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: 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: Chapter 4 -- Trials in the Toy Box -- Part 2

When you arrive at Green Station, you'll notice four Star Boxes, red, green, blue, and yellow. If you hit them from left to right, you'll get four coins. Hit the boxes in almost any other order, and four Shy Guys will pop out. Go southeast and return to reset the blocks. Go southeast and you'll see Kammy Koopa place Peach's last choice to guard a chest.

This part of the Toy Box is filled with moving conveyor belts and wire fences. Use Bow's power to go through the fences so you can reach the Shy Guy holding the Mystery Note. Defeat it to get it, but you can't read it. To the right is the slot machine. Getting two or more coin panels will get you some coins, two or more Shy Guy panels will make Shy Guys appear, and two or more stars will make mushrooms appear. Farther right are moving platforms. The brick block over the pink area has many coins, but the platform moves away from the brick block. Cross the gaps with Parakarry. There's a blue building next to the moving platforms. When the platforms lower, you can go inside for a Star Piece. Cross over to the building's roof and open the chest for Russ T.'s Dictionary. Leave the Toy Box to return it to him.

Russ T. lives in the house near the pipe to Mario's house. Return the Dictionary for a Star Piece as a reward. Talk to him again and he'll translate the note, which is written in the Shy Guy language. It says to hit the blocks in the following order: yellow, green, red, blue. Heal up and return to Green Station. Hit the blocks in the correct order. Panels from the wall on the other side of the tracks fall down to fill in the gap in the tracks. The star blocks disappear. Go east to the Red Station.

Take advantage of the Heal and Save Blocks, then go southwest first. There's a lot of platforming here, including a Ferris wheel. Hit the invisible item block between the two item blocks for the Deep Focus badge. On the tall green block in the back is a Super Block, but all of our party members have been upgraded. This is about to change. Have Bow out, then go west.

To the west is a dark room. Someone says that someone's in the dark and it's Mario. It's a Big Lantern Ghost and he won't let Mario go. The battle starts and he says he'll take care of Mario quickly, then return to his darkness. He hates the light and will take Mario to the deep dark. When it's dark, all you can target is the lantern. Have Bow smack the lantern to make the light brighter. Repeated hits make the light brighter. The Big Lantern Ghost says that it's so bright, which isn't good. When the lantern is at its brightest, the Big Lantern Ghost will shine its light on Mario and his party member. If you don't guard, your party member will be blinded and temporarily unable to do anything. Now that the light is bright, you can target the Big Lantern Ghost. He has 40 HP and an attack power of 5. The light attack has an attack power of 2 on Mario, regardless of whether he guards, but guarding will protect party members. After hitting him for one or two turns, he'll dim the lantern's light by blowing on it. Attack the lantern again to restore the light. He gives 15 SP when defeated. He then runs off, leaving the lantern behind. Check it out.

The lantern talks, saying it wants out. Hit the lantern with the hammer to free a Li'l Sparky named Watt. She's happy to be free and recognizes Mario, calling him a hero. He saved her from the lantern ghost and to make it up to him, she'll go with him. She heard the Shy Guys say that Mario's trying to save Peach from Bowser. She joins the party. She can illuminate dark areas and reveal the location of hidden blocks, even with the lights on. She can shock enemies with Electro Dash or paralyze them with Power Shock. Oddly enough, she kind of likes the dark. Leave the room and use the platforms and Parakarry to reach the Super Block to upgrade Watt right away. Use her power to reveal an invisible block with a Snowman Doll.

Return to Green Station, heal and save, then go southeast. Be sure to have some healing items on you. There's a Shy Guy that jumps over a wall when it sees Mario. Blow up the crack in the wall with Bombette, which will knock the wall over. A bunch of Shy Guys are on the other side of the wall and they run away screaming. Use Watt to locate an invisible block, then hit it. Stand on it, then send Koooper to retrieve a Shooting Star. Avoid battling and go east into a dark room. The Shy Guys are still screaming. They say to run for it and break through the wall. Follow them.

