Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam -- Save the Princesses. Save the Kingdoms. With Paper Power.

Our story starts in the Mushroom Kingdom, at Peach's Castle. A Toad enters a dark room filled with books and other things in storage. He says he feels a draft. A tall, shaking shadow appears in the doorway. Toad thinks the draft is coming from this room. The shadow belongs to Luigi, who enters the room. He's afraid of something, possibly the room. Toad agrees that the room is a little creepy. Toad opens the curtains to let in some light. Toad notices a hole in the wall above the bookcase, but his legs are too short for him to reach it. Luigi volunteers to check it out.

Hop up the box and drawers and a Scaredy Rat exits the hole. Toad asks if Luigi's scared of a little mouse, then tells him to finish checking out the hole in the wall. On the bookcase, Luigi cowers in fear. Luigi challenges whatever else may be in the wall. Toad asks him to check if that's where the draft is coming from. Luigi sticks his head partway into the wall and says, "Wow". Toad calls for help. The Scaredy Rat is chasing him around. Toad climbs up onto the bookcase and almost knocks Luigi over, while the Scaredy Rat follows him. Toad tells Luigi the Scaredy Rat is right behind him and Luigi jumps to the ceiling. When he lands, he kicks up enough dust to make him sneeze, sending him flying into the bookcase behind him. This knocks a book with a mushroom on the cover off the shelf. It hits Luigi on the head and opens up. It starts glowing.

Tons of paper characters fly out of the book. They blow the roof off of one of the castle turrets and fly all over the Mushroom Kingdom. Toads in the nearby village notice the paper characters floating down into their town. In a field, a Goomba notices there are more recruits than he bargained for, as Paper Goombas have mixed in with the regular ones. A Paper Toad asks where he is and a Toad notices he's flat. Another Paper Toad is concerned that the Toads are round. Some Paper Paratroopas show off for some Koopas, who are impressed and let them join up as Bowser's minions. Back in Peach's Castle, the onslaught of paper has stopped. One character gently floats to the ground. It's Paper Peach.

In Peach's throne room, Mario and Starlow are gathered. Some Toads can't believe something. Toad and Luigi enter the throne room, followed by Paper Peach. Peach, Mario, and Starlow freak out. Starlow asks Luigi what's going on, then says he doesn't, of course. Peach and Paper Peach look at each other, wondering if the other is her. Mario freaks out some more. Starlow's seeing double and Paper Peach may faint. Luigi jumps in and tries to explain. Toad tells Mario to see what the princesses have to say about the situation. There are two item blocks with a coin each. Talk to a princess and Peach says she can't believe there's another dimension and her. Paper Peach is equally shocked. Opening the book sent her and the others flying out of their world into this one. She thinks the way back home is through that book. Starlow promises they'll take good care of her. Paper Peach doesn't know who Starlow is. She's a representative of the star spirits and guide of Mario and Luigi. Starlow suggests some sightseeing while they try to figure out how to send them home. Peach agrees and is pleased to meet Paper Peach. Mario talks to Paper Peach and is love-struck. Peach wonders why he never speaks so formally to her. She thinks he's feeling shy. Luigi starts talking to Paper Peach and is equally love-struck.

A Toad runs in and starts talking to Paper Peach. He then wonders who she is. He reports about the new flat Toads that suddenly appeared. They're very scared. Peach instructs him to gather the Paper Toads so they can be welcomed properly. He'll try, if they can stop freaking out long enough to listen. Mario volunteers to talk them down. Luigi joins Mario. A Toad gives them a guide. This allows them to access the Menu. Both bros can now move around. One Toad wonders if they'll have to change the name to Peaches' Castle. He loves the stained glass window and would hate to change it.

Exit the throne room and you'll find a Toad telling the Paper Toads they don't need to hide. They're having a difficult time finding them. Both princesses appreciate the help. There are 8 Toads to find here. One is on top of an item block in a set of three. He doesn't want to be eaten and thinks the bros look like Mario. He can't believe Mario is the Mario from this world. Mario says they'll help them all get home. He folds up and goes into Mario's pocket. Up the stairs and to the left is a Paper Toad hiding behind Paper Peach. Tell her the Paper Toads may be closer than she thinks and it will come out of hiding. She thinks he found an interesting hiding spot. He thinks Mario and Luigi want to hurt him. Paper Peach calms him down and he says he was only pretending to hide and keeping an eye on her. Go downstairs and near the banister on the right is a sleeping Paper Toad. He thinks he's dreaming because the bros are rounder and Luigi looks capable. There's a shaking three-color block nearby. Hit it and will bounce from Mario to Luigi and back again when you hit it. The last three hits will reveal three Paper Toads. They want to run, but notice Mario and feel safe. Nearby under a mushroom pillar is another. He says there's nothing to see here, but Mario insists and he surrenders. He's excited to be rescued by celebrities. The last one is cleverly disguising himself as the reflection of a Toad to the left of the staircase. Interact with the Paper Toad to chase it out of hiding. He's freaking out and can't find his friends.

With the last Paper Toad found, everyone gathers in the throne room. The Paper Toads are ecstatic to find Paper Peach and crying because they're in this world and many other Toads are missing. On a field somewhere, seven Paper Toads land, wondering where they are. Someone sinister notices the skinny Toads. Some Goomba appear and want to round up the Paper Toads. The Goombas surround them, but a few escape. Back in the throne room, the Paper Toads wonder if their friends have been creased or crumpled or torn into millions of pieces. Paper Peach remembers something: Bowser and some of his minions came out of the book as well. She doesn't want to think about what could happen if the two Bowsers joined forces. She says the fate of the world rests on the bros' shoulders and asks them to find her lost paper subjects. Peach thinks this may be their greatest challenge yet: them vs. two Bowsers and their combined minion forces. Paper Peach says things may look brighter once they find Mario. Starlow mentions that Mario is right here, but Peach understands what Paper Peach means.

And that begins the fifth adventure into the Mario and Luigi series. I'm looking forward to playing it, as I've wondered if there would ever be a crossover of the Paper Mario and Mario and Luigi games. Surprisingly, there's no mention of Paper Luigi. Perhaps he didn't make it out of the book. Either way, we'll keep an eye out for him. I'm now off hiatus. I have not completed the last level of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker yet and it looks like I won't be able to anytime soon (it's quite challenging). In the meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this game with me.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- Time to Get Treasure!

Captain Toad finds himself on a grassy field. There's a Star on a hill above him. Just ahead is Toadette. Walk up to her and she'll walk towards the hill. Follow her and get the Star. The two of them dance with the Star. Suddenly, feathers appear. Some talons grab the Star. Toadette holds onto the Star and the bird who grabbed the Star flies off.

It's finally time for Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker! The puzzle stages from Super Mario 3D World are back with a twist: collect the three gems and the Star. There are special challenges to clear that you can see after you clear the stage. There are over 70 stages, so let's get started!

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 -- Save the Princess. Save the Kingdom. Go on a Treasure Hunt.

