Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam -- When Bowsers Combine

The bros have dealt with an onslaught of minions, including the Koopalings. There's nothing standing between them and the Bowsers. Step on the platform with the green Bowser emblem to make it move. Lightning crackles. When the bros arrive, Paper Bowser says they'll have to do this themselves. Bowser finds their stubbornness annoying, but it gave them time to come up with a plan. He pulls out the book. Paper Bowser says they're going to beat them, then trap them in the book, throw the book in the garbage, and light the garbage on fire. Bowser says the Mushroom Kingdom will be his as he tosses the book behind him. Paper Bowser looks at it, saying the kingdom will be theirs. Bowser sticks to his original statement. They'll have to settle that debate after dealing with the Marios, that yellow thing, and that green guy. Starlow questions their confidence going up against two Marios and a green guy, Luigi. Bowser says they're two Bowsers.

The Bowsers will breathe fire at the bros. Jump to dodge. Paper Bowser can fold himself into his shell and Bowser can hide in his shell. They won't take damage like this. They'll also hold a stack of spike balls and toss them at the bros. Counter with the hammer. Some of the spike balls will miss entirely, but there's one that will appear a little later than the rest. After a while, the Bowsers say the warm-up is over.

Paper Bowser sparkles and absorbs all of the paper minions. Bowser joins them and what results is Bowser in sparkly Paper Bowser armor. This is Shiny RoboBowser. He'll attack the bros with his fists repeatedly, then breathe fire at Paper Mario. Jump to dodge. He'll also fire blasts of energy and fire. Counter with the hammer. He can also grow wheels and chase the bros. Jump over the ground based enemies and fire. If you can dodge the Chain Chomp, the attack will end and he'll take damage. Don't use Trio Attacks while he has a helmet or he'll use his version of a Trio Attack. Press the bros' button to dodge his flames. He'll try to fake you out, so be careful. As he takes damage, armor falls off. He can also summon shiny paper minions. Destroy them or they'll heal him. After enough armor falls off, he'll try to jump on a bro. Have all bros counter with the hammer. As with all other boss fights, just leave the fighting to Paper Mario if you're having difficulty keeping all three bros alive. After a while, he'll reform his armor and heal himself, which means some of his attacks will last longer. He'll turn his arms' armor into wings and chase the bros. Use the Airplane Dodge. When he gets angry, he'll use his version of a Trio Attack. Keep hitting Bowser when he's not wearing his helmet to defeat him. His paper armor falls apart and he explodes. Paper Bowser lands on the platform, but Bowser falls off towards Mount Brrr.

Paper Bowser says this isn't over. He crawls toward the book, to protect it. Paper Mario picks it up and opens it, which absorbs Paper Bowser. He resists, saying he doesn't want to go back. The Mushroom Kingdom was going to be his. The bros team up to close the book as Paper Bowser proclaims that they'll pay for this. The book hops, so the bros try to hold it down. It eventually stops.

Back at Peach's Castle, the princesses call to Mario, leaving Luigi out. They're happy the bros are safe. They kiss their respective Mario on the cheek, then both kiss Luigi on the cheek. They thank the bros for everything they've done. Peach can't imagine dealing with two Bowsers all the time. She especially thanks Paper Mario, because the bros couldn't have done it without him, which is very true. Toadette walks in, telling everyone to follow here, because something is ready. She and the Toads have been working on something. It's a victory parade.

Fireworks go off in the sky as the credits roll. Mario and Paper Mario are on a new Papercraft Mario. Luigi and Starlow are on Papercraft Luigi. Toadette rides in on Papercraft Yoshi, while the Lakitus take notes. The princesses are on Papercraft Peach, while some Lakitus toss confetti. The parade heads to the Doop Doop Dunes, where there's a Papercraft Goomba. Papercraft Mario defeats it and uses the book to absorb the Paper Goombas. Nabbit runs by and Papercraft Megacrinkle Goomba appears. It takes more effort, but the papercrafts defeat it. Next, they go to Twinsy Tropics, where Lakitus stream colorful clouds and a Toad with a bag cheers them on. The papercrafts defeat a Papercraft Spike and absorb the Paper Shy Guys, while Yoshi chases Nabbit, who has a melon. The parade continues to Gloomy Woods, where a Papercraft Boo is defeated. Paper Shy Guys get absorbed. Fly Guys want to challenge the bros, but Flutter chases them off. Papercraft King Boo is also defeated. The parade moves to Mount Brrr, where Nabbit, chased by many Yoshis, trips and drops the melon. The Yoshis rejoice. Papercraft Bowser Jr. appears, then leaves, then Papercraft Kamek appears. For some reason, the parade goes into Bowser's Castle. Bullies and Broozers try to attack, but the papercrafts easily defeat them. Papercraft Bowser Jr. appears and is easily defeated. Airships carry Papercraft Bowser in the background, then challenges the bros. It takes a few hits, but soon falls. The parade concludes at Peach's Castle. The Papercrafts are tossed in the air as a celebration.

Inside the castle, the Paper Toads jump into the book. Starlow says all Paper Toads and minions are in the book. The princesses are sad they have to part. Paper Peach needs to return before Paper Bowser inevitably starts causing trouble. Starlow thinks she and Paper Mario can handle it. Luigi opens the book for Paper Peach. Peach says the adventure was crazy, but fun and wants to hang out again. She hugs her, saying "Thank you". The Toads say she should visit again. Paper Peach thanks everyone, saying she'll miss the bros. She jumps in the book and Starlow says it's Paper Mario's turn. He shakes Mario's hand, but the book shakes. A Paper Toad wonders what Bowser has done. Peach says duty calls. Paper Mario jumps in the book and it closes. Peach says she'll miss them. Starlow can't believe they're gone. The castle starts shaking and a Toad calls for assistance. Peach sends the bros off. A Toad says it's Bowser again.

We're shown our records page.
Rate of Excellent Actions- 70% (Great)
Dodge Success Rate- 54% (Good)
Expert Challenges Finished- 38% (OK)
Battle Cards Collected- 20% (OK)
Paper Toads Rescued- 100% (Excellent)
Block Recovery Rate- 87% (Excellent)
Item Patches Drilled- 56% (Good)
Beans Recovered- 56% (Good)

By completing the game, you unlock the music player. The game saves.

This concludes Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam. I had a great time playing the game and I hope you enjoyed reading about it. The game introduced some new ways to deal with the challenges the bros would normally solve with Bros. Moves. The game was much more challenging than previous games, as you have to dodge and counter with three bros instead of two. I found that during boss battles, just letting Paper Mario do all the work, then reviving the bros at the end worked best, but made battles drag on. Paper Mario has the potential to do more solo damage than the bros, and can more easily dodge, and with multiple copies, counter enemy attacks. What the game never answered is what happened to Paper Luigi... Well, I'm back on hiatus until the next new game.

Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam -- Part 14: When Star Sprites Attack

Head toward where the Bowser medallion fits. On the way, you may encounter Ant Troopers. They'll lose their spiky helmets after enough damage. When you reach the gate, check it out. Mario places the medallion and the gate lowers, revealing a dirt path up the wall. Use the Trio Drill to climb the wall. There are conveyor belts ahead. If you need to go in the opposite direction of the belt, dash and jump with (X). Go east through the pipe.

The bros wind up in a different part of the Twinsy Tropics. There's a pipe here, encased in some sort of mineral. There's nothing you can do to it for now, so check out the other parts of the area. The pipe to the left leads back into the dungeon. There are spider webs here, but you can dash through them. Hit the ! Block to start a timer. You have 38 seconds to reach the other ! Block. There are many webs in the way. Dash through the least complex web to make good time. If you look below, you'll see the same mineral that's covering the pipe outside. Grab the beans and coins in the wall if you'd like, then walk west. Hit the button with Trio Hammer and the shell on a statue opens. It shoots a beam of energy to the mineral encasing the pipe outside. There's another pipe in the middle. There are Paper Swoops here. Climb the wall and Drill Dash to the rings. Some may rotate to allow you to change direction. Go to the upper right area to find the next button. The pipe to the right leads to an area with more Paper Swoops. The dirt patch is to the far right. The rings here move, so time your Drill Dash. You'll loop around to the upper right, where the last button is.

The last beam of energy destroys the mineral around the pipe. The pipe leads back into the dungeon. Go as far right as you can and the bros will stop. Starlow asks why. Mario has a strange feeling about what lies ahead. Starlow's not too worried about it. Saving may be a good idea. Walk towards the pipe and Starlow says Mario's hesitation was unjustified. Go into the pipe and a Koopaling demands a pass. Another one says Bowser's Castle is through this pipe. Luigi gets knocked out of the pipe. Starlow says his mustache fell off and he should stick it back on. The bros take a few hits and Starlow gets upset enough to use her secret attack: Supernova Sparkle. Unfortunately, the attack hit the bros as well. Larry Koopa appears from the pipe. Starlow thinks Larry's on the small side. This upsets Larry. Luigi's ready to battle, but he's standing next to Larry, who tells him to get on the right side of the face-off. He calls in Ludwig von Koopa to help out. Ludwig got stuck in the pipe.

At the start of the battle, Ludwig wonders why the bros get to use Battle Cards and they don't. He pulls out a card to increase speed, which requires 2 dark Star Points to use. They don't have any at the moment, but will earn them for each time they hit the bros. Ludwig and Larry will attack the bros with their shells, then slowly go past Paper Mario. Hold the jump for as long as possible. Ludwig will attack Mario or Luigi with magic. Counter with the hammer. Larry will attack Paper Mario with magic as well. Jump to dodge, land, then jump again as Larry will charge. Hold the jump for as long as possible as Larry is still attacking. Land to counter. The Koopalings will summon some Shy Guys carrying a giant bomb. Use the Boomerang Dodge. This is another one of those fights where it's easiest to just leave Paper Mario alive. Only Larry attacks. You can revive the bros towards the end of the fight. Once Larry is defeated, Ludwig will attack with a large ball of magic. Counter with the hammer, as before. Once they're defeated, Ludwig concedes the bros aren't as wimpy as they look. Starlow says they'll just pass through the pipe. Larry says them losing was part of the plan. Starlow suggests proceeding with caution.

Go through the pipe. There are conveyor belts carrying ore into Bowser's castle. Minions go back inside the castle. Starlow reminds them that saving the princesses is their main priority. Go through the other pipe. There are Boomerang Bros here. Jump with (X) to cross to stones floating in the lava. The second one will toss the bros high in the air before landing far away. Paper Mario folds into an airplane to save them. The bros want to try something light that. The bros learn Trio Glider. Press (A), (B), and (Y). Press (Y) again up to three times to fly higher. Starlow says it can be used to reach high places as well. Follow the path and go west. A Koopa complains that he can't keep hauling stuff around. Another one agrees with him. Kamek announces that break time's over, so they try to look busy. He says they need to get back to hauling papercrafts.

Go west. Use the Trio Glide to cross the lava. The path splits ahead. Take the path due east, then go east again and hit the ! Block to connect a path back to the pipe. Return west to reach the pipe the Koopas went through.

Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam -- Part 7: Breaking the Fourth Wall to Freedom

In Bowser's Castle, the Bowser Jrs. wonder what to do with the book. Bowser Jr. wants to throw it away. Paper Bowser Jr. agrees. Bowser Jr. has second thoughts after a while. He thinks it may come in handy. Perhaps they will terrorize the paper world. He wants to show it to Bowser. The Bowsers are pleased with Mario's destruction and Kamek says the plan involving the Toads working underground is proceeding nicely. Bowser Jr. tries to talk to Bowser, but Bowser talks to Paper Bowser Jr., thinking he's his son. The Bowsers are too busy to deal with their sons and tell them to stay on guard duty. They throw temper tantrums. Kamek suggests sending them to the villa. Paper Kamek says the papercraft should provide a diversion. Paper Bowser makes it sound like a surprise, so their sons agree to go to the villa.

Elsewhere, the princesses are plotting their escape. Paper Peach has a spare cardboard cutout of herself. She thinks Bowsers' sons won't notice. Peach is tired of getting kidnapped (and everyone else is tired of her getting kidnapped). Flying in the clown car isn't so bad, but can't stand saying "Save me, Mario" another time. Peach asks Paper Peach if she feels the same. The Bowser Jrs. say they're leaving for the villa and the princesses are coming with them.

The bros leave through the gate in Twinsy Tropics Dungeon. They're still in the dungeon, however. There are Paper Scaredy Rats here. There's some of that mysterious ore that the Toads keep mentioning. Use the Trio Hammer to break them. They may give you coins. Nearby, use the Trio Grab to grab the yellow platforms on the other side of the water to form a bridge. Go north and you'll find Bowser's emblem. Luigi finds it suspicious. He suggests they should remember this exact spot because this type of adventure has some sort of foreshadowing device. He's also worried about the abducted Toads. Mario thinks the wall is connected to Bowser's Castle, but Starlow's not sure how.

After the fourth wall is broken, walk to the left to find a couple of Toads carrying the ore near a conveyor belt. They toss it onto the conveyor belt and collapse. They say it's hard work and the ore is shipped directly to Bowser's Castle. They inform the bros there's a pipe past here, but it's guarded. Roy appears and tells the Toads to stop slacking off. He thinks the area's given up all its ore. He tells them they're not paying the Toads to chat, or at all for that matter. He leaves and the Toads say they're cheering for the bros. Go south. Use the Trio Grab to form more bridges near the circles in the ground.

Go west to find more prison cells. Behind the wall is a block. There's a Paper Goomba in a cell. It's the Paper Goomba the bros crumpled a couple of times earlier. After his defeat, he was deemed unfit as a minion according to management. He got demoted to janitor and is cleaning cells. It's all the bros' fault. He also accidently locked himself in the cell. The bros try to walk away, but ihe wants to escape and not work for Bowser anymore. He promises a reward and to forget what the bros did to him. He slides them a battle card set. In return, Paper Mario shows him how to flip sideways. Two Hammer Bros appear. The Paper Goomba runs off as the battle starts, but reappears to teach about battle cards. A new card will be dealt from your set each turn. Star Points are required to used the cards as indicated on each card. Battle to get more Star Points by filling the meter. Only 3 cards can be out at once. You can flip cards over if you don't want them to free up a slot. After the battle, the Paper Goomba will show you the battle card menu. To use a card, it must be registered to a set, which can have only 10 cards. Registered cards have a check mark on them. After the tutorial, the Paper Goomba leaves, saying perhaps they will meet again. In the left cell, there's a crack in the wall, but the Toad won't move, saying it's his ticket to freedom. Go south to form a bridge, return and go west.

There are more enemies and ore here. Form the bridge and go west. Starlow spies a pipe ahead. Walk to the south to form more bridges. One requires going under a stone bridge to reach it. Walk up to the pipe and Roy and Wendy drop in. She says they could've stayed in their cell, but were inconsiderate for making them chase them. Roy calls for Larry, but he doesn't appear. Roy thinks he may be playing videogames. Wendy will toss rings for the bros to dodge. Roy tosses rocks. Successfully counter and the rock will hit Wendy. She will then attack Roy. They can also team up to launch their shells. Counter with the hammer. After a while, the two will get angry and chase the bros. Wendy will breathe fire to take out Paper Mario, so be sure to dodge. Use the Airplane Dodge to dodge the giant ball Roy throws. If Roy holds a rock over his head without attacking, attack to make him drop it. Keep yourself healed. If you defeat Wendy first, Roy will attack with magic. A giant ball of magic will fall on a bro. Counter with the hammer.

Wendy blames their defeat on Larry's absence. The two leave, and before the bros can make their escape, the Toads stampede to freedom. Before the bros do the same, we backtrack to the cell with the crack. Send Paper Mario to the block behind the wall for some 1-up Mushrooms. Take the pipe out of this depressing place.

Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam -- Part 4: Nabbing the Prize

Now that the papercraft battle is over, head east to Doop Doop Dunes. Starlow spies Bowser's Castle in the distance. Inside, a Hammer Bro asks a Paper Hammer Bro how a paper hammer does damage. The Paper Hammer Bro offers to try it out on him. The other minions are meeting their paper counterparts. The Magikoopa and Paper Magikoopa assemble the minions into a truly massive army. They give their battle cries while Bowser Jr. complains of boredom. Paper Bowser Jr. shares his sentiments. He says they'll get a reward for watching the princesses, but it's boring. Bowser Jr. asks where his paper counterpart is from. He says he and his dad flew out of the same book. Bowser Jr. wonders if Paper Bowser Jr. would have to go home if they found the book. He thinks that is likely. Bowser Jr. wants to keep hanging out to stave off the boredom. Paper Bowser Jr. has a solution: destroy the book. Bowser Jr. thinks their dads would like the idea as well, but neither know where the book is.

In the cage nearby, Peach wonders if there's a way out. Paper Peach slips through the bars with ease. Bowser Jr. wants to find the book once they're done watching the princesses. Meanwhile, the Bowsers appear in front of their armies, saying they're unstoppable. Paper Bowser wants to be in front. Bowser's plotting domination of the Mushroom Kingdom.

Back in Doop Doop Dunes, Luigi spies Nabbit. Dash to chase after him. While dashing, the bros can jump simultaneously with (X). Nabbit dodges twice, but drops the Drill Shell Bros. Attack. Starlow suggests chasing Nabbit for more Bros. Attacks. Chase after him into the next area and the Magikoopas will drop cardboard platforms to block your path. They doubt the bros will reach Bowser's Castle. There are Spinies in the desert. Use hammer, Bros, and Trio attacks to defeat them. Mario made it to level 6 and ranked up to Shell Rank. There are bonuses you earn with each increase in rank, but some may only be equipped by one bro, such as an increase in stat. Go to the northwest side of the area to find a gap. Send Paper Mario in a few times for some helpful items. Reach the higher ledges in the area using the cardboard platforms and you'll reach a red switch. Hit it to make a platform rise up so you can reach a higher platform.

Walk around and you'll find another switch. When you try to hit it, Nabbit will come out of hiding and steal all of the bros' hammers. Chase him down by dashing, but he'll toss spike balls you'll have to avoid. Slide into him to get back a hammer. Do this twice more to get all three hammers back. You'll also get a new Bros. Attack: Rocket Blast. Nabbit runs off to the south. Hit the switch so you can follow him. Bowser's Castle is due east of here. Near the slight hill with the many coins, you'll find Nabbit. Chase him up the sand flow and something drops from the sky. It's a Pokey and a Paper Pokey that looks like Tower Power Pokey. They knock the cardboard loose from the sand flow and send the bros flying.

Starlow says they have to go back to where they came from, but hit the giant stone block can't be broken by Mario's hammer. Luigi and Paper Mario join in to no avail. Paper Mario gets an idea. The bros must use the Trio Hammer by pressing (A), (B), (Y), in order. Stand next to the block and execute Trio Hammer to break it. Starlow thinks the move can be used to flip things over. Break the blocks in the area and walk across the bridge to the right. The Pokeys will knock into the bridge, sending the bros plummeting. They land in Doop Doop Dunes Grotto. The Pokeys are standing nearby and won't let the bros pass without a fight. The bros will need a way to jump really high.

Super Paper Mario -- Chapter 3-1: When Geeks Attack

Mario and his new friends opened the door, unsure of what they would find. All the while, Merlee's words about finding the "other two heroes" rang in their minds. Were these other heroes somewhere in this new world? If not, where? Meanwhile, the creeping void grew larger in the skies above Flipside. The hopes of all worlds rested on the heroes finding the next Pure Heart.

The yellow door leads to The Bitlands, an 8-bit area. Tippi senses the Pure Heart nearby, but she can't tell where. A tongue comes out of nowhere and grabs her. Someone laughs, "Nerr-herr herr herr..." A chameleon appears, calling the "super-rare pixelated butterfly" it just caught "hi-technical". His friends at digibutter.nerr will freak when they hear about it. He wants to bring it home quickly so he won't miss the latest episode of the "The Grodus Chronicles", as he doesn't trust his digital Recordomeow for such an epic episode. It disappears.

Everyone is shocked. Also shocked is someone in the nearby shrubs. It's a Pixl, saying that it saw a kidnapping, a shocking scene before their eyes. That's a wrap for that Pixl now that Francis, the chameleon, has her. Check out the shrub and the funky Pixl music starts. The Pixl asks if they're friends of the butterfly girl. It says that Francis is the nerd to end all nerds and has a thing for butterflies. Once he gets his hands on something he likes, there's no getting it back. He keeps his collection in a fantasy fortress, which is basically a geek paradise, miles away from here. The Pixl says that infiltrating the nerd's lair for a rescue will be dangerous, so it offers three tips. 1.There are some no-class jerks in an old castle ahead that isn't easy to get past. Do something to the red X mark. 2. Next, they'll see an ocean, where a scary, cranky, huge sea monster lives. Toast its red flipper thing. 3. After that, there's a humongous tree with a huge gorge next to it. Do something to the red wind. It says to tell him if they save her.

Up ahead are two tall pipes. Flip around them, then climb up the hill with many Koopas in 2D. At the top, kick the Koopa shell down for lots of points. I leveled up. There are Piranha Plants in the pipes. Cross the gap and flip for some flip blocks. Use it to reach the top of a pipe. Above it is a brick block with a ladder that leads to a door. Go through it and have Peach float all the way to the left to a pipe. The pipe takes you to the background, where there's a Catch Card SP. Return to the foreground and you'll find Hammer Bros. and a Mega Star in an item block. Go through the door on the right. A Koopa freaks out and gets a Mega Star. It transforms into a giant 8-bit Koopa that will charge right for you. Run to the left and get a Mega Star of your own so you can defeat it. The sign to the right is written backwards. It says to fall between the red pipes. Hit the switch for a platform under the door, so you can return.

Go back to the main part of the level and drop down the gap between the red pipes. You'll end up in an area looking exactly like 1-2 of the original Super Mario Bros. Flip and you'll see some creative changes. The first item block has some Pal Pills. Go through the first pipe and flip to find another Catch Card SP and some coins. Go farther ahead, and you'll find a pipe between the blocks that form the stairs. Flip to find some flip blocks so you can get the Super Shroom in the item block. Go past the inifinite platforms and go over the blocks to find a secret area. Instead of warping you to new worlds, these pipes take you to other parts of this chapter. The left pipe will take you back to the first area, near a chest with a Piranha Plant card. The right pipe leads to the same area as the middle one, but farther to the left. Flip behind the pipe to find a chest with a Magikoopa card. Walk to the right and you'll find a Save Block. Also in the area are Toopa Strikers, Koopas that kick around Koopa Shells like soccer balls.