There's a Shy Guy dressed in military dress here. He's General Guy and he has the Star Spirit. As long as they keep the Star Spirit secure, Bowser lets them do whatever they want. He says Mario's trespassing and that the treasures in the Toy Box are for Shy Guys only. His army charges at Mario. First up is the Shy Squad, a group of 15 Shy Guys. Each Shy Guy has 1 HP and 1 attack power. One Shy Guy will be lost from the squad for every 1 HP of damage the squad takes. This will reduce their ability to attack. When they attack, each Shy Guy gets to attack and they move quickly. Repeatedly guard to reduce the damage Mario takes. When there are about 8 or so left, or if you happen to defeat them, they'll run off, General Guy will appear, and say the Shy Guys must stand their ground. He'll send out his next wave in front of his tank so you can't attack it. This wave is made up of two Stilt Guys, which have 7 HP each and 4 attack power. They'll try to jump on Mario. Using attacks that shake the ground will turn them into normal Shy Guys, but you can also just defeat them when they're on stilts. After you defeat the Stilt Guys, the third wave will be of Shy Stack, four Shy Guys stacked on each other like the Koopa Bros. They have 10 HP and 1 attack power for each of the Shy Guys in the stack. They attack with slingshots. Spinning attacks will knock members out of the stack. Once you defeat these guys, General Guy will now battle you. General Guy has 30 HP , 2 defense power, and will throw bombs at Mario with 4 attack power. He can also use the light bulb on his tank to shine a light with 5 attack power. It will blind your party member if you don't guard. To keep this from happening, first target the bulb. It has 1 defense power, which is completely useless against Watt's Electro Dash. Power Bouncing also works. After the bulb breaks, he can no longer use this attack and you can focus your attacks on him. He says his defenses are useless, your attack is too powerful, and that you're breaking the rules of war. Your hammer can get past his defense, but a basic attack won't do much damage. When you defeat him, his tank falls apart and you get 33 SP. The Shy Guys run off screaming. Watt is happy that she got to beat them up. The Star Spirit's card appears.

End of Chapter
To save the fourth Star Spirit, Muskular, Mario and team disbanded the gang of Shy Guy toughs. Slowly, it seems as if the life force is return to the once bleak night sky... But the stars won't truly shine until the Star Rod is wrested from Bowser's evil grasp. Three Star Spirits still await rescue. Where in the world are they being held?

Paper Mario: Interlude After Chapter 3

In Peach's Castle, Twink wonders about Mario and Peach is worried. Twink suggests eavesdropping again, which would make Bowser and his followers mad. Hit the switch and go through the secret passage to the revolving wall. On the other side of the wall, Bowser is upset when Kammy Koopa tells him that Tubba Blubba was defeated even though he was invincible. The wall rotates while they're talking, but they don't notice. Bowser stamps his foot, angry that Mario figured out Tubba Blubba's secret. Kammy Koopa suggests a new tactic to use when Mario goes to Shy Guy's Toy Box next. Bowser says they'll prepare for Mario's arrival by finding his weak points and humiliating him. But first, they need to find out what Mario hates. At this point, they finally notice Peach standing around. He's initially upset, but says her timing is fortunate. He asks about Mario's weak points and to answer honestly. He presents the following options: in group 1: Goomba, Clubba, Mushroom; in group 2: Fuzzy, Hammer Bros., Thunder Rage; and in group 3: Pokey, Koopatrol, Super Soda. If you want an easy experience, choose the items. If you want the Star Points, pick the second option in the list. If you pick the items, Kammy Koopa will have her doubts. Bowser declares this to be the end of Mario and orders the guards to take Peach back to her room.

Meanwhile, Skolar tells Mario he knew Mario could do it. He's thankful and says it was the right decision to ask him. He gives Mario some power, increasing his Star Energy and giving him the Star Storm attack, which hits all enemies. Bowser's life force is getting stronger all the time due to the Star Rod and Mario must be careful. Skolar returns to Star Haven, asking Mario to keep quiet about getting lost in Forever Forest.

Go into the Forever Forest and you'll hear someone yelling about being scared in a freaky forest and that bugs are crawling on them. Walk a little farther and you'll run into Jr. Troopa, who is almost thankful to see Mario. He says he'll be Mario's worst nightmare and battles Mario. This time, he grows a pair of wings. He has 40 HP and gives 21 SP. He has one defense power, so don't use Bow to attack him. He will swoop down to kick Mario. Parakarry's Sky Shot works well. After you defeat him, he runs off.