The story begins:
"Ahem! Today... I'm going to tell you the story of the Thousand-Year Door. An awfully long time ago, in a strange and far-off land, a big bustling town thrived. It was a town where all people lived very happy lives. And it was said that the town was very prosperous. But one day... tragedy befell this blessed place. A great cataclysm struck the town and its people. Darkness filled the skies, and the earth roared and shook. It was as if the very world had come to a violent end. And in but a single night... the town sank into the depths of the earth... Many moons rose and set... Stories of the town passed into the pages of fairy tales... And when the town's site no longer held relics of its past... people gathered at that spot and built a new town. But word soon spread among the people who moved in... that an ancient city lay deep underground... and that a magnificent treasure rested there. Indeed... This is the tale of the fabled treasure of Rogueport. Yes, this is where it begins, in the sea town of Rogueport. The tale of the quest for the legendary treasure... and the Thousand-Year Door... starts here."

Princess Peach finds herself in the bustling center of Rogueport without Toadsworth watching over her, paranoid. She came here on vacation, but was stuck with him. She wants to go out on her own and see things of interest to her. Now that she's by herself, she notices that Rogueport has a distinct vibe. Some one calls out to her. It's a merchant with a wise assortment of wares. Peach takes interest in a pretty box and wonders what's inside. The merchant says that, according to legend, inside is a map of the location of a legendary treasure. The box's lock is magical and will only open for one with a pure and noble heart. The merchant can't open it. The merchant makes her a deal: if she can open it, she can have its contents. Peach agrees and opens the box. A bright light shines.

At Mario's house, Parakarry delivers the mail. Luigi gets it and tells Mario it's from Peach. It reads "Hello there, Mario! I am now on holiday, traveling in the Mushroom Kingdom. In my travel, I came into possession of a mystical map... a treasure map, actually. It was inside a box I got from an old merchant in a town called Rogueport. But since it would be too difficult for me to try to go find the treasure all by myself... I thought you could help me hunt for it! You will, of course, won't you? I've included the map with this letter, so please bring it with you when you come. I'll meet you at Rogueport. (That means you MUST come!) -Peach"

Mario checks out the map she sent, then travels by boat to Rogueport. Press (A) to start the prologue.

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.

Super Mario 3D World: Save a Different Princess. Save a Different World. As a Cat.

The Mushroom Kingdom is having a celebration. It's nighttime, and Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Blue Toad are walking outside the castle during fireworks. They come across a clear pipe in the ground. The bros use their plumbing expertise to fix the pipe. Tons of items and blocks spew from the pipe. A green fairy-like person appears from the pipe. She is the Sprixie Princess and tells the four that Bowser has captured her people and put them in jars. Just then, Bowser appears and puts her in a jar, then returns through the pipe. Peach looks into the pipe and falls in. Mario, Luigi, and Blue Toad follow her.

Select your character and you'll land in World 1. You can freely wander around the World Map, but you can only access certain levels after you beat others and the path appears.

It's time for Mario's first 3D HD outing. You can select a character at the beginning of each stage so you can maximize each character's strengths or play as your favorite. There are many things to collect and unlock, as well as special levels to play. Here we go!

New Super Luigi U -- Save the Princess. Save the Kingdom. Without Mario.

Princess Peach, Luigi, Blue Toad, and Yellow Toad are sitting at a table eating cake and drinking tea in the castle. Mario's cap is on the table Eight Airships fly to the castle, seven bearing the faces of the Koopalings, and the largest bearing the face of Bowser. Bowser's Airship extends a mechanical hand into the castle, pulls Peach's chair away from the table, then pounds Luigi and the Toads. The hand picks them up, winds up for the pitch, and throws them as far from the castle as possible. The four are thrown into an acorn tree and slung out, releases some acorns in the process. They land near some baby Yoshis, pick themselves up, and start running. Nabbit appears from behind a rock and follows. The Koopalings' Airships take off in all directions. Lemmy's goes to Acorn Plains, with Lemmy laughing all the way.

Once again, Bowser hasn't kidnapped Peach this time, but he's holding her hostage in her own castle. It's going to be a long journey there, and Luigi only gets 100 seconds for each level. He also jumps higher and slides to a stop. Luigi gets to fly solo, out of the shadow of his brother. Let's get started!

Mario and Luigi: Dream Team -- Save the Princess. Save the Island. In Luigi's Dreams.

One day... A blimp flies over the Mushroom Kingdom towards Peach's Castle. The blimp lowers to reveal that Broggy is aboard. He delivers an invitation to Pi'illo Island in style through the top tower of the castle. It reads, "-To Fair Princess Peach and Her Subjects- An island of luxury awaits: Pi'illo Island! Our staff wishes to wait on you! Come! Take a vacation with us! -From the Pi'illo Island Proprietor" Peach, Toadsworth, and some Toads take up the invitation, not knowing what awaits them there. Mario jumps aboard the blimp, but Luigi jumps as the gangplank retreats and falls, but manages to jump up and climb aboard.

While traveling, Toadsworth mentions he's never heard of Pi'illo Island and feels uneasy about the trip. Broggy gets upset at the idea that they might just return home. On his back, a screen appears. The man onscreen is the proprietor of Pi'illo Island, Dr. Snoozemore. He's researching the science of sleep. On Pi'illo Island is a special power that makes one sleep soundly. He asks that they enjoy their trip and relax. He mentions another passenger aboard who is very interesting. Once he logs off, something purple lands on deck. Purple gas spews from it. From the gas appear two hands, which knock everybody overboard, except Peach, Toadsworth, and Mario. The gas takes the shape of a caped figure. A battle starts.

Toadsworth provides battle instruction. The enemy will split up into several bats and attack Mario. Some will pass by or over him, but jump over the ones headed straight for him. All you need are a couple of solid jump attacks to finish the enemy. The enemy rises up and bursts the dirigible's balloon and it plummets. Broggy appears with Dr. Snoozemore onscreen to say that the next stop is Pi'illo Island. They crash into the blimp port.

Luigi flails about on deck once they land, then runs around, then off the ship. Everyone else is there. A Toad asks if Luigi was dreaming again. Soon, block people appear and greet them. The first stop on the tour is Pi'illo Castle. Toadsworth is upset that Dr. Snoozemore isn't there to greet them personally on arrival. A block person says he's away on a business errand, spreading word about the island to boost tourism. It will be a short while before he returns and can greet them in person. Another block person provides basic movement instruction: Circle Pad to move, (A) to jump, talk to people, and read signs. There is a Save Button in the upper right corner of the Touch Screen. The Toads say to go on ahead and let them wake Luigi up. Just east of the blimp port, a crowd is gathered and cheers Mario on. They welcome him and say the castle is just ahead. One block person explains that there are both Save Blocks to use, as well as the Save Button mentioned previously.

Ahead, Mario catches up with Peach, while a block person fires up the crowd mentioning visiting the castle and coins. It is Broque Monsieur, the MC and tour guide. He introduces the 612th Pi'illo Island Welcome Quiz. He welcomes Peach and her travel companions. He thinks he and Mario may have met before. The quiz rewards correct answers with coins, but there is no penalty for an incorrect answer. The first part is the Check-X quiz. If the answer to the question is true, talk to the Brock staff standing on the green checkmark on the floor. If it is false, talk to the Brock on the red X on the floor. The first question is "This island is named Pi'illo Island." True
Question 2: "Dr. Sneezemore is the island's leader." False
Each correct answer will get you 5 coins. After the brief quiz, the gates to the castle open.

