Paper Mario: Sticker Star

56%
Game Brain Score Based on 16 reviews
  • gameplay
  • humor
  • story
Paper Mario: Sticker Star Game Cover
"Outside of some puzzling problems with progression, Paper Mario: Sticker Star is a fine addition to the Mario franchise."
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In "Paper Mario: Sticker Star," Mario and his companion Kersti must recover Royal Stickers and pieces of the Sticker Comet, which Bowser scattered after disrupting the Sticker Fest in Decalburg. Players navigate through colorful 3D environments, using collected stickers and items to defeat enemies and solve puzzles in this hand-held adventure. New and experienced fans of the Paper Mario series will enjoy the game's captivating storyline and variety of fun ways to use stickers.

  • Nintendo 3ds
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

56%
Audience ScoreBased on 16 reviews
gameplay5 positive mentions
stability1 negative mentions
  • The game features engaging and simple gameplay that is easy to pick up, with a charming story and humorous dialogue.
  • The graphics are visually appealing, with great 3D effects and a variety of environments that enhance the overall experience.
  • The sticker collection and management system adds depth and strategy to battles, making for a unique twist on traditional turn-based combat.
  • The lack of traditional RPG elements, such as character leveling and meaningful rewards from battles, diminishes the overall depth and replayability of the game.
  • Some puzzles can be unintuitive and may require external guides, leading to frustration during gameplay.
  • The combat can feel repetitive and lacks strategic variety, as players can often avoid battles without penalty, reducing the incentive to engage with enemies.
  • gameplay10 mentions

    The gameplay is engaging and easy to pick up, featuring simple mechanics that make it addictive, particularly through the collection and organization of stickers. While the game offers fun and unique worlds, some puzzles may require external help, and extended play can lead to repetitiveness. Overall, the gameplay is enjoyable, though it may feel similar across different areas.

    • “The gameplay is very simple and easy to pick up and play.”
    • “The gameplay is addicting and keeps you moving forward, and the worlds are fun and unique.”
    • “Collecting and organizing your stickers is the really engrossing part of the gameplay.”
    • “It looks great when new characters/villains are introduced and when you pull/collect stickers, but it doesn't really benefit the gameplay significantly.”
    • “Also, the gameplay gets a little repetitive if you play for too long, and some of the worlds/subworlds feel too similar to each other; again, this isn't too bad of a problem if you don't play for extended amounts of time.”
    • “I also haven't completed about two or three 'completion' parts, which I estimate might take up to around three or four hours of gameplay.”
  • humor9 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its quirky and hilarious dialogue, particularly from the toads, and for delivering warm-hearted moments that resonate with players. Many reviewers noted that the writing is genuinely funny, contributing to an enjoyable experience that evokes laughter, reminiscent of previous Mario RPGs. Overall, the combination of clever humor and charming character interactions enhances the game's appeal, despite some criticisms regarding gameplay depth.

    • “The story follows Mario as he collects the six royal stickers that Bowser has scattered across the world; it packs plenty of humorous and warm-hearted moments, and plenty of quirky and hilarious dialogue, especially from the Toads.”
    • “I've never before found myself actually laughing at a game's jokes, and I'm pleased to say I can now say otherwise!”
    • “Great graphics, funny and witty dialogue, charming world and characters; the sticker concept is a stroke of genius when it works, and the 3D really adds a lot of visual panache to the game.”
  • story9 mentions

    The story in "Sticker Star" follows Mario on a quest to collect six royal stickers from Bowser, featuring humorous dialogue and light-hearted moments typical of the franchise. While the narrative is simple and lacks depth compared to previous titles, it serves as a backdrop for engaging gameplay, though some puzzles may require external help. Overall, the story is considered weak by genre standards, with critics noting a decline in originality and character development.

    • “The story follows Mario as he collects the six royal stickers that Bowser has scattered across the world; it packs plenty of humorous and warm-hearted moments, and plenty of quirky and hilarious dialogue, especially from the Toads.”
    • “Although it has a simple story and easy yet addicting gameplay, there are some puzzles that may require some extra assistance (i.e. strategy guides).”
    • “I realize, though, the story in Sticker Star is the worst in the series so far.”
    • “This game is a lot less story-focused with less original characters compared to the previous games.”
    • “You have to beat each level to advance to the next one, but have to constantly revisit stages to solve puzzles and advance the story.”
  • graphics7 mentions

    The graphics in the game are widely praised for their charm and visual appeal, featuring great 3D environments and character models that enhance the overall artistic experience. Players appreciate the vibrant and engaging visuals, which complement the humor and exploration elements of the game. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's enjoyable atmosphere, making it a standout feature.

    • “The graphics are great; the paper environments and character models are easy on the eyes and often charming.”
    • “The visuals are really great - I love this game artistically.”
    • “Great graphics, funny and witty dialogue, charming world and characters; the 3D really adds a lot of visual panache to the game.”
    • “The graphics are what you'd expect for a Paper Mario.”
    • “The visuals feel outdated and lack the polish seen in modern games.”
    • “Character models are bland and environments lack detail, making the game feel less immersive.”
  • music6 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its enchanting quality, reminiscent of classic Mario tunes, which enhances the charming atmosphere and adapts to different environments. Reviewers highlight the catchy soundtrack as a significant positive aspect, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “The music is great and very enchanting, like most Nintendo games.”
    • “It's hard to explain, but it has that Mario music vibe; as soon as you hear it, you know it's from a Mario game.”
    • “The music definitely adds to the amazingly charming atmosphere this game creates because it changes as you change environments.”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its dynamic music, which adapts to different environments, contributing to a charming and immersive experience.

    • “The music definitely adds to the amazingly charming atmosphere this game creates because it changes as you change environments.”
    • “The game's visuals and sound design work together to create an immersive atmosphere that pulls you into its world.”
    • “Every location feels alive, with ambient sounds and detailed environments that enhance the overall atmosphere.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Overall, users report a high level of stability, with no significant glitches or bugs encountered during gameplay.

  • replayability1 mentions

    Reviewers highlight that the replayability of the first two games stems from the variety of gameplay options, such as utilizing different badges and partners, which significantly alters the experience and strategies in battles. This encourages players to explore multiple playthroughs for a fresh experience each time.

    • “What made the first two games replayable was the multiple ways you could approach them. Using different badges and partnering with various characters can lead to two very different playthroughs, especially in battles.”
    • “The game offers a wealth of choices that encourage you to replay it multiple times, each time discovering new strategies and outcomes.”
    • “With its branching storylines and diverse character interactions, every playthrough feels fresh and engaging, making you want to dive back in for more.”
    • “What made the first two games replayable was the multiple ways you could replay them. Using different badges and a different partner can lead to two very different playthroughs when it comes to battling.”
    • “After completing the game once, there’s little incentive to go back. The story doesn’t change, and the side quests feel repetitive.”
    • “The lack of meaningful choices and consequences means that replaying the game feels more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

81% average critic score

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