Take an incorrect exit, then double back to reach the edge of the forest quickly. Jr. Troopa will appear, happy to be out, and runs off. Inside Toad Town, the music plays at a faster tempo. Shy Guys are making a ruckus all over town according to Fice T., the guard at the edge of the forest, but he says they're nothing compared to ghosts. Deliver the letter from the Boos, which freaks him out. He still gives you a Star Piece.

As you wander through Toad Town, you'll see Shy Guys running amok and stealing stuff. One steals Tayce T.'s frying pan, so she can't cook. Another steals a calculator from the badge shop. Russ T.'s dictionary was stolen and the storeroom key from the southwest item shop was taken. In the north item shop, hit the Shy Guy running around so you can buy items. Hit the Shy Guy in the Toad House so you can use it. Go to the train station to hit the Shy Guy blocking the train and deliver the letter to Dane T. nearby. It's an invitation to a haunted mansion. He asks his friend Mini T. to go, and they suggest sending a letter to their friend, the red Yoshi Kid in Yoshi Village.

Merlon is outside his house. Talk to him and he says an oracle told him in a dream that running around the red palm tree in Dry Dry Outpost will make something good happen. Go to the Outpost and run around the red palm tree. This makes a nearby Toad dizzy. Mario tells him about Merlon's dream and he says he got a message in a dream, but he doesn't taking them seriously. The message said to spin jump three times in a house with a whirling roof in a large town near a castle. Return to Merlon's house and spin jump three times to make the Quick Change badge appear. It allows you to change party members in battle while allowing them to attack that turn.

Return to Mario's house to talk to Luigi and get his autograph. Shy Guys are running around here as well. Luigi's jump is great, but he's not fast enough to catch the Shy Guys. Hit them for Luigi. Luigi says he's going to train so he can go on an adventure, but doesn't want to anymore because he can't. Mario must save Peach for his sake. Now that you can spin jump, go inside the house and spin jump on the panel. This will lead to the basement, where Luigi keeps his diary. You can read it. At this point, he's only written two entries.

Page 1:  Once again, my brother went on an exciting journey. Once again, he went alone. It's so unfair! I remember the carefree days when we played Golf  and Tennis and had Parties. I remodeled the house and made a secret basement my brother has no idea! It's the perfect place to write in you, my secret diary.

Page 2: I heard that a ghost appeared in Toad Town today. It was big, really big. And it had red eyes, a giant, gaping mouth and a mustache. .......... Because you're my secret diary, I'll tell you the truth: Yaaaah! I hate ghosts!! What will I do if it appears at night! Come back, Mario! I'm scared! Yikes! I can feel something behind me. Ahhh! I'm sure it's there, but I can't look back! No! No! Get away! I think I'll be safe if I don't freeze with fear. I'll just shut my eyes and take five steps back, and then I'll jump and dash into bed. Here I go!

Now that you have Luigi's autograph, return it to Koopa Koot for one coin. He'll then ask you to find his lost wallet that he dropped near the item shop. Check the shrubs near the Save Block to find it. The reward is one coin. Next, he'll ask for a Tasty Tonic. You can find them in the southwest shop in Toad Town, the one whose storeroom key was stolen. The reward is one coin. After that, he'll ask for the autograph of Merluvlee. Talk to her and she'll give Mario her autograph on one condition: Mario must retrieve a crystal ball from her twin sister Merlee. Go to the Outpost to retrieve the crystal ball, get the autograph, and Koopa Koot will give you 3 Star Pieces. He next want to read the newspaper. Read both the front and back of the board in front of Merlon's house and report back. The reward is 1 coin. After that, he wants a Life Shroom. You can buy these in the mansion in Forever Forest. He'll give you the Gold Credit to the Playroom. He next wants some Nutty Cake. It can be made by cooking a Goomnut, found in a tree growing next to Goombario's house. This will have to wait as Tayce T. can't cook right now.