Ahead are some Toads and some item blocks. Previously on the island was a prosperous kingdom led by the Zeekeeper guardian, the kingdom's deity. Broque Monsieur tells Mario to continue on to the castle. There are more item blocks ahead, just west of the castle. Mario catches up with the princess just ahead. Broque Monsieur is there, and glowing purple, with his upside-down angry face. He's impressed they came so far. He says they will be served as dinner to hungry monsters. Inside the cage behind him are two rock creatures. Mario jumps to protect Peach and the rock monsters jump on Broque Monsieur's head. They knock him away and another battle starts.

Toadsworth is here to help. He explains damage done and how to execute Excellent jump attacks. He also explains how to dodge attacks. The Gromba will throw a rock at Mario. The Gromba will take quite a few hits. After the battle, the experience gained makes a flag rise up a flagpole.

Afterwards, Peach and Toadsworth wonder what's going on. They and the Toads will stay behind while Mario checks things out ahead. To the east is Broque Monsieur with another cage. Things didn't go well initially, so he is angrier and has prepared something else. It's another Gromba, which he says is stronger and ravenous. When ordered to attack, the Gromba promptly falls asleep. Toadsworth says to stomp the Gromba to get the first strike.

In this battle, there are two Grombas. They will roll into you, allowing Toadsworth to explain counterattacks. After defeating an enemy, a present may appear with an item won in battle. After the battle, Broque Monsieur flips his head, saying mistakes were made, but it was quite a spectacle. Peach and company appear, asking if it was an act. Broque Monsieur says it was one of the events planned for their arrival. Broque Monsieur continues on. Peach thanks Mario for his help, but wonders what happened to Luigi. One of the Toads that was keeping an eye on him says he's still sleeping. He says they should go on ahead.

Ahead is another crowd to guide Mario to the southeast. The castle is ahead and Peach is waiting. Luigi runs up to the entrance to the castle. He took part in the Welcome Quiz and won some coins. In total, they won 50. Broque Monsieur offers another game to line the coffers. This game is Coin-Up Challenge. A pole drops down and Mario and Luigi step on the platforms. The bros must alternate hitting the blocks above them to raise the platform. You have 25 seconds to get as high as you can to increase the coin multiplier. It's a bit more difficult to reach the top than it sounds. Reaching the top multiplies the coins by three and coins rain down. As a prize for reaching the top, they get a 1-up Deluxe. They also get a Mushroom as a participation prize. The games are done and they enter the castle.

Starlow is in the castle already. She's representing the Star Sprites once again, as they received an invitation. She's happy to see everyone, but says Luigi looks a little ragged. Broque Monsieur says Luigi should heal with a Mushroom. [Start] opens the menu screen. The menu responds to touch. Broque Monsieur says they should check out the castle. Luigi joins up with Mario. There are people from all over here, including the Beanbean Kingdom. Yoshi is over by the gift shop. Due west is the staff break room with some item blocks. Once you're done checking things out, talk to Broque Monsieur. He says they've prepared a special event for Peach and her companions ahead.

The door opens and they walk into another room. The lights dim and Dr. Snoozemore appears on a projection screen. He is going to tell them of the island's lore. It was the Pi'illo Kingdom, home of the Pi'illo folk. It suddenly fell over a short time and disappeared. What happened to it is a mystery they're still trying to solve. Another mystery sleeps deep within Pi'illo Castle, perhaps a treasure hidden there since the time of the kingdom's existence. Deeper passages have been discovered. Peach is fascinated by this idea. She steps on the platform and the screen retracts, revealing rails into a deeper part of the castle. Toadsworth goes up and tells her to get off the platform, but its rockets appear and shuttle them off into the distance, leaving everyone else behind. Broque Monsieur says there's an ancient hidden area there. The platform was recently installed for exploring and is pressure-activated. He says whatever's back there protects the treasure. The platform returns and Starlow tells the bros to go after them.

Over the track are coins for Mario and Luigi to collect. Just jump when the coins approach. At the end of the line, the platform immediately stops and throws the bros on the wall. It's a little dark here, so torches are lit. A purple flame in a torch says, "Again they come... Poor fools... Look upon the ghost that haunts this castle... My name, whispered in horror, is Smoldergeist. Long have I wandered these dark passages... And long have I guarded these hidden ways... None may pass through to what lies within... You must suffer the fate of all intruders! Those who trespass meet... THIS!"

A Gromba appears when the torch flame returns to normal. A battle starts and Starlow appears so she can teach the bros about battling as a team. She's not worried about Mario, but has her doubts about Luigi. He can never catch a break. Mario uses the (A) button and Luigi uses (B). There are three Grombas here. Starlow tells the bros how the enemies signal their target. She also mentions using items in battle and fleeing. After the battle, the strange flame appears, saying this is not over and their doom awaits deeper within. It also says none may approach the revered one. The gate drops, revealing another passage. Despite saying the place is sketchy and she doesn't like it, Starlow says they should go deeper into the castle.

Up ahead, the purple flame appears, saying it would not let the bros pass so easily. The bros must suffer its ruthless challenge, the Test of Jumping. The first part is to jump up some stairs. Go up the stairs to reach the next torch, where small praise is due. Next, they have to jump across gaps. Have both bros jump at the same time. On the other side, the flame says to not expect things to get easier. The true test begins. There is a long item block ahead. Hit it and memorize the order of the blocks that appear above it. The flame says this will be their doom. Hit the blocks with the correct bro in the order of bottom to top. Just hit the lowest block with the correct bro each time. The blocks will not disappear until the challenge is complete. The flame says it failed again, after losing to someone in pink. He thinks the test stinks.

Keep going on to the next challenge. There are Grombas on the floor. Battle them for the experience, if you like. This challenge requires you to reach the gate at the end, then hit the orange ! Block. Six purple blocks will appear and the flame wants the bros to find the odd one out. The picture on the correct block will spin in the opposite direction of the others. Hit the correct one to lower the gate. The challenge is not yet over. Ahead are severeal Grombas that form a rotating X. The exit is in the lower left corner. You can either jump over the line, or battle them. Defeating an enemy in one of the lines will make that line disappear. Once all the lines are gone, a Gromba will drop in and follow the bros. Once you go to the lower left corner, there's another ! Block. Three blocks will appear and one will flash. It will stop flashing and the blocks will shuffle. Hit the correct one. The flame says the next room will bring true fear. Before the bros can leave, they hear Peach scream and call for help. Heal and save.

In the next room, Peach and Toadsworth are circled by four purple flames. The bros approach and the flames disappear. Peach and Toadsworth are thankful for the rescue. Starlow mentions the place looks mysterious. Ahead is an alter with something sparkling on it. Mario picks up the rectangular rock-looking thing. From it comes two round button-looking things. Starlow says those are badges. These badges will restore 30% of the bros' HP. She'll teach the bros about badges in their next battle, but doesn't know what the rectangular thing is. She thinks it looks a little like a pillow. Peach thinks it might be the treasure. They suggest finding an exit. Once the bros walk down the stairs, the floor shakes. The Zeekeeper statue at the altar starts moving, asking who touched things without his permission. He refers to the pillow-like rock as the revered one and no one may touch it. The purple flames surround the bros and attack.