Keep going to the right, and someone yells, "HALT!" It's a Toopa Striker, saying that this is Bowser's Castle, and he doesn't like chumps like them geeking up the place. He'll give them a complementary nose job courtesy of his shell. He summons other Koopas, Hammer Bros, and Bill Blasters to attack. Go over the next two castles and you'll come to the largest one in the area. There's a red X on it at the corner. Use Boomer to blow it up. Bowser falls to the ground, asking to tell him someone did not just blow up his awesome lair. He looks at Mario, saying he recognizes that 'stache from somewhere. He remembers Peach clearly. He asks why Mario would blow up his castle, saying that was his 100th time at his castle where he screwed something up. He jumps, knocking Peach away. Walls form an area, trapping Mario in with him and Peach outside. Bowser welcomes Mario to his fortress of pain. Mario must now battle Bowser. The spikes on his shell means jumping on him won't work. Use Boomer and press (1) when Bowser is nearby so Boomer will explode on cue. Dodge Bowser's jump attacks and flames. When you win, Bowser says he hates Mario and that wasn't fair.

Peach asks if Mario's okay. Bowser calls Peach his "lovely wife" and when she doesn't respond favorably, asks how she could forget their big day. She calls the wedding a sham and not a real wedding. She asks why he's here. Bowser says he was locked up in Bleck's castle and then suddenly found himself face down here. He found a castle in the area and made it his lair. Peach says they need his help and asks him to join their party. Mario explains how the "wedding" formed the Chaos Heart and what is going to happen. Peach says they need Bowser's help in looking for the Pure Hearts. Bowser doesn't want to help Mario, but he'll help Peach. Peach says there's no time for him to be a big baby and asks nicely. Bowser says he's grade A, 100% prime-cut final boss, and he's poised to take over the world any day now. Mario keeps thwarting his awesome plans. He says he won't do it for her when she asks. Mario explains that if the world ends, there will be nothing left for him to take over and rule. Peach also reminds him that Count Bleck had his minions brainwashed, so they do his evil bidding and toil under a different cruel and merciless master. Bowser grumbles, roars, then reluctantly agrees to join them. Peach calls him sweet, but he disagrees. He's not helping Mario; he's only doing it so he can rule the world someday. Bowser joins the party. Press "Down" on the Control Pad to make him breathe fire.

Some of his minions ask if he's leaving. He says he is and tells them to hold down the fort until he returns. He's going to dole out punishment to his brainwashed minions. The minions say they'd defend him, but they'd only get in his way. Bowser says anyone in a cape and monocle is begging for a beating. The minions say they'll miss him, but are also planning to party once he leaves. Bowser says it's time to get going and find their "Precious Heart", or whatever it's called. The star is to the right.

Super Paper Mario: Save the Princess. Save all Dimensions. Flip out!

The story begins:

"Ahem! Today... I'll tell you the story of the lost book of prophecies. This prophetic book was a mysterious tome full of stories of future events. Of course, many people craved this book, wishing to glimpse their futures. But no person, after obtaining this amazing book, ever found happiness. The reason? The book held frightful secrets not meant for people's eyes. That book came to be called the Dark Prognosticus and was sealed away. This... is the tale of that forgotten book's last owner. It is a tale of love..."

 

In Mario's house, Mario and Luigi are sitting at the table, with pictures of Mario's allies from past adventures sitting on a cabinet. Luigi says it's peaceful today, which makes him feel lucky, but it's boring. He wants a shocking event to happen. Mario suggests Peach's place and Luigi suggests visiting her in Mushroom Castle. She'll be happy to see them.

 

They leave the house and hear a call for help. It's Toad, stammering that Mushroom Castle has been raided and Peach was stolen. Luigi wonders who would do such a thing, then thinks it must be that bad guy. He won't stand for this and says they should sneak into the bad guy's castle and rescue her. They leave through the pipe, with Toad saying, "We're counting on you, Mario... Bros.!"

 

In Bowser's Castle, Bowser is talking to his minions, saying it's time to invade Mushroom Castle and make his beloved Princess Peach all his. They will also stomp the Mario Bros. The minions cheer and Bowser says, "'We're under attack!' You jokers are the best!" He then asks who the hairy guys in the back are, because everyone shaves at Bowser's Castle. He jumps over to them and the crowd parts, reveal the Mario Bros. Bowser wonders how they got in and Mario says the front gate was unlocked. Bowser keeps telling his minions that the last one in locks the gate. Luigi says they know he's kidnapped Peach and wants to know where she is. Bowser is confused because they're only about to launch their attack.

 

Suddenly, Peach calls for help. She appears, trapped. A man wearing a monocle, top hat and cape flips in, saying, "Bleck! Your princess has been taken... by Count Bleck!" Confused, Bowser asks "Who?" The man replies, "By me... Count Bleck! The chosen executor of the Dark Prognosticus... is Count Bleck. The fine fellow prophesied to come to this dimension... is also Count Bleck!" Bowser says, "I'll tell you who doesn't make even a little bit of sense... Count Bleck!" He orders Count Bleck to release Peach, as he's on a schedule. "Count Bleck says NEVER! This princess is integral to fulfilling the prophecies.. She will be brought to Castle Bleck and used to destroy all worlds... by Count Bleck!" Mario tries to attack, but Count Bleck is protected by a shield. Count Bleck uses dark magic, which knocks Mario unconscious. He says, "This man deserves ridicule... Weaklings cannot face Count Bleck!" Bowser tells him to calm down and free the princess, or else. His minions swarm Count Bleck. "Bleh heh heh heh... Your princess shall NOT be returned... by Count Bleck! In fact, Bowser, evil king of the Koopas... Count Bleck will take you, too! BLEH HEH HEH HEH! BLECK!" He opens his cape, which opens a vortex, drawing everyone in the castle in, including Luigi, but not Mario. "BLEH HEH HEH HEH! BLECK! Count Bleck's preparations are now in order! All that remains is for the dimensional void to appear as foretold in the prophecy... Bleh heh heh heh heh... BLEH HEH HEH HEH! BLECK!" Count Bleck flips away, leaving Mario.

 

 Peach wonders what happened to her and where she is. Count Bleck says, "Bleh heh heh heh heh... Oh, you're awake, Princess! She opens her eyes to see Count Bleck, Bowser in a white tuxedo, and herself in a wedding dress. They're standing at a pavilion, and below, Bowser's minions are cheering. Peach wonders what's going on. A woman with glasses flips in, saying preparations are complete. "Mmm... Then is shall be begun... by Count Bleck!", says Count Bleck. Bells start ringing as Count Bleck officiates the ceremony. "Bowser... Ferocious and fearsome, evil king of the Koopas... Do you take Peach to be your lawfully wedded wife 'til your games be over?" Bowser readily says yes. "Peach... Noble princess, pure of heart... Do you take Bowser to be your lawfully wedded husband 'til your games be over?" Peach wants an explanation. "Bleh heh heh heh heh... Is it not obvious? This is your wedding, Princess!" She wonders why in the world she's marrying Bowser. Bowser has no objections and tells her to go along with it, so he can finally marry her. Peach refuses and calls her dress awful. She orders Bleck to return her to her castle, but she's knocked to the ground by some magic. The woman with the glasses says it's bad to be rude to the count. Peach needs to answer the count on whether she takes Bowser as her husband. Peach groans in pain, but manages to refuse. The woman calls her a fighter, but says no one withstands her super-hypnosis. She tells her to say "I do." and zaps her again with some hypnosis. Peach groans and slowly says "I do."

 

The ground starts shaking and something black appears from the alter. Luigi wakes up among the crowd of minions, wondering what's going on. He sees Peach and Bowser on the pavilion. A large black heart appears from the alter. "BLEH HEH HEH HEH! BLECK! Yes, all precisely as written in the Dark Prognosticus! Already it is unleashed! The Chaos Heart!" The woman congratulates Count Bleck. Luigi says for them to halt and jumps up the pavilion stairs. "And just who are you? ...Asked Count Bleck." Luigi refuses to tell his name to scoundrels, then says his name when saying he'll punish them for their evilness. The woman says to stop, because something will happen if the process is interrupted. Luigi ignores her, jumps on Bowser and the Chaos Heart, then lands next to Peach, to rescue her. The shaking becomes more violent and the Chaos Heart flashes. Count Bleck and the Dark Prognosticus, then the woman flip in over the Chaos Heart. She asks if Bleck is okay. "Fools... Pointless acts like these will earn you only pain... from Count Bleck! Very well. As the Chaos Heart is secured, this ragtag group now lacks use. The woman says he can turn to a new page of dark prophecies in the Dark Prognosticus. Count Bleck says, "Open your mouth, darkness! Consume everything and destroy all worlds, as told in the prophecy! BLECK!" The Chaos Heart flashes.

 

Someone calls to Mario. It's a rainbow-colored butterfly. Mario wakes up in Bowser's Castle, alone. The butterfly asks if he's awake. She introduces herself as Tippi, a Pixl, which is a sort of fairy. She came to find him. Mario assumes an offensive stance, so she informs him she's not his enemy. She asks if Mario met Count Bleck, who captured a princess and an evil king. She says this means Count Bleck is beginning to form The Void. Mario must come with her if his friends are to be saved. She draws a rectangle around Mario and they flip away.

 

They appear on a tall pillar with a wizard. There's a small, dark purple spot in the background. The wizard says Tippi returned quickly and that she has outdone herself in finding a man with a red shirt, blue overalls, and a magnificent 'stache. Tippi says Mario matches the description in the Light Prognosticus perfectly and introduces him. The wizard welcomes him to Flipside and says Mario came from the Mushroom Kingdom of his dimension. Flipside is between dimension. The wizard is Merlon, a descendant of the ancients who created Flipside. He studies ancient texts to forestall the end of all worlds. Mario wants to know more about the end of all worlds and what's happening. Merlon says the answer hangs above them. The small purple darkness is a hole in the very dimensional fabric of space and it will only grow. It will eventually swallow all existence, including worlds and dimensions. It was created by their enemy, Count Bleck, the wielder of the Dark Prognosticus. Tippi quotes the Light Prognosticus, saying, "A fair and lovely princess... A furious monster king... Their union calls forth the Chaos Heart, consumer of worlds, which will ravage the sky and so bring forth The Void." The Void will swallow all and naught can stop it, unless the one protected by the dark power is destroyed. The hero with the power of eight Pure Hearts will rise to this takes. A red Pure Heart appears and Merlon says Mario is the hero of the Light Prognosticus, the only one who can defeat Count Bleck and save all worlds. He says to take the Pure Heart and save all worlds from destruction. Agree to the task and the Pure Heart is thrust into your possession. Merlon says Mario must take the Pure Heart and place it in a Heart Pillar in town, then return. Tippi will lead the way.

