plot and characters--really good for the plot-light Mario games), but I'd love to see a return to formula. Considering how much they rounded out PM2 in comparison to PM, they could do great things.
It perfects pretty much everything PM did, the battle system being the most noticeable overhaul. The audience system and the stylish moves made battles a lot more interactive than they already were, and a lot more fun. The bosses were great and got fleshed out more than "baddie that's guarding this treasure," and the plot twist at the end, though a tad predictable, was new for a Mario game and a welcome sight.
The partners were all great too, and all had distinct personalities. They did in PM, sure, but PM2's were just more fleshed out (Bobbery anyone?). And don't get me started on the music--PM2's soundtrack is one of my favorite video game OST's. Especially the boss themes. In fact I think I'll listen to it after this.
The chapters were also all distinct, but without too much departure from the original (Chapter 5 featuring a tropical island and a quirky explorer, for example). Chapter 3 and Chapter 6 spring to mind since they were both decidedly different, and Chapter 4 was great if not for the backtracking.
As an aside, I really want to see the X-Nauts again someday. They better come back.
The Mario RPG series is my favorite game series ever. SMRPG is hard to rule out, but I think it's nostalgia. PM2 I can just replay infinitely.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Partners in Time. Only one I couldn't finish because I just got so bored.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
Through the games, Geno, Parakarry, and Vivian. Geno was sort of my fangirl crush when I was little (yeah yeah, laugh), Parakarry's attacks I find fun to abuse on Bowser, and I love Vivian's story in the game and love her simply because she defected from evil. Don't see that too much in a Mario game.
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Generally the unusual, crazy types, like Flavio. They're nice to throw in for weird flavor.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Jelly Ultra. Really helps for the last bosses.
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
Probably Bowyer, Doopliss, or the Smorg. Bowyer's fun because that's when you get Geno (and I'm biased), Doopliss is fun because you're fighting yourself, and the Smorg is fun because that whole chapter is awesome (train battles? hell yes!).
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
Princess Toadstool's ???. Just...Princess Toadstool's ???.
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
I really like everything of Chapter 7 in the first Paper Mario. I love ice worlds and I love mirror worlds, and the Crystal King has awesome boss music. From PM2, Chapter 6 was great, because I'm a sucker for trains. SPM Chapter 6 was great too, because of the plot elements in it. That one guy spurting WE ARE ALL DOOMED. HAH HAH HAH. really freaked me out.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
I'd love to see another straight-up Paper Mario game. I loved SPM (especially the plot and characters--really good for the plot-light Mario games), but I'd love to see a return to formula. Considering how much they rounded out PM2 in comparison to PM, they could do great things.
My favorite is Bowser's Inside Story. The writing for Bowser was brilliant in that game and the gameplay differences between him and the brothers were well thought out. Add to that a handful of satisfying optional bosses, plenty of minigames to try your hand at or ignore completely, and Godzilla fights, and we have ourselves a winner. Culex was a great superboss, but it just doesn't compare to the boss rush in BIS.
1. Partners in Time. Adding two more buttons into the mix with the babies ruined the simple beauty of Superstar Saga's battles. That and when you have 2 more sets of HP to fall back on, you can muddle through a lot of battles instead of learning the timing. Also, nobody wants to play as a bloody toddler. Even worse, this game had a terribly unsatisfying endgame. Princess Shroob took too damn long to beat, the final final boss was a simple counterattack game, and you can't even go back to the main world after. (Not that the game gives you much reason to replay. )
2. It's always a pleasure to have Bowser in the party. His attacks have a certain oomph that make him a joy to use. Also, I can relate to his attitude. My three other favorites were Bow, Bobbery and Geno. Bow's hiding ability was neat, as was her way of smacking foes silly. As for Bobbery, what's not to like about a salty old sea dog of a bobomb, complete with a mustache and moves that blow up entire swarms of enemies? And I didn't care much for Geno's story, but his magic and attacks helped spice up SMRPG. There's nothing like pulling off a Geno Whirl.
