How Metascores Are Calculated
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AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
The newest chapter of the Paper Mario story isn't just out of this world ... it's out of this dimension. What at first glance appears to be a 2-D sidescroller ripped straight from the pages of the Paper Mario universe soon turns into a 3-D action-adventure that defies all video game logic. Fusing 2-D and 3-D perspectives, not to mention RPG and platformer elements, the game slips back and forth between dimensions. The action sprawls across eight worlds filled with traps, puzzles, bizarre mysteries and items that often draw themselves out of thin air. Oh, and just because Mario's in the title doesn't mean he's the only star – players also get to play as Peach and Bowser. [Nintendo]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 96
95
95
Nintendo Power
For a paper adventure, it's amazingly solid. [June 2007, p.100]
95
93
91
90
90
90
Deeko
It has the perfect balance of RPG elements and precise platform control. The visuals are amazing. The story is funny and smart. The control is not decisively Wii based, but it incorporates enough of the new remote's functionality while sidestepping the novelty pit many games before it have fallen into.
90
Extreme Gamer
90
90
90
90
90
games(TM)
It’s relatively shallow but contains enjoyable combat, and is packed full of secrets and wonderfully realized worlds. [June 2007, p.102]
89
IGN
It controls tightly and uses the Wii remote in a smart manner without stepping into forced territory. The new 2D-to-3D dynamic is built around clever and surprisingly complex puzzles that will challenge and impress you. And it all comes together to make Super Paper Mario a highly enjoyable title, whether you want to call it a platformer, an RPG, or something in-between.
88
88
88
88
NGamer UK
Potent Mario magic, and, by God, that 2D-3D idea is brilliant. But it's got what we call the Pikmin effect: the sense that it'll take a sequel to really bring the concept to full fruition. [July 2007, p.36]
88
Games Master UK
Always entertaining, if a bit of a step back from past Paper Mario glory. [Nov 2007, p.64]
88
87
Pelit (Finland)
A well-written, inventive and laugh-out-loud funny platformer with great puzzles. Unfortunately, the quirky game has not been polished to perfection, which can be seen in the lack of details, the faltering visual style and some dragging sections. [Sept 2007]
87
87
Electronic Gaming Monthly
The red-hot Wii gets an entertaining new "Mario" platformer that fills the crucial gap the delayed "Super Mario Galaxy" should have occupied. [May 2007, p.76]
87
86
85
85
Play Magazine
It feels and looks polished, considerate, and expensive. [Apr 2007, p.40]
83
83
83
Gamer 2.0
It’s unfortunate that the game ruins the nice sense of pacing in the gameplay with an overemphasis on story that makes you want to skip it, despite knowing that it’s not wise to do so. Luckily, the game is fun and creative enough to overlook these issues and it’s easy to get drawn into the game for hours at a time.
83
81
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
It's fun to play and has a fantastic script but the annoyances are too blatant to ignore. [Sept 2007, p.78]
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
Yahoo! Games
While Super Paper Mario obviously isn't "Super Mario Galaxy," and doesn't exactly exploit the Wii remote's gadgetry, it's got all the charm and gameplay expertise we expect from the Bros. Add in some fun mini-games, card collecting, and lots of exploration, and you have a title that's well worth your paper.
80
Games Radar (in-house)
Anyone with half a heart will absolutely fall in love with the characters, the graphics, the dialogue, the old-school shout-outs to previous games, the little visual effects lingering in the skies of every world... the love just keeps plopping out of the speakers at an incredible rate. For every annoying, excessively long fetch quest or mundane puzzle, there's a huge, cutesy payoff that makes all the trouble worthwhile.
80
80
79
The New York Times
Parts of the game are remarkably tedious, like a series of easy duels that wears out its welcome by the first duel. The game also refuses to let you skip expository scenes you’ve already witnessed, which is particularly unfortunate since the story and dialogue are rather dull. While all this keeps Super Paper Mario from being a great game, the imaginative level design, clever ideas and varied locations still make it a very good one.
75
Hardcore Gamer Magazine
It's not perfect, but it is fun and addicting and really, who can ask for more than that? [June 2007, p.52]
75
75
70
Play.tm
When push leads inexorably to shove, there are probably two good games here. The problem is that you have to play them both at the same time. Those of us that would have preferred a pure platformer, or indeed a pure RPG experience, will suffer the most. Those that are happy to live with the combination will find a compelling experience, with well written dialogue, innovative play dynamics and bucket loads of Nintendo charm.
70
Edge Magazine
Charming, irrepressible and inventive, the fact that it never manages to blend its ingredients smoothly together doesn’t stop it being a toothsome pick ‘n’ mix of playful puzzles, familiar faces and unrestrained whimsy. [June 2007, p.84]
70
GameDaily
Looks a lot more exciting than it actually is. Nintendo fans will revel in the 2-D-meets-3-D world of Mario and company, and the recent drought of good Wii games makes this a welcome addition to any library. Yet, Nintendo drowns players in boring dialogue, and the ability to switch the 2-D world to 3-D makes the game too easy.
The average user rating for this game is 8.0 (out of 10) based on 134 User Votes Ryan O. gave it a10: Paul D. gave it a9: Brendan S. gave it a10: Sarah K. gave it a10: Rick gave it a7: Daniel K. gave it a10: Total J. gave it a6: |
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