Showing posts with label Peach's Castle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peach's Castle. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam -- When Bowsers Combine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam -- Part 23: Cartoon Cannons

The bros have destroyed Bowser's papercraft, but Bowser sent the Koopalings after the bros. Before dealing with them, go west. There are dirt walls and Shy Guys here. Climb the dirt wall and Drill Dash through the maze of saws to reach a gondola. Use Trio Hammer on its purple button to send it flying into the spiked rollers blocking your path back east. Go north. Grab the Bob-omb to the right and use it to destroy the Bowser statue ahead. Pull out the bridge and keep going. There are boost pads here. Grab another Bob-omb and use them to reach another Bowser statue. You can get a Bob-omb from the right side. Pull out another bridge. There's another gondola here. Grab it, then use Trio Hammer. There's another statue to the north of the first one that leads to items. Use the pipe to return east quickly. Hit the ! Block to lower the gate.

Go east. Dash across the gaps using the yellow platforms. The platforms ahead won't be in a straight line. Walk towards the back and you'll find a narrow path with saws. To get over them, Trio Glide. It's okay if you land in the middle. The saws will hit you, but won't send you back to solid ground. The next narrow path allows you to Trio Drill underground. Use the Trio Hammer on the gondola to the left. A blue platform will take you back to where you entered from the west. Go north. You'll have to Trio Glide across some gaps, but there are fans blowing periodically. You'll need to have the fan blowing for the last glide. There's a Mechakoopa and a gondola ahead. Use the Trio Hammer on the gondola to form a complete path for the bros. Return west using the pipe ahead.

There will be enemies in the main hallway. At the end of the long path are Morton, Iggy, and Lemmy. Iggy wants to push something. Lemmy says it's his job. Morton notices the bros and tells someone to do it. Iggy pushes the button. Morton says it will destroy Peach's Castle. They're referring to the massive cannon at the front of the castle.

In Peach's Castle, the princesses are thinking of the bros. Back in Neo Bowser Castle, Iggy remembers he was supposed to set a timer. He thinks five minutes is good. The bros have to smash the cannon before time runs out. Enemies will drop in out of the sky for battle. You can't flee the fights, so attack quickly. Using Paper Mario's hammer works well. Go south and dodge the Fuzzies by walking between them. Other enemies will attack you, but you can avoid the battles. Go as far south as possible and you'll find the cannon. The timer will stop here. Press (A) to start the Trio Hammer, which will dent the cannon so it can't fire. Starlow thinks they shouldn't stand directly above the cannon when it's about to fire. The bros leave and the cannon blows itself out. Walk north and take the elevator up.

Monday, February 8, 2016

Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam -- Part 17: Ignoring Toadette for her Ultimate Plan

Neo Bowser Castle has left Peach's Castle in ruins. Peach says the destruction is terrible. They can't let Bowser get away with this, but he could attack again at any time. Starlow says they'd need to go to his castle to stop him, which isn't going to be easy because it's flying. Toadette walks into the throne room, saying she has an idea. She's working on an experiment, but will need a few dozen more Paper Toads. The number they need will bring them to 230 Paper Toads. She's got an awesome idea, but we don't know what it is yet. She gets support from the Marios. Luigi pouts because he wasn't mentioned, but Toadette says when she asked for Mario, his input was implied. That's not much better. Toadette mentions going to Mount Brrr first. She also gives Paper Mario a new Trio Attack: Trio Shuriken.

The bros need to head to Mount Brrr, but a Toad says some paper platforms are blocking the way to Gloomy Woods. There isn't a pipe they can use. But, you can get started rescuing Paper Toads from the Lakitu Info Center in Sunbeam Plains. First quest is Paper Toad Sand Scramble. Chase down a stack of 20 speedy Paper Toads. After you catch a few of them, they'll split up and hide. If they're moving along a wall, use Trio Grab from a bridge to the south.

Fly Guy Flyby involves chasing down Fly Guys holding Paper Toads in under 13 minutes. One is to the right of where you start. Climb up the rock and use Trio Hammer on the moving box. The Fly Guy will fly to the north. Use the Trio Hammer to flip over spikes to the south. Use Trio Grab to chase the Fly Guy, then Trio Glide to catch it while it's flying in place. The one to the south of there is hiding in a tree stump. Send in Paper Mario to hit the Music Note Block. Chase it over to some more tree stumps, then Trio Glide to it.

Paper Toad Freeze-Out involves finding 12 Paper Toads before they freeze. They're hiding in stores, behind trees, in the snow, by the pipe, in the Lakitu Info Center, in the Toad House, and behind shops. You may find Fuzzies behind the shops.

Finally, there's Paper Toad Patrol, where you have to save the Paper Toads all over Mount Brrr. Some are hiding in snowmen. Use the Trio Hammer. Use Trio Glide to save Paper Toads from flying enemies. To hit the ! Block, hit the cannonballs with the hammer. Rescue Paper Toads in bubbles with Trio Glide. After saving the Paper Toads, a delivery Toad has a message for Toadette. She says they'll need a stack of Paper Toads to reach Neo Bowser Castle. She says to head for Mount Brrr, but still save any Paper Toads. We're going to keep saving Paper Toads.

Toadette says to head for Mount Brrr, but there are more Paper Toads to rescue. Paper Toad Trail Trials involves collecting Paper Toads while dodging the Sandmaarghs. Paper Toad Shuffle involves finding more Paper Toads. To catch the speedy yellow one, chase it onto the cardboard rock and flip it using Trio Hammer. Use Trio Hammer on the nearby tree to get another one.

Bubble Trouble involves saving 36 Paper Toads in bubbles. To save the ones high above, go right to find an orange spring platform. Once all of these Paper Toads are saved, you'll get a new Trio Attack: Trio Meteor. Also, we've saved every Paper Toad.

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam -- Part 16: What the Ore is for

It's time to go after the Bowser Jrs. Go south and take the elevator back down. The Bowser Jrs. are here. Catch both of them without being spotted by minions. You can't be spotted once. Study the patterns of the Mechakoopas. If you want to go off to the sides, go to the right, as there is a spring platform there. Approach Bowser Jr. to catch him. Go east to find Paper Bowser Jr. You'll find more Mechakoopas and blue platforms moving over the lava. Once across the lava, you'll have to deal with Fly Guys. Dash to get past the long line of them. There are Bowser statues that will move in front of Mechakoopas, so be careful. Once past them, jump onto the blue platforms, then grab Paper Bowser Jr. Luigi retrieves a book from them, but it doesn't look like the book that contains Paper Mario's world. Starlow believes the Bowser Jrs. wouldn't give up the book so easily. They get up and take the elevator, saying the bros and Starlow can't boss them around. They say they're the bosses and Starlow's not even a miniboss.