3. Fawful has too many one-liners to ignore. "Now your life which I have just spit on is but a characature of a cartoon drawn by a kid who is stupid!"
The Master in Paper Mario. I liked training in his dojo and he was very cool optional boss. (complete with Super-Saiyan auras and combos that take away 2/3 of your HP. )
6. I'd have to hand it to Bowser X. I couldn't think of a better way to cap off that game. You help Bowser kick ass and take names throughout the story, then you fight through all the bosses and BAM there he is, using all those attacks against you for once. And fighting him at the end of boss rush mode makes the stakes that much higher. Suddenly it's a big deal how he can wipe your party out with only a handful of Goombas.
1. Partners in Time. Adding two more buttons into the mix with the babies ruined the simple beauty of Superstar Saga's battles. That and when you have 2 more sets of HP to fall back on, you can muddle through a lot of battles instead of learning the timing. Also, nobody wants to play as a bloody toddler. Even worse, this game had a terribly unsatisfying endgame. Princess Shroob took too damn long to beat, the final final boss was a simple counterattack game, and you can't even go back to the main world after. (Not that the game gives you much reason to replay. )
2. It's always a pleasure to have Bowser in the party. His attacks have a certain oomph that make him a joy to use. Also, I can relate to his attitude. My three other favorites were Bow, Bobbery and Geno. Bow's hiding ability was neat, as was her way of smacking foes silly. As for Bobbery, what's not to like about a salty old sea dog of a bobomb, complete with a mustache and moves that blow up entire swarms of enemies? And I didn't care much for Geno's story, but his magic and attacks helped spice up SMRPG. There's nothing like pulling off a Geno Whirl.
3. Fawful has too many one-liners to ignore. "Now your life which I have just spit on is but a characature of a cartoon drawn by a kid who is stupid!"
The Master in Paper Mario. I liked training in his dojo and he was very cool optional boss. (complete with Super-Saiyan auras and combos that take away 2/3 of your HP. )
6. I'd have to hand it to Bowser X. I couldn't think of a better way to cap off that game. You help Bowser kick ass and take names throughout the story, then you fight through all the bosses and BAM there he is, using all those attacks against you for once. And fighting him at the end of boss rush mode makes the stakes that much higher. Suddenly it's a big deal how he can wipe your party out with only a handful of Goombas.
My fav is Paper Mario for the N64. That game invented the awesome Paper Mario style. Also, a VG debate comparing controllers (Gamecube controller vs PS2 vs Xbox) would be cool, if it hasn't been done yet.
Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars gets my vote. It still has my favorite take on the Mushroom Kingdom of any Mario game ever.
BONUS:
1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Partners in Time -- weaker story, special attacks were overly complex.
2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
The Princess couldn't deal much damage, but she had incredible healing spells that she could cast dirt-cheap, FP-wise. Plus, her slap attack animation was hilarious.
3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Croco was awesome, but of course I love Fawful as well.
4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
When Bowser first finds the chain-chomp in Booster's Tower. One of the only times in an RPG I felt like a weapon was an extra character.
5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
The Bundt Cake is pretty genius, but I've always had a special place in my heart for the Axem Rangers.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
Overstaying your budget at the hotel in Marrymore and being forced to work as a bagboy to pay off the debt. The first time I found this it absolutely blew my mind.
7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
I always liked Johnny Jones' ghost ship -- it's creepy, the enemies are tough, and all the puzzles were great.
8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
A true sequel to Mario RPG! Come on, I wanna know what Mallow and Geno are up to!
BONUS:
1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Partners in Time -- weaker story, special attacks were overly complex.
2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
The Princess couldn't deal much damage, but she had incredible healing spells that she could cast dirt-cheap, FP-wise. Plus, her slap attack animation was hilarious.
3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Croco was awesome, but of course I love Fawful as well.
4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
When Bowser first finds the chain-chomp in Booster's Tower. One of the only times in an RPG I felt like a weapon was an extra character.
