Paper Mario

Paper Mario, known as Mario Story (マリオストーリー Mario Sutōrī) in Japan, is a video game for the Nintendo 64 released in 2000. It was originally in development for the Nintendo 64DD. Originally a sequel to Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, the game became the first in its own series, and it was succeeded in 2004 by Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, which was then succeeded in 2007 by Super Paper Mario which will in turn be succeeded by Paper Mario 3DS. In July 2007, the game, requiring 270 blocks of memory, was released for the Virtual Console in all regions for 1,000 Wii Points.

In this game, King Bowser steals the Star Rod from Star Haven and imprisons the seven Star Spirits. He plans to use it to get all his selfish wishes, while everyone else's wishes go ungranted, and after using the Star Rod to destroy Mario and kidnap Princess Peach, he uses his castle to uproot Peach's Castle into the stratosphere. Now, Peach's Castle is teetering on top of Bowser's. It may look as if the Mushroom Kingdom is doomed with Peach and the Star Rod in Bowser's sinister clutches, so Mario, with the help of his partners and the Star Spirits, must embark on a mission to set free the Star Spirits, defeat King Bowser, rescue Princess Peach, and take back the Star Rod.

Storyline
The story, from the instruction booklet:

Story: Once Upon a Mushroom Far, far away beyond the sky, way above the clouds, it's been said that there was a haven where the Stars lived. In the sanctuary of Star Haven there rested a fabled treasure called the Star Rod, which had the power to grant all wishes. Using this wondrous Star Rod, the seven revered Star Spirits watched over our peaceful world carefully...very carefully. Then one day, a terrible thing happened... The evil King Bowser appeared in Star Haven and stole the Star Rod! Using its incredible power he quickly imprisoned the seven Star Spirits! Completely unaware of the trouble in far-off Star Haven, Mario was back home in the Mushroom Kingdom, eagerly reading a letter from Princess Peach. It was an invitation to a party at the castle! With much anticipation, he and his brother Luigi set off for the party, oblivious to the chaos that lay ahead...

Opening: The Stolen Star Rod
The story opens with a place that lies far beyond the sky and far above the clouds, called Star Haven. Within the sanctuary of Star Haven, lies a fabled treasure, known as the Star Rod, which can grant any and all wishes. The seven Star Spirits used this artifact to watch over and protect the peaceful world. Until one day, Kammy Koopa used her magic to teleport herself and Bowser into the sanctuary and, using his fire-breath, Bowser shatters the protective seal over the Star Rod and grabs it, in hopes of using its power to defeat Mario. As a test of the Star Rod's power, Kammy Koopa traps all of the Star Spirits inside cards, then leaves.

Prologue: A Plea from the Stars
The game begins at Mario's house. Parakarry delivers some mail and Luigi reads it. Princess Peach has invited Mario and Luigi to her castle for a party. Mario and Luigi go to the castle where everything is fine until King Bowser and Kammy Koopa use their own castle to steal Peach's. The two castles are taken up into the air and Mario fights Bowser, but Bowser uses the Star Rod (which he stole from Star Haven) to make himself invincible. Bowser then uses his fire breath on Mario, burning him to a crisp. After his inevitable defeat, Mario is then knocked out of the window by Bowser and lands in Goomba Village. Peach is horrified to see this, but Kammy orders a pair of Koopatrols to nab her. At Goomba Village, a family of Goombas rescue Mario. The Goomba family presumably places Mario in a bed at the Toad House, where Mario has a dream. Eldstar tells him in his dream to go to Shooting Star Summit. Kammy Koopa finds out that Mario is still alive and blocks his way with a huge block. Goompapa tells Mario to get a hammer from Goompa. After they fall off of a broken veranda, they find the Hammer, get in a fight with a small koopa named Jr. Troopa, and return to the village. Goompa then allows Goombario, one of the Goomba family, to go with Mario on his adventure. Mario and Goombario find the Goomba King along the way, whom they fight and defeat. They then continue to travel to Shooting Star Summit. Once Mario gets there, Eldstar tells him to rescue the 7 Star Spirits, who are trapped in various places throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.

Back at Princess Peach's Castle, Peach is trapped in her room, unable to leave. She wishes for help. To her surprise, a Star Kid appears at the window. His name is Twink, and he has come to grant her wish. The Princess asks him to free her and steal the Star Rod back; when Twink sadly tells her that he is "not grand enough" to grant such a wish. Peach cheers Twink up and makes another wish-go to Mario, present him with the Lucky Star, and tell him that she is safe. Twink agrees, and flies out the window. The Princess steps onto her balcony and wonders where her hero is...

Chapter 1: Storming Koopa Bros. Fortress
Before Mario can get the first Star Spirit in Koopa Bros. Fortress, there are four mysterious-looking Toads blocking the way. Mario gets help from a wizard named Merlon, who then reveals the mysterious Toads' true identities, the Koopa Bros. On the way to the Koopa Bros. Fortress, they find Koopa Village, which is infested with Fuzzies, who are stealing shells from the Koopa Troopas. Mario meets a Koopa Troopa named Kooper in the village, who joins Mario after Mario retrieves Kooper's stolen shell, which was stolen by a Fuzzy. Mario, Goombario and Kooper eventually end up at Koopa Bros. Fortress, where the first spirit is trapped.

