First off, I have to admit, I have never played Super Mario RPG. So, when I first played Paper Mario, I was a Mario RPG virgin. After investing 8-10 hours into Paper Mario, I wish I would have played Super Mario RPG! Paper Mario is a must have for anyone that is a Mario fan, as well as either a casual or hardcore RPG fan.

I enjoy role playing games, but I'm not what you would call a fanatic. There really hasn't been a whole lot of RPG's for the N64, I'm currently playing Ogre Battle (and love it), and I've played a couple of the FF titles on the Playstation and Dreamcast, only realizing one thing. You need a lot of time. Since I am very busy and don't have a lot of time to invest into games, it takes a really good story line for me to really want to sink my teeth into an RPG. Then again, what basically needs to happen is the Princess needs to be imprisoned by Bowser, and I'm all over it.

Paper Mario is such a game that makes me want to suck every ounce of life out of it. There's a lot of cool things in Paper Mario that I don't want to reveal, so this set of Impressions will be rather vague. You'll thank me later.

Gameplay: To be blunt, it's a RPG that plays like a 2.5D (ala Yoshi's story) Mario Platformer. You have your typical "run around and talk to people to find out where stuff is" mixed with turn-based battles. When you are out exploring, it's more like you are playing a Mario platformer. There are blocks to smash, switches to whip shells at, and plenty of secrets and mini-games. Even in the battle scenes, the attacks are platform-esqe. This makes the battles a lot more fun. As Desmond Gaban says, "It's a lot like playing Super Mario World for the first time." Yes, it's that good. Paper Mario will be the most fun RPG you will ever play!

Graphics: After getting a preview of this title at E3 I really didn't know if I would like this game. After playing the first two chapters I am really digging this paper concept. The paper theme is played upon quite well. Mario will flatten to slide into bed for a nap. House walls will fold down and collapse when you enter. When Mario falls from the sky, he floats and glides as paper would. It's rather hard to explain, and must be witnessed to understand. Paper has never been so much fun.

The landscapes and levels are all beautiful "paper remixes" of some of your favorite Mario-esqe worlds. When you see the Castle you'll laugh. A paper-ized version of the Mario 64 castle will make you laugh. Some people may not like it but after all of the 3D games the N64 has to offer, this is a pleasant switch.

Sound: If you like Mario 64's sound, you'll love this. A lot of memories will be rekindled. The music is rarely repetitious, and catchy. Maybe it's just me, but I love video game music when done well. I'm hoping they release a soundtrack to this game. Unfortunately there is no surround sound support. I don't even hear any stereo separation. I can't really complain because the music and sound effects are that good. But Stereo and Surround capabilities are missed.

Control: Overall it's excellent. Some of the attacks and defenses take a while to get used to. The learning curve isn't all that steep so it's not too bad. If you've played any Mario Game you should be all set.

Overall: I really can't find anything I don't like about this game. For one of the final games that the N64 will see, it's definitely a must have. This is not only my favorite RPG on the N64, but so far, it's the best RPG I've ever played. Intelligent Systems should be commended for their fine work. Paper Mario rocks! Now I hope IS is back in the shop working on a NGC version! Come Tuesday, be at your local game shop and pick up this gem! Save the Princess!