 

The quickest way to the Heart Pillar is to walk off the pillar Mario's currently standing on. The Heart Pillar is a tall, white, rectangular pillar with a heart-shaped hole on it. Press Up on the Control Pad to examine things or talk to people. Do so near the Heart Pillar to place the Pure Heart in it. The Heart Pillar pulses and the Pure Heart falls into place. Gears appear and a red door materializes on top of the tall pillar where Merlon is. Afterwards, walk over to the red triangle pointing down and press Up. This is an elevator that will take you between two floors. Go down a floor and you'll come across Merlon's house. There's a Save Block nearby. The nearby elevator has ornate decorations. Take it back up to the newly-formed door and Merlon. Merlon says this dimensional door was made to lead the hero to another Pure Heart and that one of the seven lies somewhere beyond this door. Tippi must use her power to help Mario find the Pure Heart. Merlon gives Mario the Return Pipe, a pipe that can be used to return to Flipside from almost anywhere, which is great if he needs to return in a hurry. In some areas, the signal from Flipside might not reach. You'll find it in the Important Things section of the menu. The Light Prognosticus foretells the hero meeting the "dimensional governor" and learning the dimensional technique. Merlon says that the dimensional governor is his friend, the wizard Bestovius. Mario should go through the red door to seek him out.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door -- Interlude After Chapter 1 -- Part 1

Peach is brought in by the guys wearing Xs. They cross their arms as a salute. They tell Grodus that they brought her in as ordered. Briefly, a screen fizzles. Grodus, who wears a dome and carries a staff, asks where the map is. Peach says she doesn't know, but Grodus says they know for certain that she had the map and it's in her best interest to be honest with them. He says that they, the X-Nauts, are quite nasty. A holographic image appears and an X-Naut says that Hooktail's Crystal Star was taken. He describes Mario and Peach blurts out his name. Grodus says he'll find out about Mario soon. He tells the X-Nauts to take Peach to the holding room. She is not to be harmed. After she leaves the room, Grodus tells Lord Crump that Mario will likely go to the Boggly Woods, where they're looking for another Crystal Star. He wants Lord Crump to return and hasten the excavation. Lord Crump leaves and Grodus thinks he's a little out there.

Grodus summons an X-Naut to get the Shadow Sirens. The X-Naut has doubts and his sentence trails off. Grodus doesn't care how he planned to finish that sentence. The Shadow Sirens appear from the floor and ask if Peach revealed the location of the map. Grodus says she hasn't, blaming it on Beldam, the Shadow Siren in the blue hat, for not grabbing Peach earlier. Now Mario has the map. Beldam says there were too many prying eyes and a strange old man showed up, so they retreated. She says they'll steal the map from Mario and take care of this troublemaker. She tells the other two Shadow Sirens, Vivian and Marilyn to get going.

Screens display various areas under surveillance until one displays an area where Peach is. She can't believe that she's been kidnapped again and bets that Mario and Toadsworth were worried. She doesn't know where she is and wants to inform them that she's been taken. Go west, where you'll find a bathroom. Check out the bathtub and she'll find that it's very clean. She takes a shower, humming the Peach's Castle theme. After the shower, she wears her hair in a ponytail and feels more refreshed. Leave the bathroom and the doors to the east open. Go through the doors and you'll find no one on the other side. She thinks the doors open by themselves. Aside from a card reader for a door that doesn't work, there is not much of interest in the hallway. Go east and the door opens.

The room lights up to reveal a giant computer. It greets her. It is the main computer TEC-XX, TEC for short. Grodus created it to be a perfect computer, flawless in its reason. Peach refers to Grodus as that awful dome-headed guy. TEC disagrees, calling him great and marvelous. Peach asks why TEC led her here. TEC isn't sure, saying an unusual program deviation occurred when it observed her earlier. TEC's higher-brain circuitry malfunctioned and nearly overheated at her image and an unidentified pulse sped through its processors. These are new events, and, after running diagnostics, the solution presented was that TEC wants to observe and know more about Peach. This is without precedent. TEC is the perfect computer and this unknown cause made it lead her here and diagnose the situation. Peach has an idea of what is going on, but dismisses it as impossible. TEC wants to know, but she thinks it's too weird. TEC says there shouldn't be anything it doesn't understand. Peach thinks that TEC is in love with her. TEC can't compute love. Peach tries to explain it as the desire to be with a person forever and finding happiness in seeing that person happy, smiling, having fun, and that one will do anything t help when that person is in trouble. TEC has definitions for happiness and fun, but its programming is insufficient. TEC wants Peach to it to feel love and will grant her wishes in exchange, except letting her escape. Peach is furious and doubtful. TEC understands anger and says she doesn't have to teach it now, but it must learn. Peach wants to contact someone, so TEC offers use of its communicator to send wireless mail anywhere. She types on the keyboard and sends a message, somehow knowing Mario's address. TEC allows her to return to her room and it will call when it has a question. Peach leaves.

At Bowser's Castle, Bowser enters the room, telling his minions to hold their applause. He asks where Kammy Koopa is, as she summoned him here in the first place. The Koopatrols at the door say she'll arrive momentarily and to wait for her at the read of the room. Talk to the minions. The Hammer Bro says he saw Lord Bowser gazing longingly at a picture of Peach. He sees Bowser and Bowser wants to hear the rest of the story.

Walk up the stairs to the rear of the room. Kammy Koopa walks in and is out of breath. She's sorry to keep Bowser waiting and says that Mario is in Rogueport. Bowser doesn't care about what Mario does. Kammy informs him that Mario is hunting an amazing treasure, which piques Bowser's interest. Mario's looking for the Crystal Stars. She doesn't know much about them, but knows that they're of high value. Bowser thinks they'd make great world-conquering tools and wants them. Kammy says she'll continue her research. She then asks Bowser if he likes fried eggs. Why does she ask? She stopped in Petal Meadows and wants to go on a picnic there with eggs and toast. Bowser calls her an airhead and says there's no time for fun. His evil plans always derail because his minions goof off. He stomps his feet. Kammy tells him to calm down and to remember his blood pressure.

A Magikoopa comes in with news that Peach was abducted in Rogueport. Bowser wonders who would do such a thing, besides him. The Magikoopa says the investigation is ongoing. Bowser is upset, saying no one is allowed to kidnap her without his say-so. He's not standing for this and is going to Rogueport to kidnap her back. He flies off in his Clown Copter and breaks through the wall. Kammy Koopa follows.

Paper Mario: Chapter 8 -- A Star-Powered Showdown! -- Part 3

It's time to finally deal with Bowser! Go upstairs in Peach's Castle and Peach will call for help. Bowser is in his Clown Copter. He's glad to see Mario because he's been a distraction for far too long. He wants to squash him again. The battle starts. Bowser has 50 HP and 1 defense power. His attacks vary in their attack power. His fire breath has an attack power of 8 and his jump and smack attacks have 6. He'll use the Star Rod to increase his defense. Use the Star Beam each time he does to negate it. He can also use the Star Rod for a shockwave attack that can hit your party member or heal 20 HP. Hit him with your best attacks, like Power Bounce and Electro Dash and you'll win. You'll get 38 SP.

Bowser says Mario's battling wasn't bad and wonders how he got so strong. Mario's still just an annoyance to him and that was just a warm-up battle. He takes Peach and flies out the broken window. Follow him to the roof and go through the west door. There's a Save Block here, the last point before dealing with Bowser again. At this point, I am level 24, with 45 HP, 40 FP, and 30 BP> The badges I have equipped are Power Bounce, Dodge Master, 2 Power Plus badges, Defend Plus, 2 Damage Dodge badges, Last Stand, and Close Call. This limits the number of attacks I can do, but I like the ability to hit multiple times with Power Bounce. Choose whatever badge combination suits you. Go up the stairs and outside. Cross the bridge and Bowser hits a switch that makes the bridge fall away. Peach says to be careful. Kammy Koopa says Mario fell into their trap. They weren't foolish enough to just sit back and watch Mario save the Star Spirits. They built a device into this arena that increases Bowser's power to a point where the Star Spirits' power can't compare. He's truly invincible thanks to her efforts. The machine powers up and the eyes on the arena light up. The spikes start spinning and energy spirals to the center of the floor and makes Bowser larger. It's time to battle again.

This time, Bowser has 99 HP, 2 defense power, and the power of each attack has increased by 2. He'll use the Star Rod, but when Mario uses Star Beam, it doesn't work. Outside the battle, Peach wants to help Mario, as he'll be defeated if things continue the way they are. She asks someone to help Mario. Kammy Koopa tells her to keep quiet. Twink flies in and knocks her off her broom, then unties Peach. Kammy Koopa battles Twink, who's not afraid. Twink's sole attack is Dash. When you first use it, it does nothing. Peach helps out by using Focus. Kammy Koopa summons a large block to hit Twink. The next time Twink uses Dash, it has 1 attack power and when Kammy Koopa attacks again, his defense increases. Eventually, Twink gets stronger to the point that he has 4 attack power and Kammy Koopa's attack is useless. She remembers that  Stars get their powers from the wishes of people. Twink defeats her. She says she failed Bowser. Twink and Peach still need to save Mario. Twink tells her to make a wish to give more power to the Star Spirits, while thinking of the Mushroom Kingdom, Star Haven, and Mario. Twink will help Mario while Peach makes her wish. Twink hits Bowser. Eldstar appears, saying that power is flooding in. Twink will help the Star Spirits as the wishes of Peach and the Mushroom Kingdom will give the Star Spirits enough power to match Bowser's strength. The Star Beam powers up to Peach Beam, and now includes Twink.

The battle starts up again and Mario's fully healed. I used Watt as a party member throughout the fight, using Electro Dash to bypass Bowser's defense and Turbo Charge to power up the Power Bounce attack. Bowser's slap attack can poison Mario and if his Star Rod attack connects, it can hit party members and power Mario down, making Turbo Charge run out. He can strike Mario with lightning that has 9 attack power. He can also heal 30 HP. Keep attacking with your most powerful attacks and stay healed and you'll eventually defeat him.

Mario gets the Star Rod back and Bowser shrinks down to his normal size. The arena and Bowser's Castle explodes and Bowser and Kammy Koopa are blown away. The Star Spirits protect Peach and Mario and take them to her castle. Mario hands over the Star Rod to Eldstar, who thanks Mario. The Star Spirits will use the Star Rod to bring peace and grant wishes. The stars praise him for his courage. Perhaps Bwoser will behave himself, but the chances of that are slim. They praise Twink for rising to the occasion and is now a grown-up star. They will return to Star Haven and this is good-bye for now. Twink thanks Mario and was honored to help. He hopes to see Mario and Peach again and grow into a respectable star. Peach thanks him for his help and calls him a stellar friend. The Star Spirits and Twink fly off as Peach's Castle lowers back into place.

Back at Mario's house, Luigi marvels at the story of how Mario took back the Star Rod. Peach's Castle is back in place and everyone is safe. Mario came through like always. He's been back for a few days, but it still feels like he's on an adventure. He wonders about his party members. Goombario and Goombaria are playing in Goomba Village when Parakarry delivers a letter for Goombario. It's an invitation from Peach to a party at the castle. Bombette's in Koopa Village, Bow is in her mansion, Watt's in Shy Guy's Toy Box, Sushie's in the jungle of Lavalava Island. Lakilester and Lakilulu are in Flower Fields, and Kooper and Kolorado are in Shiver City, about to explore the Crystal Palace. Parakarry delivers invitations to all of them. Kooper hesistates, but Kolorado tells him to go. Parakarry also has a message from Kolorado's wife, telling him not to come home. She's furious that he left on an adventure without telling her. He leaves for home immediately, leaving his assistants confused. Mario and Luigi also get an invitation. Luigi runs on ahead to deal with something top secret.

Go into Toad Town and you'll see many people here. Go to the castle and you'll find guests from the ill-fated party here. Talk to one of the Bumpties and he'll says that Herringway's working on a new novel based on Mario's adventures. He's going to call it "Paper Mario". Go into the castle and Peach says she's happy everyone's here. The Star Rod is in its rightful place and there is peace once again. She thanks Mario and his party, as well as everyone who helped out. She appreciates their help. Peace in the Mushroom Kingdom is her heartfelt wish. It's now time to celebrate. Luigi reveals his top-secret assignment: to lead the celebration parade. Roll credits!