Go back up the elevator and go north. The bros catch up the Bowser Jrs. They decide to fight this time. They'll each target a bro, then fly to them. Counter with the hammer to knock them out of the clown copters, then repeatedly counter until they get up. They then challenge Paper Mario to see who can fly the farthest. Starlow says to press (Y) when you're about to stop gliding, waiting until the last possible second. Winning will damage the Bowser Jrs. They'll place barrels on the bros' heads and fire at them with their clown copters. Jump to dodge, noting who is who. They'll also send a giant ball onto the battlefield. The bros will use Paper Mario as a trampoline. Press (Y) to bounce objects off Paper Mario. Move around so as to not step on Paper Bowser Jr. They will use this attack even if only Paper Mario is on the field, so leaving the battle to Paper Mario isn't an option here. Move around with the circle pad. The Bowser Jrs. can also heal each other. The Bowser Jrs. will hide in their clown copters if attacked, so some attacks, such as Fire Flower and Bomb Derby won't work. You must attack them from above or use Trio Attacks. When they get really low on health, they will attack multiple times.

After the battle, the Bowser Jrs. and the real book are lying on the ground and the door to the princesses opens. The Marios get a kiss from their respective princess. Luigi wants a kiss, but is ignored. Bowser Jr. wakes up, calling to his paper doppelganger. He flashes back to when he met Paper Bowser Jr. and thinks about him being locked away forever in the book. The Bowsers appear, angry at their sons for letting the princesses wander freely. They've made modifications to the castle. Starlow wants to grab the book, but it's too dangerous. Bowser roars at them for hurting Bowser Jr. He tells Kamek to fire the boosters. The castle starts shaking. Luigi looks around, but doesn't grab the book. The emblem on Bowser's Castle turns from green to red. The ore from Twinsy Tropics Dungeon is being used as fuel to lift the castle in the air. Multiple cannons appear on the castle. Bowser has created another Neo Bowser Castle. Bowser Jr. mentions the book. The Bowsers ignore them. Starlow suggests leaving the book and escaping, since the Bowsers don't seem to care about it.

Outside, it's very windy and the bros, Starlow, and the princesses fly off the castle. Starlow's barely hanging on with her teeth when Kamek attacks her with magic. They manage to dodge all of his attacks. Kamek compliments her teeth. Starlow comments on her dental hygiene, letting go of the castle. They all fly off, this not being the first time a compliment on Starlow's teeth leading to her undoing. Kamek repeats the compliment to himself, making it seem he was somewhat sincere.

On Sunbeam Plains, there's a delivery. He sees everyone fly overhead. They land far away, with Paper Mario carrying them as an airplane. The princesses return to the castle while Starlow wonders what Bowser plans to do with the castle. They need a plan to stop the Bowsers and get the book back. Head towards Peach's Castle and the ground starts shaking. Neo Bowser Castle appears in the sky, along with the Airships. The cannons fire and the cannonballs land near Peach's Castle. Inside, the Toads are panicking in the debris-littered castle. Bowser's taking his revenge on the bros for hurting Bowser Jr. A large cannonball takes off the top turret of Peach's Castle. Bowser credits his flying castle to the abducted, unpaid Toads. He thinks his plan to take over the Mushroom Kingdom is pretty solid. Paper Bowser reminds him this is a joint venture. Kamek reports that the bros should be finished. He also thinks Paper Bowser is useless to them now. Bowser agrees, saying he finds his paper double to be annoying. He concedes Paper Bowser is nearly as strong as him. Kamek has an idea involving the book. Paper Bowser and Paper Kamek have an identical conversation, which means it's likely a race for the book.

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam -- Part 9: Feeding the Cleaning Beast

In Peach's Castle, the Toads say the situation is awful. A Toad spotted the Bowser Jrs. with the princesses on Mount Brrr. That's where Bowser's villa is. I thought he'd pick a more tropical place. At the villa, Bowser Jr. enjoys the view while Paper Bowser Jr. checks out the papercraft that looks like them. The princesses are cold and have no idea where they are. They have each other for company and warmth. They also wonder where the bros are. After a while, they start talking about their appearance. They want to change their hair, possibly going shorter, but someone talks them out of it. The reason being it's not princess-like, but clearly, these people have never met Daisy. Paper Peach suggests changing the dress, but Peach says it's her favorite. The minions watch them with curiosity. The princesses plan a fashion show after they escape to show off their new looks. The minions seem to be in love with the princesses.

Back in Peach's Castle, the Toads are imagining how things are going for the princesses. The bros set off for Mount Brrr, which is north of Gloomy Woods. Toadette says she'll prep a papercraft for the bros. One lone courageous Toad sets forth to help save the princesses. Head to Sunbeam Plains. At level 12, the bros will reach Boomerang Rank. Go as far north as possible, then east once. Use the Trio Grab to move to the north. You'll see Paper Petey Piranha chasing the brave Toad from before. Paper Petey Piranha tosses the Toad away. Paper Petey Piranha will take the Copy Block and make copies of himself. He'll then charge at the bros. Use the hammer to counter. If a copy is defeated, it will fall onto the ground. Two copies will jump into the air and land to create shockwaves. Jump to dodge. After a while, the copies will heal and reform the stack. At some point, all of the copies may be down. Attack the one that lifts its head periodically. They may then shuffle around. Keep track of them, as the real one won't lift its head anymore. When Paper Petey Piranha gets angry it will chase the bros. Remember the order each copy flies to which side, then Airplane Dodge as each copy appears on the ground. If they're not close to each other, a normal jump will suffice. If you're having difficulty keeping all three bros alive, just leave one down so this attack is easier to dodge.