Once outside Koopa Bros. Fortress, they immediately see Black Ninjakoopa, who goes off to warn Red Ninjakoopa of Mario's arrival. After a while of traveling through the fortress, Yellow Ninjakoopa sets a trap for Mario so when he hits a ? Block, he falls into the fortress' dungeon. Mario falls for the trap and finds himself in a prison where he meets a Bob-omb named Bombette, who is trapped in the jail as well. She explodes, making an escape route, and together the three manage to get to the highest parts of the towers where they find three Bill Blasters, Bowser??? and the Koopa Bros.. They manage to defeat their enemies, retrieving the first Star Spirit, Eldstar.

Back at Princess Peach's Castle, Peach remembers that there is a secret passageway that leads out of her room. She and Twink search for it, and discover a hidden button behind a painting in her room. The button opens the fireplace, revealing the passage. She and Twink move through it and end up in a room on the other side of the castle. There, they read Bowser's Diary, which reveals that the second Star Spirit is in Dry Dry Ruins. Twink leaves to give Mario the information, and the Princess is discovered by Bowser, who is shocked that the princess read his diary. He then orders two Koopatrols to take Princess Peach back to her room.

Chapter 2: The Mystery of Dry, Dry Ruins
After returning to Toad Town and getting ambushed by Jr. Troopa, Twink flies to Toad Town to tell Mario that the second Star Spirit is hidden in Dry Dry Ruins. Mario and his party take a train to the foot of Mt. Rugged. On the way to Dry Dry Desert, they find a mail-delivering Paratroopa named Parakarry, who joins their party after Mario helps him find three lost letters. They also find the not-so-bright condor Buzzar, and the Koopa archeologist Kolorado. Mario goes through Dry Dry Desert to Dry Dry Outpost, where they search for clues about Dry Dry Ruins. After a series of item collecting events, they meet with Moustafa, who gives them the Pulse Stone, which will tell them where Dry Dry Ruins is. After searching through the Dry Dry Desert, they eventually find Dry Dry Ruins. They also discover that it has many traps and hiding places such as rooms filling with sand and hidden keys. They find many artifacts to uncover more of the Ruins. They eventually get to the very end of the ruins, where they find Tutankoopa and his Chain Chomps. After defeating him, the second Star Spirit, Mamar, will be released.

Meanwhile, in the sky, Bowser comes into the princess's room to brag that he has decided to use the Invincible Tubba Blubba on Mario next. Kammy Koopa enters and tells Bowser that the Star Spirit Blubba had trapped managed to escape his grip. Peach and Twink decide to use the passage again to find out more about Invincible Tubba Blubba. They sneak into the castle's library and eavesdrop on a Koopatrol and a Hammer Bro talking. They reveal that Tubba Blubba indeed has a secret weakness; Twink leaves to give this message to Mario and the Koopatrol and Hammer Bro spot Peach and return her to her room.

Chapter 3: The "Invincible" Tubba Blubba
The third Star Spirit was originally being held in Tubba Blubba's Castle, but since Tubba Blubba accidentally let it escape, it is now being held in Boo's Mansion. Bootler appears on the edge of Forever Forest and tells Mario to come to Boo Mansion. A strange hermit named Oaklie tells Mario how to get through the forest. When Mario reaches Boo's Mansion, he finds that Lady Bow, princess of the Boos, has trapped the third Star Spirit, Skolar. She won't let him go until Mario helps her defeat the evil Tubba Blubba of Gusty Gulch (She tells Mario that Tubba Blubba was eating Boos for snacks). Mario and Bow travel to Tubba Blubba's Castle and after a long search, they find the literal key to Tubba Blubba's weakness and find his heart, isolated from his body by Bowser. They nearly defeat it, but not before it reunited with Tubba Blubba. Tubba Blubba was too weak united with his heart and finally is defeated by Mario. Bow gives back the Star Spirit and decides to join Mario on his quest.

In the castle, the princess and Twink use the secret passage to escape again, hoping to hear about Mario's travels. As they turn into Bowser's room, though, they find that both Bowser and Kammy are in the room talking. The princess is relieved to not be seen using the secret passage and to hear that Tubba Blubba was defeated, but Bowser notices her. He decides to ask her what Mario hates most of all; the Princess can answer honestly, or give trick answers that are actually beneficial items such as Mushrooms. Kammy leaves to place these items in Shy Guy's Toy Box, where the next Star Spirit waits, and Twink follows her to tell Mario. The guards then take Peach back to her room.

Chapter 4: Trials in the Toy Box
The fourth Star Spirit is hidden deep inside Shy Guy's Toy Box. When Mario returns to Toad Town, being ambushed in Forever Forest yet again by Jr. Troopa, he finds that it has been overrun by Shy Guys, who are stealing from and bothering the townspeople. A group of Toads tells him that strange noises have been coming from one of the houses. Mario goes to investigate, but the house seems empty. Bow then suggests using her invisibility power. Once they're transparent, a pink Shy Guy runs in and reveals the entrance to Shy Guy's Toy Box. Mario and his partners enter the Toy Box, where they see a small train station. To reach the captured Star Spirit, Mario must go through several train stations. However, unfortunately, the train is missing. After finding a storeroom key and several other items in the Toy Box, Mario returns them to their rightful owners. The shopkeeper who owns the key lets Mario enter the storeroom, in which he finds the missing toy train and a few free items. Mario then places the train back in the Toy Box. He gets on the train and proceeds to the next station, where he meets Gourmet Guy, a massive Shy Guy. Mario must give him a cake baked by Tayce T. so he will move out of the way. At the final station, he meets and defeats the Big Lantern Ghost, and inside his lantern they find a Li'l Sparky named Watt. She thanks Mario for rescuing her and joins the party. At the end of the Toy Box, they find General Guy, the leader of the Shy Guys using Watt's light power. They defeat him and claim the fourth Star Spirit, Muskular.

