Mario & Luigi Paper Jam Reviews

Mario & Luigi Paper Jam is ranked in the 63rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Dave Aubrey
Top Critic
6.6 / 10.0
Jan 16, 2016

If you're a fan of the series, or just want to play a decent JRPG, then sure, this is it. Just don't expect anything you haven't seen before.

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75 / 100
Jan 21, 2016

And yet, Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam manages to bring the Mario Bros two wildest modern departures together in way that can't help but leave you smiling.

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8 / 10.0
Mar 28, 2016

Mario and Luigi Paper Jam successfully mixes the two long-running Mario RPG series, but outside of a few new Paper-based gameplay surprises it's the same solid, self-aware role playing experience you'd expect from the Mario and Luigi series.

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Wait
Jan 25, 2016

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is better than the last effort. It's not the best in the series, but it shines at times.

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7.5 / 10.0
Jan 29, 2015

I do really enjoy playing Paper Jam. It's silly, it's challenging, and it's everything I remember SMRPG being all those years ago.

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4 / 5.0
Jan 25, 2016

"Mario & Luigi Paper Jam" brings together two Mario worlds and manages to pull it off. The game continues to do a great job in combining RPG and action elements in its combat, which remains the biggest strength of games in the series. Admittedly, the micromanaging and multitasking can get too hectic at times for some folks. The story, while cute and charming, also doesn't have the meat that RPGs are typically known for. Folks who enjoy Mario's RPG series or want and engaging old school-style JRPG experience with Mario characters, however, will find this game to be jamming in a good way.

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8 / 10
Nov 30, 2015

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam Bros. brings forth a very interesting and fun crossover between two of Nintendo's most cherished series featuring some of its most appreciated characters. The two worlds come together in a very successful way, even if it's clear that the mechanics of the Mario & Luigi series are more predominant than those of the Paper Mario series. The amount of tutorials could be lower to make the experience more fluid and its plot is too predictable but this remains a fun and enticing title.

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Feb 11, 2016

Because creativity comes at the cost of cohesion, the whole adventure turns into one irritating mini-game.

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Dec 5, 2015

Nobody could describe Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam Bros as an essential, but it's a fun, relaxed, thoroughly likable RPG that's as good for younger and more casual gamers as it is for Mario's more hardcore fans. It might not have much depth or complexity, but it has charm and personality to spare. If you're looking for a game to keep your 3DS busy over the holidays, this is it.

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Will Greenwald
Top Critic
Feb 17, 2016

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is a fun action-RPG that blends two Mario worlds without trying much new.

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8.3 / 10.0
Jan 25, 2016

Even though the visuals are a bit softer and there are a few elements you may have run into before, Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam continues the winning streak for the team at Alphadream. It's done remarkable work mixing the Paper Mario universe into the mix, and the hilarious script, backed by a strong combat system, will keep RPG fans of all ages pleased. This is one adventure that certainly doesn't wear thin.

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Daily Dot
Top Critic
Jan 21, 2016

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is a solid adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom

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8 / 10.0
Jan 20, 2016

With superb writing and fun combat, Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is another solid addition to the series' lineup. While the game does seem to lose focus once in awhile, and capturing Paper Toads can get very tedious, the addictive battle system and great presentation more than make up for it. Fans of the series and newcomers as well will find a lot of enjoyment with Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam.

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Jan 20, 2016

Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam is a crumpled up discarded note, recycled into a paper-thin product. At its core, it's good. The dynamic combat system has never felt better, but the rest of the package is padded with poor mini games and excessive backtracking. As a die-hard fan of both series, this was a let down. Nintendo and AlphaDream played it too safely making Paper Jam feel like a reaction to Dream Team rather than an evolution. Based on this, one wonders if it's time to retire both franchises in the hopes of reinvigorating new RPG life into another classic Nintendo character. Again, it's good, bordering on great, but the issues, both big and small, keep Paper Jam from jumping any higher.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jan 15, 2016

Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam manages to be more than the sum of its parts delivering a steadily challenging RPG experience with light-hearted, witty writing throughout.

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9 / 10.0
Feb 26, 2016

For what it lacks in a "unique" storyline, Paper Jam makes up for in spades, leaving it as the best Mario & Luigi title yet.

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RPG Fan
Top Critic
75%
Feb 11, 2016

A good game that retreads a lot of old ground and uses its last few hours to squander the good will it's earned up until then.

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65 / 100
Feb 5, 2016

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam excels at RPG combat, but is bogged down by tedious minigames and a disappointing story.

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RPG Site
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jan 20, 2016

While it may stick too close to the formula, this 5th entry improves upon its predecessor.

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7.3 / 10.0
Jan 29, 2016

But it turns what could have been just another fantasy storyline into something closer to a puppet show. We, rapt by these figures on sticks, know it's all malarkey but can't wait to see what happens next. Even if—especially because?—we know they're all just cardboard and glue.

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