5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
The Bundt Cake is pretty genius, but I've always had a special place in my heart for the Axem Rangers.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
Overstaying your budget at the hotel in Marrymore and being forced to work as a bagboy to pay off the debt. The first time I found this it absolutely blew my mind.
7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
I always liked Johnny Jones' ghost ship -- it's creepy, the enemies are tough, and all the puzzles were great.
8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
A true sequel to Mario RPG! Come on, I wanna know what Mallow and Geno are up to!
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. M&L: Superstar Saga on close second.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Super Mario RPG. (DON'T KILL ME!)
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why? Vivian the Shadow Siren, from PM2. I like her back story, and she's got a move that can hit and burn all enemies.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? The Bros. attacks in Superstar Saga.
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Tubba Blubba from the first Paper Mario was great. First you had to sneak into his castle, then run away, beat his heart and then his body.
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why? Keelhaul Key and X-Naut Fortress from PM2, and the snowy city from PM64.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Paper Mario DS?
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Super Mario RPG. (DON'T KILL ME!)
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why? Vivian the Shadow Siren, from PM2. I like her back story, and she's got a move that can hit and burn all enemies.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? The Bros. attacks in Superstar Saga.
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Tubba Blubba from the first Paper Mario was great. First you had to sneak into his castle, then run away, beat his heart and then his body.
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why? Keelhaul Key and X-Naut Fortress from PM2, and the snowy city from PM64.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Paper Mario DS?
Not being the biggest RPG fan on the planet I'm gonna struggle with this one. But being a Mario fanboy I have at least played most of these games. The Paper Mario series the most, but have only briefly played a couple of the Mario and Luigi DS games.
My favourite Mario RPG has got to be Super Paper Mario for sure. As I said i'm not the biggest RPG fan, so the fact that this wasn't an RPG in the traditional sense (read: turn based) and focused more on oldskool side scrolling platforming is why it appealed to me.
My favourite Mario RPG has got to be Super Paper Mario for sure. As I said i'm not the biggest RPG fan, so the fact that this wasn't an RPG in the traditional sense (read: turn based) and focused more on oldskool side scrolling platforming is why it appealed to me.
I normally don't vote in these, however, last week's had me and I had to vote.
And I've never done the BQ's, but in defense of my favorite game ever, I had to.
VOTE-Mario RPG:Legend of the Seven Stars
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Never really got into it, but simply based on hype preceeding it, Paper Mario, the first one. I was so pumped for a new Mario RPG game, and when I played it, it just didn't feel the same. I think I was expecting a sequel.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
In fight, have to be Bowser in Mario RPG. However, just based on awesomeness, not in fight, hands down Geno.
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Jonathan Jones!! My favorite character in the game. He sweat's "cool" while he's underwater!
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Lazy Shell Defense. Put that sucker on Princess, and you are unstoppable
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
Either Jonathan Jones, Jinx, or Culex. Jinx and Culex based on difficulty.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
Culex
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
Sunken Ship
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
Make a true Mario RPG sequel.
And I've never done the BQ's, but in defense of my favorite game ever, I had to.
VOTE-Mario RPG:Legend of the Seven Stars
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
Never really got into it, but simply based on hype preceeding it, Paper Mario, the first one. I was so pumped for a new Mario RPG game, and when I played it, it just didn't feel the same. I think I was expecting a sequel.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
In fight, have to be Bowser in Mario RPG. However, just based on awesomeness, not in fight, hands down Geno.
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Jonathan Jones!! My favorite character in the game. He sweat's "cool" while he's underwater!
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Lazy Shell Defense. Put that sucker on Princess, and you are unstoppable
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
Either Jonathan Jones, Jinx, or Culex. Jinx and Culex based on difficulty.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
Culex
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
Sunken Ship
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
Make a true Mario RPG sequel.
