The backlash for Paper Mario: Color Splash is starting to become really grating. I know that it doesn’t even compare to the previously panned Super Paper Mario, I can understand why some people are disgusted with the fanbase now. In spite of that, a few users are insisting that there’s nothing wrong with the game and the fanbase just hates Nintendo trying new things.

With that said, I’m going to take the whole “it’s not the same gameplay” debate off the table since the fans will still complain despite getting a game that plays exactly like the first two. Instead, I’ll simply offer a series of choices to anyone who happens to read this post.

I’m not here to call anyone out. The only purpose of these rough mockups are to give a tactful look at what the fans want without the death threats and verbal abuse. I can see and appreciate all the detail and creativity that went into the paper theme and environment animations (i.e. rolling up the ground). It’s just that I wish Nintendo were to use that same level of creativity on the characters at the very least. It’s still possible for the game to surprise us with something the fans will really like, but the interview with the developer and the current footage gives us all a shadow of uncertainty. If you can give us a good argument regarding why Nintendo should still be allowed to keep using the typical Toad and Bowser stuff and continue drawing inspiration from the New Super Mario Bros. games, then at least the fans will acknowledge your point(s). Besides, I just don’t want Nintendo to get lazy with the Mario franchise since there was an incident where they allegedly passed off some artwork from a Spaghettios can as the boxart of the new Mario Party game… Sure, it could just be a placeholder, but still…

Now, as for the fans who do want a creative Paper Mario game, it’ll do you some good to calm down if possible. From what I could see, all this negativity is just sprouting more negativity. Sure, there’s a time and place for that, but can we save it as a last resort?

Look, instead of shouting like a madman and slinging insults around (even calling people immature is slightly pushing it), a much better idea is to be a lot more proactive, like I am. I’m not sure how effective petitions are, but try some fan projects to better send the message. @spadesart already has the right idea with this post that’s similar to mine (I like how the main antagonist looks a little like a Heartless). Besides fan art, you can really get those creative juices flowing with animations and fan games! Heck, if you can think of other creative outlets for the original Paper Mario love, go all out on those! Even a spiritual successor would do some good at this point.

I have no idea if Nintendo will actually change Paper Mario for the better at this point. If they can’t and we’re stuck with the Mario & Luigi games, then I request that they really take up the Mario RPG mantel and not limit the creativity of that series (not just keeping New Super Mario Bros. ties out, but also not literally just be about Mario and Luigi). Otherwise, just make a new Mario RPG series and retire Mario & Luigi since I’m very uncertain if AlphaDream has any good ideas left if we cant get a game like Bowser’s Inside Story again.





Thank you for taking the time to read over this.