Starlow appears to teach about the badges. The meter is almost full. The bros must attack successfully to fill the meter. Starlow summons a gust of wind to extinguish the flames so the bros can attack. Attack the Smoldergeist. The meter will fill and a button will appear on the Touch Screen. Each time the meter fills, the effects of the badge will be stored in a button, up to two, to be used at the bros' discretion. The bros can use the badges' effects only when command blocks are available. To change badges in battle, touch the button in the lower left corner, then use [R] and [L] to change the badges. The button with the ribbon is to tell the bros their progress on Expert Challenges. These challenges will give the bros rare gear once enough are completed. After a while, the Smoldergeist will reignite and attack. Some will send a ring of flames out above or at the bros. Some will throw fireballs at the bros. Either stomp them (and take damage) or dodge all their attacks to extinguish the flames. Once extinguished, they'll rock back and forth into the bros until the bros counterattack.

Once Smoldergeist is defeated, the Zeekeeper statue says it failed. A bridge will form to the south. Peach and Toadsworth as the bros to scout ahead. There's a Brock in the next room saying that the path ahead is impassible and wonder how the bros got through. Mario shows him the special rock and he thinks it might be the treasure. He says to go to the southeast to the collection room, where it can be displayed. Ahead is a Save Block. To the east is the collection room, filled with many artifacts. Broque Monsieur is there, congratulating the bros on retrieving the treasure. Everything the room dates back to the period of the Pi'illo Kingdom. Only VIPs are allowed in this room. In the center of the room is a large bed. Luigi puts the rock on the bed as a pillow and lies down. Broque Monsieur thinks the rock may be the pillow the prince was using. Luigi falls asleep instantly. Broque Monsieur lets Mario check out the collection room. The bed Luigi's napping on belonged to the prince. When you're done checking things out, try to go south. A couple of Toads appear, then Peach and Toadsworth enter the room. Peach thinks something's wrong with Luigi. Suddenly, a portal appears above Luigi's head. Toadsworth thinks it may be a vision of Luigi's dreams. Broque Monsieur says that people could enter others' dreams during the era of the Pi'illo Kingdom. Peach thinks the rock is responsible. Broque Monsieur thinks it might reflect the dream world. Starlow asks about Dr. Snoozemore and Broque Monsieur says they don't know when he will return. He says the promotional trips he takes usually last a few days. Peach gets closer to the portal, saying she feels like someone is calling her. Starlow says to stay back but Peach says her body won't move. Peach is lifted off the ground and drawn into the portal. Toadsworth gets close to the portal in a panic, but some Toads hold him back. Mario hops into the portal after her. Starlow says Mario will rescue the princess and wonders how Luigi can sleep through all of this.

An exciting start to the fourth entry in the Mario and Luigi series. This is shaping up to be quite the adventure. What will the bros find in Luigi's dreams? Who kidnapped Peach? Will Fawful make an appearance? All this and more in Mario and Luigi: Dream Team!

Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time -- Save the Princess. Save the Kingdom. With Time Travel.

"Really, really long ago... way far out in space... in a dark, dank place shunned by starlight... there was this creepy planet floating alone... The beings of this world were... creepy. They spent their time staring creepily into space. Just creepy daydreamers, right? Wrong. They were searching. Searching for a new home. At last, they fixed their creepy gazes on a distant world, a land of beauty and peace..."

Baby Mario and Baby Luigi walk into Peach's Castle and are greeted by a younger Toadsworth. Her Majesty would like some playmates to play with. The young bros walk ahead into the next room to find many Toads collapsed on the floor. Baby Bowser drops in carrying Baby Peach. Seems Bowser was intent on kidnapping Peach at an early age. Toadsworth tries to deal with Baby Bowser, but his flames are too much for him to handle. Time for Baby Mario to deal with Baby Bowser, while Baby Luigi keeps Baby Peach entertained. Toadsworth will give instructions on Action Commands and dodging attacks. All Baby Mario can do is jump for now. It only takes a few rounds. Baby Bowser says he can't lose because he's a prince. The victory celebration is interrupted by an attack on the castle. Purple and white spaceships take aim at the castle. Behind the clouds are hundreds more.

In the present, there is breaking news in the kingdom. E. Gadd has completed a time machine. It's powered by a Cobalt Star. The time machine was unveiled at Peach's Castle. Peach decided to take it for a spin with a couple of Toad attendants named Toadbert and Toadiko. She decided to go to the Mushroom Kingdom's past. Toadsworth is less than pleased. Not even Gadd assurance of a 99.999999999% chance of her return can calm Toadsworth's worry. He collapses. A Toad tells Mario to get a Refreshroom in Toadsworth's room to revive him. Lakitu provides an overhead map of the castle for Mario, letting him know which room he's in. Toadsworth's room is in the southwest corner, but that doesn't mean Mario can't pick up items along the way. The Refreshroom is in the item block over the plants. Return to the throne room when you get it. The cure is just what the doctor ordered.

After Toadsworth's miraculous recovery, the time machine reappears, heavily damaged. Inside, however, is not Peach, nor her attendants. It's a green monster called a Junior Shrooboid. Mario takes center stage in the battle. Jump to attack and counterattack. Once the battle's over, Gadd informs everyone that thankfully, the Shrooboid didn't eat Peach. His DS time radar says Peach is in the Mushroom Kingdom of the past. Using the time machine to find her is out of the question. Luigi appears, freaking out about a mysterious hole in the castle's garden. Gadd thinks that the time machine tore holes in the time continuum. The bros join up to go due south to the garden. Hit the Save Book on your way.

Gadd says the mysterious hole is a time hole connecting the past to the present. Luigi gets too close to the time hole. Gadd doesn't know where the time hole leads or if it's possible to return to present. Mario wants to use it to save the princess. Gadd thinks it's the only way. Toadsworth's stretcher crashes into the time hole, startling Luigi and causing him to fall in. Mario jumps in after him. Where will the time hole lead? Will the bros find the princess? Will there be continuity in a Mario series? All this and more in the exciting sequel to my personal favorite Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga. Stay tuned!

Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga -- Save the Princess('s voice). Save the Kingdom (of laughter). With Bros. Moves.

An ambassador of the Beanbean Kingdom visits Peach in her castle. She presents Peach with a present, which is a puff of smoke. The ambassador and her assistant are frauds, and vacuum up the smoke around Peach before leaving in their aircraft. The Toads scatter.

A Toad runs to the Mario Bros.'s house, where Luigi is hanging laundry. He says there's an emergency situation and asks if Luigi's seen the Kingdom Courier. Luigi says no and Toad runs inside, calling for Mario. Toad walks into the bathroom on the left, hearing humming. He goes into the bathroom, then quickly runs out, embarrassed with a red face. Mario comes out of the bathroom, wearing a towel. Toad stammers Peach's name and Mario runs outside, jumps into the clothesline to get dressed, and drags Luigi all the way to the castle, tangled in the clothesline.

In the castle, Bowser is standing around furiously. When Mario stops running, Luigi slides into Bowser. He asks how dare the Coward Bros. attack him when his back is turned. This starts the first battle. It's just Mario this time. All he can do is jump on Bowser and jump to dodge his fire breath. Toad will provide hints on Action Commands and dodging. Luigi's watching the battle, and his expression changes as you go. Bowser has about 10 HP, so the battle's fairly short.

