Parents' Guide to

Super Paper Mario

By Chris Jozefowicz, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Engrossing and action-packed; so much fun for 8+.

Game Nintendo Wii 2007
Super Paper Mario Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Vohaul
Vohaul Adult
February 17, 2019
age 6+

Excellent game!

Probably the best game in the franchise. Very unique compared to the others. Also the last great Paper Mario game. Easy to play because of the traditional controls. The first Mario game I ever beat.

This title has:

Easy to play/use
RoosMom2010
RoosMom2010 Parent
June 12, 2016
age 8+

You must be able to read

You must be able to read in order to play this game. This is not your standard game of just figuring out the controls. Mission instructions are written .
See all 5 parent reviews

What’s It About?

Mario seems to begin SUPER PAPER MARIO as he does many previous Mario games: on a quest to save Princess Peach. But before long, his mission becomes one to save all the worlds in the universe from a destructive super villain named Count Bleck, and Mario is even joined by Peach and other old friends during his journey. Mario's most powerful ability is the power to flip the world from a flat, old-school two-dimensional presentation to a three-dimensional view that makes each level look something like a long and broad hallway. Flipping the world from 2-D to 3-D reveals pathways and treasures hidden in the two-dimensional view; hills in the background might hide doors and giant enemies become paper-thin obstacles that Mario can simply run around.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (33 ):

Unlike previous Paper Mario games, Super Paper Mario is engrossing and action-packed. Changing dimensions creates unique puzzles that should keep players exploring for the entire length of this 20-hour-plus game. The worlds are populated with great characters and stunning visuals. Each world is beautiful, with bright cartoony visuals and inventive level design.

As great as it is, Super Paper Mario is not perfect. Although four characters eventually become available, most are used only in a few specific situations and they feel superfluous. The game may not be challenging enough for experienced gamers. But Super Paper Mario is so much fun to play and so dazzling in its style that these weaknesses are easy to forgive.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Mario. Why is he such a likeable guy? Why do you think he's in so many games? Is he the reason you picked this game, or is it because of the new things you can do with the Wii? Which puzzles were the most challenging?

Game Details

  • Platform: Nintendo Wii
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release date: April 10, 2007
  • Genre: Action/Adventure
  • ESRB rating: E for comic mischief, mild cartoon violence
  • Last updated: November 4, 2015

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