7.11.2016

I have never played a Paper Mario game before, so I didn’t come to this one with any baggage.Simply put, it’s a fun game with some hidden (but not fathomless) depths. Calling it an RPG would be a push. It does employ a turn-based battle system which requires some tactical nous, but the only “stats” you ever improve are your health and your paint meter, and that just happens naturally throughout the game. It’s more of a comedy adventure.The story is the basic Bowser-stealing-all-the-colourful-stars-and-kidnapping-the-princess thing, so don’t expect many surprises with regard to characterisation. However, towards the end there is quite a sweet twist, and the climax is surprisingly emotional.Throughout the writing is very witty and irreverent. It’s only disappointing that very few new characters are introduced in Color Splash – this conservatism is the downside of Nintendo protecting their established cast, I guess.The gameplay involves the player controlling a pseudo-2D pulp Mario around 3D environments ‘built’ from various crafting materials. Imagine Yoshi’s Woolly World with stationery instead of wool. The crisp HD graphics bring out some beautiful details, like corrugated card and glistening foil. Mario can bash weaker enemies with his paint hammer or jump on their heads. If the enemy is too tough then we enter combat mode.In combat, the player has a set of battle cards – hammers, jump boots, fire and ice flowers, spiked helmets, etc – which are chosen in advance, to be played out on their turn. Only one card can be played at first, but by the end you’ll be able to line up four. Strategy is essential because not only do the cards have different effects against different enemies, but if you defeat all the enemies then any unused cards in your hand are lost. Larger versions of each card are available, which pack an extra punch – and you’ll need to stock up on these for the final battle, believe me.You also pick up “Thing” cards. Things are unique objects – say, a teapot, a washing machine, or a set of balloons – which are used at specific points to defeat bosses or open new routes. For example, one boss wields a flaming hammer, so you need the fire extinguisher Thing card to defeat him. Frustratingly, if you don’t have the specific Thing card then you either have to flee the battle and come back or accept defeat. Here’s a tip, though: At Prisma Port (the starting area), there’s a Toad in a bin who will inform you of what Thing card you require to progress. A “wringer” will produce replacement Thing cards for a small fee.For the most part the game isn’t too challenging. As the wonderfully realised overworld map opens up, it is possible to be at a loss as to where to go next. Thankfully, pressing up on the d-pad reveals Huey, your paint can buddy, who will give you guidance. In terms of battle cards and paint, you’re never really in danger of running out (until the brutal final encounters, anyway).Color Splash is a joyous and inventive adventure, full of life and character. It took me about 35 hours to complete using only in-game tips as a guide. In terms of the Nintendo legacy, it’s not a game-changer like Galaxy, and it won’t be an ongoing time-sink like Kart or Smash Bros. But it’s an enjoyable way of filling the void between now and March 2017…

24.6.2017

For those unfamiliar with the Paper Mario series (as I was when I picked up this game), the first thing to note is this isn't game isn't like your standard Mario platformer. Whilst there is an element of running around worlds getting from start to end, enemies are defeated using a series of moves (in this case cards) in a turn-based battle system.This gives a nice change from other games in the Mario universe, though it does still rely on good timing and quick reactions.Overall, I did find this game fun. I enjoyed exploring the different worlds, and using Mario's hammer to recolour areas where paint had been stolen. The battle system was interesting (especially being my first turn-based game)and there was a wide range of goals and side quests to achieve.That said, sadly one of the main emotions I feel towards this game is frustration. A few causes include:1) Unclear puzzles - I lost count of the number of times I got stuck trying to progress through the story. Sometimes I couldn't find where I needed to go, it was unclear how to defeat a new enemy, I wasn't sure how/where something could be used or I needed to use a special item which I did not have. This may be down to my inexperience with the genre, but I often ended up saying "what on earth do I do now?!" or "how was I meant to know that?!" more times than I felt was necessary.2) Enemies repeatedly spawning - In most cases, once you had defeated an enemy, it would vanish until you leave and re-enter the map. However, in some cases enemy would repeatedly spawn in the same spot. This just got frustrating, especially as you normally encountered them whilst you were in the middle of trying to do something important (balance across a pipe, stop sinking in quicksand, get somewhere tricky).3) Resource management - You carry out different moves by using cards, but you can only carry 99 cards at a time. I found myself constantly struggling to manage these resources, especially when multiple slots are filled with special cards which are used at some point in the story. As not every card works with every enemy, I often found I had stocked up on the wrong card, or reluctant to throw something away as I was bound to need it the next level.4) Timings - When using a card to carry out a move, most require a button press at the correct time to make the attack work or increase it's power. In most cases this was well executed, but in a few cases (especially blocking) the timings were unclear and you would lose a battle because you were a fraction of a second too fast/slow.5) Pointless extras - Ever so often, a random bandit would appear on the map, or a magikoopa would mess with your cards. Winning those battles would give you a coin bonus, but were time consuming and pointless. Likewise, there's a random rock-paper-scissor tournament to take part in - useful for getting coins but feels completely out of place in the game.Overall, I picked up this game for £10 and I certainly felt I got my money's worth from it. It'd certainly recommend it to those that like turn-based games, and it's nice to see the Mario characters in a different setting. It's just a shame that parts of it left a sour taste, otherwise it would be worth 5 stars.

