Paper Mario 2: The Thousand-Year Door

[Slayer 0]

I'm considering picking this up and wanted your thoughts on it

 

And I never played the original, so no "if you liked the first one..."

[Twisted Intestine 0]

I haven't played either.. but I think the whole concept for them is stupid

 

Can't wait until Paper GTA comes out though!

[AlaskanHero 0]

I played a demo of Paper Mario 2 and it seemed pretty fun (for the two battles I was in). And the first one was pretty good IMO. If you like Mario and RPGs I don't see any reason why you shouldn't pick it up. Though I suggest rent it first to see if you like it before buying.

[Guest Scud]

Can't wait until Paper GTA comes out though!

What's the opposite of "lol" so that I know how to respond to this?

 

 

 

Anyway, I played the hell out of the first one and I really want to go out and get this one but I haven't been able to yet. If you have really good timing you can kick all kinds of ass, I don't, which is why I quit playing Mario and Luigi Super Star Saga.

[Ced 0]

I'd give it a look if I had a GameCube.

[Guest OSIcon]

I just got it and have barely had time to get into it, but so far so good.

 

I know you said you didn't play the first one, so comparing this to it won't help, however I do think it is important to mention that it has many of the characteristics of the original and Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga, just upgraded in most areas.

 

Just like the previous Mario RPG games (Mario RPG, the original Paper Mario, and Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga), this really is a very good blend of traditional Mario games and RPG games. The battle system is very good in that you feel like you are playing an RPG in terms of the turn-based menu system, but it avoids following into the repetitive trap of most RPG's (chose an action, action's performed, choice action, action is performed...repeat over and over and over). In order to make the most out of a move, you have to time your jumps and hammer shots just right. It adds a great element to make battles seem less tedious and also helps make the game feel more like a traditional Mario title. There are other aspects of the battle system (such as the crowd interaction) that also makes battles a lot more interesting than in most RPG's.

 

The graphics are sharp and clear and there's already been some cool effects that have utilized the paper-theme. Obviously, if you are looking for cutting edge graphics than Paper Mario won't do anything for you, but the graphics are are very good for what they are supposed to be. Most importantly, it looks like a Mario game while still having all of the usual RPG settings (towns, stores, castles, ect.). Along the same lines, the music is what you expect from any new Mario game these days: a mix of new music with remixes of class Mario songs.

 

Basically, from my limited play so far and going off of the previous RPG Mario titles, if you are looking for a good RPG but good care less about Mario, then you might be disappointed. However, if you are an RPG fan and a Mario fan, I really don't think you can go wrong with picking it up or at least renting it first.

[Twisted Intestine 0]

Can't wait until Paper GTA comes out though!

What's the opposite of "lol" so that I know how to respond to this?

 

 

 

Anyway, I played the hell out of the first one and I really want to go out and get this one but I haven't been able to yet. If you have really good timing you can kick all kinds of ass, I don't, which is why I quit playing Mario and Luigi Super Star Saga.

Well, at least I laughed!

[Guest Reservoir_Kitty]

It's a cute and fun little RPG thus far. I rented it... unfortunately, due to my own ignorance, I can't play much, so I'll be re-renting that for another five days. But enough about my stupidity, back to the game.

 

I really think the battle system is cute, utilizing the audience that will come and cheer for you, and fill up your Star Meter so you can pull of the special moves. Plus, I like that this is in RPG format and not like old-school Mario Brothers (which are still cool games, of course) I adore the scenery in the game, and how hitting various switches and levers will reveal new parts of the game, usually in a unique way.

 

I'm not very far into the game, but I recommend it if you like Mario, RPGs, and insanely cute games.

[AndrewTS 0]

The problem with the first Paper Mario is that it was an extremely dumbed-down and easy version of what was ALREADY a dumbed-down and easy RPG, Super Mario RPG. However, SMRPG was still a good game, and you'll see people tremendously overrated to this day.

 

So is PM2 more of the same?

[Guest Reservoir_Kitty]

Hmm, I don't consider PM2 to be dumbed down at all. It looks really kiddie of course, but some things are trickier to figure out, I think. One of your party members gives you hints if you get stuck, but I don't consider that to be *too* dumbed down. I've used it before and I'm sure I'll use it again, heh.

 

It's definitely not straight-forward with some of the tasks you have to accomplish to get through a level, or find a pipe or door that you need to use to get to the next city or level.

 

But, I didn't play the original, so I could be completely wrong I don't think it's too easy, though. I've gotten stuck and ran around in circles for a while before figuring out what I had to do. (Maybe I'm just stupid, heh)

[Guest OSIcon]

In the big picture of video games, yea, it is on the easy side. I wouldn't say it is ridiculously easy or anything, though. There have been a few times so far where it has taken me a little while to figure out a puzzle or how to get to my next destination. You probably won't lose any battles even if you do have trouble with timing your jumps and other attacks (which isn't hard and that's coming from someone who is very uncordinated with things like that). However, I've found that the battle system is done well enough and with enough vareity to make up (at least partially) for the lack of challenge.

 

A game like Paper Mario is really good if you want a game that you can pick up for an hour or two every other day. I needed something to play and was deciding between this and Tales of Symphonia. With classes and work, I can't really get into a game that is too involved, so this works really well. It is easy, but still fun.

[Slayer 0]

I rented it this past weekend

 

Very fun little game. I especially like the timed-button battle system, much better than "select attack command and just watch from there" standard of RPGs.

 

Also, I can't get enough of Kitty's stupidity. It fills me with a silent joy

[Guest Reservoir_Kitty]

I'm glad someone rejoices in my lapses of smartness You should see the blister I have from my thumb meeting the pizza pan last week. Rejoice in that, jerk! *sob*

 

I like the timed button attack system too, I think it's fun and gives the game something unique over other RPGs. The various characters you pick up throughout the game have some sweet attacks too. I also like the fact that you can upgrade your other characters' moves. That way, they progess with you and don't become useless lumps of flesh.

 

One thing I would complain about is the fact that you can only have Mario and one other character in battle. I think three would've been a good number, but maybe that's just the Final Fantasy RPG part of my brain talking. *shrug*

[Slayer 0]

Rejoice in that, jerk! *sob*

Done and done