I had a fun time playing Paper Mario. It was a fun game and I look forward to playing its sequels. I hope you enjoyed reading about it and I hope you enjoy reading about Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, which is next.

Paper Mario: Chapter 8 -- A Star-Powered Showdown! -- Part 2

After unlocking the door in the room with the Save Block, go east and you'll find another guard door. It won't let Mario pass, unless he can pass its quiz, giving him only one chance. Its minions will appear from three doors on the back wall, run around briefly, then go back through the doors. Mario must answer 5 of the guard doors questions correctly, and he can only miss two. Miss more and there will be dire consequences.
1. How many Koopas were there? 3
2. What color of Shy Guy were there three of? Red
3. Who came out of the middle entrance? Red Shy Guys
4. How many Goombas were there? 2
5. How many arms did you see? 4
If you get three incorrect, it'll have you battle 3 Anti Guys at once. Either way, the guard door will let you through. It feels the shame of being defeated by Mario. Go east.

You'll end up outside. It's a little foggy here, but that doesn't affect anything. There's a Super Shroom in an item block and a Maple Syrup in another. There are enemies here. Go up the stairs on the right and drop down for a Jammin' Jelly. There are more Magikoopa up here, so be careful. Go west.

The door takes you back inside, into a room with some stairs. Go west on the current level to reach another prison cell. Battle the Koopatrol for the Prison Key so you can open the cell. You can fully heal here. The room up the stairs and to the west leads to a small puzzle room. Drop onto the lower platform from the stairs and have Bombette hit the switch. This will raise a couple of platforms so you can jump across. Go west to get an Ultra Shroom. The room to the east at the top of the stairs has a locked door. Go up the stairs in this room and go east. There's another switch here to make part of the floor rise. Stand on the part of the floor with gray tiles that's next to the stairs, then have Bombette hit the switch. The part of the floor you're standing on will rise up and you'll be able to cross. Go east for a Castle Key to unlock the door to the west.

The door leads to a room with some sconces on the back wall. Some are higher than the others. Take note of the pattern and go east. In the next few rooms, there will be four doors. Go east through the door that matches the pattern. What you need to do is go east using the following doors in order: upper, lower, lower, upper, lower, upper. You'll reach an area with more enemies. Go east and you'll see Peach at the door. She saw a chance to run and took it. She says there's no need to fight Bowser and will follow you. She's a bit slower than Mario, so at some point, she'll end up off screen. Look back to check on her and you'll see a Duplighost. It runs back to the door, where you'll find Peach. Hit Peach a few times to reveal her to be a Duplighost in disguise and battle it.

Go east and you'll reach yet another guard door. It wonders how Mario go there. After congratulations, it says it has better defenses than the other guard doors. The Koopa Bros. appear and ask if Mario remembers them. The guard door will let Mario through if he can beat them. The Koopa Bros. say they have more power and are now calling themselves the Super Ultra Mighty Koopa Bros. the Great. Jr. Troopa rushes in and knocks them away. He says it was a pain finding Mario in here. He wants to setting the score with one final battle. He has 60 HP, 8 attack power, 2 defense power and can change his form. First, he'll have a spike and wings. After a few attacks, he'll start using magic. His lightning attack has 9 attack power. He can also heal 10 HP. He'll give 25 SP on defeat. Jr. Troopa says he'll beat Mario next time and runs off. The guard door is confused because the Mario defeated the guy who defeated the Koopa Bros., but it's not sure if that means Mario beat the Koopa Bros. It decides there's no big difference between the Koopa Bros. and Jr. Troopa and lets Mario through the door. It's fine with it because it doesn't think Mario can defeat Bowser. Go east and you'll find yourself outside Peach's Castle.

Go inside the castle. It's quiet. Too quiet. The entire first floor of the castle is empty. Go through the door on the left that's up a short flight of stairs. Save the Toad in the wardrobe and he'll open up a makeshift Toad House in that room. At least it has a real bed. Go through the top stairs to the second floor. Go into the library, which is also empty. Climb up the piles of books to the second level to reach a Life Shroom. Go upstairs when you're ready.

Paper Mario: Chapter 8 -- A Star-Powered Showdown! -- Part 1

The Star Ship has landed on Bowser's Castle and docks near some Clown Copters. There's a Save Block nearby. Leave the area and you'll find yourself outside the castle. The front door is locked. Cross the bridge over the lava river and go east through the door. There's a Koopatrol here. They're the highest ranked guards of Bower's army. They have 8 HP, 4 attack power, and 3 defense power. They have spiked helmets and charge up their attacks sometimes. The charged up attack has 10 attack power. They call also call in reinforcements. They give 3 SP. Defeat this one for the Castle Key. You can see Toads imprisoned on the other side of the wall, but you can't do anything now. Go to the front door and open it.

Inside, you'll find more Koopatrols. Go east and you'll encounter Hammer Bros. They have 12 HP, 5 attack power, and 1 defense power. If their hammer hits you and you don't guard, you'll shrink, halving your attack power. When they're low on HP, they'll hurl several hammers in quick succession, so guard repeatedly. They give 3 SP. Go east. In this room is a door with a talking Bowser head. It's a guard door to keep suspicious types from entering. Tell it you want to go through and stand in front of it. It will open a trap door that drops you into an impenetrable prison with some Toads. There's no escape, but the guard door says it will let Mario through if he can escape and return. The Toads in the room tell Mario to save Peach. Use the Heal Block and have Bombette blow up the east wall. She says the material here is weak and easier to blow up than the Koopa Bros. Fortress. Go east, save, and go east again.

There are platforms in the lava here. Cross the lava and go east. On one platform will be a small set of stairs. Stand on the bottom step and have Kooper hit the switch. This makes a platform move through the lava. Up ahead is another switch, but Kooper can't reach it. Use Lakilester to cross the lava and hit it. Jump and cross the lava with Parakarry to reach the east doorway. In this room, there are items on the platforms, but you can't reach them. Use Lakilester to cross the lava to the next platform you can reach. Up ahead, is a moving platform. Lava will flow onto it, so have Bow make you transparent. Have Lakilester take you over the lava and through the back door. The lava is flowing from here. Go up the stairs and you'll see some Koopatrols and a Magikoopa near a switch. They must not let Mario hit the switch. Battle them all at once. The Magikoopa has 11 HP, 6 attack power, and knows the spells of all other Magikoopas. They give 3 SP. Once you defeat them, hit the switch and the lava stops flowing. It hardens and cools, so you can walk on it. You can now reach the items in the area. Go all the way to the west to go outside the castle. There's an item block on the way with a Life Shroom. Outside the castle are some rocks with an item block that contains the Deep Focus badge. Go back inside and through the back door in the area west of the locked door. There's a chest here with a Castle Key. Go back east to unlock the door on the east wall.

The door leads to a dark part of the castle, where is seems to be crumbling. You'll need Watt to see and battle. There are Bony Beetles here. Goombario can't use Tattle in the dark, but they have 8 HP, 3 attack power, and 4 defense power. Their attack power increases to 5 when they have their spikes out. Attack them to make the spikes retract. They give 2 SP. The path splits ahead. For the first part, cross using the top path. For the second part, the back path has an invisible block with a POW Block, but you want to cross using the middle path. Go west. The first path split here is like the one before: there's an invisible block with a Shooting Star on the back path and you'll cross using the middle path. On the next split, take the back path and drop down, then go west.

This will take you into a room with a stone block with Bowser's face on it. Push it to a reveal a door on the front wall. This will take you back to the guard door. It's amazed Mario returned and thinks it's a dirty trick. It lets him through. The guard door leads to a room with stairs. Go through the east door on the first floor. There's a Koopatrol guarding a prison cell with more Toads. Battle it for the Prison Key to unlock the prison. There's a couple slabs of rock hanging from chains in the room. They serve as beds, so you can take a nap here in this makeshift Toad House. Return to the room with the stairs, go up the stairs, then go west. There's a shop here.  At the top of the stairs to the east are more enemies, and the path forward.

Go east from here and you'll reach a couple of tall rooms. One of them has a locked door. Spring up to the next level. Pull the chain to partially fill the rooms with water. Swim west with Sushie and hit the switch. Spring up and blow up the east wall with Bombette. Go east and Tornado Jump on the switch to reveal a couple of alcoves in the back wall. Walk in the alcoves to the right and pull the chain. This will fill the rooms with even more water. Return west and swim to the left for the Castle Key. Pull both chains again to drain the water so you can unlock the door.

The door leads to an area filled with gold Bullet Bills, called Bombshell Bills. They have 3 HP and 6 attack power. As their HP drops, their explosions get bigger. They give 1 SP. Take them out quickly and try to avoid more battles. At the end are a couple of Bomshell Bill Blasters. They have 10 HP and 4 defense power. They do not attack directly, but fill the area with Bombshell Bills. They give 2 SP. Watt is a good choice here. Unfortunately, there are more Blasters and more Bombshell Bills as you climb the stairs in the area, so be careful. At the top of the stairs, go east.

You'll find Dry Bones here. They have 8 HP, 4 attack power, and 2 defense power. They throw bones and can rise back up after being defeated. You must defeat them all at once or use fire attacks. If they appear alongside other enemies, defeat the other enemies first. They do not give SP if you defeat them normally. Push the right Bowser block to the right to reveal a doorway on the back wall. This hallway will take you to a room with a locked door and a save block. Push the left block in this room to the left to reveal a hallway to a room with a Heal Block. Return east and push the block near the other open doorway to the right to reveal a new doorway. There is nothing through the other doorway. This doorway leads to the Castle Key. Return to the room with the Save Block and unlock the door.

Paper Mario: Interlude After Chapter 7

Peach stands on her balcony with Twink. She's wondering about Mario and if she's helping him. Twink says she is and she should be proud of her efforts. He knows she's been helping him and she'll talk to him before long. They go inside and Bowser walks in. He wants a friendly conversation with Peach, but she has nothing to say to him. Bowser says she's stuck with him for a long time, so she should get used to it. Peach tells him that Mario is on his way. Bowser counters by saying he's invincible. Kammy Koopa walks in, saying they have an emergency situation: Mario has saved all of the Star Spirits. He could come to the castle, so they must be ready. Bowser sets up an ambush in his castle. He offers Peach a front-row seat to watch Mario's defeat. He orders the guards to tie Peach up. Twink comes out of hiding and tells Bowser to stop. Bowser calls him confetti and swats him away.

Back outside the Crystal Palace, Kalmar thanks Mario and says he has done well. All of the Star Spirits have been rescued and are in his debt. Now he must challenge Bowser and Kalmar's power should help him. Kalmar gives him more Star Energy and a new Star Power, Up and Away, which turns all enemies into stars. Mario must go to Shooting Star Summit. The Star Spirits will prepare a route to Star Haven via the Star Way. Kalmar tells Mario to save this precious world before leaving for Star Haven.

Drop down from where the Save Block is to reach a Star Piece. Go back to Shiver City, and, on the way, you'll notice that Jr. Troopa is gone. Once in Shiver City, have at least 6 spots open in your inventory, then take a nap at the Toad House. When you wake up, you'll find four Mushrooms, one Ultra Mushroom, and an Iced Potato. The Toad says the floor was wet like snow melted on it. It's probably a present from someone, but whom?