At the castle, the Princess and Twink sneak out once again and discover the massive Gourmet Guy in the dining room. He promises not to report their escape if they make him something delicious to eat. The Princess and Twink go down to the first floor and use the castle's kitchen to prepare a "Surprise Strawberry Cake." Peach demonstrates her baking skills to make the perfect treat, which sends Gourmet Guy flying for joy in the same way Tayce T.'s cake did. In thanks, he tells the two that the fifth Star Spirit is in Mt. Lavalava, on Lavalava Island. Twink heads out the window once more, and the Princess ends up being spotted by Kammy, having heard Gourmet Guy's bouncing around.

Chapter 5: Hot, Hot Times on Lavalava Island
They can't reach Lavalava Island initially, but then a whale is introduced and asks Mario to get rid of a Fuzzy, by the name of Fuzzipede, inside his stomach. Mario defeats Fuzzipede and the whale takes him to Lavalava Island along with Kolorado, who is looking for a different treasure on the island. They arrive at Yoshi's Village and see the volcano, but are unable to reach it immediately. Mario returns to the village, where he finds everyone panicking because five Yoshi Kids have gone missing. The Village Leader says he'll help Mario to get to the volcano if he finds and returns the Yoshi Kids. Mario ventures off into the forest where he finds Sushie, the Yoshis' babysitter, trapped in a tree by the Yoshi Kids. Mario helps her and finds out that Sushie is a friendly Cheep Cheep, and decides to help Mario find the Yoshis. After they find the Yoshis, Mario and Sushie go to the volcano with the help of Raphael the Raven. Mario and company go into the volcano along with Kolorado, who wants the legendary treasure hidden in the volcano. Mario and company manage to defeat the Lava Piranha, setting the volcano up for eruption. They narrowly escape the volcano with their lives, obtaining the fifth Star Spirit, Misstar. After finding an artifact which had been blown out by the eruption, Mario and Kolorado use the whale to return to Toad Town, where Jr. Troopa attacks them upon arrival.

Back at the castle, Peach and Twink escape once again and explore the first floor for more information. While there, a Hammer Bro. asks her to participate in a strange quiz show. The questions are actually pieces of information regarding the sixth Star Spirit; the minion holding him is Huff N. Puff, and he is in Flower Fields, which can only be reached through Toad Town's Flower Garden. If the Princess wins the show, she earns a Jammin' Jelly as a prize. Regardless of winning or losing the show, she also gets a prize for participating, the amazing Sneaky Parasol. Attracted by the noises in the room, Bowser enters and wants to play, but since the game is over, he snarls in disappointment and settles for returning Peach to her room again.

Chapter 6: Dark Days in Flower Fields
The sixth Star Spirit is hidden in beautiful Flower Fields. After Mario finds the four Magical Seeds from the four Bub-ulbs from around the Mushroom Kingdom, he opens the portal to Flower Fields in Toad Town. When Mario enters, he sees clouds and withering plants. The Wise Wisterwood tells Mario that the clouds are the result of the truly evil Huff N. Puff, who is using his Puff-Puff Machine to cover Flower Fields in clouds. Mario then meets four different flowers who help him create a beanstalk to reach the Cloudy Climb where Huff N. Puff is hiding with his Star Spirit. Mario first meets Petunia, who gives him a magic bean for clearing out some Monty Moles. Mario then encounters Posie, who gives him fertile soil so his nose can grow bigger like hers. Mario then visits Lily, who is in a state of crisis; her pond has dried up because Lakitus stole the Water Stone, the stone that produces the water known as Miracle Water. To keep her alive, Mario vows to find the stone. Mario then searches for it, eventually finding the Lakitus and besting them in battle.

He then meets a self-absorbed flower by the name of Rosie. She holds the Water Stone and won't give it to Mario unless he finds something more beautiful. Mario asks Posie for a Crystal Berry which she gives him. He then presents this berry to Rosie who immediately falls in love with it, and lets Mario have the Water Stone. Mario then takes it back to Lily. After the Water Stone is back in place, she gives Mario some of the Miracle Water. Mario now has everything for his beanstalk except for one thing...the Sun. Mario meets with the Sun who says that it is impossible for him to return to the sky in its current state. Mario then sets off on a quest to destroy the Puff-Puff Machine. On the way, he meets a very confused Lakitu who hates his name and challenges Mario. After the Lakitu is defeated, he uses his real name, Lakilester, and joins Mario's party. Mario then proceeds to destroy the machine, after which the Sun is able to rise into the sky again. Flower Fields then rejoices, but Huff N. Puff is still at large. To finish the job, Mario grows the beanstalk and heads to Cloudy Climb and defeats Huff N. Puff for the sixth Star Spirit, Klevar.

Back at the castle, Peach uses the Sneaky Parasol she won at the quiz show to turn herself into one of the guards, allowing her to move around the castle without fear of getting caught. Peach then learns that Kammy Koopa is building a weapon designed to defeat Mario. Before she can find out what it is, however, Kammy notices a peculiar smell coming from her disguise. Kammy then casts a spell on her, reverting her to normal. She is then taken back to her room yet again.