Heal up and challenge the Master again in the Dojo. His outfit is now a gold color and he has 75 HP. His attack power is 8 when he punches. Bow's Outta Sight can be helpful, as well as her Smack. When you win, you'll get the Fourth-Degree Card.

Heal and save, then go into the Toad Town Tunnels. Break the wooden panel, drop down, then go west. You'll be trapped in an area with some Dark Koopas. They'll attack like regular Koopas, but also have a spin attack that will make Mario dizzy and unable to attack for a couple of turns. Guarding against the attack is tricky, but it works if you hit (A) near the end of the spin. They have 8 HP and give 4 SP. They will grin before doing the spin attack. Once you defeat all of them, a switch will appear. The switch makes the blue pipe to the mansion in Forever Forest appear.

Go to the area with the southwest shop. On the far west side is an empty house. Go into the house and hide with Bow. A Shy Guy comes into the house, then flips through the wall. Check the wall to make it flip. This takes you to a room with a spring and a large wrapped box. Jump on the spring to launch into the next chapter.

Paper Mario: Chapter 3 -- The "Invincible" Tubba Blubba -- Part 2

Enter Tubba Blubba's castle with Bow at your side. There are UFO-like creatures called Sentinels that guard the foyer. If they catch you, they'll take you outside the castle, which can be advantageous when you want to reach the Save Block quickly. When they pursue you, have Bow make Mario transparent until they stop pursuing you. Spin dash quickly to the door on the left. There are Clubbas in the hallway. Some of them are sleeping, so you can snake past them if you walk slowly. If you want to battle them, they have 8 HP and give 2 SP. They'll hit you with their maces. Don't jump on them without the Spiky Shield badge. Go through the far left door on the back wall. There's a Star Piece on the table you can reach by jumping on the chair. Go through the west door.

There's a Star Piece on the table you can't reach yet. You can hear snoring here, and it's not just the Clubbas. Go through the left door on the back wall and go down the stairs. There's a panel on the floor. Spin jump on it to reach the basement. There's a chest with a key. Drop down to find a Heal Block and a Boo. He came to the castle with friends to find Tubba Blubba's weak point. He says there's something important in Tubba Blubba's room on the highest floor and to not fight him. Take the door to the left to the base of a different set of stairs. There's an upgrade block here. I upgraded Bow. The stairs lead to the table with the Star Piece you can't reach. Go the foyer and unlock the east door. Saving is a good idea.

To the right of the door is a set of stairs to the second floor. There are Sentinels at the top of the stairs near the west door. The door leads to a hallway over the foyer. Go west. In the middle of the hallway is a crack in the wall different from the others. Bombette can break the wall. Go through the hole in the wall and you'll find three panels. Break the back left panel first, which is over a spring. Spring back up to the second floor, then break the back right panel. This will drop you down onto the table below. Use Parakarry to cross the gap to reach the D-Down Jump badge. Spring back to the second floor. Return to the hallway and dodge the Sentinel. Go through the back left door into a room filled with spikes. When the spikes retract, move quickly to the right. When they're about to appear, use Bow to become transparent. At the far right is a chest with a key. Return to the hallway and go west.

The door leads to a room with a broken railing. Approach the railing from the left and drop down onto the table below with the Star Piece. Return to the second floor and push the clock on the back wall to the left. This reveals a hidden doorway. There are coins on the bed and a drawer is pulled out. Pull out the lower drawer to the right to form stairs, then cross the gap with Parakarry. Grab the coins and climb up the shelves to the left. There is a hidden area to the left with the Mega Rush badge. Return to the hallway and unlock the west door. At the base of the stairs is an item block with Maple Syrup. Go up the stairs and through the door.

Tubba Blubba is in the hallway and smells something fishy. The floor will shake as he gets closer. Hide with Bow until he turns around, then walk east until he turns around. Only move when he's not looking. Go through the door on the back wall and you'll find an area filled with sleeping Clubbas. Quietly walk past them to the left to get the key. Sneak past them and return to the hallway. Unlock the east door, which leads to a Save Block and a Heal Block. Defeat the sleeping Clubbas in the back room of the previous hallway if you like. When you're ready, go east into Tubba Blubba's room.

