Super Paper Mario
A hybrid RPG-platformer with a dimension-flipping mechanic.
Super Paper Mario, released in 2007 for the Wii, is an action role-playing game from Intelligent Systems and Nintendo. As the third entry in the Paper Mario series, it arrived after *Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door* (2004) and marked the first Mario title on the Wii. The story follows Mario, Princess Peach, Bowser, and Luigi as they gather eight Pure Hearts to prevent Count Bleck and his followers from annihilating the universe.
Unlike earlier Paper Mario games, which used turn-based combat, this installment blends role-playing elements with side-scrolling platformer mechanics—many critics called it a hybrid of the two. Its standout feature is Mario’s ability to “flip” between 2D and 3D views. Most of the game plays out in a 2D perspective, while the 3D view helps solve puzzles and reach areas otherwise inaccessible. Each of the four main characters has a unique skill: Luigi jumps highest, Peach can hover, Bowser breathes fire, and only Mario can flip dimensions. Additional powers come from partner creatures called Pixls, such as Thoreau, who lets the player grab and throw objects. The starting Pixl, Tippi, offers hints and reveals hidden secrets.
The game received generally positive reviews and was among the most praised Wii titles of 2007. Critics liked the gameplay, the dimension-flipping mechanic, the art style, originality, and story, though some found the amount of text excessive. It won several awards, including Outstanding Role Playing Game at the 12th Satellite Awards, and is often considered one of the best Wii games. By 2014, over 4.23 million copies had been sold, making it the best-selling Paper Mario game and one of the Wii’s top sellers. The next series entry, *Paper Mario: Sticker Star*, came out in 2012. In 2016, *Super Paper Mario* was re-released on the Wii U’s eShop.
**Gameplay**
The game is a platformer with action RPG elements, setting it apart from its predecessors. Its visuals use 3D environments and 2D characters that look paper-crafted. Players control Mario and others, moving through linear stages like in other Mario games. The main goal is collecting all eight Pure Hearts and defeating Count Bleck. Players can talk to NPCs, fight enemies, or interact with the environment. Combat happens in real time, not through turn-based battles, and defeating enemies grants experience points for leveling up and boosting stats. The dimen
- developer
- Intelligent Systems
- publisher
- Nintendo
- platform
- Wii
- release_year
- 2007
- genre
- Action role-playing, platformer
- series
- Paper Mario
- sales
- More than 4.23 million copies as of 2014
Quick Facts
- Title
- Super Paper Mario
- Developer
- Intelligent Systems
- Publisher
- Nintendo
- Director
- Ryota Kawade
- Producer
- Kensuke Tanabe / Ryoichi Kitanishi
- Programmer
- Tadao Nakayama
- Artist
- Chie Kawabe
- Composer
- Naoko Mitome / Chika Sekigawa / Yasuhisa Baba
- Series
- Paper Mario
- Platforms
- Wii
- Released
- NA · April 9, 2007 · JP · April 19, 2007 · EU · September 14, 2007 · AUS · September 20, 2007
- Genre
- Action role-playing, platform
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Super Paper Mario follows Mario, Peach, Bowser, and Luigi as they collect eight Pure Hearts to stop Count Bleck and his minions from destroying the universe. Unlike previous turn-based Paper Mario games, combat occurs in real-time. The main feature is Mario's ability to flip between 2D and 3D perspectives, revealing hidden elements and solving puzzles. Each playable character has unique abilities: Luigi jumps highest, Peach hovers, Bowser breathes fire, and only Mario can flip dimensions. Fairy-like Pixls grant additional abilities, such as Thoreau's ability to pick up and throw objects. The hub world is Flipside, located between dimensions, with a mirrored counterpart Flopside unlocked later.
Reader's Guide
Super Paper Mario received generally positive reviews and was one of the best-reviewed Wii games of its year. Critics praised its gameplay, dimension-flipping mechanic, art style, originality, and story, though the large amount of text drew some criticism. It won the Outstanding Role Playing Game award at the 12th Satellite Awards and has since been regarded as one of the best games on the Wii. With over 4.23 million copies sold as of 2014, it is the best-selling game in the Paper Mario series and one of the best-selling Wii games. The game was originally announced for GameCube in 2006 but moved to Wii, becoming the first Mario game on that console. It was re-released on the Wii U's eShop in 2016.
Did You Know?
- Super Paper Mario was originally announced for the GameCube at E3 2006 before development moved to the Wii.
- Early PAL copies contain a bug that freezes the game if Mario speaks to the NPC Mimi in chapter 2–2 without first picking up a key.
- The Korean version was released two years after the Japanese version and contains unused development assets unique to that version.
- The game's director, Ryota Kawade, noted that creating one level required the effort of creating two levels due to the 2D/3D flipping mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Super Paper Mario?
Super Paper Mario is a 2007 action role-playing game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the Wii. It serves as the third main entry in the Paper Mario series, following The Thousand-Year Door.
What makes Super Paper Mario's gameplay different from other Paper Mario games?
Instead of relying purely on turn-based battles, this title weaves role-playing elements into a side-scrolling platformer format. Its signature mechanic lets players flip between a 2D and a 3D dimension mid-level to solve puzzles and avoid obstacles.
Who are the playable characters in Super Paper Mario?
Players rotate through Mario, Princess Peach, Bowser, and Luigi, each with distinct abilities and stat profiles. The four must cooperate throughout the game to collect the eight Pure Hearts.
What is the main conflict in Super Paper Mario's story?
Count Bleck and his henchmen seek to destroy the universe, and the heroes must gather eight Pure Hearts to stop him. The narrative spans multiple dimensions and timelines rather than a single kingdom.
Why is Super Paper Mario significant in the Paper Mario series?
It was the first Mario-branded title released on the Wii and the first Paper Mario game to blend platforming with RPG mechanics in a single unified structure. Its dimensional-flipping design set it apart from both its predecessors and later entries.
More in Mario role-playing games 1-18
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record