Bowser says it's no time for fighting. The Toads explain that the ambassador from the Beanbean Kingdom stole Peach's voice. Her voice has been replaced by an explosive vocabulary, which drops explosives when she speaks. This is preventing Bowser from kidnapping Peach, which is a good thing, but we can't leave her this way. Mario has to retrieve Peach's voice. Bowser will kidnap her after that. Bowser offers to take Mario in his Koopa Cruiser to the Beanbean Kingdom. It's nice to see them cooperate, but we know he has ulterior motives.

Mario goes into Toadtown Square, where a Toad says to stretch out and talk to everyone. Climb up on ledges to reach item blocks. A Toad on the left ledge lost a precious belonging. Walk down the ledge towards the entrance and check the wall for it. Return it to him for a 1-Up Mushroom. To the right of the fountain is a Mushroom on a ledge. The Toad nearby will ask if you got it for him. If you say yes, he'll let you keep it and will give you a Super Mushroom as well. The right ledge has a Mushroom as well. Luigi's on the north side of the plaza, saying Bowser went north. There's a panicking Koopa ahead who got separated from the Bowser Baddies. Tell him to go "Thatta way" to the north. Go ahead to the north.

This part of the plaza has a Save Block so you can save your game. Luigi will follow you around. To the north is the exit. When you approach it, Toadsworth will appear. He has a suitcase for Mario's travels. We can open it with [Select] to use items and change clothes. It also lets you see Mario's stats. Toadsworth also gives us 100 coins. Luigi says he's seeing Mario off. Ahead is the Koopa Cruiser.

Bowser says we're late. Mario jumps aboard. Bowser summons his Baddies, but they don't appear. Luigi waves goodbye. Bowser thinks Luigi wants to join the Bowser Baddies. Apparently, Bowser doesn't know or recognize Luigi. Luigi disagrees and tries to run away, but runs into the Bowser Baddies. He tries to get past them, but a crew member alerts Bowser to a deserter. Luigi runs off and the Koopa Cruiser pursues and picks him up.

Inside the Cruiser, the Mario Bros. are told to report to the deck. Ahead are Koopas who tell us about the basic controls: [Start] to switch the order of the bros and (A) controls the guy in front, and (B) controls the guy in back. They also explain a special type of item block with an arrow. The bros will have to stand in a line and hit the block back and forth, when the block comes to them and turns their color. The block will give you coins.

In the next area, a Koopa will take the bros.'s passport photos. Use the D-pad to change the pose. Up, down, and left are various panicking poses, and right is a power pose. Walk to the right, then down before you reach the stairs to find the Bowser Baddie you helped. He'll give you a 1-Up Mushroom for your help. Go up the stairs.

There's a barrel in the middle of the floor. Walk into it to break it. The Koopa nearby will teach the Mario Bros. how to fight as a pair. (A) for Mario and (B) for Luigi. A Koopa up ahead will tell you how to get an edge in battle by stomping your enemies on the field. This will damage all enemies in the battle at the start. If enemies run into the guy in back, the guy in back will not be able to move until it's his turn to attack.

There's a Save Album upstairs. The path ahead is blocked by barrels. Hit the (!) Block to activate the crane, which picks up Luigi. We make it up to the deck, where Luigi acts as lookout. He spots something. The Koopa Cruiser's under attack by the Great Cackletta, who was posing as the Beanbean Ambassador. She's not going to deal with us, so she'll have her minion deal with us.

Ladies and Gentlemen, here's Fawful. Because he is one of my favorite characters and his speech is hilarious, I will provide direct quotes. "I am the great Cackletta's most best pupil, who is named Fawful! I am here laughing at you! If you are giving us the chase just to get your silly princess's voice, then you are idiots of foolishness! Princess Peach's sweet voice will soon be the bread that makes the sandwich of Cackletta's desires! And this battle shall be the delicious mustard on that bread! The mustard of your doom!" He shoots Bowser, then sneaks up on the Mario Bros. "Next is is the turn of you!"

Fawful is a simple enemy. Stomp on his headgear. He'll call the bros "Fink-rats" and the color of the text will tell you who he's aiming for. Bowser will tell you that and Fawful will say, "Such mumbling! Stop it!" These little tells are in all enemy attacks. When he says "Fink-rat", he'll shoot at you. When he says, "Have you readiness for this?!?", he'll shoot at one bro, then the other. After about 19 HP worth of damage, he'll say "Ooof!" and his headgear will disappear. "Now is when I ram you!" You can counterattack this attack. After a few rounds, he'll say, "Uhnnrgh.. How could fink-rats like you beat such an awful nasty as me? Headgear!" His headgear returns and he says his catchphrase: "I have fury!" The battle ends, and he says, "Bah! Now is when the talking stops! I do not have time to stop and smell foul roses such as you! One fell swoop is the way I will deal with you fink-rats!" He shoots down the Koopa Cruiser. It crashes into Stardust Fields.

So, the princess has not been kidnapped. Can this be considered a Mario game? Getting her voice back will not be an easy feat. Well, this is an exciting start to a fantastic adventure. It's one of my personal favorites as well as the start of one of my favorite Mario series.

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon -- More Mansions. More Fun.

The Dark Moon shines over Everglade Valley. E. Gadd has lab here, where he does research with the friendly ghosts in the area. King Boo appears in the sky and blasts the Dark Moon with the jewel in his crown, causing the Dark Moon to shatter and fall to the ground in different places. The ghosts in the lab suddenly turn vicious and tear E. Gadd's lab apart. Gadd runs off, terrified. Meanwhile, Luigi is asleep in front of the TV in his house, which looks like a Rank E mansion from Luigi's previous adventure. The TV screen turns to static, then Gadd appears on screen. This scares Luigi. Gadd needs Luigi's help because of the hostile ghosts. He uses the Pixelator to bring Luigi through the TV to his lab. Gadd is excited to see Luigi and he knew their paths would cross again. Luigi's in Gadd's Bunker, which is perfectly safe. Gadd's been continuing his paranormal research. He became an authority in the field after their last adventure. He shows Luigi the Dark Moon, which has a pacifying effect on the ghosts in Evershade Valley. Gadd leapt at the opportunity to study ghosts in a peaceful environment. His research was going very well, until the ghosts snapped and turned hostile. Gadd fled from Gloomy Manor and hid in the Bunker, where the ghosts won't find him. Gadd noticed that the Dark Moon had vanished and Evershade Valley had been enveloped in an eerie fog. He thinks the Dark Moon's disappearance is the cause. He's worried that the ghosts might leave and terrorize the world beyond the valley. He found a fragment of the Dark Moon nearby, which means it's broken. It also seems corrupted by some strange energy. The energy might be suppressing the Dark Moon's pacifying effect on ghosts. On the bright side, Gadd has inventions to help out. He gets out a device that cleans the Dark Moon, which dispels some of the fog, revealing one of the mansions. Gloomy Manor is now accessible. Gadd wants to find the other Dark Moon fragments to return Evershade Valley to normal. Luigi will have to contain the ghosts in the meanwhile. He's the best (and only) ghost wrangler Gadd knows.

The Poltergust 5000 is in Gloomy Manor, so Luigi will have to go get it. It's Luigi's first mission. The goal is to collect 2000 G while we're there.

Once again, Luigi must fight ghosts solo. It started a little like Paper Mario: Sticker Star, but this is all about Luigi. Let's get going!

New Super Mario Bros. U - Save the Princess. Save the Kingdom. With Singing Yoshis.

