Genre: RPG
Platform: N64
Info: Paper Mario is the sequel to the hit SNES game "Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars".

This Review will be based on a 1-5 star rating system.

Graphics: ***1/2

If you didn't already know that this game was the sequel to SMRPG, you certainly wouldn't be able to tell from the graphics. While the 2D paper-like images are creative and sometimes a bit humorous, why? It would be much better if it had the 3D look of its predecessor. Although, I must admit, the 3D scenery and locations are quite nice.

Sound/Music: ****

I really enjoyed the music from this game. While some of the music can be annoying at times, most of the boss music is really good (Bowser's Castle!), but the sound effects can be a little cartoony at times.

Characters: **1/2

Well, once again, a game with no playable Luigi. At least they had him in some scenes. I really liked some of Mario's new partners, but some (I won't list names) weren't so good. Why couldn't they have thrown in Mallow and Geno? They were perfect for their roles. And the enemies are all classic Mario enemies. At least the bosses were different. However, SMRPG had much better characters. And, instead of having seven bosses, why not use the seven Koopa Kids, for crying out loud?

Difficulty: **

Beginners may have a tough time adjusting to this game, and it may be difficult at first, but once you've gotten used to the controls, it's a piece of cake. Plus, if you get stuck, you can always go to Merlon, and he'll tell you where to go. Most video gamers can beat the whole thing in less than five days.

Controls: ****

Rather simple, once you get used to them. During battles, controls are just like most RPG games.

Gameplay: ***1/2

Pretty simple. Just go through levels, talking to people and defeating enemies, reach the boss, beat the boss, and repeat until you reach Bowser. If you come into contact with an enemy or a boss, you enter a battle scene. Just use strategy to take out all of your opponent's HP, and you win!

Story: *

Oh boy. Bowser kidnaps Peach. Mario has to beat him. Only now Bowser's invincible because he stole the Star Rod, so you have to rescue seven Star Spirits that Bowser captured. Woop de doo.

Levels: **

Well, we're exposed to some new locations in Paper Mario. However, it seems like just regular Mario locations with new names slapped on them (Toad Town = Mushroom Kingdom, Dry Dry Desert = Koopahari Desert, Lavalava Island = Yoshi's Island, etc.). SMRPG most certainly had more original levels than this game.

Items: ****1/2

Wow! They certainly didn't hold back on the items! There's certainly more than enough different kinds of items here to keep everyone happy, with a very effecient item system. The only thing that held me from giving this a perfect score was that there are just a little too many items to keep up with.

Replayability: **

Once you've beaten this game a few times, it gets old. It's just a little too easy. Unless you just really have a thing for this game, it'll probably wind up at the back of the shelf.

Fun Factor!: ***

Well, if it's your first time to play the game, it is quite fun. The only problem is, as I have said before, it's just too easy, and it gets old fast.

Overall: ***1/2

You should at least rent this game, as it is quite fun. I wouldn't recommend buying it unless you like RPGs, are a major Mario fan, or just like the game.

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