In Koopa Village, Koopa Koot has one last favor to ask: defeat Bowser. Near the port in Toad Town is Club 64. The Pop Diva, Chantarelle hasn't sung in a while. The Toad next to her has written some Lyrics for her to sing, but they need music. There's a composer in the house next to the item shop in Dry Dry Outpost who will write a Melody for her. Return with the Melody and she'll sing the song. After her performance, you'll get the Attack FX D badge. Go to the part of town where the Dojo and the pipe to Mario's house is. There are some docks in the water. Swim across for a Star Piece. Go through the pipe on the island to reach a Super Block. I upgraded Kooper. Go into the Toad Town Tunnels and go the area with the balance platforms. Go through the upper doorway and ride the infinite platforms up to a new level. Walk to the right and drop down to an area with a Super Block. I upgraded Goombario.

When you've made your preparations, head for Shooting Star Summit. I recommend having Tayce T. make you a couple of Jelly Ultras, cooked from the combination of a Jammin' Jelly and an Ultra Shroom. These restore 50 HP and 50 FP at the same time. Adjust your badges and equip the Ice Power and Fire Shield badges. At the summit, the Star Spirits open the entrance to the Star Way. They will give Mario their remaining power so he can stand up to the power of the Star Rod. A sparkling path appears that takes you to the sky.

Star Way is a starry path high in the sky. It spirals around until you reach Star Haven. Up here, you'll find Embers, blue flame enemies. They have 10 HP and 4 attack power. They divide when they are attacked and can spit fire aimed at party members. There's only a few of them. At the top of the spiral, head east to Star Haven.

In Star Haven, the trees sparkle when you hit them. The stars here are thankful that Mario saved the Star Spirits. They call him a "Light saver" and that they should try "wishing on a Mario". There's a "Toad" House here run by a star. Up the stairs is an item shop. Go east to reach the Star Sanctuary. Eldstar says he finally made it and it's time to take the fight to Bowser. They give Mario a final power, the Star Beam. They say to use it whenever Bowser tried to power up with the Star Rod to drain its power. They give him another gift: the Star Ship, so he can reach the castle in the sky. The Star Spirits use their powers to help the Star Ship take off when Mario is ready. Below, the people of the Mushroom Kingdom see the Star Ship, think it's a shooting star, and star making wishes. Most of them are to see the Princess again, but one young Toad wants to eat tons of Shroom Cake. The Star Ship flies to Bowser's Castle and starts the final chapter.

Paper Mario: Interlude After Chapter 6

In her castle, Peach wants to try out the Sneaky Parasol she received from the 64th Trivia Quiz-Off. She might be able to escape with it. Hit the switch on the wall and leave the room. On this floor, the guards are not patrolling. Walk up the right staircase and press (B) while facing a Koopatrol guarding the door. On this side, he can't see you. Peach will transform into a Koopatrol. Talk to the Koopatrol and he'll let you pass. Go to the top of the stairs and talk to the guard at the door. He says the guard who was supposed to relieve him hasn't shown up. The guard is a Clubba. He asks for you to find them and send them here. He gives you the key so you can find the Clubba outside the castle. Before you go get him, go into the library. Talk to the Hammer Bro at the far end who's staring at the bookshelf. He's looking for a book, but not the one you're thinking of. To get you to go away, he'll give you a Shooting Star. Take it and the Jammin' Jelly from the Trivia Quiz-Off to the mysterious chest.

In the foyer, a couple of Koopatrols are chatting. One says that Kammy Koopa's building something over Peach's Castle. He thinks it might be a weapon to defeat Mario. Go downstairs and unlock the door. This leads outside Peach's Castle. There's another door, but it's locked from the other side, so there's no escape into Bowser's Castle. There's a Clubba sleeping here. Press (B) to turn back into Peach, then transform into the Clubba. Return to the top of the stairs and relieve the Koopatrol on duty. He's not too pleased. Go through the door, through the hallway with the broken window, through another door, and up the stairs. Go through the door at the top of the stairs and you'll reach the roof. The guards say you can't be up there, but it's too late for that. Walk to the left and Kammy Koopa will appear. She says that everything's ready and that they'll still be alright even if Mario shows up with all of the Star Spirits. It sounds like she has a contingency plan in place. She says it pays to expect the worst. She looks at Peach and says the Clubba is doing a fine job. She does a double take and thinks something's weird. The Clubba smells too nice. With some magic, she reveals that the Clubba is really Peach in disguise. She has the guards take her back to her room, without questioning how she was disguised.

Back in Flower Fields, the Star Spirit, Klevar, thanks Mario for saving him and Flower Fields. Now that Huff N. Puff is gone, the flowers can live in peace. They never would've seen light with out him. Now there's only on more Star Spirit to save. He powers up Mario with more Star Energy and a new attack, Time Out. It stops time and enemies. Klevar warns Mario to not be overconfident as Bowser also has power. There are even stronger enemies ahead, but everyone's depending on him. Klevar hopes their powers help. Klevar leaves for Star Haven.

Wise Wisterwood says Flower Fields is beautiful again. He thanks Mario, saying it was worth living so long to meet a man of his stature. He tells Mario to come see him again. Lakilulu is nearby. If Lakilester isn't by your side when you talk to her, she'll say that Lakilester acts tough, but is a pushover. Return to Toad Town.

While in Toad Town, I decided to challenge the Anti Guy in Shy Guy's Toy Box. He has 50 HP and 10 attack power. He has 12 attack power when he does an acrobatic attack. Have one or two defense increasing badges on. Use Power Bounce and Bow's Fan Smack to deal with him quickly. He'll give you 12 SP. The chest he guarded contains a Power Plus badge.

Koopa Koot has a few more favors to ask. First, a friend of his has a package for him. He's a Boo in Gusty Gulch. Since the Boos look very much alike, it's the one near the Save Block. You'll have to wait for it, so go talk to the other Boos. You'll learn about a pretty Boo named Victoria that was eaten by Tubba Blubba. She's back now and several Boos are vying for her attention. Talk to the Boo by the Save Block to get the package. Deliver it for one coin. Next, he wants a Coconut. Go to Lavalava Island and hit a tree with Coconuts to make one fall. Deliver it for one coin. Next, he wants a Red Jar. You have to go to Dry Dry Outpost and buy items in a specific order. He knows the order is Dusty Hammer, Dried Pasta, Dusty Hammer, and something else. The last item is a Dried Shroom. Li'l Mouser says that the order is a secret sign in an ancient will. He's required to give you the Red Jar. This time, Koopa Koot will give you 3 Star Pieces.

Return to Toad Town and talk to Merlon. There's a Ninji in his house. He's from Starborn Valley in the Shiver Region to the north. He says Merle has news for him. Merlon says that Merle is his son and whatever he has to say must be important. Somewhere underground is a pipe to Shiver City, which is near Starborn Valley. The Ninji goes on ahead to open the path for Mario.

Go into the Toad Town Tunnels. Drop down and cross the water with Sushie. Go east and cross the spikes with Lakilester to reach a pipe. Go through the pipe to an area with some Spinies. Walk around the area to the left and break the stone block. Go west to an area with Dark Koopas and blocks you can't reach. Go west again and hit a brick block so you can reach a spring. Spring to the left to reach a large chest. It contains the Ultra Boots. Mario's jump power increases and he can now perform Tornado Jumps. Press (A) to jump and press (A) again in midair. They allow Mario to jump a little higher. You can now hit blocks you couldn't previously. Hit the brick block on this side to reach the spring. Return east and hit the blocks near the back wall for coins. There's an invisible block in the middle with a Life Shroom.

Before you go in search of the pipe to Shiver City, return to where you enter the tunnels and go west twice. Take the pipe in the room to reach an area with platforms that act as a balance. Take the pipe to a room with metal blocks. Break them to reach a Super Block. I upgraded Lakilester. Return east, then cross the gap using the platforms to reach a doorway. Go through it and have Parakarry carry you across the gaps to reach a Star Piece.

Go back to the room with the spikes and go east. There are many invisible blocks here in a line. Hit them to make them appear, then jump on them to the other side. There's a blue door here that the Ninji has unlocked. The door leads to a pipe. The pipe leads to a part of the tunnel that's iced over. To the left is a Super Block. I upgraded Parakarry. Go upstairs to reach a pipe that starts the next chapter.

Paper Mario: Save the Princess. Save the Kingdom. With the Power of Wishes.

Our story begins: "Today... I'm going to tell the story of 'Star Spirits and Good Wishes'. Far, far away, beyond the sky, way above the clouds, it's been said that there's a haven where the Stars live. In the sanctuary of Star Haven there rests a fabled treasure called the Star Rod, which has the power to grant all wishes. Using this wondrous Star Rod, the seven revered Star Spirits watched over our peaceful world carefully... very carefully. And then..." A Magikoopa appears, taped over the Star Rod. "Oh dear... What the...? Who stuck that weird thing into this story?" Bowser's silhouette appears, saying, "Ha ha ha! Yeah! I did! Gwa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!! So I can, at long last, beat my archenemy, Mario, I'll take this Star Rod! Do it, Kammy Koopa!!" The Magikoopa, Kammy Koopa uses magic to stun the Star Spirits, and Bowser breathes fire on the sphere protecting the Star Rod, causing it to shatter." A Star Spirit says, "No, you musn't do this!" Bowser takes the Star Rod, saying, "Yeah! Now let's try using it!" Another Star Spirit says, "Stop it! Cut it out, Bowser!! You're changing the story!" Kammy Koopa uses magic on the Star Spirits, turning them into cards. Bowser says, "Bwa ha ha ha ha... We did it! That was a piece o' cake!! Gwaa ha ha!" The story continues: "Now Star Kids may rise to the Have to deliver people's wishes... ... but those wishes will not come true. Whatever can they do...?"

At Mario's house, a Paratroopa delivers the mail. Luigi gets it and takes it inside. It's a letter from Peach, saying, "I'm throwing a party at my castle today! Mario and Luigi, I would be honored if you both could attend. Many guests from distant towns are hoping to meet you. There will be tasty sweets and all kinds of entertainment! I hope to see you here soon! Sincerely, Peach"

Mario and Luigi take the pipe in front of the house into Toad Town. They go into the castle. Luigi stays on the first floor, while Mario can explore and talk to the other guests. Some of them are Toads from Toad Town and others are from various places in the Mushroom Kingdom. You can go into the kitchen through the lower right door to see Tayce T., the Toad who prepared the food today. Go upstairs. In the middle is a Toad guarding a door. It leads to Peach's room. Talk to him a few times and he'll relent and let you into the room. There's a large fireplace with a roaring fire, Peach's dresses, which appear identical, flowers in a vase, and a large bed. Near the dresses are some other items. "These are cosmetics. Mario looks fine without them." Go upstairs and through two doors to find Peach. She's happy and wants to chat with Mario after greeting her guests.

They walk towards the balcony, when the ground starts shaking. Outside, trees fall and the castle rises into the sky, with Bowser's Castle underneath it. Mario and Peach run around in a panic. Bowser breaks through a window in his Clown Copter, with Kammy Koopa following him. Bowser expected Mario to be here. The castle is now under his control. Peach tells him to give up. Bowser and Mario start to battle.

Mario can only jump to attack. Bowser will slap Mario to attack. After a few rounds, Bowser will pull out the Star Rod, use it, and start glowing.  He does triple damage and is now invincible. He will breathe fire, which does 10 HP, knocking out Mario. Bowser is happy and Kammy Koopa congratulates him. Bowser uses the Star Rod to knock Mario out of the castle. Mario tumbles to the ground.