Princess Peach, Mario, Luigi, Blue Toad, and Yellow Toad are sitting at a table eating cake and drinking tea in the castle. Eight Airships fly to the castle, seven bearing the faces of the Koopalings, and the largest bearing the face of Bowser. Bowser's Airship extends a mechanical hand into the castle, pulls Peach's chair away from the table, then pounds the Mario Bros. and the Toads. The hand picks them up, winds up for the pitch, and throws them as far from the castle as possible. The four are thrown into an acorn tree and slung out, releases some acorns in the process. They land near some baby Yoshis, pick themselves up, and start running. The Koopalings' Airships take off in all directions. Lemmy's goes to Acorn Plains, with Lemmy laughing all the way.

Well, Bowser hasn't kidnapped Peach this time, but he's holding her hostage in her own castle. It's going to be a long journey there, and there's no telling if we have to make our way to both her castle and Bowser's. Let's get started!

Luigi's Mansion: Luigi goes Ghostbusters

Luigi walks in a dark, spooky forest. He checks his map, which has directions to his mansion. There is a large mansion ahead, looking nothing like the one on his map. He goes through the gate and approaches the mansion as crows watch. Cautiously, he opens the door, shines his flashlight inside, and says, "Hello?"

Inside the foyer are stairs and some doors. The door on the first floor is glowing and covered in thorns. The double doors at the top of the stairs are locked. Luigi hears a laugh after trying to open them. All other doors on the second floor are locked as well. After going back downstairs, he sees a key floating in a transparent orange blob. The key falls and the blob goes through the double doors upstairs. After picking up the key, Luigi goes to the double doors on the second floor and opens the door. This leads to the parlor.

In the parlor, the orange blob reveals itself to be a ghost. Also in the room is a small old man with a vacuum strapped to his back. He tries to catch the ghost with the vacuum, but fails. The old man introduces himself as Dr. E. Gadd. He says the mansion has more ghosts everyday and would like to talk to us in his lab. Three orange ghosts appear and Luigi and Gadd make a run for it.

In the lab, E. Gadd tells Luigi that he studies ghosts. Luigi's in the area because he won a mansion in a contest he never entered. Gadd says the mansion appeared only a few days ago and that a man in a red hat went into the mansion and never returned. Luigi has to go after him because the man in the red hat doesn't stand a chance against the ghosts. Gadd will teach Luigi how to deal with the ghosts.

Luigi enters the training room wearing the vacuum, the Poltergust 3000. While in the dark, Luigi must first stun the ghost(s) with his flashlight to reveal their heart (and HP), then vacuum them up. After training is completed, Gadd takes Luigi to his gallery, saying that there were 21 paintings in his Famous Ghost Collection, but there are only frames now. He gives Luigi a communication device called the Game Boy Horror, which lets him check his inventory, his location and floor plans for the mansion, as well as check out things around the mansion. There is a gold, sparkly room in the back of the gallery, but there's nothing of interest there now. Luigi heads off to the mansion, in search of the man in the red hat, Mario.

This is my first time playing the game, so I may miss a few things. It may take a few tries to get used to the controls (intially, I only got one ghost in training). We'll see how things go.

Paper Mario: Sticker Star -- Save the Princess. Save the Kingdom. With Stickers!

A book opens to tell us a tale.
"Ahem! Today's story begins one evening during a holiday called Sticker Fest. The Sticker Fest is a celebration of stickers that occurs every year in the Mushroom Kingdom. On the special night, a Sticker Comet falls from far beyond the sky. If everyone concentrates and wishes on the Sticker Comet... It's said that all of those wishes will come true."

Mario and many Toads are gathered at an outdoor theater. The curtain opens to reveal Princess Peach. A sparkly comet floats down to the stage and is roped off, while everyone cheers. Bowser appears onstage and Koopas and Goombas run amok through the audience. Three Toads grab Bowser's tail as he approaches the comet, only slowing him down a little. They manage to pull him back, but let go and Bowser flies forward, reaching out and touching the comet. The comet and Bowser fly off. The comet flies into the sky and splits into six colorful glowing orbs that scatter across the kingdom. Pieces of paper rain down on the crowd, while Peach, Mario, and Bowser look up. A crown then lands on Bowser's head, turning him holographic and shiny. He unleashes a dark whirlwind that blows some Toads away. He turns to Peach and Mario, who jumps towards him to stop him.

"Wake up..." says a voice. "Wake up..." Mario is rolled up on the ground. "Oh, come onnnnnn..." Looks like Mario lost that fight. "WAKE UP!" Mario must jump three times to unfold himself. He looks around, seeing the outdoor theater has been trashed and caution tape with Bowser's name on it is plastered all over. "Hey, you... come over here a minute." Mario looks puzzled, but can now wander around. Go over to the sign with Peach on it, which has a new silver crown on it. The sign talks to us, saying "Hey, you made it... finally. You sure took your sweet time, huh? But whatever. It's fine. In case it's not obvious, I'm stuck here and can't move. Hurry up and peel me off this thing! Just get close to me and hold down (A). You can handle that, right? Now PEEL!" Mario approaches the sign and peels the crown off of it. Turns out the crown was the one giving Mario an attitude. "Phew... That was unpleasant. Hey, wait a minute. You... WHAT'S YOUR DEAL?" Mario looks confused, so the crown continues, "You! YOU'RE the one who touched the comet! What is WRONG with you?! It's a saying from the beginning of time: 'Never, EVER touch the Sticker Comet!' You must have heard it a million times! You don't think a comet packed full of people's wishes might be the teensiest bit dangerous?" Well, maybe, but probably not THAT fragile. "Noooooo... You, in your infinited wisdom, had to lay your grubby little hands on it, and KERBLAMMO! Total chaos! And do you even realize what blew off to who knows where in the blast? The Royal Stickers! Yeah, THOSE ROYAL STICKERS. This is all your fault, pal! You're taking full responsibility for all of this!" Mario says something and the crown says, "Huh? Someone named Bowser touched the Sticker Comet... and you're Mario? HOW DARE YOU?! Pinning the blame on someone else? Talk about cowardly! Talk about completely unpaper-like! A lady is in serious trouble here! Ask yourself: what would the famous Mario do at a time like this, hmmm?" Mario jumps up and down, and the crown calms down, saying, "Huh? Really? You'll really help? Thanks! In that case, I'll introduce myself. I'm Kersti! I came from the faraway Sticker Star to grant everyone's wishes at the Sticker Fest. It's not me who grants them, mind you. No, the stickers who wield the mystical superpowers to grant those wishes are known as the Royal Stickers. Now they're scattered all over... As their caretaker, it's my duty to find all of them or else I can't return to the Sticker Star! So yeah... That's why you have to help me find the Royal Stickers! It looks like they fell outside of town, so first we need to find out how to get out of here!"

With that, Mario can start exploring. First, we're going to free the Toads from the Bowser tape. Peeling off Bowser tape also makes objects pop up, like a nearby stand. Bowser tape seems extremely strong. Near the stand is an Eekhammer sticker. Kersti tells us, "Huh? Hey, that's a sticker, isn't it?! Lucky you, picking up something that great. Well, you can't jam something as important as a sticker in your pocket, so let me give you an album to keep that in. Not bad, huh? Any sticker you find, you just pop it in the album. Trust me, you're going to need as many of those as you can find later on, so take good care of them!" The album is now on the Touch Screen. The Toad stuck to the stage says that Bowser pasted the Toads up all over the place. He's got something to help us, the Hammer! We can use it with (B). There is a Jump sticker attached to a Toad running around, so we peel that off his head. A Hammer sticker is stuck to a nearby stand. Once we free all the Toads, we find we can't leave the area. The path is blocked by a brick block. It's hammer time! Use the hammer to break the brick block, then peel off the Bowser tape on the ground. The path unfolds, so we can leave.