Chapter 7: A Star Spirit on Ice
The seventh and final Star Spirit is said to be held in the ancient Crystal Palace. After being given advice by Merlon and a Ninji, Mario heads to Shiver City. When Mario arrives via the sewers, he finds a Bumpty blocking the way to Starborn Valley. The bumpty says he will not let anyone pass unless the mayor gives permission. Mario then seeks the mayor out so he can leave the city. When Mario visits the mayor's house, though, he finds him knocked out on the floor. His wife then comes in and assumes that Mario killed him. Mario's partner at the time is horrified and objects by pointing that Mario wouldn't murder the mayor. A police bumpty says he'll let Mario go only if he finds the real murderer. Mario notices that there is a crumpled note in his hand with a single word written on it: "Herringway". Mario then goes out into town looking for Herringway and finds him, who is currently writing his future novel in his house. Mario tells Herringway the story, after which Herringway agrees to go to the mayor's house to help with the investigation. Mario then tells the police about the note. The police then starts accusing Herringway instead, with the mayor's wife still thinking Mario did it. Suddenly the mayor starts twitching and he pops up. The mayor's wife screams for help yelling out that he's a ghost. The mayor explains he was unconscious and gives a present to Herringway, the same present that fell and knocked him out. The mayor then allows Mario to go to Starborn Valley.

Once he gets attacked again by Jr. Troopa and reaches the outskirts of Starborn Valley, an odd monster called Monstar appears. Mario defeats it and reveals it to actually be a bunch of very protective Star Kids. Mario then meets Merle who tells Mario to go to the Crystal Palace where the seventh Star Spirit is being held. He then gives Mario a scarf, telling him to use it on something special, then telling Mario to go and ask Mayor Penguin for the other special item. Mario then receives a bucket from the mayor who tells him he has no idea what it does. Mario then goes a line of snowmen on the path between Shiver City and Starborn Valley, Two, however, are missing something: One is missing a scarf and the other is missing a a hat. Mario gives the items to the respective owners. The snowmen thank him and open the way to the Crystal Palace. Along the way to the palace, they meet Madam Merlar, who gives Mario the Star Stone, letting him reach the palace. Once inside, the group realizes that it contains many traps and puzzles involving Duplighosts and fake mirrors with real mirror effects. Once they reach the Crystal King at the palace's back, Mario defeats him for the final Star Spirit, Kalmar.

The final segment at the castle is simply a cutscene, as opposed to a playing experience. Bowser, enters Peach's room and tells her that if Mario comes, he will destroy him. Kammy informs him that Mario now has all seven Star Spirits. Bowser orders the Koopa Troop to their battle stations and threatens to kill them if the princess escapes their vision. He has the princess tied up to keep her out of mischief; Twink, furious, jumps out and tries attacking him... but it doesn't work on the big Koopa's hard, fleshy hide. Bowser hisses at Twink through bared teeth and swats him out of the window with his powerful paw. Soon he, Kammy and the princess go upstairs to where Bowser first defeated Mario.

Chapter 8: A Star-Powered Showdown!
With the help of the 7 Star Spirits, Mario and the team reach Star Haven, acquire the Star Beam, and use the power of the Star Spirits to travel to Bowser's Castle. After going through the castle, falling for traps, solving puzzles (and possibly fighting 3 Anti Guys), and getting attacked by Jr. Troopa one last time in the process, they finally find Princess Peach. Bowser fights Mario in the same exact spot where they fought at the beginning, but the Star Spirits' combined power now lets Mario stop Bowser's invincibility. Bowser takes Peach and flees, and the group follows him up to the castle roof to finish him off. Kammy then uses her Power Platform to pump Bowser up in both power and size; when he powers up with the Star Rod, Mario finds that the Star Beam is now uneffective.

Meanwhile, Twink frees the Princess, and the two start to battle Kammy. Twink's attacks start out uneffective, and it falls to the Princess to help him. She uses her "Focus" power and makes wishes, which give Twink more power with each turn, to the point where Kammy's attacks become ineffective. Kammy remembers the secret of all Stars before her defeat - they get their power from the wishes of ordinary people. Twink urges the Princess to make a wish for "everyone in the Mushroom Kingdom". The Princess concentrates and prays her hardest; this action fills the Star Spirits with more power than ever. Twink joins them to create the almighty Peach Beam, which cuts through Bowser's enhanced power. After a long and hard battle that leaves Bowser snarling in pain, Mario recovers and returns the Star Rod to the Star Spirits, lets Bowser's Castle self-destruct and restores Peach's Castle to its spot and the rest of the world to its former peace as Bowser escapes. Mario gains no star points from this battle, this is because the adventure is over, and the points will not aid Mario anyway. To celebrate, the Princess throws another party a few days later with a parade, featuring characters from the whole game.

Ending
Mario walks in to the castle and is greeted by the Toad Minister who says that Princess Peach is coming out. As Peach comes out she says that, thanks to Mario and his friends, the Mushroom Kingdom is now at peace once again. Then an eight minute staff credit parade starts. Luigi walks on screen, dressed somewhat like a British guard, and signals the parade to start. A group of 2X3 Toads march on screen. The first two are playing trumpets. The second ones are the drum line. The last row is holding big banners in the air. Then the Star Ship used to travel to Bowser's castle appears, holding all of Mario's partners on it. Then three Toad girls who are twirling sticks walk by, followed by Chuck Quizmo and Vanna T.

