Nintendo’s New Paper Mario Game Is Irking Traditionalists

Hi everyone, it’s Jason Schreier. Nintendo Co.'s Mario is the most iconic video game character on the planet. The mustachioed plumber has starred in dozens of games, cartoons and toy sets, generating billions of dollars in revenue. But his latest exploits have touched off an intense debate over innovation vs. tradition in gaming.

On one side, a growing chorus of gamers lament the lack of experimentation in the industry, which has begun to mirror Hollywood in its reliance on sequels and established franchises. But when Nintendo goes and releases a kooky game, a just-as-loud contingent complains that it's gone too far.