Random Video Game Review - Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam Bros.

So I've stated my opinions on the whole RPG gig with these 2 series of video games. Paper Mario I give credit for the idea of having 2D characters in a 3D world and the simplicity that it has towards the fights and everything else. Of that particular series, I'd say Super Paper Mario is the best one because of the way it combines 2D platforming with RPG elements as well as the story which is actually much more adult than you would think (minus the adult humour). Then in the Mario & Luigi games, I give it credit for giving us a more hardcore RPG game featuring characters from the Mario universe and the fact that you can play it anywhere because of each game being released on portable platforms. Of that series, I'd say the last game which was Dream Team was the best mainly down to it giving Luigi a more bigger role than just the sidekick as well as how it perfects what was great about Bowser's Inside Story. So after a long wait, we finally get a game that combines the two games together. I would call it a crossover, but as they are both Mario, I will still call it a crossover. So let's review this before it flies away like paper:

So the game begins in the Mario & Luigi universe where Luigi and a Toad are cleaning up a hole in one of the towers in Peach's castle. There, they stumble upon a book and Luigi accidentally trips up and the book begins to release the inhabitants of the Paper Mario universe. In doing so, this means that Bowser could very well be more powerful when combining his forces with his paper counterpart. So Mario and Luigi team up with Paper Mario and together, they set out to stop the two Bowser's from taking over the universe and of course, to also save not one but two Princess Peachs. So if you're familiar with the Mario and Luigi games, the gameplay is pretty much the same in that you battle using various things like jumping, hammers, Bros. Attacks and items, but throw Paper Mario into the mix and you have that, plus something known as Trio attacks where all three characters combine powers to fight the enemy and because of what Paper Mario is, he can make copies of himself too. Outside of battles, you've got things to jump on and use your hammer. You can now also do a rush where using one button can make all the characters run at once and jump at the same time. In a similar manner, there is also a few abilities outside of battle that will help the trio in their journey such as a powerful hammer attack and to grab things from afar. The buttons to make the characters do something, remains the same for the titular characters and you can use the Y button for Paper Mario. Something that has been expanded on here is minigames and there are plenty of them, some being more hard and fun than others. Lastly, in the place of those giant battles in Bowser's Inside Story and Dream Team are what's known as Papercraft battles where using a number of Paper Toads that you get over the course of the game, you can create a giant character which you can then control to fight other giant enemies and unlike before, you can do this without the need to change the position of the 3DS unlike before. The Paper Toads also come in handy for making other things too and then there's the Lakitus which help you out when it comes to finding Paper Toads.

I got to say, while I was one of many that wasn't really asking for a game like this, Its actually quite a good game. The gameplay may look very familiar if you're used to the gameplay of the Mario & Luigi games, but the addition of Paper Mario makes it all the worth while and just makes the game feel that more better. Its not entirely perfect, but any fan of either series or Mario in general like myself, will find much enjoyment (and some frustration) in this game. 9/10