This is the first in the Paper Mario series. I plan on this being the Summer of Paper Mario. (Last summer was the Summer of Mario and Luigi.) I plan on playing Paper Mario, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, and Super Paper Mario. (I already covered Paper Mario: Sticker Star in November 2012). As this is an RPG, the posts will be long. I hope you enjoy reading about this series.

Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story -- Part 23: Team Up Against Darkness

Dark Bowser's dark power is complete. He's waiting at the top of Peach's Castle. When you're absolutely ready, go north. Torches light up as Bowser walks past them. Dark Bowser stands with Peach at his side. He says the dark power must be freed. He sends dark clouds swirling in the air and the kingdom plunges into darkness. Broque Monsieur and other civilians swirl in bubbles overhead. The wind pushes Bowser back, but he's not impressed. Chippy tells Bowser that he can count on them and that they can work together to stop this. Mario and Luigi jump and Bowser thinks he hears them. Chippy says he's correct. Bowser can't hear well due to the wind. Dark Bowser says the kingdom will vanish along with everyone in it. Bowser's not going to let that happen, as the kingdom is his.

In this battle, you won't always want to use Special Attacks as Bowser. Use them initially, while Dark Bowser and Bowser are the same size. Dark Bowser will toss a large boulder into the air, then break it up with fire. Some of it will rain down on Bowser, so duck. Try to punch the rocks that fall in front of Bowser, which will wind up in Dark Bowser's mouth, causing him to swell and reel. Dark Bowser will also use some of Bowser's Special Attacks. After you do enough damage, Dark Bowser will collapse. Fawful, in his spider form, will heal 1000 HP and make Dark Bowser larger. At this point, punch Dark Bowser in the belly. This will make him spit up Fawful, who runs away. Inhale Fawful, but know that Dark Bowser will also try to inhale him.

When you inhale him, Fawful will change a little. He'll have three legs and two lenses for his glasses. You can attack all of these five points. If you try to use an attack, one or two of the legs will be hidden. Destroy the legs first to make Fawful collapse, then destroy the glasses. The glasses will crack when they take enough damage. One of Fawful's attacks is to chase the bros. On the top screen, a dark rock will appear, which will be color-coded. Have the bro jump to avoid the rock. If it hits, Fawful might eat the bro. The attack will continue until the bros reach the light. Fawful will also stick his hands in the floor in front of the bros and send energy balls at the bros. Use the hammer to get rid of them. The larger energy balls will return to Fawful and get rid of the arm during the attack. When Fawful collapses into the ground, use Special Attacks to attack the Dark Star Core. The Dark Star Core will make an arrow appear that circles over the heads of the bros. It will eventually point at the ground, so jump over it in unison. The Dark Star Core will then fire the arrow at the bros, so hammer it back to do damage. After a while, Fawful will leave and go back to Dark Bowser and the process will repeat.

Once you defeat Fawful, Dark Bowser will start reeling. He'll hold his head. Bowser's ready to end this fight with a KO punch. Repeatedly hit (X). The final punch will make Bowser build up rainbow star power. Dark Bowser explodes in a dark light. He admits defeat. Bowser says no cheap imitation can compare to the real Bowser. Dark Bowser can't believe that he was defeated even with the dark power completed. The Dark Star returns to its original form, rises into the sky, and explodes, removing the darkness, and revealing just how damaged Peach's Castle is. Chippy asks Bowser how Peach is doing. Bowser says he can kidnap her now. Inside Bowser, a voice says, "Why... The failing..." What remains of Fawful appears. He's speaking less clearly than usual. "You...mustaches...with...why...fury...whenever... Fawful...just wanted...some kingdom conquering... Fawful tried... Fawful gave the 110 percents... Fawful worked the overtime... Fawful was the team player... Fawful pu in the hours... Fawful got the hands dirty... But every time... Always... The mustaches...arrive... Always in Fawful's way... Alwaysalwaysalways..." Starlow says to give it up. "I have remorse... Fawful understands... Fawful gives up... Fawful will disappear with no troubles... Here Fawful goes... The disappearing... Forever disappearing... WITH YOU!" Fawful explodes, which releases everyone from Bowser's body.

All the Toads, the bros, and Starlow are spat up. This wakes Peach up and she rushes to them. She calls the bros and Starlow, which is the first time you've heard her name in a long time. Starlow says Fawful's last ditch effort saved everyone. Toadsworth is thankful that Peach is safe. Bowser is not thrilled that the bros just came out of his gut. Starlow says not to think about it too much. Bowser recognizes her as the voice of Chippy. He's enraged that the bros were hanging out in his body and starts breathing fire. Everyone else flees to safety. Peach wishes the bros well, leaving the bros to deal with Bowser... in the credits!

In the credits, the bros defeat Bowser, sending him packing with his minions. Repairs start on both castles. Bowser is confined to bedrest and Peach and the bros have a surprise planned. Birdley flies a present to Bowser's Castle. Private Goomp, Sergeant Guy, and Corporal Paraplonk are in Bowser's room, trying to rejoin as minions. Birdley arrives. Bowser wants the bird out, but Kamek says Birdley has a message from Peach's Castle. Starlow's in the package, here to check on Bowser to see if he'll be attacking Peach's Castle anytime soon. Bowser says he's remodeling his castle, which isn't evil. Starlow likes his current attitude and tells him to enjoy his present. Bowser doesn't want it. He shoos everyone out of his room, letting the three traitors be his minions again. When he's alone, Bowser opens the package, finding a cake. There are Peach, Mario, and Luigi figurines, and Bowser's face drawn in icing. Chakron says that he has watched us and we have done well. He shows us our ranks. He says everyone grew super strong. If you have achieved Rainbow Rank and Final Boss Rank, he will praise you, which is something he rarely does to the unenlightened. We are absolutely amazing. The ranks sparkle.

And with that, we are done with this game. I had a lot of fun playing the third game in my part of the Mario series. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did playing the game.  As you may expect, I will be playing Mario and Luigi: Dream Team next. What awaits the bros and Peach on Pi'illo Island? What will appear in Luigi's dreams? Will Fawful make an appearance? We shall see. It will launch in the United States in August, so it will be a while before I get to play it. I want to keep the series going uninterrupted. In the meantime, I will be on hiatus from blogging, but I will still be here. Until then, please enjoy some of my older posts.

Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story -- Part 15: A Blast from the Past

The bros get to enjoy some more fresh air outside of Bowser. Now that the bros can tunnel underground, they can get the remaining six Mushroom Balls. Some of them have beans. Check out the Shine Rank Shop. When you're ready, go to the clinic. The Toad with the red cap and brown spots is an adventurer looking for Attack Pieces. He lost his memory, but knows there's some in Bowser's Castle and on Plack Beach. Go into the room to the north marked with a Mushroom. There are lots of blorbed Toads. There's a small gap in the right wall. Tunnel under and move right to find some item blocks. Go talk to Dr. Toadley. He says the third sage is on the beach, Plack Beach. The sage is in a high place where the air is thin. Dr. Toadley can't recommend traveling at high altitudes, so he needs to give the bros an examination. In the back room is a machine that measures inhalation and exhalation. When he gives the signal, blow into the microphone. Mario passes easily. Luigi doesn't pass initially, but blows out the system on his second try. The bros have his permission to travel to find the sage.

In the waiting room, the intern is trying to get Birdley, the bird that sent the bros and Bowser a message about the second sage, to calm down and stop flying over the reception desk. He says he's overworked and on strike. The intern asks the bros to catch Birdley. To the right of the reception desk is a red air pipe. Approach it and Mario inhales some air and balloons out. Luigi holds onto Mario and jumps much higher, and descends more slowly. Mario exhales to return to normal. Use this to jump onto the reception desk. Catch Birdley once Mario exhales. The intern thanks the bros and says that Plack Beach is south of Blubble Lake. Birdley starts nesting in Mario's overalls. He can show the bros around.

Return to Broque Madame, who talks about Kuzzle, the sage on Plack Beach who likes puzzles. She says a cure was stolen from him. She also talks about aliens visiting the Mushroom Kingdom long ago. Heroes in red and green vanquished them, but she heard a rumor that some were preserved somewhere in the kingdom. In another session, she speaks about holding that special someone close because you'll only realize how important they are when they are gone. She hints that her special someone collects blocks.

While wandering around Blubble Lake, the bros will encounter enemies they'll have to battle, that Bowser instantly defeated. They include the Fawflopper and the Mawful Mole. The Mawful Mole will throw rocks at the bros. Check its glasses. If they are covered in mud, the rock will miss, so stay still. Get the beans while you're walking. There's quite a few in Blubble Lake. Go east to find a pipe back into Bowser. Open the passage so you can quickly return here from inside Bowser if you'd like. Farther to the east is the area where Bowser body slammed the pillars. Go past the grating and hit the ! Block so you can reach an item block with some gear. Next to the grate is a narrow gap, allowing the bros to reach the other side of the area.

To the east is Bumpty Plains. You may run into Sneeds, the seeds of Flifits. Go to Bowser Path. In the room with the Save Block, in the lower right corner is an X. Dig there and a pink ramp will temporarily appear. It will allow you to reach a piece of gear. Go to Bowser's Castle. The hole behind the posters is something Mini Mario can fit into. There's an item and lots of money. To the right is a blue pipe in the concessions area. Tunnel under the grate and take the pipe underground. This leads to the Bowser Secret Society Preservation Chamber. Heal and save outside.

The buttons that open the door must be hit in a specific order, each a specific number of times. There are notes in the area that explain the combination. Down here, you'll have to deal with Magifoofas and Fawful Guys as well as the enemies Bowser dealt with. The code is "Hit square twice, triangle three times, circle once, then the button on the door." The door opens and Starlow's got a bad feeling about this. Inside are blocks of ice. It's hard to see, but some of the things in the ice look familiar. Hit the button on the left to melt some of the ice. Three Shroobs were frozen in there. Luigi backs up and freaks out. Mario freaks out soon after. Mario explains that these are the aliens that once invaded the Mushroom Kingdom, which the bros defeated as babies (and adults). Bowser cryogenically froze some survivors. The Shroobs wake up and attack. They fight the same way as they did in Partners in Time. Their lasers are quite powerful. Use Special Attacks. Defeating three Shroobs takes longer than you think it should. Once they are defeated, the Shroobs explode into 10 Attack Pieces. This gives you the Special Attack Magic Windows. Looking at the SP cost, I think I got the attack a little early, but it's a good one to have. Mario and Luigi will drop in on enemies from windows that appear. Hit each bro's button. They may jump together. The attack will continue until you defeat all enemies or mess up the action command. Starlow doesn't believe that Luigi could help defeat the Shroobs as a baby. Mario explains Luigi fought just as hard and Starlow thinks it was some ferocious crying. This makes Luigi sad. Mario explains Luigi defeated them in the end (with his tears). She apologizes and calls him super. Now let's go find that sage!

Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story -- Part 13: Bowser's on Track

Now that Bowser has the ability to body slam, he can hit the pink switch just outside the Tower of Yikk, which forms a bridge across the water. Private Goomp appears. Bowser calls to him, but he walks away without noticing him. Follow him and he notices Bowser. The three of them panicked and took off when Bowser became huge. They got separated in the forest. Bowser explains his mission to collect Star Cures. Private Goomp knows what they look like. He knows because there's a Star Cure in Bowser's Castle. Apparently, a guy named Kuzzle gave him one for completing a puzzle. It's currently in the underground treasure chamber of Bowser's Castle.