After the battle, go north. There's a Toad Village, with Yoshis present. The Toads have seen a lot of Bowser's minions lately, some working on a gate. The red Toad House has a Toad with a quiz.
1. What does a Paratroopa become when it loses its wings? Choose Koopa.
2. How many fangs does Bowser Jr. have? One
3. Kamek's attacks take the shape of circle, square and what else? Triangle
4. What baddie is this? Hammer Bro
5. What hairstyle does Toadette have? Braids
For winning, you get 3 Speed Beans. When you're ready, go north.

Paper Kamek appears, saying he doesn't have time to deal with the bros. He turns his magic into cardboard to block the path. Walk to the west and you'll find a berry growing on a tree. Jump to grab it. Wiggler is nearby. It's hungry. Give it the berry. Apparently, Wiggler guards the forest, but couldn't because he was hungry. He plows through the cardboard. He blocks the path to the east. He's hungry again, and won't move until he's fed 10 more berries. Walk back to where you found the first berry and Trio Grab to cross the gap. Walk up the stump and cross to the other stump with (X). Use the Trio Hammer on the tree to make three berries drop. Walk around to the left and Trio Hammer the stump so you can reach the berry with Trio Grab. Go north. You'll find some Ninji hiding by the walls. If you hit them with one attack, they'll be able to dodge that same attack, so don't use jump attacks twice in a row on the same Ninji. Dash into the orange spring to the left to jump up to the next platform. There are Paper Spear Guys here. Go south.

On the tree, there's a Paratroopa with a berry. Bowser likes berries and the Paratroopa needs a promotion. Trio Grab it from it anyway. Return north. Use the orange spring to find more berries. Give the ten berries to Wiggler. Unfortunately, he's still too weak to move. It needs dessert. A Yoshi appears with a melon. Of course, Wiggler's favorite food is a melon. Follow the Yoshi and return to the village. The Yoshi is reluctant to give up the melon, but is willing to wager it as a prize in a race. A Lakitu will explain the races. It's a race around the village, where there are tree stumps, mud, and Dash Panels. You can't change directions after you've hit a Dash Panel. You must pass through the flag at the halfway point. Get too close to Yoshi and he'll ground pound you. You can avoid the shock by jumping. Use (X) to jump. Towards the end, move closer to the item shop so you'll hit the spring to jump over the mud. Yoshi reluctantly hands over the melon when you win. He says he has a faster pal in the mountains the bros should challenge. Wiggler enjoyed eating the melon and spitting out the seeds. Wiggler walks east and finds more cardboard. He plows through it with ease.

Go east and walk to the north. There's an electric fence that Wiggler can't get past. Wiggler notices a nearby Bomb Bud that could get rid of the gate. You can't grab the Bomb Bud from where you stand. Walk a little to the south and use the Trio Hammer on the draw bridge. Cross the bridge and Nabbit appears. Grab the Bomb Bud and throw it to the rock Nabbit's standing on. Nabbit falls into the water and the chunks of rock form a bridge. Nabbit jumps out of the water and leaves the Bomb Derby Bro attack behind. Walk across the rock bridge to find another Bomb Bud. Toss it onto the gate's generator by walking up the ramp and pressing (Y). The gate is no longer electrified and drops away. Wiggler goes north to clean up the ahead.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam -- Part 2: It's that Time Again!

Now that Paper Mario has joined the bros, they can reach new places. Near the tri-color block is a narrow crack. Press (Y) near it and Paper Mario will turn sideways to slip through the crack. Jump up the nearby hill and you'll find a Goomba carrying off a Paper Toad. Apparently, the Paper Toads are about to do some real work for a change. The bros approach and the Goomba leaves. Battle the level 3 Paper Paratroopas.

Take the southwest exit and you'll find some Biddybuds that will stack. There are coins, a Refreshing Herb, and a 1-up Mushroom in the item blocks. Return and take the northwest exit. There are more Paper Toads being carried off by Goombas. Battle them and defeat the Goombas in battle to free them. (Regardless of what enemies appear during the battle, defeating the Goombas will release the Paper Toads.) There are eight that need rescuing here. Walk to the left and Paper Mario will show off that he can flip sideways to pass throw narrow spaces. Talk to the Paper Toad to get him to come along.

Go west. At the top of the hill is a Paper Toad bouncing on Music Note Blocks. Time your jump to hit a block to knock him off. He went crazy because there aren't many 3D blocks where he's from. There's another Goomba with a Paper Toad on the hill. Walk to the south and you'll find a blue Paper Toad who's super fast. Walk near the water to find a fence made of Paper Toads. Talk to them and explain the speedy Paper Toad to get the Dash Socks. To use them, start moving and press and hold (X) to jump. Release (X) when you land to begin dashing. Run through the flowers for coins. To slide to catch someone, dash, then press (A), (B), or (Y) when the exclamation point appears. You'll use it to get the other two Paper Toads, and the speedy blue Paper Toad. Lakitu appears, saying he took the Paper Toads to Peach's Castle.

Head as far east as you can go. You can get the first strike on enemies by dashing. When you reach where you first met Paper Mario, someone has a delivery for the bros. It's a Toad with an item and letter. A Paper Toad wants to thank the bros for saving his friends. The item is something the bros can use in battle. The more Paper Toads the bros save, the more battle items the Paper Toads will make. Someone says they have orders to hunt down and destroy the bros. It's a small army of Goombas. In battle, Paper Mario has the Trio Attack command now. This allows Paper Mario to use Trio Attacks, which also consume BP.  The item is a giant cardboard hammer all three bros swing at enemies to turn them into paper. The first one is Trio Racquet, where the bros play racquet ball, using enemies as targets. All three bros must be able to move to use a Trio Attack.

While you're in the area, dash to the orange spring platform to be launched across the water. Go east and you'll find that parts of the environment are made of paper. Paper Mario says this is what his world looks like. Luigi doesn't think that they came from the book, pointing to some cardboard with Bowser's face on it. Dash into the spring to launch through the cardboard. Go east and a Toad says they need the bros' help. Bowser is invading Peach's Castle. Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later... Of course, there are two of them.