Super Mario RPG: The Legend of the Seven Stars- It’s also easily my favorite of any RPG, and one of my favorite games of any genre. It was one of my earliest experiences with the RPG format, and I loved what I came to learn were it’s own tweaks on the genre. I loved the turn-based system, mixed with timed button presses. And the story and cast of characters drew me in right away. Throw in all the secrets and nods to other games, the new take on the familiar Mushroom Kingdom, and having Bowser on your team, this game had a lot going for it. I also couldn’t believe how great it looked at the time, and in my opinion the visuals hold up today.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series
I can't decide.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights?
Bowser! I loved his move set in Mario RPG, and just having him on my team. I also really liked the teammates in Paper Mario, particularly Kooper, Parakarry, Goombario, Bombette & Lakilester. Y'know what, nevermind, all of the friends in Paper Mario! Now I want to replay it, just remembering how great they all were.
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series?
Jonathan Jones from Mario RPG was always cool to me. He was the pirate shark you fight in the sunken ship, who later comes to help you stop Yaridovich. Booster was also a memorable character from that one. Also Boshi, the "punk" yoshi that you have to race.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series?
I liked getting Bowser's chain chomp in Mario RPG, and also the different sound effect badges in the Paper Mario games. But for any item, nothing tops the Beetlemania GameBoy game you could get in Mario RPG from that one Toad kid if you bugged him enough, (and had a ton of coinage).
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series?
Either Axem Rangers in Mario RPG or the Koopa Bros in Paper Mario. Fun fights and great homages. I dug the Belome fights in Mario RPG as well, even if they could get aggravating at times.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series?
Turning into 2D, old-school pixel Mario in Booster's tower. Simple, short, but so damn fun.
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series?
Too hard to really pick, but I guess the ShyGuy toybox level in Paper Mario. Lots of cool stuff in there, and neat variations on the ShyGuys.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next?
A true sequel to the original Mario RPG. Nintendo and Square(-Enix) are "friends" again, so let's make this happen! Please?!
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series
I can't decide.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights?
Bowser! I loved his move set in Mario RPG, and just having him on my team. I also really liked the teammates in Paper Mario, particularly Kooper, Parakarry, Goombario, Bombette & Lakilester. Y'know what, nevermind, all of the friends in Paper Mario! Now I want to replay it, just remembering how great they all were.
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series?
Jonathan Jones from Mario RPG was always cool to me. He was the pirate shark you fight in the sunken ship, who later comes to help you stop Yaridovich. Booster was also a memorable character from that one. Also Boshi, the "punk" yoshi that you have to race.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series?
I liked getting Bowser's chain chomp in Mario RPG, and also the different sound effect badges in the Paper Mario games. But for any item, nothing tops the Beetlemania GameBoy game you could get in Mario RPG from that one Toad kid if you bugged him enough, (and had a ton of coinage).
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series?
Either Axem Rangers in Mario RPG or the Koopa Bros in Paper Mario. Fun fights and great homages. I dug the Belome fights in Mario RPG as well, even if they could get aggravating at times.
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series?
Turning into 2D, old-school pixel Mario in Booster's tower. Simple, short, but so damn fun.
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series?
Too hard to really pick, but I guess the ShyGuy toybox level in Paper Mario. Lots of cool stuff in there, and neat variations on the ShyGuys.
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next?
A true sequel to the original Mario RPG. Nintendo and Square(-Enix) are "friends" again, so let's make this happen! Please?!
My vote: Super Mario RPG: The Legend of the Seven Stars. Although I miss Luigi, the whole adventure is a great mix of seriousness and soft comedy. Watching all the Mario games elements in a different gameplay and brand new characters and events caused me a great feeling since the first time I played it. Also, there are lots and lots of secrets, easter eggs and side-quests.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
I haven't fully played the Paper Mario series and it's the one I feel least interested in playing.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
SMRPG Bowser is one of my favorites. He has great special attacks and the Chomp weapon is so sweet (I Love Chomps!!)
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Bowser from Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga is a great NPC. It's funny and evil at the same time, and its koopa troops have a brand new look which make them look evil and fun too.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Chain Chomp (weapon) and Hammers (Mario & Luigi and Super Star Saga ones). Their attack form is fun and I don't know wxactly why but their animations looks cute (specially Super Star Saga ones).
