Mario and Luigi

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, the latest original entry in the Mario & Luigi franchise, took a bold and unexpected leap by merging the two distinct worlds of the Super Mario series and Paper Mario. This crossover game brings together beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, and Paper Mario to confront a common enemy, Bowser, and his papery counterpart, Paper Bowser, who have united their forces to lay siege to the Mushroom Kingdom. While the concept of a crossover held immense potential, the game falls short in fully realizing this potential and integrating the unique elements of the Paper Mario series. In this article, we will delve into the game's strengths and weaknesses, its narrative, and its overall impact on the Mario & Luigi series.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam introduces players to a fascinating premise, where the traditional 3D Mario characters must interact and cooperate with their paper counterparts to save the Mushroom Kingdom. The idea of merging the two worlds and pitting the characters against their evil doppelgängers was intriguing. However, the game, unfortunately, doesn't fully commit to the crossover concept. Elements borrowed from the Paper Mario series, such as the sticker-based combat system introduced in Sticker Star, feel like mere afterthoughts, missing the opportunity to create a truly integrated and engaging experience.

Despite its shortcomings, Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam still has much to offer. One of its standout features is its sharp and humorous writing, a characteristic that has become a hallmark of the Mario & Luigi series. The game's dialogue and character interactions are filled with charm and wit, ensuring that players are constantly entertained as they progress through the story.

The game's soundtrack is another noteworthy aspect. It features an array of catchy tunes that capture the essence of the Mario universe, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The three-person battle system, where players control Mario, Luigi, and Paper Mario simultaneously, adds a unique layer of strategy to the gameplay, allowing for engaging and dynamic combat sequences.

One of the game's major drawbacks is its rather thin plot. While the crossover concept had the potential for a deep and engaging narrative, the story presented in Paper Jam feels somewhat lackluster. The game's narrative fails to explore the potential character development and interactions that could have arisen from this unique crossover.

Furthermore, the Paper Toad missions quickly become repetitive and fail to provide the diversity and challenge that players might expect. This aspect of the game feels like a missed opportunity for innovation and could have added depth to the gameplay.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, while not the strongest entry in the Mario & Luigi series, is far from a bad game. Its unique crossover concept, sharp writing, and memorable soundtrack offer enjoyable moments for fans of the Mario franchise. The giant papercraft sequences stand out as some of the most entertaining moments in the entire series. However, it's important to note that the game could have achieved so much more with its crossover concept.