After Chuck Quizmo and Vanna T., the Koopa Bros. are seen on a parade car similar to the Bowser tank, possibly made from the remnants of the Bowser??? but four Bob-ombs explode on them. Professor Kolorado and his wife are seen on top of the whale in the background, and Moustafa runs into Rowf and Rhuff. Tutankoopa is being chased by a Chomp (like in the game) and manages to avoid it. Meanwhile, in the background Buzzar is seen on a mountain, with three eggs in his nest, and they hatch. Tutankoopa then runs by being chased by three Chomps. Bootler enters the screen and Tubba Blubba appears to fly by behind him, but is really being carried by Boos. His heart frantically chases after his body. Afterward, a tree slides by with the Goomba King stuck upside-down in it, and the Goomba Bros. circling it. Goomba King falls out of the tree, stands up and joins the parade with his minions.

Afterwards, a Lavalava Island float slides by, with all the adult Yoshis on it (including the chief) except the red and purple adults. Raphael the Raven and Lava Piranha alternate between peeking out from behind Mt. Lavalava. After the island goes off the screen, the five Yoshi kids jump off. Huff N. Puff and Gourmet Guy walk by them, and the Yoshi kids attack them with their tongues, shrinking Huff N. Puff, and leave. Gourmet Guy then pulls out a knife and fork and chases Huff N. Puff, intending to eat him. What appears to be the Crystal King appears next, but another Crystal King comes and reveals the first to be a Duplighost. The real Crystal King reveals the second as another Duplighost, but is then carried away by his Crystal Bits. Finally, Jr. Troopa and Kammy Koopa come onscreen, fighting using magic. Bowser rides by in his Koopa Clown Car between two juggling Hammer Bros. and two Koopatrol flagmen, and Jr. Troopa and Kammy Koopa's attacks collide on him, blowing him up and making the surrounding minions flee. He chases them off the screen, then an explosion can be seen, and a charred Jr. Troopa and Kammy Koopa are sent flying onscreen to the ground.

Afterward, the parade shifts to nighttime, in which a parade car is shown with the Star Spirits. Penguins are seen skating, followed by Mayor Penguin and his wife, as well as a second band of Toads (with the Chanterelle), two Amazy Dayzees, the sun, and Merlon, Merluvlee, Merlee, Merlow, Merle, and Madam Merlar on a stage with the Wise Wisterwood. Then, a stage slides by with General Guy, two Shy Guys of the Shy Squad, and four Groove Guys dancing. Following up are 16 more Shy Guys in the Shy Squad, and after they walk by, the straggler Shy Guy runs after them in his usual fashion. The parade ends with the same Toads from the beginning of the parade (with their spots flashing), followed by a float with Mario and Peach on it. Twink comes down, now a full-grown Star Kid, and Mario and Peach leave the float to go to Mario's house. Three more stick-twirling Toad girls and two more Toad flagmen are seen before the camera cuts to Mario's house, where Mario and Peach watch a fireworks display, and a THE END screen comes on. After a while "The End" shrinks and sits in the lower-right hand corner of the screen, and the fireworks continue until the game is shut off.

Battle System
Paper Mario introduced a battle system unique to the Mario series as well as to RPGs in general. Mario and one partner of their choice fight against the enemies. Mario has Heart Points (abbreviated HP) and Badge Points (abbreviated BP), while he shares Flower Points (abbreviated FP) with his partner. FP applies towards special moves, HP towards Mario's life, and BP affects the number of Badges Mario that can wear. When Mario levels up, the player can choose to increase HP by 5, FP by 5 or BP by 3. Mario can go up to 27 levels in this game, and, including the HP and FP Plus badges, Mario can have a maximum life meter of 60 HP, power meter of 60 FP, and 27 BP.

Each attack has its own "Action Command", which increases damage if performed or timed correctly. For example, for a "Jump" attack, the player must press just as Mario is about to hit the enemy, and for a Hammer attack, the player must hold left and release at the right time. Mario can also decrease enemy damage by 1 by pressing just as they hit him.

When Mario and his team rescue a Star Spirit, they can summon them to use their powers either against an enemy (sometimes one, sometimes multiple, depending on the Star Spirit) or on Mario himself. Star Spirit Powers can be used if Star Energy is filled to a certain point on the meter. If Star Energy is used up, Mario can use a turn to use Focus and regain some Star Energy. Star Energy also steadily regains as a battle continues.

Focus

 * Power Obtained: Chapter 1: Storming Koopa Bros. Fortress
 * What it does: Boosts Star Power.
 * Star Power needed: None

Eldstar
As his name implies, he is the elder of Star Haven and is respected by all others.

He is the Star Spirit the Koopa Bros. guard.


 * Found in: Koopa Bros. Fortress
 * Boss required to defeat: Koopa Bros.
 * Power: Refresh
 * Powers Obtained: Chapter 1: Storming Koopa Bros. Fortress
 * What it does: Replenishes Mario's HP and FP by 5 and cures poison.
 * Star Power needed: 1

Mamar
Happy and kind-hearted, she looks after the others.

She is the Star Spirit Tutankoopa guards.


 * Found in: Dry Dry Ruins
 * Boss required to defeat: Tutankoopa and Chain Chomp
 * Power: Lullaby
 * Power Obtained: Chapter 2: The Mystery of Dry, Dry Ruins
 * What it does: Puts enemies to sleep for a short time by singing a lullaby.
 * Star Power needed: 1

Skolar
As his name implies, he is a scholar and always studying. He is the Star Spirit Tubba Blubba guards, but he escaped from Tubba Blubba's Castle and was searching for a way out in the Forever Forest and was captured by Boos, who promised to set him free after Mario and Co. defeat Tubba Blubba.


