Paper Mario Sticker Star is the fourth game in the Paper Mario series that began on the Nintendo 64. This is the first time it jumps to a handheld platform, usually home to the Mario & Luigi RPG series. While the last Paper Mario game, Super Paper Mario (Wii, 2007), strayed from the classic RPG formula for more on a platformer-RPG jaunt, Sticker Star strays even more from what one would expect from a Paper Mario game. While some changes are welcome, it remains that many design decisions hindered the game’s quality rather than bolstering it.

Paper Mario, now in 3D!
Intelligent Systems has tailored this game to the handheld format: progression is broken up into stages, and auto-save and save points are abundant. NPC dialog is witty and entertaining, as per usual for this series, but there is little-to-no story and there is a severe lack of interesting characters to meet along the way. Everyone is from the Mario universe, be it a Toad or a Wiggler – there are no new characters; even bosses are familiar foes. You won’t hear much from Peach or Bowser either – both have minimal input on the game’s unfolding. This is disappointing, because there is ample opportunity to introduce fun new characters, and we’ve come to expect this from the series. The barebones story removes some of the motivation to progress in the game. I found myself often playing one stage at a time, because there was no incentive to see what happens next.

Only familiar foes were recruited for this adventure.
The battle system is quite unique. It is fast paced, turn-based and requires action commands to get the most out of your offense and defense. The hook is that you collect stickers along the way and use them as attacks in battle. Whenever you use a sticker, it’s gone, so it pays off to be a little bit conservative with the stronger ones. Stickers are in ample supply, and defeated enemies will drop additional stickers. I thought this mechanic was well done for the most part. Micro-managing your sticker collection is fun. However, it is impossible to target the enemy of your choice in battle. The only way to target an enemy other than the first in line, is to buy a power-up with coins, which will allow you to use more than one sticker on a turn. And even then, only the second sticker that you choose will hit the second foe in line, and so on. It’s somewhat convoluted, and for no good reason. I don’t know of any other battle system that restricts you from targeting specific enemies. Along the way, you’ll collect special items that you can turn into stickers for use in battle. These real-life items are a refreshing change of pace, and probably the most “surprising” thing about the game. These thing stickers are essential for some bosses, but the game doesn’t let you know beforehand. It may be obvious, once you’re in battle, but you might not even have the right stick in your book. Boss battles that aren’t approached properly can turn into long, drawn-out fights, decimating your sticker collection, due to the bosses’ high HP. Thing stickers are also required to solve some environmental puzzles scattered throughout the Sticker Star universe. Some are obvious, but enough of them are frustratingly not obvious, and will have you looking up an FAQ just to figure out how to progress.

Thing stickers are always fun. Goombas gon' get stomped!
You’ll probably be surprised to find out that there are no experience points in Sticker Star. No, there is no progression from weaker to more powerful, besides hidden HP upgrades. Only the stickers themselves get stronger versions as you progress, in line with the stronger enemies you’ll be facing. I found that there was a lack of sticker variety, with endless twists on the same sticker concept. You'll be using the same stickers to dispatch foes throughout the adventure, and it can get repetitive. Also, there are no battle partners, which would usually serve to spice up the battles with some variety, depending on who is by Mario's side. The design decisions of no experience points, no character progression, recycled stickers, lack of partners, and odd battle mechanics made it such that I would avoid battles more often than not.

Sticker Star is a beautiful game, especially in 3D. Lively and full of colour, it is a pleasure for the eyes. The locales are varied, though predictable. In terms of content, it is fairly standard length, perhaps a bit on the short side for a Paper Mario game. There is no post-game content, and hardly any easter eggs. All in all, it is an enjoyable adventure game, but not memorable in any way, besides its interesting battle system. I expected more substance from Sticker Star, but what’s there should be enough to entertain a Mario fan looking for something different. Just don't expect to be blown away, as this is the weakest entry in the Paper Mario series to date. If you’re looking for an RPG, look forward to Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (3DS) this summer.