Paper Mario Vs. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars on Wii Virtual Console

Released in 1996, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars for the Super Nintendo is one of the best video games on that system. The same could be said about Paper Mario, the spiritual successor to Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, when it was released in 2001 for the Nintendo 64.

While both role-playing games faithfully recreated the Mario universe, they couldn't be any more different. Now that they are re-released on the Virtual Console on the Nintendo Wii, these popular titles are going head to head for the first time. So which Mario-inspired role-playing game is better, Paper Mario or Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars? Let's compare them in several aspects.

Story

Advantage: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

Mario fans were in for a shock when they find out that the antagonist in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is someone other than Browser. In fact, the evil princess-snatching turtle will actually become your ally. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars features a unique and unforgettable storyline filled with unforgettable moments like the aforementioned one.

Despite the witty dialog, Paper Mario is your typical run-of-the-mill Mario game in terms of the storyline. Browser has captured Princess Peach and it is up to Mario to save her again. Paper Mario even borrows the "seven stars" plot element from Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. The story in Paper Mario plays it a little too safe; as a result, it is unoriginal and uninspired.

Art Style

Advantage: Paper Mario

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars uses a Claymation-like style to recreate the Mario universe. Compared to other Mario games, this one has darker colors and a more plastic look to it. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars also has a weird isometric view that takes a while to get accustomed to.

In contrast, Paper Mario looks more like a traditional Mario game due to its bright colors and 2.5D style. Nintendo made a wise choice to render the characters using 2D sprites instead of trying for 3D. Thus, not only is Paper Mario a faithful recreation of the Mario universe, it also created its own unique "Paper" look.

Battle System

Advantage: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars does not stray far from being a traditional Japanese role-playing game. You have three party members in which you can equip armors, weapons and accessories with. What separates Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars from other games is that it uses Action Commands. By pressing a button at the right time, your attacks and defenses will become more powerful.

Paper Mario has even more advanced Action Commands. In addition, the Badge system offers more customization and depth than the traditional equipment system found in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. However, the combat system isn't nearly as deep. Instead of three party members, you are using Mario and one partner who plays a supporting role in battle. So despite having some deeper elements, the battle system in Paper Mario is shallower overall.

Secrets

Advantage: Paper Mario

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars has many secrets including powerful equipments, hidden treasure boxes and optional boss fights (including one that comes straight out of the Final Fantasy series). So while the main quest may be a little on the short side, there is still plenty to do on the side in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.

Finding all the secrets in Paper Mario will be considerably longer than the Super Nintendo game. This Nintendo 64 has hundred of collectible items: Badges, Recipes and Star Pieces. You literally have to search every inch of the Paper Mario universe in order to find everything. There is so much optional stuff to do in Paper Mario that you can spend more time playing the optional missions than the actual main quest.

Overall

Advantage: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

Although Paper Mario is a better game in some ways, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is more proficient in the two most important aspects in a role-playing game: the storyline and combat system. So if you only have one choice, make sure to play Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars over Paper Mario.