The Paper Mario Platformer/Action RPG We've Been Waiting For

It has been 5 years since the last console Mario plat former, and 3 years since the last beloved Paper Mario game. Now Nintendo delivers both with the Platformer/Action RPG Super Paper Mario, and as weve come to expect from Nintendos first-party titles, this is a game for the ages.

The gameplay at a glance appears to be simple enough; Mario proceeds through a variety a worlds in traditional 2D Platformer style. But youre in for a real treat once you tap the A button. The world will then switch from 2D to 3D. This allows for the most bizarre, creative, and ingenious puzzles and gameplay moments in years. And other new gameplay elements keep the game fresh throughout its progression. Peach and Bowser, though under used, add a lot to the gameplay, as do the intriguing Pixls (that allow you to grab things, drop bombs, avoid traps, etc.) and unorthodox levels like space-shooter sequences. The game does borrow some RPG elements from its previous-gen counterparts, where Experience is replaced simply by the Points you obtain throughout the game.

As for combat, this game has dropped the turn-based battles of previous Paper Mario games in favor of on-the-go real-time combat. You may get the false impression that battles will now lose depth; quite the contrary. The games first boss, Fracktail, requires strategy beyond compare. Wii control is not everywhere in the game, and this feels just right. Timed shakes, waggles, and the occasional pointing does not feel tacked-on, as it does in many other Wii games.

The story also appears to be classic Mario. Peach is kidnapped, you must save the world, you collect Pure Hearts; nothing new, at first. But the wonderful twists such as a dimensional void, and heartbroken main villain, and Bowser as an ally soon switch it up. Also, as in other Paper Mario games, the writing is superb, with many moments where you will actually laugh out loud, and a deep storyline.

The presentation is also a blend of new and old. The bright, vibrant, and sometimes bizarre visuals will entertain your eyes every time you set foot in a new world, from the space age visuals of the Woah Zone to the classic-styled Bitlands. Though the 3D world leaves something to be desired in terms of visuals, this game is still a graphical masterpiece. The sound is equally pleasing. New tunes that range from jaunty and silly to dark and serious are placed well throughout the game, as are well done remixes of past Mario tunes. Quirky sound effects also abound. But do not be fooled by the colorful presentation; this is a game that many gamers would title hardcore. The difficulty is high enough to stump you on several occasions, but not in a frustrating way. This is what the 2D-to-3D mechanic can do.

This is clearly one amazing game. The entire game is one quality experience after another; trust me, if you buy this game you wont be disappointed. This Paper Mario truly is Super.

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Shallow, but Fun

Wii Play, a Wii Sports-like game was in stores today. Though the 9 games are definently not worth $50 themselves, Wii Play includes a $40 value Wiimote, making the game only $10, about $1.12 per game, this is easily worth your money. The game consists of 9 shallow but fun games, mainly used as an intro to the Wiimote. Miis are used in some games. Graphics are, of course, bad; but the sound can actually be entertaining. Shooting Range: Shooting Range is one of the more enjoyable games. It is Duck Hunt-like shooter, with targets like ballons, targets, and UFOs. The gameplay is fun, but there are only 5 short levels. Find Mii: Easily the worst of the games. From a group od Miis, you have to select "Two Matches, the Mii you're using, the odd one out". Very dull. Table Tennis: Simple, yet addicting. Quick paddle movements and fast rallies are great, but why can't we actually hit the ball instead of moving the paddle? Also, it's too bad it's single rally, only up to 100. Pose Mii: Another addicting, fast-paced game, though still not that fun. You have to position your Mii with button presses and remote movements into bubbles before time runs out. Kind of dull after a while. Laser Hockey: Basically Pong or Air Hockey seen from the side, Laser Hockey is very fun, and may be one of my favorites. The quick remote aiming and twisting is very fun, along with neon lights and challenging AI. Simple, but great fun. Billiards: Another of my personal favorites. It is much like a regular game of billiards. You line up your shot with the cursor, pull back the Wiimote, and thrust it forward to hit. Also very fun, controls well, and has surprising depth. Fishing: Another of the more boring ones, though it can be fun and relaxing. Move your rod with the Wiimote, and pull back to catch. Charge!: Also very fun. Your cow charges forward, controlled by tilting left and right to stear, forward and back to adjust speed. If only it weren't so short! Tanks!: This may be my favorite. The tank is controlled by control stick or D-Pad, with B and A handling shells and mines. Very fun, deeper, and acts like a simple RTS. There are also multiple levels! All these games are even better in multiplayer, and it makes a great party game. Wii Play is great, especially if you need an extra wiimote. If not, it may be better played at a friends or rented, if thats possible.

The Best Zelda Yet

Such a long awaited, incredibly anticipated game such as this had to be incredible, especially if it was to get the Wii going. It lives up to those expecxtations, and then more. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is the best Zelda ever, and I will tell you why. For those that don't know Zelda in general, here is the idea. A massive Adventure game, the advntures of Link in a sprawling kingdom, with items to collect, dungeons to brave, bosses to fight, the most enticing gameplay of any adventure game, and an incredible story. Twilight Princess brings back these traditions, even better than before. The great Zelda format is still entirley here, which asures you that this will be a great game no matter what. If you have never Played Zelda, this is a great time to start. Twilight Princess has a 45+ hour story (that is in incredible with numerous plot additions, epic style, and great characters), incredible Music in the Zelda-fashion, and though graphics are underwhelming, they are still great. The real new part of Zelda is the motion sensing control. Sword slashing is great, with quick flicks of the remote, and thought doesn't grant you full control, feels great. Aiming may take a while to get used to, but is so much better to use than analog. Next-Gen Zelda is here, and it is THE game to pick up.

Wacky Fun for Wii

There are numerous Minigame titles arriving for Wii. One of those, Rayman Raving Rabbids is great fun with humour, but also lacks something. If you are looking for a traditional Rayman game, or something with great depth, this is not the game for you. Rayman Raving Rabbids is a collection of over 75 minigames, all using the Wii remote in intuitive ways. Every single one of these games is fun, and Rayman's twisted bunny humor will keep you laughing. But that is about it. Single player is just groupings of these games. Graphics and sound are mediocre, and single player will be beaten extremely fast. Multiplayer, though, is very fun, with you and your friends battling it out for scores. Some would argue that the sheer fun and inginuity of the games outdoes the mediocrity of the other aspects. Some would say the opposite. But nevertheless, Rayman is fun. Maybe better as a rental, but still great.