Meanwhile, in Peach's Castle, Peach hopes the bros are all right. Paper Peach thinks they should have run into Paper Mario at this point. Bowser laughs. Peach guesses it's that point in the story. Paper Bowser flies in on his clown copter. He wants both princesses, but how he's going to transport Peach is anyone's guess. Bowser flies in on his clown copter. The Toads panic, as per protocol and run off. Bowser asks Paper Bowser if he's trying to steal his thunder. They're still not getting along all that well. In the background, there are suddenly two paper princesses. One asks Mario to save her. Paper Bowser notes she sounds different. Bowser says it's kidnapping time. They both say nothing gets in the way of that and breath fire on the paper princesses. They chase the princesses into the throne room. The Bowsers surround them. The princesses try to leave the throne room, but Peach trips and falls. She calls for Mario

Starlow says they should return to the castle immediately. She thinks there may be time but Bowser disagrees. Both of them have their respective princess in their respective clown copter. Bowser introduces Paper Bowser to them. They found common ground in taking Mario down. They also found teaming up make kidnapping the princesses easier. They then squabble about kidnapping technique. Paper Bowser says their headed for his castle and that the bros will try to follow them, as per usual. Bowser gives them something to keep them busy.

It's Petey Piranha. He can pick up a bro and chomp on them, keeping them from battle for a while. Trio Attacks work on bosses. He'll jump to unleash a shockwave on the bros. Time your jumps to dodge. The Fire Flower attack does critical damage, so use it often. After a few attacks, Petey Piranha will get mad and chase the bros. Paper Mario will turn into an airplane. Move the airplane over the bro being attacked and have them jump to hold on. Hold the button until they land on the ground. Press (Y) as Paper Mario lands on Petey Piranha. If one of his attempts to grab a bro fails, he'll fall backwards. He'll take more damage this way.

Once defeated, a ? Card appears. A Toad can't believe one was found here. They can be used with Amiibo to create character cards. If you don't have Amiibo, you can sell the cards.

Friday, January 22, 2016

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.

Monday, June 9, 2014

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.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, June 6, 2014

Paper Mario: Interlude After Chapter 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, June 2, 2014

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.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Paper Mario: Interlude After Chapter 5

In her castle, Peach tells Twink that she wants to sneak out again. Twink says she's become so bold, when he originally thought she was gentle and delicate. Peach emphasizes that she is delicate and is behaving just like the Ministers taught her. Hit the switch on the wall and you'll end up on the other side of the revolving door. Deposit any badges you have into the chest, then go downstairs, then to the door on the left.

A Koopatrol is on the other side of the door and immediately notices her. A Hammer Bro walks up, saying it isn't so bad if Peach wanders around because she can't escape from the castle. The Hammer Bro asks Peach to be the third member in the game they're about to play. He won't tell Bowser about her sneaking out if she participates.

The game they're about to play is the 64th Trivia Quiz-Off, brought to you by Koopa Korps. The host is Mr. Hammer. He'll ask 10 questions. Answer the most to win a fabulous prize. There is also a participation prize. If you have the answer, press (A). The questions are as follows:

1. What's the name of the boss inside the volcano on Lavalava Island? Lava Piranha
2. Where did Master Huff N. Puff imprison the Star Spirit? Flower Fields
3. What's the name of the scary round monster living in Dry Dry Ruins? Chomp
4. How would you get to Flower Fields? Pass Flower Gate
5. What's the name of the person who King Bowser really loves? Princess Peach
6. What thing is most deeply related to Flower Fields? Flower
7. What's the name of the most admirable, invincible, most downright cool guy around? Bowser (No, really, the answer is not Mario. Bowser's minions wrote the questions.)
8. What's the name for the ghosts who live in and around Forever Forest? Boo
9. What's the name of the area just to the south of the post office in Toad Town? The Flower Garden
10. Where is Peach's Castle now? On Bowser's Castle

Many of the questions are less than subtle hints about where Mario should go next. If Peach wins, she'll get a Jammin' Jelly, an item that restores 50 FP. Regardless of who wins, Peach will get the participation prize, the Sneaky Parasol. If Peach faces someone and press (B), Peach will transform into them. Mr. Hammer makes her promise not to use it to sneak out, as no one would know it's her. Bowser walks in, wanting to play the game. Peach tries to sneak out. Mr. Hammer breaks the news that the game is over. Bowser is disappointed, then surprised when he notices Peach in the room. He orders them to take her back to her room. The guards apologize when they pick her up.

Back on Lavalava Island, Misstar is thankful that they escaped the volcano safely. Kolorado is still upset about missing the treasure. Misstar chastises him, saying no treasure is more valuable than life. She also says that Lavalava Island was imperiled by Bowser's men's meddling. The eruption will subside and the island will be the same as before. She gives Mario more Star Energy and the new ability Smooch, which restores 20 HP. Misstar is thankful and wishes Mario success. She returns to Star Haven. Kolorado returns to Yoshi Village, dejected.

Go through the village to reach the jungle. Go west to reach the chest with the Volcano Vase, the treasure. Talk to the Bub-ulb and he'll tell you he gave the seed to Kolorado. Return to the village to give the Volcano Vase to Kolorado. He's joyful, calling Mario the "cat's meow". In return, he gives Mario the last Magical Seed and calls the trip a success. He now wants to return to Toad Town. Heal and save and make sure you have the Spiky Shield badge equipped. When you're ready, go and board the whale. He'll leave just as Jr. Troopa reaches Lavalava Island with a yell. He swam the whole way here. He still wants to beat Mario, but soon notices that Mario has already left. He swims after him.

When they reach Toad Town, Kolorado announces that he shall never again travel by tuna and he will be returning home. Jr. Troopa finally arrives, declaring that he will never swim again in his life. He wants to battle Mario once again. Because he is tuckered out from swimming, he loses half his HP, leaving him with 20 HP. He also has 6 attack power and 1 defense power. To make life difficult, he grows wings and has a spike on his head. Some party members can easily reach him, namely Watt, who's Electro Dash bypasses defenses. If you have the Spike Shield badge equipped, Mario can use jump attacks. Otherwise, use items or Star Powers. He'll attack with a dive kick. Once you defeat him, you'll get 22 SP. He then realizes that flying to and from the island wouldn't have reduced his HP and he might've defeated Mario.

When you try to leave the port, you'll see Goombaria and Goomama. Bring out Goombario and they'll tell him that they're proud of him. Leave the port and go to the train station to deliver a letter to Dane T. He has a letter for his uncle Frost T. in Starborn Valley. We'll deliver it later. Go to Russ T., the Toad who translated the Shy Guy's note, and deliver the letter. He'll give you a Star Piece. Go into the Toad Town Tunnels and go to the mansion. Deliver a letter to Igor, who runs the shop in the basement. He'll give you a Star Piece. Heal and save outside the mansion, then return to the tunnels.