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
The first time I played SMRPG I loved the Intro battle (against Bowser). The music, the scenario and how the battle is ended Everything was great! Now, an actual battle in the game would be against the Hammer Bros. (nostalgia) and Bowyer (I remember its arrows dancing so much).
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
Samus sleeping! Do I need to explain it?
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
Woohoo Hooniversity is a great stage because it has Dr. Mario's viruses as enemies and scientists Shy guys that shoots laser O's. Booster Tower has one of the best music themes and 8-bit Mario, ha ha ha!
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
I'm still waiting for an actual Super Mario RPG sequel. If Squeenix could create it it's be awesome as they might create a masterpiece, just like Legend of the Seven Stars. Mario & Luigi is going great since its beginning and Bowser's Inside Story. I'm not sure how to continue this saga. And about Paper Mario, I fully played Super Paper Mario and I loved it, but I'm not sure about Paper Mario RPG games. Maybe a more complex Battle System might help.
BQ1: What is your least favorite RPG Mario game in the series? Why?
I haven't fully played the Paper Mario series and it's the one I feel least interested in playing.
BQ2: Who are some of your favorite party members in fights? Why?
SMRPG Bowser is one of my favorites. He has great special attacks and the Chomp weapon is so sweet (I Love Chomps!!)
BQ3: Who are some of your favorite story NPCs in the series? Why?
Bowser from Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga is a great NPC. It's funny and evil at the same time, and its koopa troops have a brand new look which make them look evil and fun too.
BQ4. What is your favorite item, weapon, power-up, etc in the series? Why?
Chain Chomp (weapon) and Hammers (Mario & Luigi and Super Star Saga ones). Their attack form is fun and I don't know wxactly why but their animations looks cute (specially Super Star Saga ones).
BQ5. What is your favorite boss fight in the series? Why?
The first time I played SMRPG I loved the Intro battle (against Bowser). The music, the scenario and how the battle is ended Everything was great! Now, an actual battle in the game would be against the Hammer Bros. (nostalgia) and Bowyer (I remember its arrows dancing so much).
BQ6. What is your favorite secret in the series? Why?
Samus sleeping! Do I need to explain it?
BQ7. What are a few of your favorite levels in the series? Why?
Woohoo Hooniversity is a great stage because it has Dr. Mario's viruses as enemies and scientists Shy guys that shoots laser O's. Booster Tower has one of the best music themes and 8-bit Mario, ha ha ha!
BQ8. What do you want to see the series do next? Why?
I'm still waiting for an actual Super Mario RPG sequel. If Squeenix could create it it's be awesome as they might create a masterpiece, just like Legend of the Seven Stars. Mario & Luigi is going great since its beginning and Bowser's Inside Story. I'm not sure how to continue this saga. And about Paper Mario, I fully played Super Paper Mario and I loved it, but I'm not sure about Paper Mario RPG games. Maybe a more complex Battle System might help.
Mario and luigi superstar saga. I played it twice (which is rare since I hardly ever finish an RPG let alone twice) and still loved every minute of it.
wow, with those results, it's obvious that dtoid members don't know a thing about mario. you guys should really give mario his dues, without him, you wouldn't be playing video games. there's a reason why he's considered the pinnacle of gaming after all. i feel sorry for the playstation generation, for you will never know how great games can be. i hope you continue to enjoy your flashy graphics, and antiquated control schemes. oh, and smb3 is the best and highest selling game of all time (on a single console, so you gta fanboys won't get up in arms), if you haven't experienced it, you're not a gamer.
as for my vote, i'm not a huge fan of the mario rpg's, but i'll go for paper mario 64. it was fairly compelling, and had many things to do and search out. the ending was really cool as well.
as for my vote, i'm not a huge fan of the mario rpg's, but i'll go for paper mario 64. it was fairly compelling, and had many things to do and search out. the ending was really cool as well.
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