Nintendo has ceased supporting GameCube with first-party software, focusing instead on growing the Wii library. It comes with little surprise that Super Paper Mario, original slated for release exclusively on GameCube, will be debuting next month on Wii. Touting a number of added features specific to the console, Super Paper Mario was among a handful of titles showcased by Nintendo at this year’s Game Developers Conference.
Super Paper Mario tells the story of an evil count that has kidnapped Bowser and Princess Peach in order to destroy the world. Ancient prophecies have foretold if circumstance were to lead to the marriage of a dragon and a princess, the world would end. With Bowser and Peach in his control, the count forces them to marry; as a result, a dimensional rift threatens to undo the world and it’s up to Mario to stop it. Through the course of the lengthy adventure, Mario will be joined by other classic characters such as Toad and Peach, even Bowser who puts aside his lust in order to save his own spiky hide.
Equal elements of platform-action and role-playing have been mixed together in Super Paper Mario. Much like previous installments, you’ll traverse two-dimensional platform levels while combating enemies and collecting experience. Levels can be “flipped” with a press of the A button, essentially switching from side-scrolling to a three-dimensional perspective. Enemies and objects from the level remain, but you can interact with them differently from this flipped perspective. An example: as we neared the end of an early level, we approached a warp pipe blocked by unbreakable bricks. By flipping, we were able to navigate past the brick barrier and to the pipe. Another situation put us in front of a huge gap in the ground framed by two rolling hills in the background. Only by flipping could we access the hills in the background to walk across the gap.
Playing with the perspective to pass platform challenges is only part of Super Paper Mario experience. Performing platform challenges skillfully, as well as defeating enemies will boost your score. Since your score is directly related to how much experience you receive, you’ll want to take every opportunity to earn points. You’ll gain extra points for pulling off advanced attacks or combinations. Objects called Pixls can be found through the course of the game that lend you special powers. Pixls are not only effective in wiping out enemies, but rewarding in the number of points they’ll give you. Style moves, which are pulled off by shaking the Wii Remote when attacking, are also a great way of adding points to your score.
Along with the ability to execute style moves, the Wii Remote also serves as an in-game flashlight. Most of the game is played with the Wii Remote turned horizontally, using the directional pad for movement and 2 button for jumping; however, you can return the Wii Remote to its vertical position and move it as a beacon. Scanning the screen can uncover information about enemies, unseen items, and even hidden doors. You aren’t required to use the Wii Remote in this fashion, but it certainly adds a unique element to the game.
Between its unique visual style and varied gameplay, Super Paper Mario looks like it’ll hit the Wii as more than just a GameCube port. The interesting ways in which the game utilizes the Wii Remote look to complement the role-playing elements, rather than seeming tacked on. With a mix of easy-to-pick-up platform elements and light role-playing aspects, Super Paper Mario promises an experience any Wii owner can into when it hits shelves next month.