Use Sushie to swim across the water east of the blue pipe that leads to the mansion. When you reach the other dock, Super Blooper will appear. It has 70 HP and 5 attack power. It can produce Blooper Babies or charge up, turning red in the process. The Blooper Babies have 6 HP each. When they appear, use a Shooting Star or Star Storm to get rid of them. You'll get 25 SP when you defeat it.

A switch will appear. Hit it to make the blue pipe to Lavalava Island appear. Go east in the tunnels. There are Dark Koopas here. Go east again and you'll see an area with some invisible blocks. Go through the pipe on the right to an empty room. Have Bombette blow up the right wall to find the hideout of Rip Cheato. He'll sell you mystery items for 64 coins each. Some are worth the deal, others are not (like Dried Shrooms). Go through the pipe in this room to reach the inside of the locked house in Toad Town. The key is in the upper left corner, so unlock the door to leave.

Koopa Koot has some more favors to ask of Mario. First, he lost his glasses somewhere in Koopa Village. They're in the shrub with the flower near the Toad House. Your reward is 1 coin. Next, he asks for a Lime. They can be found in the oasis in Dry Dry Desert. The reward is 3 Star Pieces. After that, he wants a Kooky Cookie. Have Tayce T. cook with a Koopa Leaf and a Cake Mix, then bring it back to him for 1 coin.

If you're feeling confident, you can try to take on the Master of the Dojo one more time. This time he has 99 HP, 10 attack power and 1 defense power. Equip the Zap Tap badge (obtained from Merlow), have Watt as your partner, and keep a Repel Gel on you. His attacks are very strong, and he can hit multiple times in a single attack for massive damage, unless the Zap Tap badge is equip. The badge will shock him, only allowing him to hit once (and it does a little damage). Have Watt power up Mario's attack, and use Electro Dash to get past his defense. Power Bounce works well. Be sure to heal when you need to. Smooch comes in handy here. Use the Repel Gel to dodge attacks for a few turns. Keep at it and you may defeat him. He'll say you've bested the strongest of fighters and award you the Diploma. Heal and save.

Near the Toad House, you'll find Kolorado. He says he can't go home because Kent C. Koopa is blocking Pleasant Path and charging a toll of 100 coins. He's a strong Koopa. Kolorado is going to look for a secret way into the village. Instead of telling him about the Toad Town Tunnels, go east to challenge him. He's a giant Koopa wearing glasses. Tell him twice that you want to fight and he'll battle you. He has 70 HP, 3 attack power, and 6 defense power. He'll slowly attack Mario and his partner with his shell, causing the partner to sit out a few turns if you don't successfully guard. He'll also stomp Mario with 10 attack power. He's difficult to beat unless you make him fall asleep. Sleepy Sheep or Lullaby will work. Then, flip him over on his shell and stomp his tail, his weak point. Once again, have Watt power up Mario, then use Electro Dash. Keep at it until you defeat him and get 20 SP. He says Mario must be really strong and runs away crying. Return to Toad Town, heal and save.

Across the road from the Toad House is the Flower Garden, tended to my Minh T. There are some Bub-ulbs here from Flower Fields, saying Flower Fields is in a state of despair due to Bowser's minions. Minh T. says to get to Flower Field, you need four kinds of seeds only Bub-ulbs have and you need to find them. We already have them, so hand them over so she can plant them. They bloom instantly. The archway in the middle lights up and flowers flow through it. A door appears and Mario can go through it to start the next chapter.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Paper Mario: Interlude After Chapter 4

In the castle, Peach notices that the guards are not paying attention to them anymore and she wants to sneak out to find more news for Mario. Twink wonders if the secret passage is still safe and if Bowser has figured out how Peach keeps sneaking out. Peach says Bowser hasn't noticed anything because he isn't too bright. Hit the switch and you'll already be in the room where you found Bowser's diary. Leave the room.

Go to the room that's to the right of the locked door to the first floor of the castle. This room is a dining room and someone's at the table. It's Gourmet Guy. Somehow, he wound up here after launching from Shy Guy's Toy Box. He asks who Peach is, and when she responds, he says he should report her to Bowser. He can be bribed, however, and will keep this a secret if she makes something delicious. Peach agrees, but lacks ingredients and utensils. Gourmet Guy mentions there's a five-star kitchen one floor below and gives her the key to the door that leads to the first floor. Sneak out of the dining room. Go through the door on the right and you'll find a blue chest and a regular chest. The regular chest contains the Deep Focus badge. Check out the blue chest. Peach says it's a mysterious chest that was passed through generations of Peach's family. It's connected to another chest that looks just like it in the Mushroom Kingdom. If you put something in this chest, you can take it out of the other chest. She doesn't remember where the other chest is. Even so, she can only put in the badges she's found about the castle and not herself, which would be a viable escape method. Unlock the door, then sneak around on the first floor.

Go through the door on the right side that's up the stairs. There's a wardrobe that's shaking and a regular chest. The regular chest contains the Last Stand badge. Open the wardrobe and you'll find a Toad hiding. He's going to keep hiding until Mario rescues them.

Go back upstairs and put the badge in the chest. Go through the lower right door (the door on the left doesn't have anything but some building materials and decorations) to find the kitchen. Twink grabs a cookbook and picks a recipe for Special Strawberry Cake. Twink will read the recipe, so once you complete a step, talk to him to continue or start over. The recipe is as follows:
1. Place sugar and an egg in a bowl.
2. Mix the ingredients in the bowl. (Press (A) quickly for 10 seconds.)
3. Add flour and butter.
4. Mix and pour batter into a pan. (Peach will mix this on her own.)
5. Bake for 30 seconds. (Put the pan in the oven with (A) and take the cake out with (A). Use a watch or other timer.)
6. Cool cake and decorate with cream and strawberries. (Place cream, then a strawberry on the cake.)
After that, pick up the cake and take it to Gourmet Guy.

