Paper Mario Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Shaping a Beloved RPG Franchise

Today marks a significant milestone in gaming history as the beloved N64 title, Paper Mario, celebrates its 25th anniversary. This quarter-century observance also commemorates the entire Paper Mario series, a testament to its enduring appeal and impact on the role-playing game landscape. Released on August 11th, this groundbreaking game introduced a distinctive visual style and a fresh take on turn-based combat, captivating players with its innovative approach. The original title, alongside its revered sequel 'The Thousand-Year Door,' is often considered a high point for the franchise, showcasing a unique blend of strategic gameplay and engaging narrative.

Initially conceived with Square’s involvement, the development reins for Paper Mario were ultimately taken by Intelligent Systems, who brought their creative vision to fruition. This pivotal shift led to the creation of a series that redefined Mario's adventures beyond traditional platforming. The game’s combat system retained the action-command elements seen in previous Mario RPGs but distinguished itself by limiting Mario's active party to a single companion, allowing for a more intimate and focused dynamic.

Throughout the game's unfolding narrative, Mario encounters a diverse cast of companions, each possessing unique abilities crucial for both combat encounters and world exploration. These allies, inspired by various characters within the broader Mario universe—such as Lady Bow, a Boo, and Sushie, a Cheep Cheep—offered distinct advantages. For instance, Goombario could provide insights into specific locations, Parakarry the Paratroopa facilitated crossing wide chasms, and Sushie granted Mario aquatic traversal. Furthermore, the introduction of 'Badges' added another layer of customization, providing Mario with various stat enhancements, special effects, and novel maneuvers.

The enduring legacy of the N64 original is evident in its influence on subsequent entries, particularly 'The Thousand-Year Door,' which recently received a remake for the Nintendo Switch. While the series has evolved, exploring different gameplay concepts beyond the traditional turn-based formula, the foundational elements established in the inaugural Paper Mario remain a benchmark. Players can still experience the charm of this classic through the Nintendo Classics service, available with the Expansion Pack tier of Nintendo Switch Online. The most recent installment, 'The Origami King,' released in 2020, continues to engage fans and contributes to the ongoing conversation about the franchise's direction and future.

As the Paper Mario series commemorates this quarter-century milestone, its original N64 iteration stands as a testament to innovative game design and storytelling. Its unique blend of turn-based combat, a compelling companion system, and a charming aesthetic set it apart, ensuring its place as a cherished title within the vast Nintendo library. The game's influence continues to resonate, with fans eagerly anticipating what future adventures the paper-thin hero might embark upon.