Tubba Blubba will walk into the room soon after. Mario hides and eavesdrops. Tubba Blubba says he may be in trouble because the Star Spirit escaped and someone suspicious is in the castle. He doesn't want Bowser mad at him. Despite being invincible, he thinks Bowser is scary, because Bowser can return him to normal. He decides to take a nap. Nearby is a chest. Open it and a key appears. This is Yakkey, a "faithful and chatty follower of Tubba Blubba". Yakkey guards Tubba Blubba's valuables. Soon, Yakkey realizes the obvious that Mario is not Tubba Blubba. Yakkey asks if this means Mario's stealing the magical key that unlocks Windy Mill at the foot of Gusty Gulch and find Tubba Blubba's secret. If you answer "No", Yakkey calls you a terrible liar. Yakkey calls for Tubba Blubba and wakes him up. He wakes up and chases Mario. Run for it!

Go through the hallway and Tubba Blubba will ground pound the hallway over the foyer, causing it to collapse. This crushes the Sentinels below. Go through the door. There are Boos here to help Bow out by holding the door shut once Mario exits the castle. Mario must run quickly to Windy Mill and leave the Boos behind. Tubba Blubba smells Boos. They hold Tubba Blubba inside the castle as long as they can.

While running through Gusty Gulch, do your best to avoid enemies. There's a Heal Block inside the village of Boos if you need to heal. Unlock Windy Mill with the mystical key that is Yakkey. Spin jump on the wooden panel on the well and drop down. Go east through the long tunnel and avoid the Hyper Goombas. The signs keep telling you to keep out. At the east end of the tunnel is a heart on a pedestal. It says it's the secret strength of Tubba Blubba. The Tubba Blubba in the castle is really a shell controlled by it. The Heart can't let Mario out now that he knows the secret. Mario now has to deal with a heart attack.

The Heart has 50 HP and 6 attack power. It can charge up and unleash a terrible attack with 12 attack power. Mario can't dodge this attack alone. When it charges up and starts glowing, have Bow out so she can use Outta Sight. The Heart will unleash smaller hearts to attack Mario. The Heart wants Bow to stick around so Tubba Blubba can eat her. Hit it with attacks like Power Bounce, Smack, and Shell Shot. Smack may be the better choice as it doesn't use FP. Get the Heart down to about 3 HP and it will flee, realizing it's in danger. Follow it out of the tunnels and out of Windy Mill. It will then reunite with its body. This is Tubba Blubba's true self. Unfortunately for Tubba Blubba, when his heart and body reunite, he is no longer invincible. After the beating the heart took, Tubba Blubba has a measly 10 HP. His attack power is 4 when pounding, except when he does his hip attack, which has 6 attack power. The battle is pretty easy and he'll give you 30 SP.

Tubba Blubba remembers that he's not invincible with his heart in his body, which is lame. He gives up and will give back all the ghosts he's eaten. Deep down, he's a sensitive guy trapped in a huge body. He doesn't want to be invincible if it means fighting guys like Mario. He then runs off. Bow is happy. She says she should tell the others not to scare Tubba Blubba, who was originally a coward. She feels that this was an invigorating and good learning experience. Bow wants to experience more of the outside world and will stay by Mario's side, this time with his permission. She returns the Star Spirit.

End of Chapter
After solving the secret of "Invincible" Tubba Blubba, Mario and party set free the Star Spirit Skolar. Now, with Tubba Blubba just a bad dream, the Boos are free to haunt to their hearts' content. Even the lonely wind echoing through Gusty Gulch seems to be celebrating the victory... at least for now. With newest party member Bow in tow, Mario and friends are ready to take on their next challenge.

Paper Mario: Chapter 3 -- The "Invincible" Tubba Blubba -- Part 1

After receiving an invitation to a mansion, Mario wanders into Forever Forest. The paths here are mostly round. There are four exits out of each area, one being the one you just came through. If you pick the incorrect path, then try to go back, you'll end up at the edge of Forever Forest near Toad Town. Check the areas near the exits to figure out which way is the correct path. The correct path's surroundings look different than the others. Check out the flowers by walking past them in the first area. The correct path is marked by flowers that move and make noise. It is on the opposite side of the entrance, two exits away in either direction.

