Balloons (Thing)

The Balloons are a Thing in Paper Mario: Color Splash. After watching Birdo's performance of "Soul Rumblings" in Plum Park, Mario is able to collect it. Once the Balloons have been picked up, they are wrung out, refill Mario's paint, and become a colorless card. Once they have been used as a card, they return to their original position. They can also be purchased from the Wringer for 300 coins and sold as an unpainted card for 1 coin.

When they are used in battle, the battle area changes to a stage with cutouts of bushes and a castle. Birdo is lowered on a crescent moon as "Soul Rumblings" begins to play. Birdo then blows a kiss which causes hearts to fly towards any present enemies. After being dazed by the hearts, 3 balloons sprout from the enemies' backs and carry them offscreen. The stage quickly fades back to the regular battle area.

The Balloons are mandatory for Ludwig's fight at Fort Cobalt. After Mario deals enough damage to the Super Ludship, it sinks and reveals the Super Ludsub. Mario must use the balloons to force the submarine out of the water and into a position where other Battle Cards can attack it. However, using a replica version of the Balloons causes Ludwig to fire a missile at Birdo and prematurely ends the attack. He remarks that Mario should get that Replica Garbage out of Here.