Paper Mario Art Style

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

02-01-2025

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The Paper Mario series, a beloved Nintendo franchise, boasts a unique and instantly recognizable art style. It's a style that's evolved over the years, yet retains a core charm that continues to captivate players. This distinctive aesthetic, however, isn't just visually appealing; it plays a crucial role in defining the game's identity and gameplay.

The Origami Charm of the Early Games

The original Paper Mario and its sequel, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, established the foundation for the series' visual identity. The games used a vibrant, almost cartoonish, approach to depicting a three-dimensional world using two-dimensional paper-like characters and environments. This "papercraft" aesthetic lent itself perfectly to the game's playful tone and quirky humor. Characters were rendered with exaggerated features and expressive animations, adding to their personality and making them memorable. The backgrounds, while seemingly simple, were rich in detail, using clever layering and perspective to create depth and a sense of scale.

Evolution and Divergence: Sticker Star and Beyond

The transition to Paper Mario: Sticker Star marked a significant shift in the series' art direction. While the paper aesthetic remained, the visual style became significantly more simplistic. The character designs were less detailed and the environments less intricate. This minimalist approach, while different, wasn't universally appreciated by longtime fans. The subsequent titles, Paper Mario: Color Splash and Paper Mario: The Origami King, refined this approach, introducing more varied textures and color palettes.

The Origami King's Refined Aesthetic

Paper Mario: The Origami King represents a fascinating blend of old and new. It retained the simplified character models of Sticker Star and Color Splash, but simultaneously introduced intricate environments and clever use of lighting. The game's origami theme further enhanced the papercraft aesthetic, cleverly integrating the game's mechanics into the visual design. The result is a visually engaging experience that still stays true to the series' core aesthetic, albeit with a contemporary touch.

The Importance of the Art Style

The art style of the Paper Mario games isn't merely skin deep. It’s integral to the games’ success, reflecting the playful, adventurous, and ultimately heartwarming nature of the stories. The distinctive visuals help establish a consistent identity for the franchise, setting it apart from other RPGs. This unique artistic language contributes greatly to the game's charm and ensures that the Paper Mario series retains its distinct character within Nintendo's diverse game catalogue.

The Future of Papercraft

Where the series goes from here visually remains to be seen. However, given the enduring appeal of the original style and the ongoing experimentation within the franchise, we can expect future iterations to continue to evolve the papercraft aesthetic in inventive and exciting ways. The future of Paper Mario's art style promises a compelling blend of innovation and homage to the cherished legacy of the series.