 * Found in: Boo's Mansion
 * Boss required to defeat: Tubba Blubba and Tubba Blubba's Heart
 * Power: Star Storm
 * Power Obtained: Chapter 3: The "Invincible" Tubba Blubba
 * What it does: Attacks all enemies, damaging 7 HP each.
 * Star Power needed: 2

Muskular
This young Star Spirit is always full of energy.

He is guarded by General Guy and his troops.


 * Found in: Shy Guy's Toy Box
 * Boss required to defeat: General Guy and his troops
 * Power: Chill Out
 * Power Obtained: Chapter 4: Trials in the Toy Box
 * What it does: Decreases enemies' attack power by 3.
 * Star Power needed: 2

Misstar
This young Star Spirit is pure-hearted but strong.

She is guarded by Lava Piranha and his Lava Buds.


 * Found in: Mt. Lavalava
 * Boss required to defeat: Lava Piranha, Lava Buds, Petit Piranhas
 * Power: Smooch
 * Power Obtained: Chapter 5: Hot, Hot Times on Lavalava Island
 * What it does: Replenishes Mario's HP by 20 with a kiss.
 * Star Power needed: 3

Klevar
As the name implies, he is young and clever and is always reading books.

He's the Star Spirit Huff N. Puff guards.


 * Found in: Flower Fields and Cloudy Climb
 * Boss required to defeat: Huff N. Puff + Tuff Puffs
 * Power: Time Out
 * Power Obtained: Chapter 6: Dark Days in Flower Fields
 * What it does: Immobilizes enemies for a short time.
 * Star Power needed: 2

Kalmar
Very warm-hearted. As his name implies, he hates fights or arguments.

He is the Star Spirit the Crystal King guards.


 * Found in: Crystal Palace
 * Boss required to defeat: Crystal King and Crystal Bits
 * Power: Up and Away
 * Power Obtained: Chapter 7: A Star Spirit on Ice
 * What it does: Turns enemies into stars, knocking them out of battle.
 * Star Power needed: 2

Star Beam/Peach Beam

 * Power Obtained: Chapter 8: A Star-Powered Showdown!
 * What it does: Negates the effects of the Star Rod. During the final battle with Bowser, Star Beam has no effect against the Star Rod due to the device Kammy Koopa made. After Peach and Twink defeat Kammy Koopa, this power is upgraded to Peach Beam.
 * Star Power needed: None

Bestiary (Tattle Log)
See Paper Mario (Bestiary) for a list of all enemies found in Paper Mario. See the below section for a list of bosses.

Boss Battles (in order found through the game)
In the following list, the boss's names are given, followed by the location in which they are fought. If a boss is encountered multiple times, each battle is numbered and any notable differences are noted. Please note that there are several battles in the game where players must beat an amount of enemies in order to proceed or gain an item (for example, in Chapter 1 at Koopa Village, the player must face a hoard of Fuzzies); as these are merely groups of common enemies, and not specific bosses, they are not listed here. Bold signifies chapter bosses.


 * Prologue
 * Jr. Troopa (1/6, Normal Form), Goomba Village - Fought after being caught by him.
 * Red and Blue Goomba (1/2, Rested), Goomba Road - Fought when they see Mario on the road to King Goomba's Fortress.
 * Goomba King and Red and Blue Goomba (2/2, Exhausted from before), Goomba King's Fortress - Fought after the events of the previous fight.
 * Magikoopa, Shooting Star Summit (Really a Lucky Star tutorial) - Fights Mario when he finds that Twink flew from Princess Peach's Castle to him.


 * Chapter 1/Post-Chapter 1
 * Bowser??? & Koopa Bros., Koopa Bros. Fortress - Fought as the Star Spirit Boss.
 * Jr. Troopa (2/6 with extra Defense), Pleasant Path - Fought as revenge for their first battle.


 * Chapter 2
 * Buzzar (optional), Mt. Rugged - Fought if Mario tells him that he is Peach or Mario.
 * Tutankoopa, Chompy, Chain Chomps, Dry Dry Ruins - The Chapter Boss guarding the Star Spirit.


 * Chapter 3
 * Tubba Blubba and Tubba Blubba's Heart, Tubba Blubba's Castle/Gusty Gulch/Windy Mill - Tubba Blubba may be fought at his castle; but he, unfortunately, is invincible. Mario will then fight his Heart, and after beating or nearly beating it, his heart will join his body; this makes him uninvincible.
 * Jr. Troopa (3/6, flying), fought in Forever Forest the first time going through it with Lady Bow during or after Chapter 3 - Fought after getting lost in Forever Forest and in desire for revenge.


 * Chapter 4
 * Anti-Guy (optional, and can be fought after Chapter 4), Shy Guy's Toy Box - Guards a chest containing a Power Plus Badge; if Mario defeats him or gives him a Lemon Candy, he will flee the toy box.
 * Big Lantern Ghost, Shy Guy's Toy Box - Fought when caught by Mario -- Gives Watt to Mario when defeated.
 * General Guy, Shy Squad, Stilt Guys & Shy Stacks, Shy Guy's Toy Box - The Chapter Boss guarding the 4th Star Spirit.