He says he's been waiting and is wasting away to nothing (he's the same size as before). He loves the cake and says it's too delicious. He runs around and says he hasn't ever felt like this. He'll share a secret as thanks. There's a Star Spirit in Mt. Lavalava on Lavalava Island to the south. The Lava Piranha is guarding the Star Spirit. She can tell Mario all this. He tells her the information because he doesn't dislike Mario. He leaves and Peach sends Twink to Mario. Twink leaves. Someone asks about the shouting in the room. Kammy Koopa enters the room and tells Peach to keep it down. Soon after, she figures out the obvious and orders the guards to take her back.

Back on the ground, Muskular, the newly-freed Star Spirit, expresses his gratitude about being saved. He's enjoying the fresh air and needs some outdoor exercise after being cooped up. He helps out Mario with more Star Energy and a new Star Power, Chill Out. This lowers the attack of all enemies. He says he's going back to Star Haven when Twink drops in with the news. He's star-struck by meeting a Star Spirit and shocked that Muskular recognizes him. Muskular says they're like family. Twink is touched. Muskular leaves. Twink, still star-struck, gives Mario the news about Lavalava Island. He returns to Peach's side.

Give Tayce T. the Cookbook, which means she can now use two ingredients in a recipe. You can try out new recipes now. Go to Merluvlee's house near Shooting Star Summit to retrieve the badges from the mysterious chest. Koopa Koot has some errands for you to run. First, he complains about the loud noise coming from next door, which is Kooper's house. There are a couple of Bob-ombs making a ruckus. One of them is crazy about Bombette. Talk to them, then report back to Koopa Koot for 3 Star Pieces. Next, he says that a Boo in the mansion in Forever Forest has an old photo of him. Talk to Franky, who'll tell you about Koopa Koot when he was younger, then give you the photo. Return it for 1 coin. After that, he wants some Koopasta. Get a Koopa Leaf from Koopa Village and buy Dried Pasta from the shop in Dry Dry Outpost, then have Tayce T. cook with both items. Return it for 1 coin.

Head over to the port in Toad Town. Kolorado's here, and he has the same idea of traveling to Lavalava Island. He's going there to solve a diabolical mystery of ancient treasures in a volcanic cave. Unfortunately, he doesn't know of a way to get there. He'll notice that you have the Artifact from Dry Dry Ruins. Give it to him for a Star Piece. Walk up to the front dock and onto a blue object in the water. Spin jump on it and it will start to move. Kolorado thinks it's a tuna, but it's actually a whale. The whale says there's something jumping around in his belly, causing discomfort. Kolorado asks Mario to help the whale out. The whale opens its mouth, so walk inside.

It's dark inside the whale, so use Watt to illuminate your surroundings. Go farther in and you'll see the Fuzzipede hopping around. It's pretty mad. You'll have to battle it, so place yourself near where it lands within reach. It has 20 HP and gives 15 SP. It will frequently hang on the spine, so use attacks that shake the ground, Hammer Throw, Shell Shot, Sky Dive, and Electro Dash. Once you defeat it, it says it was trying to get away from Fishmael when it was swallowed by the whale. Now that he's been beaten by a mustache man, he declares that he's had a pretty lousy life. The whale says that his stomachache has calmed down. His stomach fills with water and he spits Mario and the Fuzzipede out of his blowhole. The Fuzzipede tells off the whale, who admits he was napping with his mouth open. The Fuzzipede thanks Mario and leaves.

The whale feels better and says they should call him Dr. Mario. It wants to show its gratitude and it's good at swimming. The whale offers to take Mario anywhere. Kolorado wants to take the whale up on the offer and accompany Mario to Lavalava Island. The whale says they can go there, but it's dangerous as Mt. Lavalava is on the verge of erupting. Talk to the whale when you're ready to go to Lavalava Island to start the next chapter.

Monday, May 19, 2014

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.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Paper Mario: Interlude After Chapter 2

Up in the castle, Bowser enters Peach's room and asks her how she's feeling. He wants to see her smile. Peach is in a bad mood, calling him "the single greatest disaster to ever befall the Mushroom Kingdom". She will smile if he makes everything as it was before he showed up. Bowser says he can't do that because Mario defeated the Koopa Bros. and Tutankoopa and he can't forgive Mario for disrespecting him. He says he'll use the Invincible Tubba Blubba to defeat Mario. He's second to Bowser in strength.

Kammy Koopa enters the room, saying they have a problem. She whispers to Bowser and he blurts out that the Star Spirit Tubba Blubba was guarding flew away from Tubba Blubba's castle. Kammy Koopa tells him to keep his voice down or Peach will hear him. They leave to discuss the matter privately.

Twink heard the news as well. Peach wants to find out about Tubba Blubba and hopefully information on a weak point. Go through the fireplace and the revolving wall. Go out the door and through the door immediately to the left. This will take you into the library. There are more Koopatrols guarding the library. Hide behind the bookshelves as they pace around the library, then move when they aren't looking. Grab the Power Rush badge from between the bookshelves. Peach can't make use of the badge, so she'll just hold onto it for now. At the other end of the library, a Koopatrol and a Hammer Bro are talking about Tubba Blubba. They says he likes eating ghosts. He lives in Forever Forest and guards a Star Spirit in his castle atop Gusty Gulch. There's a nearby mansion and village of ghosts, where he catches the Boos. They think he may be stronger than Bowser since he's invincible, although he may have a weak point. One of them mentions that Tubba Blubba has a secret that would ruin him if it got out. It's about his past and that he didn't used to be strong. No one knows what the secret is. Peach is excited to hear that Tubba Blubba may have a weak point. The guards hear her and carry her off.

Meanwhile, in front of the Dry Dry Ruins, Mamar, the Star Spirit, thanks Mario. She knows he can save Peach. She gives him a present of a new Star Power and more Star Energy. The new Star Power is Lullaby, which makes all enemies fall asleep. The Star Spirits' power is always growing. Mario must save the other Star Spirit. She returns to Star Haven. Backtrack through the desert to Mt. Rugged. On Mt. Rugged, behind the train station, there's a stone block. Break it to reach a block that will upgrade a party member. I chose Kooper. Take the train back to Toad Town.

Now that Parakarry is a member of the team, we can now deliver the letters he lost on the mountain. One is addressed to Merlon. It's from Merlee, his granddaughter, who has set up shop in Dry Dry Outpost. He thanks Mario with a Star Piece. The other two letters are for Goompapa and Mort T., a Toad House owner in Koopa Village. Instead of backtracking the long way, there is a faster way to get around. Go into the Toad Town Tunnels after healing and saving. Go west by breaking the stone block.