The path leads into the main part of town. There are quite a few stickers here. Item blocks may have them, as well as coins. Go behind the buildings to find more. On the right side of town is a scrap of paper hopping up and down on a wood awning. Hit the awning from below to unfold it into a Toad, who was apparently folded 256 times, as apposed to Mario's eight. There's an item block on the roof of the red house. It's doormat says "OW!" when you step on it. Use the hammer nearby to flip it over and peel the Toad stuck to it. Inside the circular blue house is a cabinet. Jump on the cabinet and jump above it for an invisible block with a coin. Open the cabinets to make Toads and sheet music fall out. In the purple house is a Jump sticker above the bed, and a Toad in the trashbin. In the red house is a Toad hiding behind a picture frame between two Mushroom photos. Now that Bowser's gone, he leaves, along with five of his friends hiding behind him. If you break the brick blocks you used to reach the roof, you'll find a Baahammer sticker. We go to the left out of this part of town.

There are two rows of Toads trying to roll out a large roll of paper. Apparently, Bowser rolled up the town's plaza like burrito. Talking to the Green Toad, we find out that we still haven't found everybody in town. We need them to help us. There's one stuck to a shrub in the residential district. The last one we missed is in the outdoor theater area, behind the sign. Hit the sign to knock it down. Now that we have all 27 Toads, we can unroll this town. The Green Toad hops on the roll and tells the other Toads to push. They unroll the town, with Green Toad trapped underneath. The town pops up and the Toads run around, happy. One Toad says we probably have a Princess Peach to save, which means Bowser kidnapped her, again. Kersti's happy because we can now leave town. If we want to talk to her, push [L]. A Toad in town tells us that some other Toads went sticker hunting on the Warm Fuzzy Plains, which is the holiday's leisure activity. We should engage in sticker hunting as well. The plaza has a shop for stickers and a locked red house. We try to leave town through the front road, but are ambushed by three Goombas. Kersti tells them that we're going to attack them, but she won't be involved.

Battle time! The Goombas say they aren't ordinary Goombas because they have the backing of Bowser. Kersti senses sticker power from them, but we have sticker power, too. Kersti says we don't have enough, despite having 13, so she gives us four Jump Stickers, four Hammer stickers, and two Mushroom stickers. We choose the sticker we want and stick it in the outline over Mario's head. We use a Jump sticker for the first Goomba. If you hit (A) before you land, you can jump multiple times. If you lower the enemy's HP to zero and keep executing hits, you'll get coins. Hit (A) just before the enemy lands an attack to block it and reduce the damage you take. With three Jump stickers, we defeat the Goombas and they run off. The area to the left of town is deserted, so we heal using the Heart Block and leave town. We can choose from four areas to go to outside of the town, called Decalburg.

New Super Mario Bros. 2: Get Rich or Save the Princess Trying

Intro
Raccoon Mario and Kitsune Luigi are on the roof of Peach's castle. They wave goodbye to the Princess and fly off collecting coins. They drop to the ground and the Koopalings drop in on both of them in the Clown Copter. Roy Koopa Jr. has Peach. She calls out to both of them before the Clown Copter flies away. The Mario Bros. run after them. Roy takes Peach to the Fort of World 1.

This is the latest Mario game with a new twist: collecting as many coins as possible. This leads to an abundance of lives, so getting a Game Over takes some effort. The ultimate goal is to collect one million coins. I will be posting my coin counter for each level in my attempt at this goal. I will also get all of the Star Coins. Let's go!

Super Mario 3D Land - Super Mario 3 meets Galaxy

It's a blustery and stormy night. Leaves are blown from the trees. We hear Bowser's laugh. The next day, we find Mario and the Toads walking from the castle to a Tanooki-shaped rock. They find a letter floating in the air. Inside is a picture of Bowser holding Peach with leaves blowing around. Bowser laughs and Peachs calls, "Mario!" (The 3D effect works on the picture, as well as the gyroscope.) Mario and the Toads freak out and run off to World 1. The Toads run off ahead and Mario starts at 1-1. Here we go!

Super Mario Galaxy: Save the Princess. Save the Universe.

The Princess has been kidnapped - IN SPACE! The villain wants to make a kingdom - IN SPACE! The hero must save the princess - IN SPACE! Sounds like a bad 90s movie, but it's a really great game! Let's begin this galaxy-hopping adventure!

A storybook opens to tell us a tale while the story music plays.

Every hundred years, a comet appears in the skies above the Mushroom Kingdom.The comet was so large one year, it filled the skies and sent countless shooting stars raining down. The Toads brought the shooting stars to the castles, where they became a great Power Star. It should have been a very happy time for the citizens of the Mushroom Kingdom. That was the night of the Star Festival, held once every hundred years, to celebrate the comet.

We then see Peach, who reads aloud a letter to Mario:
Dear Mario,
I'll be waiting for you at the castle on the night of the Star Festival. There's something I'd like to give you. From Peach

Mario runs through the castle gates while Star Bits rain down. The Star Festival music plays. The Toads tell us that all of the guests are here and we're the last to arrive. They also tell us to collect Star Bits with the Star Cursor. We walk into town, colletcting Star Bits. There are several houses we can't enter, so we stay on the path. The castle comes into view and we approach the town square.

Suddenly, a blast from nowhere rocks the square. Meteors rain down and trap Toads in crystal on impact. Airships appear over the lake near the castle, with flags of Bowser and crossed swords. We see Peach on the balcony, holding a white Luma. Two Toads in star capes cower behind her. Bowser says, "Princess Peach! You are formally invited... To the creation of my new galaxy! Gwahahahah! This festival's over!" Electric energy comes from his hands and a flying saucer appears overhead.

We regain control of Mario in the ravaged town square. Toads not trapped in crystal are panicking. Some run around in circles, periodically tripping. They beg us to save the princess. We follow the path to the castle, as we can't do anything about the crystal. As we get closer, we can hear Peach saying "HELP ME!" as she waves her hands. We approach the castle and the flying saucer fires lasers into the ground, circling the ground surrounding the castle. The blast knocks Mario and the Toads off their feet. The airships drop chains into the ground and pick up the castle, like in Paper Mario, but this time, Mario comes along and the castle completely leaves the planet. Peach calls out "Mario!" Mario stands on the broken bridge to the castle, when a Magikoopa appears. It says, "So long! Enjoy your flight!" It uses its magical wand to send a blast of magic to break up the bridge, sending Mario tumbling into space. It laughs, while Peach calls to Mario again before the castle disappears. As it disappears, the white Luma Peach was holding flies away from the castle.

