Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam brings a hilarious crossover event to the Nintendo 3DS, merging the 2D aesthetic of the Paper Mario series with the co-operative team gameplay of the Mario & Luigi franchise. Released on January 22, 2016, this adventure RPG invites players to control a superstar trio of heroes as they navigate the bizarre hijinks resulting from two unique universes colliding. Recognized with a Metacritic score of 76.00, the game offers a playful entry point for fans of both long-running series.

The Story of Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

The adventure begins in Peach's Castle when Luigi knocks a mysterious book off a shelf. This triggers a confetti typhoon that unleashes characters from the Paper Mario universe, including Paper Mario, Paper Peach, and Paper Bowser, into the Mushroom Kingdom. The two Bowsers quickly team up to kidnap both Princess Peaches, a cliché so overused that the princesses themselves comment on their fatigue with the situation. Players must guide Mario, Luigi, and Paper Mario on a quest to rescue the princesses and stop the villainous duo from using the magical book to take over the world.

Gameplay Mechanics and Combat

As the core of Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is a traditional RPG, battles transition seamlessly from exploration into turn-based JRPG encounters. The addition of Paper Mario expands the gameplay significantly. Controlling the Bros. now requires managing three separate buttons, unlocking a wide array of abilities. Paper Mario can slip through cracks, make copies of himself, and fold up to navigate the environment. A new team jump mechanic allows the trio to leap higher, while holding the button provides a burst of speed for traversing large areas.

Combat remains strategic and action-oriented. Players utilize hammers, jumps, and team attacks, with power depending on enemy types and equipment. The game introduces unique mechanics like dodging charging enemies with a well-timed jump, spawning a giant paper mallet to crush foes, and engaging in a "wall tennis" Group Attack. Additionally, the game features "giant papercraft" battles where players charge up their papercraft with dance moves to strut through encounters against Bowser's army.

Notable Features

  • Trinity Teamwork: Team up with Paper Mario for the first time, combining 3D and 2D mechanics to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
  • Paper Abilities: Utilize Paper Mario's unique skills, such as folding, copying, and slipping through tight spaces to access hidden areas.
  • Giant Papercraft Battles: Show off the moves of your giant papercraft by charging it with dance and strutting through boss battles.
  • Character Interactions: Enjoy hilarious dialogue as Bowser and Paper Bowser argue over leadership, and watch the two Peaches discuss their desire for more autonomy.
  • Crossover Content: Experience the Paper Mario universe colliding with the Mario & Luigi world, featuring familiar characters in a new context.

Who Should Play Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam?

This title appeals strongly to fans of RPG silliness and those who enjoy the co-operative team gameplay found in the Mario & Luigi series. While the game leans heavily on the Mario & Luigi formula, the inclusion of Paper Mario adds a fresh layer of strategy and charm. Players who appreciate a story that never takes itself too seriously, combined with engaging JRPG mechanics and cinematic boss battles, will find Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam to be a delightful and challenging adventure. It serves as a perfect bridge for newcomers to the franchise and a nostalgic treat for veterans of both the Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi lines.