In Forever Forest, there are two types of enemies: Piranha Plants and Forest Fuzzies. Piranha Plants appear from the ground unexpectedly, so watch your step. They have 5 HP and give 2 SP. They point their teeth upward, so jumping on them without the Spiky Shield badge equipped is a bad idea. They will bite Mario for their attack. Forest Fuzzies are like regular Fuzzies, but green. They have 6 HP and give 2 SP. They'll drain Mario's HP to heal themselves. They can also split to form new Fuzzies which have full health. Eliminate them quickly.

In the second area, a creature will appear, telling Mario that the path ahead is dangerous and to turn back. Talk to it to inform it of your invitation to the mansion and it will let you through, saying to pay close attention to your surroundings or you'll wind up at the edge of the forest. It will give you a hint for this area: look at the inner trees. The correct path will have a hollow tree with strange glowing eyes. This path is the exit to the left. In the third area, the correct path is the exit to the left. The flowers look different. In the fourth area, walk to the left to find a path to the center of the area. There's a Bub-ulb here with a Magical Seed. Take the path to the right of the entrance. The tree here has a glowing red face. The fifth area has mushrooms that light up. The path that is two away in either direction has mushrooms that light up in a series instead of just once. The sixth area has flowers that fall away, except at the path two away from the entrance. In the seventh area, a sign marks the correct path to the mansion.

The mansion looms just ahead. Go through the gate and it will close behind you. The Boo from before appears, saying that his master is in the highest room on the third floor, then disappears. Heal and save, then go inside.

The mansion has a spacious foyer and stairs to the second floor, but not the third. Go to the second floor, because the door on the first floor is locked. You'll see several portraits of Boos. On the far right is a picture frame. Check it out and it will talk to you, saying that you must find what's missing from the frame. If you do, it will let you go to the third floor. It also says that Bow is a harsh Boo for testing her guests like this.

Go through the door on the right. Open the middle cabinet on the left wall (the others will crush you and you'll take damage). Boos will appear with a vinyl record. This is the first challenge. The Boos will move in a circle. One Boo will give another the record. Hit the Boo with the record to get it. You'll need to keep an eye on the Boo with the record. Follow it with your finger if you have to. Go next door to the left. There's a Boo guarding a chest who says he's bored. There's a record player in the left corner. Put the record on and tap the (A) button with good rhythm to play the record. It plays the Super Mario theme while the Boo dances away from the chest. Hit (B) to stop the record and go get open the chest when the Boo is near the record player. The chest contains the Weight. The Boo says Lady Bow will punish him, but Mario can't go anywhere without knowing how to use the weight.

Go down to the first floor and go to the couch. Jump on the brown cushion to bounce high up to the chandelier. Mario's weight will bring the chandelier down, which makes the china cabinet slide away, revealing a door. Use the weight to hold it in place. Open the newly-revealed door and go inside. Ignore the chest on the floor. It only lowers the chandelier to scare Mario. Go downstairs, then through the door on the front wall. Go through the door on the right, which falls away on the other side.

In this room is a giant chest on the right. Open it and more Boos appear, with a pair of green boots. Once again, you'll have to guess which Boo has the item, but this time, the Boos will toss the boots around, then move closer together, then apart. Keep a careful eye on the Boos, then hit the correct one with the hammer. This will give you the Super Boots. Mario's jump power increases and now Mario can do a spin jump by pressing (A) in midair. Use it to break through wooden panels in the floor. Test out this new ability on the panel to the left. This will take you to the shop in the mansion. The shopkeeper won't sell anything to Mario under the direction of Lady Bow. To the right is a blue switch. Hit it and a larger one appears. Hit that one and a giant one appears. Jump on the chair and crates to reach it, then spin jump on it. Stairs appear. Go upstairs to a room with a clock. A few steps in front of the clock is an invisible panel on the floor. Spin jump near it and you'll get a Star Piece. There are other such panels spread out in the Mushroom Kingdom. Go up the stairs, into the foyer, then into the door on the right.