Mario wakes up on a small grassy planet. The white Luma appears and turns into a white Star Bunny. It says, "Finally, you're awake! Let's play!" The Star Bunny hops away, saying, "C'mon! Jump with (A)!" He leads us to two yellow-eared Star Bunnies. The white Star Bunny says, "Let's play hide-and-seek! If you catch all of us, we'll tell you about where you are." They hop off and disappear with a poof. We find the white one in one of the craters. As we find them, they will turn back into Lumas and give us a hint as to where another is hiding. They are hiding in the large crater, a patch of grass, and a pipe. This forces us to explore the planet, which has sling pods, houses, and tree stumps. We can't normally go into the houses. We can find more Star Bits here. Our total goes reaches 50, giving us a 1-up. When we catch all of them, they gather together. One says, "Wow! You caught all of us? Maybe really can help Mama...

A platform appears. A staircase spirals around the edge. We climb to the top, where we see a woman with light blond hair, wearing a blue dress, floating above the platform. She says "Ooooh!" "I've been watching you from here. This place is called the gateway to the starry sky... My name is Rosalina. I watch over and protect the cosmos. To save your special one, you'll need the power to travel through space." "Hmm!" The white Luma appears. "Luma can give you this power. I will entrust you with his care."

The Luma spins down into Mario, making his hands glow. We get a message: "You have the ability to spin now! Shake the Wiimote!" (Shaking the Nunchuk works, too.)

Rosalina continues, "Disaster has struck us, just as it has visited you. With Luma, I hope you can rescue the Grand Stars. May the stars shine down on you..." She floats up and diappears.

The yellow Luma says, "Shake the Wiimote to spin into things that look breakable! You can even spin enemies to stun them." There is a large crystal on the platform. We spin into the crystal to break it and free the Launch Star. The Luma says, "This is a Launch Star. Shake the Wiimote when you're near one to shoot through space like a comet! Now, go and explore the universe! There are lots and lots of galaxies for you to discover!" We can now see planets in the distance. An icon tells us to shake the Wiimote near the Launch Star and Mario launches into space. The adventure has begun!

Luigi
We start Super Luigi Galaxy with Luigi waking up on the grassy gate planet. The Luma dialogue is the same. We chase after the Star Bunnies, which is a little easier because Luigi runs faster than Mario. He also slides to a stop, which is a pain. We catch all the Star Bunnies and the tower with Rosalina appears. She tells us the same story, we get the Spin Power, and we launch into our adventure!

Super Mario 64 DS: Save the Princess. Save the Kingdom. With moustache jokes.

This game also starts off with the same letter and voice from Peach, with an updated sprite. Lakitu films the castle grounds, and we notice Yoshi taking a nap on the roof of the castle, audibly snoring. There are very few changes to the castle grounds from the N64 version. A large green pipe appears and Mario jumps out of it. Soon after, two more pipes appear and Luigi and Wario jump out of them. Mario says "Let's a go!" and the three run into each other. They then run towards the castle.
Lakitu points his camera at Yoshi, who is now lying on the ground where the warp pipes were. Lakitu says "Yoshi, Yoshi..." Lakitu pops Yoshi's bubble, which wakes him up. "Listen...Mario hasn't returned yet.
We now control Yoshi. Yoshi walks up to the castle door and tries to open it, but gets a message with Bowser's laugh: You need a key to open this door. Lakitu appears, saying "Uh-oh. Looks like the doors are locked, huh? Hmmm. I just saw a rabbit taking off with a key in his mouth." A key icon appears on the Touch Screen, which displays a map of the castle gound. "Why don't you look for him on the Touch Screen map, Yoshi?
I track the rabbit down near the hedges. He starts hopping away, but Yoshi sticks out his toungue and grabs him. The rabbit, in Yoshi's mouth, says "Aaaaargh! No, don't eat me! ALL I did was tease you a little. C'mon, let me go." The Rabbit music plays. Yoshi spits him out and the rabbit says "Aiyeeeee! I thought it was the end for little orld me... My entire life flashed before my eyes. Talk about scary! Anyway, here, take the key. It's just slowing me down."
He gives us the key, giving us the message: You've retrieved the key to the castle from the rabbit! now you're ready to go inside the castle. Mario and his buddies went to the castle ages ago, and they still haven't returned. Save now? (Save and continue, or Continue, don't save) Yoshi poses with the key.
Yoshi walks back to the castle and unlocks the door. Once inside, he gets the same message that Mario did in the N64 version.
Toad says "Thank heavens you came too, Yoshi! Bowser has locked Princess Toadstool and all of us inside the walls. He stole our Power Stars and is using their magic to create an evil land of monsters in the castle walls and paintings. Mario and his buddies went to retrieve the Stars, but they haven't come back. Last I saw them, they were heading to the room on the left with the painting of the Bob-ombs. Where are they?! Are they taking a nap somewhere? So now it's up to you, Yoshi, to find them and retrieve the Stars! We all are depending on you!
This game is very similar to, but not an exact replica of Super Mario 64. Several of the missions are the same, but some are completely new. If the missions are from the N64 version, they will be included in the same post. If they are unique to either version, they will appear in their own posts. I will be comparing both versions. These are great games and I'm sure I will enjoy them both.

Super Mario 64: Save the Princess. Save the Kingdom. In 3D.

This game starts off, as many Mario games do, with a letter from Peach:
Dear Mario,
Please come to the castle. I've baked a cake for you. Yours truly -- Princess Toadstool, Peach
The letter is read aloud by the Princess herself.
Lakitu, dangling a camera from its fishing pole, goes over the castle grounds. A large green warp pipe comes out of the ground and Mario jumps out of it.
Lakitu says- Ciao! You've reached Princess Toadstool's castle via a warp pipe. Using the controller is a piece of cake. Press A to jump and B to attack. Press B to reach signs, too. Use the Control Stick in the center of the controller to move Mario around. Now, head for the castle.
Mario walks over the bridge to the castle. Lakitu appears in front of Mario, saying "Good afternoon. The Lakitu Bros. here, reporting live from just outside the Princess's castle. Mario has just arrived on the scene, and we'll be filming the action live as he enters the casle and pursues the missing Power Stars. As seasoned cameramen, we'll be shooting from the recommended angle, but you can change the camera angle by pressing the C Buttons. If we can't adjust the view any further, we'll buzz. To take a look at the surroundings, stop and press C Up. Press A to resume play. Switch camera modes with the R Button. Signs along the way. will review these instructions. For now, reporting live, this has been the Lakitu Bros.
Hey, wait! No one said anything about missing Power Stars! What's going on here? The only way to find out is to go through the door. We hear Bowser's laugh.
Welcome. No one's home. Now scram-- and don't come back! Gwahaha!
Well, we know Bowser's behind whatever's going on here. Nearby, Toad appears and says "Am I glad to see you! The Princess...and I...and, well, everybody...we're all trapped inside the castle walls. Bowsers has stolen the castle's Stars, and he's using their power to create his own world in the paintings and wall. Please recover the Power Stars! As you find them, you can use their power to open the doors that Bowser has sealed. There are 4 rooms on the first floor. Start in the one with with the painting of Bob-omb inside. It's the only room that Bowser hasn't sealed. When you collect 8 Power Stars, you'll be able to open the door with the big star. The Princess must be inside!
Well, we have our mission. Mario must save the Princess once again. This time, we actually get to see the inside of the castle, which has it's own music. This is the first 3D Mario, the start of a game design that brought us Super Mario Sunshine, and the Super Mario Galaxies. This is a mission-based game, so I will blog for each mission, like I did for Super Mario Galaxy 2. Let's go get some Stars!