Paper Mario Nintendo 64 (N64) ROM Download

Overview

Paper Mario is a role-playing game released for the Nintendo 64 in 2000 in Japan and 2001 in North America. Intelligent Systems developed the title under Nintendo’s publishing arm, building on the foundation laid by Super Mario RPG on the Super Nintendo. The game stars Mario in a storybook world where every character, tree, and building is rendered as a flat paper cutout placed inside fully 3D environments. This art style gives the game a charming look that still holds up today. Players guide Mario across the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Peach and the seven Star Spirits from Bowser, who has stolen the Star Rod and lifted Peach’s castle into the sky. The combat system blends turn-based RPG mechanics with action commands, asking players to press buttons at the right moment to boost attacks or block damage. This timing-based twist keeps battles engaging from the first fight to the final boss showdown against Bowser.

The adventure spans eight chapters across distinct regions, including deserts, haunted forests, frozen mountains, and tropical islands. Mario recruits eight partners along the way, each with unique field and battle abilities such as Goombario’s tattle, Bombette’s bombs, and Lady Bow’s outplay attacks. Players earn Star Points to level up Mario’s heart, flower, and badge stats, then equip badges that grant special moves, passive perks, or stat boosts. The badge system lets players shape Mario’s combat style to fit their playstyle, from heavy hitters to defensive tanks. Between chapters, players return to Peach inside Bowser’s castle for short stealth segments that reveal story details and give helpful hints. Side activities include cooking recipes with Tayce T., trading items with Merlow, and tackling the optional 100-floor dungeon known as the Pit of 100 Trials. Paper Mario delivers warm humor, memorable characters, and clever level design, making it one of the most beloved RPGs on the Nintendo 64.