Paper Mario: The Origami King Reviews
While Paper Mario: The Origami King, in many ways, feels like it’s struggling to find its core identity, it isn’t completely without merit, either.
I don’t know that The Origami King is the best of the Paper Mario titles, as each one differs so much from its predecessors that it’s hard to even compare them to one another. Nintendo seems to have a hell of a time deciding what they want this spin-off series to be, but please don’t let their lacking confidence steer you away from a truly great franchise. As I said, Sticker Star and Color Splash are good games in their own right, and were they not titled Paper Mario would have received much higher marks and far less criticisms. If you’ve fallen away, come back. Give our single-leaf savior another chance. Paper Mario: The Origami King may not be your favorite game about papyrus plumbers, but if its charm doesn’t win back the hearts of a few spurned fans, then I’ll rip this review to shreds, toss it in the air, and use it to fill the one last hole in your heart.
Paper Mario: The Origami King is a delight. It is clear Intelligent System has put a lot of love and care into the game. While it is not the greatest Mario game of recent memory, it certainly stands on its own merit as a unique take on the Mario franchise. In a way, Paper Mario: The Origami King redefines this beloved spin-off series, and is an excellent addition to Mario's portfolio. It features unique folded paper characters with colourful and bold stages reflecting all walks of life. The new characters are memorable and cute, while all the favourites have returned to feature in some form or another. It is a definite must-have for fans, and will assuredly serve as a nice entry point for players looking for an entry point into the iconic plumbers lively escapades.
Paper Mario: The Origami King is a fun-filled adventure that manages to keep things fresh, however, the puzzle-based battles tend to feel repetitive. Despite the repetitive combat, the boss battles are easily some of the best seen in the series.
Even though it distances itself from its roots, The Origami Kings manages to be a fun and compelling adventure, with hilarious moments and amazing characters, even if the combat misses the mark.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Origami King is a wonderful, light-hearted adventure - bound by chains preventing it from unfolding its true potential and creativity.
Review in German | Read full review
Paper Mario: The Origami King does not reinvent anything, relies on proven elements, as one can only wish for in some Nintendo series. The game is entertaining, joyful and a welcome change in a drought year that can't exactly boast numerous releases.
Review in German | Read full review
Paper Mario: The Origami Kingdom is definitely not an everyday RPG. You can argue whether the new combat system is innovative or disruptive. I didn't like the fact that in the end there is no reward for winning battles. The coins earned can be spent in the store for various accessories, but these are soon bought up. That's why the normal fights are disturbing and you try to avoid them later in the game. The absolute highlight remains the setting, because the gorgeous colors and the character sprites are shining like hell. Also the search for the toads is motivating and lets you enjoy the whole game world. Finally, it remains to say that Paper Mario: The Origami Kingdom unfortunately can't hold a candle to its predecessors. The story around Mario and Origami ruler Olly is well done, but the stressful fighting system makes the game fun to play.
Review in German | Read full review
Paper Mario: The Origami King is the perfect example of how paper heroes can dominate in a 3D world.
Review in Greek | Read full review
With "Paper Mario: The Origami King" Nintendo delivers an entertaining platformer that takes up the concept of its predecessor and enriches it with fresh ideas. It's really fun to search for hidden treasures in the folded paper world and complete the lovingly integrated mini-games. Unfortunately, the combat system in particular lacks the necessary standard, so even beginners can easily send the enemy hordes into the afterlife. Here, Nintendo should undoubtedly have tightened the level of difficulty a little more, in order to offer pros the right challenge as well. Also the puzzle inserts are sometimes provided with too many aids, so that the puzzle games lose the actual trick. From a technical point of view we can't complain about "Paper Mario: The Origami King", because the game is brimming with creative ideas. All in all, "Paper Mario: The Origami King" does not set new standards in the universe of Mario titles - but players can look forward to a colorful and shallow 2D adventure in the usual plumbing style.
Review in German | Read full review
As opposed to the cynical anti-player nonsense smothering the last two games, there’s a real heart beating in this installment that I can’t ignore: I adore this cast, I like exploring this world, and I enjoy the tale they left behind. But my contempt lies more within my response to 2007’s Super Paper Mario: wherein a genuinely well-meaning iteration is, once again, suffocated by a gameplay system that does it no favors.
Humor was only one component that made past Paper Mario games so well-loved; The Oragami King eschews all the other important ingredients.
A highly innovative, amazingly well-written, perfectly scored game with engaging characters, fun areas, and a very satisfying battle system.
Paper Mario: The Origami King is an adventure that will make you fall in love with every piece of cellulose, and will leave you doubled over with laughter
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Paper Mario: The Origami King delivers a charming adventure in Nintendo Switch, even if the combat doesn't excel and sometimes gets in the way of the fun.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Despite being charming and oftentimes funny with some great set piece moments sprinkled throughout, Paper Mario: The Origami King’s repetitive combat and dull sense of progression hampers an otherwise enjoyable journey.
If you were disappointed by Sticker Star and Color Splash, give this new entry a go as it is definitely more enjoyable, but keep in mind the series is clearly heading into a new direction.
Paper Mario: The Origami King is not a game that is meant to satisfy fans who are thirsty for a traditional RPG. That said, it is a solid adventure game with a mix of platforming elements and a charming story.
Paper Mario: The Origami King packs a punch when it comes to pretty much everything. New combat system, breathtaking soundtrack and pretty visuals.
Review in Czech | Read full review