Showing posts with label Mario Games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mario Games. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Paper Mario: The Origami King Review (with spoilers)

April 17, 2024 0 Comments
Do note that this blog post may contain product affiliate links. If you purchase something through a link on this blog post, we may receive a commission, which goes into the upkeep of this blog.

Paper Mario: The Origami King is the sixth installment in the Paper Mario series. It was released on the Nintendo Switch worldwide on 17 July 2020. The game follows Mario, who opposes an evil army of origami characters known as Folded Soldiers. They are ruled by the Origami King, King Olly.


This was my first experience with the Paper Mario series, and the ring-based system used to solve puzzles was a pretty interesting and novel way to play a game. Some gamers have said that it is a bit repetitive and pointless, but I think it's a relaxing way to play a game for the first time. 


Your brain does not overwork itself trying to solve complex puzzles, and you have fun while following along the storyline (which by the way was pretty nice). The motion controls are relatively easy enough compared to the likes to Mario Odyssey or Zelda, so it's the perfect game for a first timer too. 


Oh and did I mention that the animation and art transition is simply beautiful? The way Olivia transforms and folds herself into an elemental is a treat for the eyes!


So back to the game's storyline.... In order to bring back the world to its original form, Mario together which his new friend, Olivia travel throughout the Kingdom to defeat the Folded Soldiers and their overlord, King Olly.

The battle ring system might be rather repetitive at times, but getting those coins for shopping and confetti to fill up the holes was a motivation. It did help that the battles with the big bosses were more challenging and different from the usual. Instead of sliding the boss into position, you have to create routes for Mario to follow so that he can step on buttons to activate abilities to trump the bosses. 

Depending on the direction he can turn certain abilities on. Once turned on, he can use the special abilities. The challenging part is that you need to get him to land on an attack icon to deliver a devastating blow. Miscalculating your movements or land on the wrong button might be a regular occurrence and Mario might not be able to attack.

There are 5 streamers (big bosses to defeat): RedBlueYellowPurple, and Green.

[Paper Mario Walkthrough Guide] -> this was a life saver clearing some of the challenging stages.


The journey to each streamer leads to a different part of the kingdom and simply exploring the areas are a visual treat. Along the way, they pick up a Bob-omb with amnesia, whom Olivia names Bobby. He helps in some battles and is really handy to have around. 



What I was not expecting was him sacrificing himself to save Olivia after he regains back his memory. I was totally not expecting that. I thought it was a happy feels game... till Bobby blew himself up. I did get quite attached to that little bomb. 😭


After getting over my virtual grief (for about a month), there were some quirky characters which also grew on me. The Professor, who is a Toad who can dig up coins and treasure! If only I had someone like this in real life, my bank account would also be plush.


In addition, Olivia, whom some (experienced) players might find irritating as she pops up to guide Mario (the player) to certain points in the game; too much hand holding they think. However, if this is your very first game, she is the perfect guide and to be honest, I kind of grew fond of her as we travelled the Kingdom defeating the foes. Just like Bobby, I was totally not expecting her (pointless) end. Yes, you read that right... she "died". 😭😭😭

Of course they have an alternative or true ending, but both King Olly and Olivia are shown as origami people in their origami castle and it's up to you to imagine they are happily ever after. 



Verdict: 3.5/5


After 55+ hours invested into this game and after reaching the ending, I can say this game started out as a fun narrative with plenty of exciting locations and ended up a little bittersweet. As I progressed along the story, I started to get attached to the characters that when I realized they were no longer, it left a virtual void in my virtual heart. 💔

Because of what happened to Bobby, it took me awhile before I could continue on and complete the game. While I enjoyed the mechanics, gameplay and adorable paper animations, the ending could have been better. For a children's game, the theme starts out fun and cute but ends on a heavy note with a badly worded wish which ruined everything (for me).

Happier times with Bobby 

Also, the whole premise was a little weird: a Toad who is so good at making origami folded the antagonist, Olly, and using a forbidden technique gives him life only for his creation to turn on him. Olly is Olivia's brother, but he is the one who folded her and used the same technique to bring her to life. So instead of being Olivia's brother won't he considered more like a father? But no, he is her brother.... who then goes on to cause havoc to the Mushroom Kingdom and Olivia aims to set it right as it originally was, sacrificing herself in the process.


A little google search also turned up some depressing news that as cute as the Paper Mario Series sounds, the endings are always "bad". The accompanying "new" characters never survive and must always sacrifice themselves for the greater good (of the storyline).  I mean.. like why though? 


Does it have to have that morale to the story in order to make it a good game where such a (pointless) sacrifice is needed? 


Life is already riddled with it's own challenge's so why would someone knowingly want to pay to play a depressing series which is disguised as adorable is beyond me. I am not against bad endings, they just have to make sense to be good. 


At the very least they could scripted the game better, and given it a more satisfying ending which makes more sense. Then again, maybe that is why they included the alternate "happier" ending which still was lackluster. 