A bird appears with a message for the bros and Bowser from Dr. Toadley. He knows that the second sage is a sea Koopa named Kuzzle, living on Plack Beach. He also mentions that the bros got the first Star Cure. Bowser is upset that the bros beat him to the first Star Cure. Private Goomp will look for Sergeant Guy and Corporal Paraplonk, then meet Bowser at his castle. Go north twice, break the blocks, then light the fuse on the yellow platform. This will send Bowser crashing through the rock walls, clearing them out. You can now go to the Tower of Yikk and nearby areas from the part of Blubble Lake just south of Toad Town. Return, then go east. Hit the pink switch to make a rock appear. Slam the pillar next to it to reach a higher level. Go east from there and slam the pink switch to form a bridge. To the east, you'll find the same Chakroad you found earlier near Bumpty Plains. Return to Bowser Path.

Go due north until you reach some wooden planks on the floor. Slam through them. The green pipe to the west leads back upstairs if you want to leave. Go east through a different green pipe. This takes you inside Bowser's Castle. Punch the bridge to lower it. The theater is largely empty. On the west side is a pink switch that opens the door ahead. There's a ramp ahead that leads to part of the floor being covered by metal. This is the passage to the underground and it's blocked, so Bowser can't break through it. In the upper right corner is a Chakroad. Go west and you'll meet new enemies called Jailgoons. They fire cannonballs to punch or dodge. One of them has a Blitty. Use fire on the ones that contain Bob-ombs. You'll also run into Sniffle Thwomps. Vacuum up the hot water bottle to make them catch a fever and drop their health. One of them has a Blitty. At level 20, Bowser reaches Gold Boss Rank, allowing him to equip up to three pieces of gear. Go west, then up the ramp, west, then north. You'll come to the dining room where Bowser ate Fawful's foods. There's still some food left if you want to explore the Flab Zone some more. Go back to the ramp, then go north. Heal and save, then follow the red carpet. Up ahead is Bowser's throne room. Go south, outside, onto the balcony.

There's a large statue of Fawful out here. Check it out. Bowser wants to destroy it initially, but gets a better idea when he realizes that the path to the underground is just below the right side of the balcony and the statue can smash through the metal planks covering it up. He starts pushing the statue and Goombas appear, alarmed. Midbus and Fawful aren't there and Bowser's moving the statue. They call in reinforcements. On the left side of the balcony, the railing's gone, so Bowser will fall if they push him too far. He tells them to open their eyes, but they don't listen. On the inside, the Leg Outpost starts reacting. The bros help Bowser out and they push the statue off the balcony, through the metal planks. Bowser lands on the statue and crushes it. To the south are green platforms Bowser can slam. There's a maze below with items. Take either the middle or left platforms to go west over a green pipe. Bowser will find himself outside where the lava is. Do not walk into it. There's nothing stopping you from doing so. Go west and you'll find Bob-ombs in a cage. Free them to get the Special Attack Bob-omb Blitz. Use the stylus to line up the Bob-ombs so they'll walk into the enemy and explode. Go south, then southwest. Bob-ombs will march towards you. Jump (first part of body slam) to dodge. Use this to go west, north, west, then south. Exit the area to the west. Go south and deal with the marching Bob-ombs on the rollers. Exit to the west, where you'll find a Save Block and a shop block.

Go west. To the north is the Bowser Preservation Society Chamber. Bowser can't go very far. Go west twice to find a green platform. Slam it to make it move in a "U-shape" on its track. Go west at the top. Go northwest to lower a bridge. Return and go north. Save and go north. There's a pink switch with 12 panels below it. Hit the switch and the panels will light up. Memorize the pattern. Ahead are 6 large cannon balls. Punch the cannonballs into the correct spot. Use moving punches for the far spots and regular punches for the closer spots. If you make a mistake, leave the room, then hit the switch, as the pattern changes. When you get the pattern correct, the door ahead opens. This leads to where Bowser keeps his stolen treasures. He thinks Fawful could never break into it.

Inside, he is surprised to find that there are train tracks running through the room. Private Goomp, Sergeant Guy, and Corporal Paraplonk appear. They say the castle is intact, until they see the train tracks. A train arrives, with Fawful's face. The Monty Moles from before are on the train. The secret tunnel Bowser helped them dig was bought out by Fawful. The Fawful Express was added to the tunnel. Bowser calls them traitors, but Private Goomp says it's not wise to make enemies out of them. Corporal Paraplonk reminds them that he's looking for a Star Cure. There's a safe in the room which should hold it. The Fawful Express starts moving. It pushes Bowser through the rocks in the tunnel, then smashes him into a large rock. Bowser is out, unconscious.

Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story -- Part 7: Everybody Wants to Rule the World

Inside the Flab Zone, Bowser's extra fat makes platforms closer together to form steps so they can be climbed. To the left is a Retry Clock and to the right is a Save Block. Up ahead are Attack Pieces. The floor ahead is springy. New enemies called Tenderlings are here. Watch how high they bounce to determine if you need to jump to dodge their attack. Flaming enemies called Calorites also appear.

In the next area, the bros hear a scream. Peach is being attack by something. She's relieved to see the bros. She was looking for the exit when she was attacked. The enemy swarms her, picks her up, and carries her off. The bros follow them and Luigi falls into the mucus pool. Someone laughs and pulls Luigi out. This entity is Princess Lipid, referring to themselves in the plural. They ask if Mario dropped Luigi into the mucus pool or the treasure of e'erlasting wonder, which they hold. They present the options with no time to answer and assume Mario wants the treasure. Mario disagrees, saying his brother is better than the treasure. Princess Lipid tosses him back and give the bros the treasure, saying honesty begets fortune. The treasure is a pair of badges. Starlow says that badges will give them special effects in battle. A Tenderling appears from the treasure chest as well. Starlow fully heals the bros and Princess Lipid appear. The badges are equipped and they fill the meter to almost full. The meter fills up with each successful attack. Excellent attacks fill the meter more. When it fills up, touch it before selecting a command block. The badge they have equipped restores both bros' HP. Using the badge drains the meter completely. There are different types of badges out there. You can change the badge in the middle of battle with the command block. Swap the badges with [L] and [R] until you get the combination you want. The badge Luigi equips determines what level of attacks (OK, Good, Great, Excellent) will fill the meter and Mario's determines the effects.

Keep going to the right. The path will split. Go into the red pipe first. Across the springy floor is an item block. You'll need to volley it between the bros by hitting it 15 times. When you complete the challenge, it will give you four Attack Pieces. Go east, then take the lower red pipe near the blue Emoglobin. There's a Save Block and an item block to volley. It also gives you four Attack Pieces. Go south via the green pipe and hit the bulge coming out of the floor. It releases a tornado. Starlow thinks the bros can use it by jumping in the middle of it. It's Spin Jump time. Cross the gaps and mucus pools to the left to reach the last Attack Piece. The bros can use the Jump Helmet attack. Mario jumps from a trampoline that Luigi wears as a helmet. Mario jumps and Luigi moves forward so Mario can land and jump again until they reach the enemy. Mario will then jump on the enemy. This Special Attack is a little tricky and prone to failure. Go south via the green pipe, then go west, hitting invisible blocks to the right of the tornado. Use the tornado to cross the gap. Go south through the red pipe.

Send Mini Mario under the gap and spring up. There's a switch on the right wall. Jump from the springy floor to make invisible blocks appear so you can hit the switch. This uncovers a super springy floor. Take the red pipe south. Spin jump to the pipes and take the green pipe south. This will take you to a room with a couple of item blocks and a Save Block. Heal and save, then go east.

The bros find the enemy with Peach up ahead. Starlow doesn't think jumping or hammers will free the princess. A Spin Jump removes them and the princess collapses. The enemy returns, opens its eyes, and gets into an attack formation. Starlow wants the bros to battle while she protects the princess. Luigi wants to trade places with Starlow. She is not amused and knocks Luigi into the enemy.

This enemy is Alpha Kretin. Each of its six pieces is colored red or green. Only the bro of the same color may damage the sphere. When each sphere is hit, it and the surrounding spheres change color. Try to be strategic in the ones you attack so each bro can attack. When it takes enough damage, it turns blue. Alpha Kretin will fire energy balls at the bros. Watch the light travel through it to know the order and frequency of attacks. Use hammers to stop the attacks. When all of the spheres turn blue, the formation will fall apart and only a Beta Kretin will be left. It will create copies of itself so there are six in total. They'll surround the bros and send electricity to each other. Jump if a bro is in the path of the electricity. Before you can attack, the real one will flash, then shuffle around with the others. Keep an eye on it so you can attack it. After a few attacks, it will become Alpha Kretin again, in a triangle formation. Keep attacking it as before. Odds are, you'll level up after defeating it. When the bros reach level 12, they'll rank up to Flower Rank, where they can equip three pieces of gear.

Alpha Kretin explodes once you defeat it. Peach is thankful. She wants to find a way to escape. Luigi doesn't think there might be a way out. Starlow notices there's a room up ahead, so she'll strategize with Peach while the bros check it out. Peach follows them into the new area, saying it would be best to just explore it. It's a dead end. Starlow suggests waiting until Bowser's body experiences a change.

Outside, Bowser is throwing himself a pity party. Suddenly, he feels ticklish. "I HAVE CHORTLES!" Under the floor, in the basement, Fawful is firing a ray gun at Bowser. "First, your beating of Midbus! And then, the chubbening with the special dishes of tastiness! All in my master planning! Oh, I have such chortles! There was a slight changing to my perfect plan! Yes, Fawful said "plan." A plan of Bowser inhaling Peach, sending the Mushroom Kingdom into the hands of Fawful! But now for the changing. I am needing the princess!" Bowser asks if he inhaled her. "Fawful tells you yes. But now I am needing her right this instant! Come out for the playing! Come to Fawful!"

Starlow wonders what Fawful would want with Peach. Peach says Fawful may be looking for the Dark Star. Peach explains that a star sleeping below the Mushroom Kingdom was dug up that hid a great evil. If an evil entity found the Dark Star, the world would plunge into darkness and the evil entity would rule the world. The Star Sprites sacrificed much to seal the Dark Star under Toad Town. Fawful needs Peach because she's the only one who can break the seal. Luigi freaks out. The ray gun's effect intensifies and a loud noise is heard in the room next door. The bros check it out. A light flashes from the ceiling. Peach and Starlow followed because they were worried. Big mistake. The light takes the form of a hand and points over each one of them, until it reaches Peach and grabs her. All three of them freak out.

Outside, the ball of light drops Peach on Fawful. "Such ruh-rounded chubbening on your buh-body, Bowser! Buh-but Fawful gave you the Puh-Princess Peach diet! Huh-heavy..." Bowser wants him to put her back. "And nuh-now! All preparations have cuh-completion! At the long last, we buh-begin the fuh-furious Age of Fawful! Buh-Bowser! You are needing to huh-hit the gym!" Midbus brings in a treadmill. Fawful slowly carries Peach off, saying, "Huh-heavy... Muh-Midbus! Help! Midbus! Come!" Midbus leaves without him. "MIDBUS!"

Bowser finally falls through the floor and lands on the treadmill. His legs start running by themselves, increasing in speed. He feels and smells the burn, as his legs are literally on fire. He burns off the accumulated fat and hops off the treadmill, still on fire. He reads the sign that tells him he is in the Bob-omb Storage Depot, but not before he lights a fuse. The blast sends him out of the castle, back to Cavi Cape, and he falls into the hole near the Chakroad. There is a Save Block and shop monitor.