Paper Mario: Color Splash Reviews

Paper Mario: Color Splash is ranked in the 63rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Geeks Under Grace
Wesley Lantz
7 / 10.0
Aug 3, 2020

Paper Mario: Color Splash continues a trend away from the series' roots, and while that may not be what fans want, the end product is still engaging and, most importantly, fun.

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Feb 8, 2018

"Clever writing, pretty visual style, overly simplified combat system."

Review in Finnish | Read full review

games(TM)
games™ Team
Top Critic
6 / 10
Nov 24, 2016

A disappointing new step in a declining series

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5 / 10.0
Nov 23, 2016

Is this a colourful entry into the series, or is it like watching paint dry?

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78 / 100
Nov 19, 2016

Paper Mario: Color Splash makes some mistakes that prevent it from being one of the iconic plumber’s best role-playing outings, but its level of creativity, wit, and overall charm is irresistible, resulting in a very entertaining time.

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8 / 10.0
Nov 10, 2016

Color Splash is a fun game that is almost the step in the right direction the series needs to take.

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RPG Fan
Top Critic
70%
Nov 8, 2016

It's not exactly Sticker Star, but the change isn't necessarily for the better. Still, despite its flaws, there is fun to be had here.

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4.4 / 5.0
Oct 29, 2016

Although there are many similarities with the last Paper Mario game, the developers have addressed the concerns of their fans and created a much more rounded and enjoyable experience. The setup of the game is great as you explore the world, take on the Shy Guys plus the meddling Bowser, it’s assisted by the stylised graphics to help with the overall immersion factor. The soundtrack is brilliant as well, so if you’re looking for something fun to play without too many headaches, Paper Mario Color Splash is that game and so far, it’s my favourite game on the Wii U this year.

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6 / 10.0
Oct 27, 2016

A colourful, often hilarious RPG-lite adventure, crippled by a tedious and frustrating combat system.

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Digitally Downloaded
Clark A.
Top Critic
Oct 26, 2016

Paper Mario: Color Splash is an endlessly charming, cutesy journey that represents a greater achievement for the art directors and script writers than Intelligent Systems as a whole. It’s a shame that such a talented studio opted only to tweak the flawed Sticker Star and, as a result, dull and unbalanced gameplay often holds back this whimsical romp. As one of the final Wii U titles, though, it’s certifiably hilarious and might just warrant a second look.

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M3
Top Critic
6 / 10
Oct 25, 2016

Paper Mario: Color Splash is one of those games that works best if you play it a couple of hours each time. The graphical design is as wonderful as ever, and the adventure offers plenty of charming settings. Sadly the gameplay feels a little too monotonous, and the battles aren’t as dynamic as the previous games.

Review in Swedish | Read full review

7 / 10.0
Oct 24, 2016

A colorful experience held back by a few paper cuts

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Oct 18, 2016

Paper Mario: Color Splash is the best looking installment in the series, offering the most immersive world to-date. Still, its battle system suffers in a misguided bid to innovate.

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GameSpew
Top Critic
9 / 10
Oct 15, 2016

Prism Island is full of secrets, and finding them all is an adventure worth having in itself.

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6.5 / 10.0
Oct 14, 2016

Paper Mario: Color Splash is clever and funny but a chore to play

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7.5 / 10.0
Oct 14, 2016

This artsy, pseudo-RPG’s bland combat is at least partially overcome by terrific visual style, a rich score, and great writing

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Oct 14, 2016

A dreadful combat system brings down an otherwise beautiful and funny Mario adventure.

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6 / 10.0
Oct 13, 2016

Color Splash's story, gorgeous aesthetic, and brilliant writing keep it from being an absolute waste of time. But, it's utterly broken battle system proved to be just as aggravating and pointless as it was three years ago.

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90 / 100
Oct 12, 2016

If you’re willing to accept the fact that Color Splash is more of an adventure platformer, and less of an RPG, then you’ll be in for an absolute treat of a game.

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Eurogamer
Top Critic
No Recommendation / Blank
Oct 11, 2016

Bowser's latest m'ch�-nations are boringly familiar. Despite the usual fizzy writing, this series doesn't make us crease up like it used to.

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