Why do the accompanying mascot characters of the Paper Mario Series always have to sacrifice themselves for the greater good even if there could have been a better ending? Just because they will not have their own game series does not mean they have to be "killed off". They could happily live in their virtual worlds and avoid such needless "deaths" with the right smart choices.


Paper Mario: The Origami King might be the game for you if you like the bizarre charm found within Mario's world and love participating in puzzles. Also if you can stomach the not so satisfying ending.  I would have loved it if the ending was more conclusive and obviously not just means to an end with the wrong choice of words and a whole lot of naivety on Olivia's part. 


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Have you played Paper Mario: The Origami King yet? If so, what are your thoughts about it? Let us know in the comments below!





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Sunday, March 10, 2024

MAR10 Day 2024 Announcements Reveal Dates For Upcoming Games and Mario Movie Sequel

March 10, 2024 0 Comments

 

MAR10 Day, commonly recognized as Mario Day, consistently brings forth thrilling revelations, and this year proved no exception. Today, enthusiasts of Mario received some exhilarating updates regarding the beloved plumber and his iconic companions.


Share the fun on MAR10 Day with savings on select digital games featuring Mario and friends.


The Super Mario Bros. 2

Nintendo and Illumination have officially announced a new Super Mario Bros. movie. Chris Meledandri from Illumination Studio, the same team behind the first movie, has confirmed that they are currently engaged in storyboarding and world building, aiming to perfect every detail. The animation is set to commence "soon," with the movie scheduled for release on 03 April, 2026, in the US.

Despite Nintendo's reluctance to disclose specific details about the film, it's already known that Yoshi is expected to make his cinematic debut on the big screen.



Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Release Date

Enthusiasts of the Paper Mario series have eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Thousand-Year Door remake. The wait is over as the confirmed release date is set for 23 May, 2024. The original, launched in 2004 as a sequel to the first Paper Mario, quickly gained recognition as a beloved RPG classic.


Luigi's Mansion 2 HD Release Date

Finally, a release date has been announced for another remake, Luigi's Mansion 2 HD. The game is set to launch on 27 June, 2024. As one of the most popular 3DS games, fans are eagerly anticipating how Luigi's Mansion 2 will be transformed in the remake, featuring enhanced graphics for the Nintendo Switch.

For more news on Mario Goodies, head over to the Mar10 Day Nintendo Page.







Monday, October 10, 2022

Pre-ordering Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope on Nintendo Switch

October 10, 2022 0 Comments

Image from Ubisoft

Do note that this post may contain product affiliate links. If you purchase something through a link on this blog post. we may receive a commission, which goes into the upkeep of this blog.


With just about 10 days to it's release,  Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope will make it's way on the Nintendo Switch on 20 October 2022!

In the strategy adventure Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, Mario and his friends team up with the Rabbids once again to restore order to the galaxy! Explore planets filled with quirky residents, and even quirkier secrets, while you stop a mysterious evil from plunging the universe into chaos.


I went into it not really knowing what to expect but Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is a hidden gem with full of surprises. It’s a turn-based tactics gameplay where you figure out the tactical puzzles of chaining together as many stringed attacks in the least amount of moves possible. It’s oddly satisfying seeing the enemies getting beaten up Mario and Rabbid style. 


[Mario Rabbids: Kingdom Battle Gold Edition + Donkey Kong Adventure DLC Review]


So now with it's sequel out, I can't wait to get my hands on another fantastic helping of strategy-focused goodness, Mario + Rabbid style of course. Besides the Standard Edition, there are are some special Gold and Cosmic Editions available!


I found the Cosmic Edition on Qoo10 for SGD$59.90, and the Gold Edition was SGS$110.90. What a steal!


It's sad that we don't have the steel case, but if you order from the Nintendo Store UK it comes with with a free SteelBook case.


The Gold Edition includes the base game, a Season Pass (which contains upcoming DLC packs, including additional story content featuring a new character, quests, and battles), and the Galactic Prestige Collection (three exclusive weapon skins, unlockable right away). 


The Cosmic Edition just does not have the Season Pass for the DLCs, which is pretty reasonable for that price. It comes with  the base game, and the Galactic Prestige Collection mentioned above.  I've been buying a tad too much games, so this was the only one which was more 'friendly' on my wallet, so this is the version which I got. I could always get the DLCs at a later stage if I am interested in it.


Now all I have to do is wait for the game, and find time time to play! 


Have you pre-ordered your copy of the game or will you wait before getting it? Share it with us below in the comments below!


~Comments, shares and follows are most definitely appreciated! 💬💞

Friday, March 18, 2022

Mario Rabbids: Kingdom Battle Gold Edition + Donkey Kong Adventure DLC Review

March 18, 2022 0 Comments
This game was on sale on the e-shop so needless to say I got it.. and I love it! I went into it not really knowing what to expect but Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is a hidden gem with full of surprises. It’s a turn-based tactics gameplay where you figure out the tactical puzzles of chaining together as many stringed attacks in the least amount of moves possible. It’s oddly satisfying seeing the enemies getting beaten up Mario and Rabbid style.


