Writing a review for Super Paper Mario is difficult, because I want to play the game, not write about it. To please all those Mario fans that are on the fence about this installment of Paper Mario - have no fear, the review is here!

Let's get right to it...

The Graphics

Although not stunning and revolutionary, the graphics fit the model of a Paper Mario Title. They're crisp, clean and vibrant...and flat...like paper. The game makes sure you understand the "paperness" of Mario each and every time a character turns from left to right, as if a peace of paper flips, the character goes "flat" for a second as they turn around.

The graphics could be pulled off on the Nintendo GameCube without a problem but the control scheme could not. So to compare this game to the GameCube graphics could be summed up as "probably the same."

The Sound

The soundtrack is reminiscent of the original Super Mario Bros. titles remixed and refinished. Some tracks are completely new but maintain a hint of the "marioish" nature to them. Listen to the track with your eyes closed and you can clearly pickup what franchise it would belong to.

Is it fantastic and mind boggling? No, not by a long shot. But it fits the theme and the game feeling so it does its job perfectly.

The Control Scheme

The Wii Remote is used in a stunningly odd way - on it's side, as if you were playing a classic game on the virtual console. However, you flip it into the standard "wand" formation to search rooms for hidden things using Mario's "flashlight" technique that he receives from his initial Pixl character (more on Pixls later).

At first you may assume Super Paper Mario could be carried out with the Wii Classic controller but you'd be wrong... so very wrong. Many techniques and powerups utilize the Wii controllers accelerometer to perform powerful moves or to wakeup from sleep when hit by enemy magic.

Could many of these techniques be pulled off without the Wii controller using a stock GameCube controller? Maybe, but the excitement level would be slightly less.

2D Vs. 3D

This game exhibits both 2D and 3D environments. You'll bounce between both views often in order to find secrets, new pathways or progress through the game level.

You will spend most of your time in the 2D world for standard adventuring, however, all the great powerups are hidden in the 3D world. This might be behind a 2D scene (a brick for instance) and you can only see it by "flipping" your perspective to a 3D look and feel.

Nintendo obviously wanted to make 3D second priority in this game because they only allow you to stay in the 3D world for so long before you'll take damage to your hit points. This 3D feature is a "power" that Mario possesses, not just a typical part of the game. This means Mario is a very important character when it comes to finding secrets and get through some tough puzzles.

The 3D element makes this game fantastic. Without it, this wouldn't be more than a RPG DS game with Mario characters. The puzzles are amazing, some are very tough and many require both the 2D and 3D world to uncover. So you may be walking in a side-scroller but you're constantly asking yourself "what might be here in the 3D world?"

The mashup of both perspectives gives you the feeling of old school with the environment of new school gaming. Classic gamers will respect the side scrolling aspect and everyone will be familiar with the 3D objectives. Definitely a positive twist on an older game design.

The RPG Aspects

Super Paper Mario isn't just another arcade remake or a clone of The New Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo DS - it is a whole new experience with the taste of RPG.

The RPG nature is less than that of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion but more than just statistics and measuring levels.

Mario and his friends do increase in levels which increases their overall hit points but it doesn't stop there. You have an inventory that contains powerups, special drinks and defense weapons - all themed around the Mario concepts. These can be utilized whenever you need them in battle or while resting like a traditional RPG.

The biggest downfall is the length of the storyline. If you crack open this game to sit down and play prepare yourself for a good six minute introduction and storyline text. The storyline, itself, is fine and good but the amount of hitting buttons to make text scroll is tedious and less exciting than the actual game play experience.

If I had a choice, I'd say less reading and more playing. It may be easier if they told the story through a video where you can sit back and watch instead of clicking every time a character says three lines of text.

The best part of the RPG storyline is the humor. The characters slide in humor that's very toned towards the mid-20's to early 30's age bracket. The use of "teh" instead of "the" was classy along with many of the characters references to technology, cell phones and other computers. There is even when place, while battling a dragon, where the computer dragon protection faults and starts spitting out "C:\" prompts.

The Weapons and Features

Like any good RPG or action/adventure game you'll build up power as you adventure through the world. You'll find little Pixl characters that will increase your coolness factor by donning you with new techniques.

Initially, you'll have the "flashlight" power from your first Pixl (a butterfly) which lets you flip your wii remote to "wand" formation and point at objects in the world to get more information or uncover hidden doorways. If you hit a dead-end, more than likely there is a doorway waiting to be discovered.

As you expand your Pixl crew you'll find one for "butt stomp," a moving platform, a bomb and even one that will turn Mario paper thin to become invincible to damage while standing still.

You can only equip one Pixl at a time so strategy is needed to decide which one is best for your given situation, although you can change at any time.

For powerups, you'll have to get used to traditional icons meaning new things. For instance, the mushroom won't make you grow bigger but it will restore a certain number of hit points. The star power works differently as well as flower power which drops coins from the sky, not throw fireballs.

There are fiery potions that allow you to incinerate your enemies after downing the drink. Shroom drinks restore a number of hit points and turtle shells can be called forth to fling towards your enemies. Unique, creative but different than the traditional games.

The Characters

Super Paper Mario reminds me more of the North American release of Super Mario Bros 2 with its selection of characters. You'll access new characters as you progress through the worlds.

You'll find princess first, and like Super Mario 2, she can jump and float for a duration of time. Unlike, SMB2, however, you can obtain Bowser! Bowser let's you burn the heck out of enemies anytime you want by pushing down on the D-Pad to strike up a flame.

Your last character goes without mention, Luigi. Of course, Luigi makes his return in full without being some secret character like The New Super Mario Bros. where you had to hit R and L and press start to play him at the introduction.

You can select any character you want (that you've found) at any time during the level. This adds strategy to the game because each character will be utilized differently but each will play an important role. You will, however, find yourself using Mario for most standard activities, especially since he flips to the 3D world - an important game asset.

Game Value

For a gamer who has a lot of time on your hands, you'll beat the game in a week. For a casual gamer, you could be playing Super Paper Mario for months.

For everyone else, you'll find the title challenging, frustrating at points and well worth the time. The first world 1-1 to 1-4 may take you an hour or so of constant play to defeat. Much longer than the classic Super Mario Bros. As levels increase you'll spend more time working out the puzzles which may expand your game play well past an hour per world.

As for reply value... I think that's a tough one. Hardcore Mario gamers may enjoy running through the game a few times. You can always jump back to defeated worlds and do them again.

Overall

The game makes me feel like a kid again. Sitting in front of my TV playing a well crafted, well designed side-scroller without being in the Virtual Console or XBox Live Arcade. A new world, not just a rehash of another game, adds value to the exciting levels and creative environments.

Graphically, the game isn't stunning but it fits the feel of a "Paper" type gaming world. Definitely not a barrier to play but the vibrant colors make you feel happy (unlike a game like Gears of War).

The puzzles will challenge you and the enemies commentary will entertain you. For, $49.99 I cannot think of a better game for the Nintendo Wii than Super Paper Mario. Then again, I'm a big fan of Mario games dating back to the original Mario Brothers.