SPOILERIFIC FOR J00:

Basically, this Mario game(SPM for short) is not your basic Mario outing. It's not like Paper Mario GCN, it's not like NEW SMB for the DS.. It's a frankenstein mix of both.

I guess this new style of gameplay is watered-down for the blue-ocean market(not hardcore gamers), as I'm currently playing Paper Mario GCN, it's not a cakewalk. Infact, it's friggin harder than Superstar Saga and Partners in Time.

I think SPM is a little more light-hearted, but as Marauderz mentioned, there are some(maybe alot) Nintendo-ish/Zelda-esque puzzles in the game, and I guess that's where the main challenges are held(I hate getting stuck with ridiculously simple puzzles which I can't do).

But I do have to say, it is refreshing. This, "switching dimension" stuff is really cool, as you'd never expect things to appear there when it always has been there. The whole "paper" element and this 2d-to-3d thing is pretty wicked, and out of this world. Guaranteed to make you go "wtf" at times A good "wtf" that is. HAHA. It's just so great to multiply 1 coin into 5.. or more, hahaha..

Worst part is, I like a little challenge, bopping enemies on the head is childsplay. Paper Mario is kicking my ass badly.

It's because I'm comparing it with Paper Mario for GCN. It's taking up most of my time, and I unwrapped SPM with hope that it's gonna best Paper Mario(GCN)! .. But I was wrong, I should have waited

I'm not saying this game ain't fun, while I did have fun with all those vibrant colours, and gameplay elements. And I have yet to see so much more! Maybe I'll change my mind about this game once I get to control the other party members

In Paper Mario GCN there's a stage where you can take Bowser to world 1-1 of Mario Bros., damn funny wei. And oh, in SPM I kena mega-star already, damn fun also, giant 8-bit Mario ramming down the place.

SPM truly defies classification.. It's not a standard 2d-platformer, it isn't a twitched and turned based RPG like Final Fantasy or any other Super Mario RPGs, it is a mix of both.

It's mixed in such a way, you get two parts of the game. First, the storyline, which will have you adventuring and scouting towns, talking to townsfolks gathering info, and maybe finding new things and secrets on the way. Then, later the game breaks down onto the platformer side, you get to visit these "worlds" just like in Mario Bros, and you'll start out in Chapter 1-1.

Just like World 1-1, it's a platformer. You'll run around, killing enemies and collecting coins, very similar to New Super Mario Bros and the original Mario Bros game. Only difference is, added puzzles in the level. Don't expect to see a castle and a flag pole waiting for you at the end, as it's not all "run all the way to the end to win" kind of thing. Puzzles will be presented along the way, mostly inscribed in text, and if you ever miss out on the FINER details, you just might not pass the stage.

And after Chapter 1-1, there's of course 1-2.. and so forth, and at the end of the chapter, there's usually a boss, and the compulsary collection of a Pure Heart. (that's triforce shards or shine sprites if you didn't get it!) .. And after that, repeat, back to town, do a little shopping, open the next "world" and continue adventuring

Of course, the added elements of Pixls and RPG-ish elements helps the game stand-out more than just a standard fare of 2d-platformer. Instead of pointless points/score in the older Mario games, they are now experience points, so running around killing every enemy you see is more rewarding now.

Hope you all understand what SPM is all about now.