Which Game Features Mario in Paper Form?

The Nintendo franchise known as Paper Mario features the iconic plumber Mario in a unique two-dimensional style. This article explores the origins of the series, its gameplay mechanics, and the various titles released over the years that showcase this beloved character in paper form.

The specific game series that features Mario in a paper form is called Paper Mario. Debuting on the Nintendo 64 in 2000, the original title was initially developed as a sequel to Super Mario RPG. However, due to licensing differences between Nintendo and Square, the project evolved into its own distinct sub-series within the greater Mario universe. The core concept revolves around transforming the usually three-dimensional world of the Mushroom Kingdom into a flat, paper-craft aesthetic.

In these games, Mario and his allies appear as if they are made of construction paper. This visual style is not merely cosmetic; it often influences the gameplay mechanics. Characters can fold themselves into airplanes to glide across gaps, curl into tubes to fit through pipes, or hide behind environmental objects to avoid enemy attacks. The battle systems typically rely on turn-based commands mixed with action inputs, requiring players to time their jumps or hammer strikes correctly to maximize damage.

Over the decades, several titles have been released across various Nintendo consoles. Notable entries include Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for the GameCube, which is often cited by fans as the peak of the series due to its deep role-playing elements. Later installments such as Super Paper Mario on the Wii introduced platforming mechanics alongside the traditional RPG format, while newer titles like Paper Mario: The Origami King on the Nintendo Switch continued to innovate with ring-based battle systems. Despite the variations in gameplay from one entry to another, the central theme of a paper world remains the defining characteristic of the franchise.