Hop into the vase and you can run around as 8-bit Mario. You can't do much as 8-bit Mario, but it's an interesting Easter egg. Go back into the vase to return to normal. Pound the panel in the room to drop down to the library below. You'll land on the bookshelf. Go to the right and cross the gap to get Boo's Portrait. Jump down from the bookshelf and go left to leave the library, then make your way to the second floor. Check out the picture frame and return the portrait. He's thankful and will help Mario reach the third floor. Jump towards him to warp upstairs. Be careful up here as there is no railing.

There are two sets of doors on the third floor, but they all lead to the same room. Go inside and someone says they were testing Mario to see if he lives up to his reputation. A green Boo appears with bows, along with the Boo from before. The green Boo is Lady Bow and the Boo from before is Bootler, her butler. Bow needs a favor. She tells Mario about the area near the mansion, called Gusty Gulch. At the top of the hill is the castle of Tubba Blubba. He eats ghosts. The Boos tried attacking him, but he's invincible. They do know he has a secret and it's probably about his weak point. Bow wants Mario to find out his secret and defeat Tubba Blubba. Mario, in turn, will be rewarded with the Star Spirit that escaped. This Star Spirit is Skolar. He was too weak to return directly to the sky, so he tried to reach Shooting Star Summit and Star Haven, but got lost in the forest and was captured by the Boos. Bow says Mario would have to fight Tubba Blubba anyway to get the Star Spirit, but this way, he gets to help out the Boos. Bow says she'll go with Mario, which shocks Bootler. She says Mario needs her and can't reach the castle without her. Bootler wants to accompany her, but Bow tells him she's not a child and will be fine by herself. She joins the party, like it or not. She can make Mario become transparent in and out of battle. Stuff goes through Mario when he's invisible. Move to become visible again or hit the same button. She can also smack enemies.

Now that Bow is part of the team, you can now use the shop in the basement. This shop sells Life Shrooms and Super Shrooms, among other things. With Parakarry by your side, talk to the Boo in the foyer. This is Franky, and there's a letter for him. He has a letter for Dane T., a young Toad in Toad Town by the train station. We'll deliver that letter later. Go outside and save, then head east to the gate. Boos will open it for you. Go east to Gusty Gulch.

In the first area is a locked windmill. In the area are Hyper Goombas.  They have 7 HP and give 2 SP. Normally, their attack power is 2, but they can charge up and start glowing. This increases their attack power to 8. If more than one charges up and you can't defeat them all before they attack, have Bow use Outta Sight to prevent taking damage. Go east.

Here is a little village of Boos in Gusty Gulch. The Boos are surprised to see Bow, saying it's dangerous as Tubba Blubba could appear at any moment. Bow says she came to teach Tubba Blubba a lesson. He last came through yesterday and ate Herbert. The Boos are inspired by Bow's bravery. Talk to the Boos as they have helpful information, such as the fact that you can walk stealthily by moving the control stick slightly. This way you can avoid waking sleeping enemies. Another piece of information is that the key to solving the secret of Tubba Blubba is in the innermost room and to pay attention to the heart and body. Go east to another part of the village, where a Boo will tell you that in a dream he heard to turn and run away until he reached the tower with the spinning vanes. Another says that there's something important next to Tubba Blubba's bed. Walk farther to the east and Tubba Blubba will appear. Use Bow's power to become transparent. Unfortunately, the Boo that instructs you to do so doesn't hide and is eaten. Poor Stanley. Go east.

There are more enemies in this area. There are Hyper Paragoombas and Hyper Clefts. Hyper Paragoombas have 7 HP and give 2 SP. Hyper Clefts have 4 HP, 3 defense power, and give 4 SP. When charged, their attack power is 8. You can reduce their defense to 1 by flipping them with an explosion. Use Kooper to get the Dizzy Dial, hit an item block for some Repel Gel, which does the same thing as Outta Sight, and pick up the letter for Fice T., the guard at the edge of Toad Town near the Forever Forest. Go east. Cross the gap with Parakarry, grab a Super Shroom from the item block, and get some coins from the brick block. Go east to reach Tubba Blubba's castle and save.