 * Chapter 5
 * Fuzzipede, Whale's mouth - Fought to allow Whale to travel Mario to Lavalava Island.
 * Lava Piranha and Lava Bud's, Mt. Lavalava - The Chapter Boss.
 * Jr. Troopa (4/6, flying and spiked), fought in Toad Town Harbor the first time going to it with Sushie recruited. - HP is halved from 40 to 20 after swimming from Lavalava Island to Toad Town. Flying & spiked.


 * Chapter 6
 * Lakilester, Flower Fields - Fought on orders from Huff N. Puff; later decides to join Mario after figuring the deal is stupid.
 * Huff N. Puff, Cloudy Climb - The Chapter Boss


 * Chapter 7
 * Jr. Troopa (5/6, equipped with Magic Wand), Shiver Snowfield - Fought due to his personal hatred to Mario; becomes an Ice Cube a while after defeat.
 * Monstar, Shiver Snowfield - Star Kid's in disguise trying to scare Mario off.
 * Crystal King, Crystal Palace - The chapter boss defending the final Star Spirit.


 * Chapter 8
 * 3 Anti-Guys (faced if player fails Guard Door Quiz), Bowser's Castle - If Mario fail the "best 3 of 5" Quiz given by the 2nd Guard Door, he will force him to endure 3 Anti-Guys; each having 50 HP & 10 or 12 ATK.
 * Jr. Troopa (6/6, ability to morph into any previous form), Bowser's Castle - Fought for the final time after somehow getting to Bowser's Castle.
 * Bowser (1/2, equipped with Star Rod), Peach's Castle - Fought as a warm-up fight.
 * Bowser (2/2, equipped with Star Rod and boosted by Power Platform), Power Platform - The Final Boss of the game.


 * Other/Optional
 * Blooper, Toad Town Tunnels - Will take Mario by surprise and battle him in the tunnels.
 * Electro Blooper, Toad Town Tunnels - Will engage Mario after sometime after first defeat.
 * Super Blooper, Toad Town Tunnels - Takes on Mario one last time after second defeat.
 * Chan, Toad Town Dojo - The first enemy in the Toad Town Dojo.
 * Lee, Toad Town Dojo - The second enemy in the Toad Town Dojo.
 * The Master (1/3), Toad Town Dojo - The third enemy in the Toad Town Dojo, who will go easy on Mario.
 * The Master (2/3), Toad Town Dojo - The fourth enemy in the Dojo, who will back less in this second fight.
 * The Master (3/3), Toad Town Dojo - The fifth & final enemy in the Dojo, who will hold absolutely nothing back at all.
 * Kent C. Koopa, Pleasant Path - After completing Chapter 5, he will deny Mario access to Pleasant Path unless he beats him or pays him 100 Coins.

Badges

 * See Paper Mario Badges for a list of all of the badges found in Paper Mario.

Similarities with Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Paper Mario contains many elements that were lifted from Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, such as:
 * In fact, Paper Mario was originally going to be called Super Mario RPG 2, but was later renamed "Super Mario Adventure" (while still in development) due to legal reasons, eventually it received its current title to emphasize the unique graphical style of the game.
 * The Snowman Doll item was possibly inspired by Mallow's Snowy ability.
 * Mallow's Shocker ability returns as a usable item in this game, though in the English translation it is referred to as Thunder Rage.
 * As with Super Mario RPG, Bowser was the very first boss that was fought in the game.
 * After the cutscene that took place when Mario was defeated by Bowser, the Paper Mario logo was displayed in a similar manner to how the Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars logo was displayed after Exor crashed into Bowser's Keep and destroyed the Star Road.
 * The Shy Guy riot in Toad Town was most likely inspired by Mack and the Shysters' takeover of the Mushroom Kingdom in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.
 * Both Paper Mario and Super Mario RPG contain karate dojos.
 * The Master is Paper Mario's equivalent of Jinx, as they are both powerful senseis that are fought three times (with each battle getting harder), and are completely optional. The Master also shares the role of an optional boss harder than the final, main boss, like Culex.
 * The plot of both games involve finding seven stars, and had something to do with wishes not being granted, due to what the games' main antagonists have done.
 * The opening storylines of both games begin with the usual "Mario battling Bowser to save Peach" scenario, when Mario suddenly becomes overpowered and sent hurtling a great distance away. In Super Mario RPG, as Mario goes to free Peach after defeating Bowser, Smithy's gang sends Exor crashing into the castle, the impact sending Mario flying, landing back at his house. In Paper Mario, as Mario is fighting Bowser, Bowser makes himself invincible with the Star Rod, then dispatches Mario out a window, and he crash lands in a field just outside Goomba Village.
 * In both Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars and Paper Mario, Bowser's castle was unreachable throughout most of the game(s). In Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, it couldn't be reached, due to the fact that the bridge was taken down. In Paper Mario, it was because it was all the way up in the sky.
 * Mario uses jump and hammer attacks, which in both games have regular, super, and ultra variations(both have the three hammer variants, but the jump variants in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars are special moves Mario learns, whereas Paper Mario has these variants as the boots Mario finds to improve his jumping ability).
 * Mario's first partner in both games has a special move that identifies the enemy (Mallow's "Psychopath" and Goombario's "Tattle").
 * While Shamans in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars are mostly enemies, some Shamans in the game are friendly. In Paper Mario, Merle and his family, who appear to be Shamans, help Mario at various points in his adventure.
 * Paper Marios green Hyper-Goombas may have been inspired by SMRPGs similarly colored Gu-Goombas.
 * Both games feature a special area where Mario can turn into 8-bit Mario, complete with 8-bit sounds and music.
 * In both Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars and Paper Mario, Mario can travel to an island where Yoshis live. In fact, Mario needs to travel there in the latter to save one of the Star Spirits.
 * During the second boss battle with Bowser, he has the ability to temporarily disable some of Mario's commands, similar to how Bowyer would disable certain button commands in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.
 * Both games feature a volcano as a location where a star is hidden. Both areas had an escape sequence after locating the Star, though the reason behind it is different (in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, the Axem Rangers were escaping with the Star; in Paper Mario, the volcano was erupting).
 * The endings on both games feature a parade that is led by Luigi and ends with a fireworks display.
 * Both Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars and Paper Mario featured a Hammer Bro. who runs a quiz show.
 * During the parade in the ending of Paper Mario, Twink flew by with Mario and Peach waving at him, just as Geno did in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.
 * Both games featured antagonist groups that were based off characters from TV series (the Koopa Bros. were based off of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, while the Axem Rangers were based off of the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers).
 * In both games, the battle for the sixth star took place in the sky (the Axem Rangers battle and the Huff N. Puff battle).
 * Both games had a party member to fight against Mario first before joining him (Bowser and Lakilester).
 * Both Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario had three-headed Piranha Plant bosses (Lava Piranha and Smilax).
 * Neither game features an Endless Play mode, so if the player wants to collect something or accomplish a task, he or she must do so before facing the final boss.
 * Paper Mario Uses action commands to increase damage dealt and decrease damage received, much like in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Mario has these abilities from the beginning in SMRPG, but in PM, he cannot use them until he receives the "Lucky Star" from Peach.
 * Both games were released towards the end of their respective console's life. SMRPG was released for the Super NES in May of 1996, four months prior to the launch of the Nintendo 64. Paper Mario was released for the Nintendo 64 in February of 2001, and the Nintendo Gamecube was released in November of that year.

