Paper Mario: The Origami King

Visually stunning with excellent writing and characters, but suffers from an awkward ring-based combat system, lack of progression mechanics, and arbitrary creative limitations. Worth playing through once but a missed opportunity for a masterpiece.

Brilliant funny adventure with creative puzzle combat; battle system can feel like a slog.

SwitchUp: 83.

Improvement over recent entries with better character moments, but combat and design remain flawed.

Pushes series in new direction with creative ideas, minor criticism.

Each piece of Origami King elegantly fits into its hole, taking the series' irreverent flair to new heights. Combat winks and nods; adventuring shines; clever and smart.