The action-filled RPG Paper Mario was originally released in 2000 on the Nintendo 64. It was a unique approach to gaming at the time, especially for the Super Mario franchise, which first found success in role-playing with Super Mario RPG. It went on to spawn several subsequent installments and remains a fan-favorite series to this day. Though, criticism of the Paper Mario sequels has been geared mostly toward Nintendo’s decision to switch up aspects that made the first Paper Mario so great, such as the battle system and charming storyline. This most recent take on the game shows how the Mario fandom still loves to play around with the classic aesthetic of older pixel-styled game graphics from their favorite consoles of the past and further keep classic series alive.

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Pixel artist Ninjamal posted four images of their 32-bit GBA Paper Mario art. The art was created using Asesprite, a pixel-art tool that artists can use to create anything in 2D format. Ninjamal’s creation depicted the classic turn-based combat the Paper Mario series is known for along with the title screen and cutscene with Bowser. Ninjamal’s work has been received positively by fans of the franchise, with some wishing an actual “Paper Mario Advance” existed.

Even though the Paper Mario series missed the opportunity to have a legitimate GBA installment, there are still other ways to enjoy the original Nintendo 64 game. Switch players who have the Switch Online + Expansion Pack service have access to the title along with other nostalgic games, such as Kirby 64, Mario Kart 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and more. It suffices to say that Paper Mario is a welcome addition to the nostalgic-filled expansion pack.

Nostalgia is a big factor in much of the fan art for Mario and this is no different. Though follow-ups to the game, like Paper Mario: Origami King, Paper Mario: Sticker Star, and Super Paper Mario have received more mixed reviews over the years, Ninjamal’s take on the classic game shows that there is still a strong love of the series. Nintendo has proven that it can repeat the success of the original with the release of Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door, so there’s hope for more good Paper Mario games and fan art.

Paper Mario is available now on Nintendo 64.

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Source: Nintendo Life