References to Other Games

 * Super Mario Bros. - By entering a vase in Boo's Mansion, Mario can assume his appearance from this game, albiet colored differently.
 * Super Mario Bros. 3 - When the Koopa Brothers fire Bullet Bills at Mario and his partners, a remix of the Koopalings' Airship theme. The Koopa Bros. fight theme is a remix of the Hammer Bros. theme from this game. The level up music is a remix of the overworld theme from World 1.
 * Super Mario World - The Attack FX E badge makes the same sound that Yoshi makes when jumping on his back. Also, the underwater theme is remixed for this game's title screen. The song that plays on the Golden Oldies station of the radio is a remix of the credits.
 * Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars - The battle system in both games is nearly identical, Mario can change his appearance to how he looked in Super Mario Bros. in both games and both games include collecting seven stars. Also, both games have a similar plot that involves the wishes of the Mario world, and that may be because Paper Mario was intended to be a direct sequel in development. Also, Star Hill and the Chancellor reappear, although they were renamed in the English version (possibly due to renewed copyrights).
 * Super Mario 64 - Peach's Castle returns and is near identical inside, but without the paintings, and both games begin with a letter from Peach.
 * Mario Kart 64 - When riding the K64 train, a remix of the Kalimari Desert plays. Also, the concept of a train running through a desert and the train itself originates from this game.

References in Later Games

 * Super Smash Bros. Melee - Paper Mario appears as a trophy.
 * Mario Party 5 - The Star Spirits return.
 * Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door - Parakarry makes a brief cameo at the beginning of the game, and delivers a letter to Mario from Peach, just like the previous game. Lady Bow also makes a cameo appearance, and makes a direct reference to Boo's Mansion, as well as the adventure they had. There is also a random Toad at the Excess Express (after Chapter 6 is completed) that will ask Mario a quiz question, ("What did Bowser steal in the first Paper Mario?"), and the answer is, "Star Rod". The video game-obsessed Toad kid from Petalburg also mentions that he's been playing this game, describing Bow as the "cutest Boo of ALL TIME!!!" Jr. Troopa also appears in the background in the picture that Zip Toad attached to his e-mail. The Goomba King is also mentioned in Luigi's travels, although this was lost in translation.
 * Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga - A block from Paper Mario appears in Woohoo Hooniversity, along with blocks from other games. The name of the game is even mentioned in the block's description.
 * Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time - Star Hill appears once again and is north of the castle just like in this game.
 * Super Paper Mario - Every partner here returns as a Catch Card in this game. Francis also has posters of Lady Bow and Bootler in his castle. Tubba Blubba was also mentioned, and had his own TV showed called, "The Blubbening". At the beginning of this game, all of Mario's partners, as well as his ones from Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, are all seen together in a photo.
 * Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Kooper, Lady Bow, and Kammy Koopa appear as Stickers.
 * Mario Kart: Super Circuit - Peach's castle is seen on top of Bowser's castle just like in Paper Mario, located in the background of the course Rainbow Road.

Trivia

 * This is the only Mario RPG game that has Bowser as the main antagonist. In all of the other RPG games, Bowser is either an ally, a minor foe, or a penultimate boss.
 * This is the only Paper Mario game that has no optional partners.
 * Part of the title screen's music is a remix of the Super Mario World overworld music.
 * If the player waits a while when a chapter title is shown on screen, the Super Mario Bros. theme will be played.
 * At the end of the game after the player beats Bowser, Mario's Ultra Hammer is gone, but his Ultra Jump isn't.
 * This game was released in China on the iQue Player just one month before Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door was in Japan.
 * In the opening of the game, both side borders resemble the soil of Green Hill Zone. It is likely that this a coincidence.