Continuing the Goomba stomping legacy, Super Paper Mario brings players into a world of different dimensions and hidden passages. The game features a traditional 2D side scrolling perspective through most of the eight environments. However, because of the two-dimensional proportions, obstacles in each stage may at first appear impassible. Gamers may overcome these hazards by switching to a temporary 3D view and discover passages through each blockage.
Unfortunately, this adjustment to the landscape is only temporary and players must revert back to their flattened status to avoid losing energy. Gamers can explore each level by alternating between Princess Peach, Mario, and Bowser. Unlike other games in the franchise, the mushrooms in Super Paper Mario do not alter size, they restore health. For players who feel the need for some growth in their game, collecting star power-ups can increase Mario's size until he's plowing through bricks, pipes, and enemies who happen to be in his way.