Why Paper Mario: Sticker Star Is My Favourite Paper Mario Game
Before I dive into my personal preference, let me first mention a bit about the overall Paper Mario series. Since its first release in 2000, the Paper Mario franchise has captivated players with its unique art style, bizarre creatures, creative gameplay, and fun narrative. Here’s a brief rundown of all the games in the series:
Overview of the Paper Mario Series
Paper Mario (2000): The original game, released for the Nintendo 64, marked the start of a beloved series. It captured a significant portion of Nintendo’s fanbase with its design and puzzle-solving gameplay, though it wasn’t widely released outside of Japan and portions of Europe until 2001.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004): This sequel brought multiplayer features into the mix, making it a smash hit in the puzzle RPG genre. Its release marked the first appearance of the character Wario, and it received high acclaim across the board.
Super Paper Mario (2007): A breathtaking blend of Paper Mario and Legend of Zelda gameplay, this game was the first to feature non-linear levels and introduced the new character Goombario and a few fan-favourite characters from the Super Mario series.
Paper Mario: Sticker Star (2012): The third installment in the series brought a whole new gameplay mechanic, focusing on sticker collecting, and incorporated touch-screen technology for the first time. Unfortunately, it didn’t receive the same praise as the previous games due to its overbearing difficulty curve and less engaging story.
Paper Mario: Color Splash (2016): The most recent title in the series added a visually stunning art style and embraced online multiplayer, but its gameplay was somewhat underwhelming, according to some critics.
My Personal Favourite: Paper Mario: Sticker Star
Out of all the Paper Mario games, I’ve played only one, and it’s the one that won me over: Paper Mario: Sticker Star. This game, released in 2012 for the Nintendo 3DS, is a playful and pixel-perfect experience from the start. While it doesn’t rank amongst the very best in the series, it holds a special place in my heart because it’s the only game I’ve completed.
Gameplay and Mechanics: In Paper Mario: Sticker Star, Mario and his friends explore a colorful world filled with quirky creatures and amusing puzzles. The core gameplay focuses on collecting stickers, which unlock new abilities, weapons, and armor. The touch-screen controls are intuitive and add a delightful layer of tactical depth to battles. The game is more accessible and less difficult than Sticker Star's successor, Paper Mario: Color Splash, making it a more enjoyable experience for newcomers and long-time fans alike.
Emerging as a Favorite: After playing several levels, I was hooked. The game’s vivid visuals, charming soundtrack, and creative level design kept me engaged from the start, and by the time I completed the story, I was even eager to play through the sticker museum. However, I lost my save data, which led to frustration. I later made a new save only to begin again, but this time, I’ve been playing at a leisurely pace, allowing me to appreciate the game’s nuances. Currently, I’ve progressed to World 5-3, and it’s clear that I’m committed to beating the game yet again.
Real or Imagined?
Personal Bias: Despite completing Paper Mario: Sticker Star, it wouldn’t claim the top spot in my heart as my favorite Paper Mario game. That distinction still belongs to the original Paper Mario, for reasons of nostalgia and putting in a severe amount of time to complete it. The Release Date and Age also play a role in my preference, as the original game was in an era where I was more a fan of Paper Mario than Super Mario.
However, the spot for my favorite Mario game has long been occupied by Super Mario Sunshine, a definitive entry in the series that will always hold a special place in my heart.
User Feedback: Some people may dismiss me for my preference, but remember that this is just my personal opinion. It’s perfectly fine to dislike certain aspects of a game, and there's no right or wrong way to be a fan. Every fan has their own unique taste, and what you may love, others might not.
That’s all there is to my love for Paper Mario: Sticker Star as my favorite Paper Mario game. I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience and perspective on this beloved franchise. Which Paper Mario game is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Further Reading
For more on the Paper Mario series and Super Mario Sunshine, check out Super Mario World, Super Mario 64, and other entries in the Mario franchise. Let us know your favorite Paper Mario game in the comments section!
Super Mario Sunshine: A Return to the Roots
Released in 2002, Super Mario Sunshine is widely considered one of Mario’s finest outings, redefining the "mario"-type platformer. Its imaginative levels, vibrant art style, and environmental puzzles provide a truly unique gaming experience that remains highly memorable to this day. This game—like Mario himself—features a dazzling array of colors and a carefree attitude, establishing itself as a classic that has stood the test of time. Fans often rank it alongside the original Paper Mario as the most beloved Mario game ever.