Spoilers forPaper Mario: The Origami Kingahead.
While it is debatable thatPaper Mariohasn’t lived up to the greatness of its first two games back in 2019,Paper Mario: The Origami Kingreleased and changed the conversation. The classic RPG series might not be at the forefront of theSuper Mariofranchise’s priorities right now, but the future of many of Mario’s turn-based adventures looks bright at the moment. Going by what came after it,Paper Mario: The Origami Kingmarked a significant shift for those who enjoy the cut-out adventures.
Paper Mario: The Origami Kingleft much to be desiredin the lead-up to its release. Even now, asking players what they think ofOrigami Kingwill lead to different responses. The lack of a traditional battle system like the originalPaper Mariogames is one of the more divisive aspects about it, and the way that the stationary bosses lean into the newer arts and crafts brand identity is a step too far for some fans. Yet, despite the way these details felt egregious, there’s an emotional heart toOrigami Kingthat was a breath of fresh air followingColor SplashandSticker Star. The story and careful use of characters in the 2020 RPGexceeded initial expectations, and this may have been necessary before thePaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doorremake.
How Paper Mario: The Origami King Gave the Series Its Heart Back
Where it could be saidPaper Mario: Sticker Starmarked a new image for the series that fans weren’t entirely fond of with a bang,The Origami Kingbrought the opposite change with an unassuming entrance all its own. Not much of its marketing, which focused heavily on the stationary bosses and origami transformation of Princess Peach, gave much room for fans to thinkThe Origami Kingwould be different compared to theother modernPaper Mariogames.
However, it’s arguable that the well-written humor of the series had been missing, a colorful cast despite their stationary exteriors, and emotional moments that even turned the lack of variedNPCsPaper Mariohad been criticized for into something that mattered to the narrative.
Outside of its story elements,Origami Kingdoes tend to be a bit more polarizing even five years later.Paper Mario: The Origami Kinghas interesting secretsto find, and the world it portrays is worth exploring every nook and cranny of if players find it fun. At the same time, the adventure is typically dragged down by its battle system, which always comes off more like a puzzle than a fight.
WhenOrigami Kingended up resonating with new and oldPaper Mariofans alike, players were quick to hope that the positive reception to the series going back to the well-written and heartfelt adventures it was known for could lead to something else further down the line. It wouldn’t have been out of the realm of possibility, either, ifThe Origami King’s relative success could give Nintendo the support it needed to see to bring back previous entries likeThe Thousand-Year Door.
Now thatThe Origami Kingis indeed aneighbor to the Switch’sPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doorremakeand Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack’sPaper Mario64, it seems that may have been the case. There likely won’t be any news about thePaper Marioseries for the next while, yet players can at least take solace in the fact thatPaper Mario: The Origami Kingmanaged to bring back many things that made the RPGs so special even if it took a bit to get there from its more humble beginnings.