When you first open up the game it starts with a bizarre story that brings Ubisoft’s Rabbids into the Mushroom Kingdom of Nintendo’s Mario due to a technical accident. A mysterious programmer has designed a VR helmet capable of merging two objects together. 

While said programmer is away for a while, a group of time-traveling Rabbids in a washing machine arrive and snags the VR helmet before finding themselves in the Mushroom Kingdom of Mario. One of the Rabbids decide to don the helmet and begins merging everything it lays its eyes on. This literally mashes both worlds together: Rabbid combined with a piranha plant, one dressed like Luigi and another like Donkey Kong etc…

Most of the altered Rabbids are unhinged and troublesome, while hose dressed as heroes join forces with Mario to stop the chaos from spreading. It’s your job to undo the damage done by defeating the enemies and setting the world right again.

You have quite few characters to choose from which includes both normal and only vaguely related Rabbid-ized versions of Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Yoshi. You can only have 3 on you team at each time though.


With the right mash up of members in your team you get to be entertaining with the antics and humor the Rabbis bring into the game. Your chosen team members can do jump manoeuvres to launch a them across the map with the help of a squadmate, allowing them to reach adorably colorful sniper towers with ease.

The story is delivered through the dialogue of a friendly AI who is there to guide and help you, along with various familiar faces you come across such a Toad. The storyline is simple to follow though, and the game is easy to navigate with its simple presentation and a clean UI help to demonstrate the game concepts such as the combat mechanics, minor character customization and some basic puzzle solving.

Each time you level up, you get coins which you can use to purchase new weapons (use laser guns, hammers, and bombs) and also unlock new skills such as special abilities to maximize movement and damage. There are unique skill trees for all 10 playable heroes. You also get new enemy types constantly being added so it never gets boring doing the same moves repeatedly.

Besides finding Rabbids gone bad and conquering them, you can also indulge in simple puzzles, which involve flipping switches and pushing boxes, scattered throughout the Mushroom Kingdom, designed to break up the action between battles. I use the word “simple” but not all puzzles are straightforward, and you would have to use your brain quite a bit to it solved. The satisfaction is being able to move on in the story, unlock another character, weapon or item chests with collectables (often with music tracks and concept art).

There are also collectibles and some hidden challenge rooms, you can also explore the different sections with visual easter eggs, usually of Rabbids in various states of shenanigans which add life to the game.

Mario + Rabbids does an excellent job making the boss fights stand out: be it a giant Rabbid Kong who scarfs bananas to restore his health or a Phantom of the Opera parody who sings a hell of a song while you knock out the spotlights that sustain his ego, it never fails to make these battles unique and interesting. There are also minibosses (or “midbosses”) as it insists on calling them) which tend to be harder than the boss fights but equal in goofiness and fun.

Donkey Kong DLC

That’s just the Mario Rabbit Kingdom content. The Donkey Kong DLC is even more entertaining as you get different moves in a different world, and adds more hours to gameplay.

As you may have guessed, the gameplay is very much centered around Donkey Kong himself, but there’s so much more. The stages are entirely built and designed around the way in which Donkey Kong can be used, bringing with it a whole new way to strategize and organize team-based attacks. I enjoyed this a bite more than the Mario Rabbit Kingdom content.

This Donkey Kong world is split into 4 new areas, each with their own unique themes such as ‘Lagoon’ and ‘Jungle’. Although they are not as visually varied as the main game, they do have a new Donkey Kong twist that adds yet another layer of fun and love to proceedings.



Verdict

Overall, Mario Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is a very engaging and entertaining game that makes you work out your brain and have fun at the same time without the violence and gore of a typical tactical combat game; all at your own pace. There are some levels which might be tougher and involve some trial-and-error tries, but a good mix of enemies, objectives, weapon and character abilities keep things interesting. Some might find the Rabbids a tad too childish and irritating, but I find them adorable!

Additionally, the Donkey Kong Adventure DLC adds something fresh. It’s not as daunting as the main game, and there are some truly powerful characters often making short work of the slightly-lessened enemy onslaught. The lack of character selection is perhaps the only downside here, as it takes away some of the deeper strategy involved in the main game.


Controls for this game is also simple: press A to select / confirm something, the ZL/ZR to switch between your team, L/R buttons to select an action etc… There’s no need to simultaneously click on multiple buttons, something which might get daunting for new players.

While this game might be everyone’s taste if you are interested to get your own copy, I highly recommend stalking the Nintendo e-shop for their sales and getting the digital version for less than USD$20. It’s a steal since it contains 2 worlds (with the DLC) for you to try out your strategy thinking skills with adorable characters. Otherwise, you could consider getting the physical game for about S$39.90 without the DLC, or choose it get it via the e-shop at a later date. 




Have you played Mario Rabbids: Kingdom Battle? If yes, did you like it, and if no, are you planning to get it or why would you not be getting it? Let us know in the comments below!

~Comments, shares and follows are most definitely appreciated! 💬💞