Here, you'll encounter the Electro Blooper. It has 50 HP and gives 22 SP. It can become electrically charged, which will hurt anyone who comes into contact with it when trying to attack. To get rid of the charge, hit Electro Blooper without taking damage. When it's not glowing, you can attack it normally. A great attack is Parakarry's Shell Shot, regardless of whether it's charged. Keep attacking and you'll eventually defeat it. A blue switch will appear. Hit it to make three blue pipes appear behind you. The left pipe leads to Dry Dry Outpost, the middle to Koopa Village, and the right to Goomba Village. You can now easily reach these destinations from Toad Town. Go farther west into the tunnels and break a stone block to reach a chest with the Power Smash badge.

Go to Goomba Village and deliver the letter to Goompapa. A friend is planning a fishing trip. He'll give you a letter for Muss T., a Toad near the castle gardens. This is the start of a long chain letter expedition. While you're in Goomba Village, pick up the Tape Koopa Koot wants from Goompa if you haven't already.

Go to Koopa Village and deliver the Tape for 1 coin. He'll ask you to get him some Koopa Tea. Tayce T. in Toad Town, in the part of Toad Town where the pipe to the Toad Town Tunnels is, can make Koopa Tea from a Koopa Leaf from Koopa Village. Check the shrubs to find one, take it to Tayce T. and ask her to cook with it. Deliver the Koopa Tea for three Star Pieces. Next, he wants Luigi's autograph. He says they should call him "Air Luigi" for his jump. Unfortunately, Luigi's hiding in the basement of his house, so we'll have to wait for now. While in Koopa Village, deliver the letter to Mort T. in the Toad House for a Star Piece.

Back to that chain letter. Return to Toad Town and go past the Star Door that leads to the crater where the castle once stood. The Toad there is Muss T. Deliver the letter and he'll give you one for Koover, a Koopa who hangs out at the entrance to Koopa Village. He was the one who welcomed you into town. Koover, in turn, will give you a letter for Fishmael, who is fishing in Toad Town Port. Go west twice from the part of Toad Town with the entrance to the tunnels to reach the port. Fishmael is the one on the dock fishing. He has a letter for Koover in response. Give the letter to Koover, who has one for Mr. E, a Toad wearing a blue turban near the Toad House in Dry Dry Outpost. He delivers things from the Outpost to other parts of the Mushroom Kingdom. He has a letter for Miss T., one of the amazingly beautiful sisters near the Dojo in Toad Town. She's the one with the orange cap. She has a letter for the shop owner in Dry Dry Outpost. His name is Little Mouser and he says the juice from lemons and limes is very good. He has a letter for a Boo named Franky. Franky lives in a mansion in Forever Forest. Since we haven't met any Boos yet, we can take a break from the chain letter.

In the Dojo, we can now fight the Master. He's very strong, with 50 HP and a punch with an attack power of 6. Use moves like Power Bounce and Super Rank party members. Heal when you need to and keep attacking to win. He'll give you the Third-Degree Card, calling you a masterful fighter.

In the area of Toad Town with the entrance to the tunnels, head east. There's a guard there, who freaks out when Mario shows up. He says there's a ghost nearby. The Boo appears and disappears before Mario can see it. It then goes into the forest. The Toad is too scared to see what's going on, even though it's his job. Go east to the Forever Forest. It grows dark and the Boo from before appears. He inquires if Mario is Mario. His master wishes to see him at the mansion on the far side of the forest. She has important news regarding the Star Spirits. He will come get Mario if he doesn't show up. Go east to start the chapter.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Paper Mario: Interlude After Chapter 1

In the castle, Peach paces, wondering about Mario. Twink provides encouragement, saying Mario's probably saving some Star Spirits now. Peach wants to leave her room, but there are guards right outside her door and jumping out of the window isn't an option. She remembers the Minister telling her of a secret passage out of her room, so she starts to look for it. Check out her dresses and she'll tell Twink that they're all slightly different and very fashionable. If you check out the cosmetics, she'll powder her nose. She doesn't want Twink looking at the picture of Mario for some reason.

Check out the fireplace. For some reason, Twink finds the warm fireplace to be suspicious. Check out the picture to the right of the fireplace and Peach will find a switch behind it. Hit the switch and the fire goes out and the grate falls, revealing a passage through the fireplace. It leads to a dark hallway. Walk to the left and you'll find a wall with a switch. Hit the switch to make the wall rotate into the next room.

The door leading out of the room is locked. On a table to the left is an open book. It's a private diary. Twink asks Peach if she will read it. She starts reading it. The first entry says the owner of the diary went to Star Haven, stole the Star Rod, and captured the Star Spirits. The second entry says they used their castle to lift Peach's Castle in the sky, beat up Mario, and kidnapped Peach. They hope Peach likes them. It becomes obvious to Peach and Twink that this is Bowser's diary. Peach has a choice to either stop reading or to continue. If she continues reading, she'll find the third entry says that the Koopa Bros. were defeated by Mario and the Star Spirit they held was freed. But there is no way that Mario can save the Star Spirit in Dry Dry Ruins because he'd have to solve the mystery of the sand and find the ruins in Dry Dry Desert. Mario wouldn't know to go there to look for a Star Spirit. Twink says he'll go inform Mario.

Bowser walks in, worried about leaving his secret diary out in the open. He'd be embarrassed if anyone read it. He sees Peach, figures out that she read it, and freaks out. He has the guards take her to her room.

Outside Koopa Bros. Fortress,  Eldstar, the Star Spirit Mario saved, is talking to Mario. He's thankful for being saved and believes Mario can save the other Star Spirits. Now that he has been freed, the seal on his power has been broken and he will slowly recover it. He powers up Mario, giving him the ability to use the Star Spirits' power in battle. Mario will need Star Energy to use these powers. Star Energy appears as a gauge under HP. If there is a Star filled up at the end of the bar, he has that many units of Star Energy to use. His first Star Power is Refresh, which heals 5 HP and 5 FP. When it's Mario's turn, a bit of Star Energy is restored. Using Focus during battle restores a greater amount of Star Energy. Mario can also fully replenish Star Energy by staying at a Toad House. Eldstar tells Mario he must save the other Star Spirits quickly so they can give him the Star Beam, an attack that counters the Star Rod. Eldstar will go to Star Haven for now, but is always watching over Mario and his friends. It's time to leave the fortress.

