Paper Mario: The Origami King Pros & Cons

Paper Mario: The Origami King is a role-playing game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. Released for the Nintendo Switch in July 2020, it is the latest installment in the beloved Paper Mario series. The game combines traditional RPG elements with unique visual styles and innovative mechanics. Here’s a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of Paper Mario: The Origami King.

Pros

1. Creative Art Style:
   • Paper Mario: The Origami King shines with its distinctive art style. The game employs a charming paper aesthetic that gives the characters and environments a unique, handcrafted look. This visual flair enhances the whimsical and imaginative atmosphere of the game.
2. Engaging Storyline:
   • The narrative revolves around Mario’s quest to save Princess Peach and the Mushroom Kingdom from the evil Origami King, Ollie. The story is filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and creative twists, making it an enjoyable experience for players of all ages.
3. Innovative Combat System:
   • The game features a turn-based battle system that incorporates a unique ring-based mechanic. Players must arrange enemies on a grid to line up attacks effectively, adding a layer of strategic depth to the traditional RPG combat. This system encourages players to think critically about each move and plan their attacks.
4. Clever Puzzles and World Design:
   • The game is rich with inventive puzzles and environmental challenges. The use of the paper-themed world allows for creative puzzle design, requiring players to use Mario’s abilities to solve problems and progress through the game.
5. Humorous Writing and Characters:
   • The game is filled with witty dialogue, funny characters, and amusing interactions. The humor is well-crafted and enhances the overall experience, making it engaging and entertaining throughout.
6. Beautiful Soundtrack:
   • The musical score of The Origami King complements the game’s visual style perfectly. The soundtrack is varied and memorable, contributing to the immersive and enjoyable atmosphere of the game.

Cons

1. Shallow RPG Elements:
   • Compared to earlier Paper Mario titles, The Origami King has a lighter RPG element. The game lacks deep character progression and customization options, which might disappoint players looking for more traditional RPG mechanics.
2. Repetitive Combat:
   • While the ring-based combat system is innovative, it can become repetitive over time. The need to repeatedly solve similar puzzles and combat challenges can detract from the overall enjoyment, especially for players who prefer more varied gameplay.
3. Limited Exploration and Side Quests:
   • The game’s open-world exploration is somewhat limited, and the side quests may feel underwhelming. The lack of significant exploration opportunities and meaningful side content might leave some players feeling that the world is less engaging than it could be.
4. Slow Pacing:
   • The pacing of the game can be uneven, with some sections feeling slow or dragging on. Players who prefer a more fast-paced experience might find certain parts of the game to be less engaging.
5. Lack of Traditional Partner Mechanics:
   • Unlike previous Paper Mario games, The Origami King does not feature traditional partner mechanics where players team up with companions who provide additional abilities or story depth. This change might disappoint fans of earlier entries in the series.

Conclusion

Paper Mario: The Origami King offers a delightful and visually stunning experience with its creative art style, engaging story, and innovative combat system. While it has some drawbacks, such as shallow RPG elements and repetitive combat, it remains a charming and enjoyable game for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Its unique presentation and clever design make it a standout title in the Paper Mario franchise.