Paper Mario: The Origami King Reviews
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.
Paper Mario: The Origami King might not be the RPG that I was hoping for, but the new systems and clever features made me forget all about that. The attention to developing a compelling plot within this fantasy world makes it a must-play experience for all Mario fans. Battles do inevitably become redundant, but that doesn’t overshadow this beautiful origami world begging to be explored.
Endearing visuals and storytelling can't rescue Paper Mario: The Origami King from a tedious combat system that slows the action to a crawl.
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
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 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
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.
Some reviews I have seen state that the formula of Paper Mario is getting a little old, but as a lapsed Mario fan (Odyssey was the first Mario game I saw through to the end since Sunshine) I really enjoyed it. I had never seen this side of the wee red plumber before and so it was not only fresh but beautifully designed, really funny and with that signature Nintendo polish. I highly recommend checking the Origami King out.
Simply put, Paper Mario: The Origami King ended up being one of this year’s biggest sleeper hits for me. It could sure do with more dynamic play-to-play gameplay when it comes to that pre-combat mechanic during normal play, and the combat itself which only really gets good during the few boss fights that there are in the game, which ironically enough are when the puzzle/fight combo really comes alive.
Origami King is entirely pleasant, well written, charming and enjoyable without being essential or groundbreaking. While the battles are confusing and far too frequent, the exploration, constant unveiling of secrets, colourful environments and quirky characters will keep you hooked.
My final thoughts on the game come down on how fun it is to play rather than watch and if you are a completionist of sorts, you will get your money’s worth.
Paper Mario: The Origami King captivates with its beautiful, varied and humorous adventure. The new title of the plumber's paper franchise presents an elaborate world with a great diversity of activities and secrets that invites us to constantly explore it. The battle system, which is nothing more than a combat-looking puzzle, has some interesting ideas, although many limitations make it tiring. However, the battles against bosses are creative and exciting. The biggest highlight of the game is its great sense of humor present in unusual events, charismatic characters and sharp and fun text. Paper Mario: The Origami King may not be the role-playing game that many wanted, but it is still another creative and remarkable adventure.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Paper Mario: The Origami King is a great title that proves bouncing back from a low point in the series isn’t an impossible task. While not the perfect Paper Mario title, it certainly enshrines itself as one of the best.
A fun game despite some losses in RPG dynamics and depth.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Paper Mario: The Origami King is a delightful and rich adventure throughout, with tons of variety and an amazing sense of humour. It is easy to recommend playing it for its memorable mishaps and a story that, while simple, has clearly been given the attention that was sorely missed in the past two games. The Origami King is, though, blemished by the basic and superfluous battle system that clearly didn’t go the extra mile to attain depth and a sense of purpose.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Another magical, charming and inovating entry in the Mario Universe, that falls a bit flat with a thin layered combat system and other little annoyances .
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Paper Mario: The Origami King was enjoyable, but the verdict’s out as to whether or not it’s a classic on par with the best of the Mario RPG games.