Have Bombette blow up the cracked wall blocking access to a pipe. The pipe will take you onto the roof of a structure. There's a chest here with the FP Plus badge. Drop down and go west. Back in Koopa Village, Koopa Koot wants Mario to retrieve a tape from Goompa. Once you give the tape to him, he'll give you one coin. Head west to Toad Town, but stay healed. At the edge of Toad Town, Jr. Troopa appears, then falls into the water. He's back and asks if Mario remembers him. He's confident he'll beat Mario. He has 15 HP and will give 20 SP when defeated. He'll hide in his shell to increase his defense. Use the hammer, Shell Toss, or Body Slam to do damage. Once you defeat him, go into Toad Town.

Once in Toad Town, Twink finds Mario, saying he heard that Mario saved a Star Spirit and that Bowser's angry about it. He says there's a Star Spirit held in the Dry Dry Ruins in the Dry Dry Desert. He'll send more news once he and Peach get more information.

In Toad Town, you can reach more places. The badge shop is now open and Mario can head to the southern part of the town. Here, you'll find the train station and the port. There's a pink Bub-ulb, who'll give Mario the pink Magical Seed. You'll also find the pipe into the Toad Town Tunnels, the sewers that run under the town.

Inside the tunnels, you'll find Gloombas and Spiked Gloombas, dark Goombas with more health and more powerful attacks. They each have 7 HP and give 4 SP upon defeat. Go all the way to the east and a Blooper will appear. It has 30 HP and gives 20 SP upon defeat. It will drop down onto Mario or hit him with a blast of ink. It floats over the ground, so use jump attacks and Headbonk. Once you defeat it, you can access the chest with the Shrink Stomp.

Return to the surface and check out the Dojo. You'll initially fight Chan, a Buzzy Beetle with 15 HP. Flip him over with a jump to decrease his defense. Once you defeat Chan, you'll get the First-Degree Card from the Master. Heal and challenge Lee, the Duplighost. He'll imitate one of Mario's partners. He has 20 HP and you'll get the Second-Degree Card for defeating him.

Go east, then south to reach the train station. The train is the only way to reach Dry Dry Desert, but a boulder fell on the tracks when Peach's Castle was lifted into the air. Use Bombette to clear the path, then board the train.

When Mario enters Toad Town, Twink finds him, saying that he heard Mario saved a Star Spirit. Bowser's angry about it. He tells Mario that there's a Star Spirit in the Dry Dry Ruins in the Dry Dry Desert. Twink will send more news when he and Peach get more information.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Paper Mario: Prologue -- A Plea from the Stars -- Part 3

As you head east from the crater where Peach's Castle once was, you'll notice the sky growing darker and shooting stars falling to the ground. Take the lower path to a small house. It's home to a fortune-teller, Merluvlee, and Merlow, who will trade badges in exchange for Star Pieces. He's upstairs. Go back and go up the higher path. The path spirals around the hill to Shooting Star Summit. Go to the left for a Star Piece, then right to reach the Summit.

The seven Star Spirits are waiting for Mario. They tell Mario that they grant the wished of good people. They ignored Bowser's selfish wishes, so he invaded Star Haven, stole Star Rod, which grants any wish. He's currently content with his wishes, but may wish for more. The Star Rod must be returned and the Star Spirits need Mario's help to do so. Mario's not strong enough to deal with Bowser now. He must save the Star Spirits, who will give him their power to defeat Bowser. Their strength fading, they tell Mario that they're held by Bowser's followers in the Mushroom Kingdom. They disappear. Goombario's worried about Peach.

High in the sky, Peach is worried and wishes for help. Bowser and Kammy Koopa appear, telling her that Mario can't reach them and that no wishes will be granted. Bowser says it serves them right for mistreating the Koopas. They tell her she shouldn't cause trouble, then leave. Soon after, there's a tapping on Peach's balcony window. A small Star Kid flies in. His name is Twink and he came from Star Haven to grant her wish. Peach asks him to take back the Star Rod or carry her out of the castle, but these wishes are too much for a novice Star Kid. He needs an easier wish. She asks him to find Mario and give him the Lucky Star. This he can do. She also wants Mario to know she's fine and he shouldn't worry. Twink flies off.

Mario leaves Shooting Star Summit and heads west to Toad Town when Twink bonks him on the head. He's happy to have found Mario and gives him the Lucky Star. This allows Mario to use Action Commands, timed button presses that allow Mario and his partners do extra damage in battle. Each attack has its own Action Command, which appears at the bottom of the screen when you select the attack. For the jump and Headbonk attacks, press (A) just before landing. For the hammer, hold the Control Stick left until the red star button lights up, then release it. If executed correctly, you'll see the word "NICE" appear. To reduce damage from enemy attacks, press (A) before the enemy lands the attack. Practice the Action Commands as much as you need.

A Magikoopa appears, saying he followed Twink here. He wants to defeat Mario for fame and to impress Kammy Koopa. It has 8 HP and gives you 15 SP. It will shoot magic at you, so guard with (A). After the battle, Twink says he'll stay by Peach's side, giving Mario her message. She's fine, but lonely. Go into Toad Town.

In Toad Town, a Toad tells Mario that Merlon has been looking for him. He lives in the house with the spinning roof. Go over to the house and knock twice. Merlon knocks Mario over when he opens the door. He lets Mario into his house and tells him that he, Merlon, is a wizard. He tells Mario a long story that relates to what is currently happening, but Mario falls asleep and most of the story is cut off. He can help Mario in his adventure by telling him where to go for a small fee. Right now, Mario must go to the Koopa Bros. Fortress to the east. Leave Merlon's house and try to go east. There are four Toads with black caps blocking the road. They discourage him from leaving and said it would be bad for them, or him if he asked Merlon. Go back to Merlon's house and talk to him directly, instead of across the table. Merlon is perplexed that strange Toads would block his path, so he goes outside to investigate. Follow Merlon to the Toads and stand between them. Merlon uses magic to reveal that the Toads are really the Koopa Bros. They run off to their fortress. Merlon tells Mario that to get to the fortress, he will need the help of a Koopa with a blue shell. With that cryptic clue, head east to start a new chapter.