15.3.2017

I've never been a paper fan,Mario land,world,kart,especially party,even the sports games but paper not so much.this still isn't the best Mario but the best paper Mario at least.great graphics gameplay everything.its a shame it didn't come 2 years ago but same can be said about a few big releases.im guessing this was planned before Wii u died a death,meaning more hidden gems could be in development about finished and worthy of release (one can hope) personally wii u was my favourite ninty console,it had great games,great touch screen,just amazing.i never cared about third party as I have ps3 and 4 and Xbox 360 and Xbox one,I'm sure most Wii u owners had at least one other so never understood

19.10.2016

(The following is the unbiased objective opinion of my 12 year old son as he's inscribed it, Eden is a BIG Mario Fan!) The new paint feature adds a little more fun to the game; you can use it in many ways, which is a great aspect about it! The fire flower and ice flower controls are not clear at all which is a shame, it took me a while to get used to it. The game needs counter attacks too, like in paper Mario, paper jam. It's great that you can paint cards to add power, it adds a little fun and boots the power of the moves. Things are VERY hard to get! I remember when I used my fan for the first time and then I came to Bloo Bay Beach (I think it was that!) and had to rescue a blue toad by using the fan!

30.1.2017

It's a good game. I'm happy because it's a Paper Mario game and I've always loved that branch of the series. The plot is your average Mario story, no surprises. There are some cool additions using the gamepad, like the cut-out sequences. Yet, the simplest of battles can be long and forcibly drawn out. The game is really let down by battle controls taking place exclusively on the Gamepad. So if you're playing on TV, you have to look down and fiddle with the touch screen or D-pad (once you change the settings). Still a good game if you look past that. Would be nice if simple battles could be quicker and ended with just one or two button presses.This game really shines when you are playing on the Gamepad alone,

6.1.2017

Haven't even completed the game but wanted to write a review. Never played a paper mario game though played most other mario games , but got given this as a present. I'm an arty person so the idea of painting the world with a coloured hammer appeals to me. It is cute, it is humourous and the toad stories have me drawn in to find out what happens next(I am 28). Downsides are the battles are quite tedious and especially near the start of the game if you approach a scenario without the right equipment it can be frustrating. This is decent length game so far having got it for Christmas and plugged in a few hours still haven't completed it and want to complete the extra tasks for 100%.

24.10.2016

Another first party Nintendo game with that Nintendo polish though not without its problems. It has gorgeous environments (if not a little predictable) with a great soundtrack and a really funny script. It's a fun game but there a some issues. It's not really an RPG; though you can increase how much paint you can hold by battling there is no levelling system as such so there is little incentive to battle the little guys towards the end and it actually can feel like you are peanalised for battling lots as you can run out of battle cards very quickly. The battle card system is fun for the most part but you need a specific card to beat the bosses which can be annoying, tedious and feel like little skill is required.

10.10.2016

*Bought digitally*It's been a while since the last Paper Mario and I have to say that the game feels fresh to me.First things first, this game is beautiful, it's so vibrant, so full of color and it genuinely looks like you're playing in a real diorama.Second, the game is full of humor and I have found myself laughing several times in my first 10 hours.The combat might not be what everyone wanted but it's still very strategic and requires well-though strategies.And the soundtrack, ahhh the soundtrack, probably the best ever for a Paper Mario game.All in all, Paper Mario Colour Splash might not be the Paper Mario game everyone really wanted,

7.10.2016

The Wii U graphics on this game are beautiful and Color Splash is refreshing and true to the spirit of the Paper Mario series, the story is a little bit basic and uninteresting in parts but comes alive with some of the diversity of the inventive level design. The puzzles and new painting mechanics are good along with the humour in the dialogue.Over all it has some nice touches and humour along with some great graphics, it’s not without it’s issues but forgivable ones for me, there is humour that will sometimes make you laugh and cringe and I guess this could be one of the last big Wii U games we get along with Zelda before the arrival of the Nintendo NX,

12.1.2017

I never thought I'd enjoy another Paper Mario game after Sticker Star, but this is actually really good. Exploring is fun and the humour's probably the best in the series. If there had just been a little more effort put in to the story it might have approached TTYD levels of decentness.They so easily could have thrown in a few more non-toad characters or at least given the toads different hats or something. This was really, REALLY lazy. The battle system could have easily been at least tweaked as well. Running out of cards, coins and not being able to flee is on the harder battles is never fun.

24.11.2016

Great game! I had my doubts about buying this because of some of the very negative comments I was reading online but with little else to buy for Wii U at the moment, I decided to risk it: I'm so glad I did! I've had this game quite a while now and it is providing me with hours and hours of entertainment - it's colourful, funny, engaging, it isn't too easy and the game is a good length as well making it good value for money: I would definitely recommend it.

10.10.2016

Superbly presented game thats really fun to play. Special mention needs to go to the music which is a kind of jazz,swing ensemble and really excellent. My problem with the game is there's now no ranking up system so no incentive to enter into fights. Im now skipping past enemies as its pointless most of the time. Still great

28.4.2021

Be aware! As others have stated, this disc is for use in the UK only. Game will not play on North American systems ☹️Disc looks brand new and came in original packaging. Unfortunately, the zone restrictions do not allow us to actually play the game.

10.12.2016

Was not sure about purchasing this for my daughter after a number of negative reviews on different gaming sites. Thankfully I did and she loves the game. Well worth the Mario name and will make a great Christmas present for a Mario fan.

10.3.2017

underated. this game had so much hate surrounding it but i really enjoyed it still. they really nailed the paper aesthetics in this one. hopefully nintendo will make a 'proper' paper mario game soon though.

Paper Mario: Color Splash (Wii U) - Reviews

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