Editing Paper Mario

{{Articleabout|the first ''Paper Mario'' game for the Nintendo 64|the series as a whole|[[Paper Mario (series)|here]]|the stage from ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]''|[[Paper Mario (stage)|here]]|the protagonist of the ''Paper Mario'' games, Paper Mario|[[Mario]]}}

{{Infobox

|image=[[File:Papermario.PNG|300px]]

|released='''Nintendo 64:'''<br>{{releasedate|Japan|August 11, 2000|USA|February 5, 2001|Europe|October 5, 2001|Australia|October 5, 2001|China|8 June 2004 (iQue Player)}} '''[[Virtual Console]]:'''<br>{{releasedate|Japan|July 10, 2007|Europe|July 13, 2007|Australia|July 13, 2007|USA|July 16, 2007}}

|genre=RPG, Action-adventure

|ratings={{ratings|acb=g|esrb=e|pegi=3|cero=a}}

|platforms=[[Nintendo 64]], [[Virtual Console]] ([[Wii]])

|media={{container|n64=1|wiidl=1}}

|input={{input|n64=1|classic=1|wiigcn=1}}

'''''Paper Mario''''', known as '''''Mario Story''''' (マリオストーリー ''Mario Sutōrī'') in Japan, is an action-adventure RPG video game for the [[Nintendo 64]] released on August 11, 2000 in Japan, February 5, 2001 in North America, October 5, 2001 in Europe and Australia, and for the iQue Player on June 8, 2004. It was also released for the [[Virtual Console]] on July 10, 2007 in Japan, July 13, 2007 in Europe and Australia, and on July 16, 2007 in North America.

It was originally in development for the [[Nintendo 64DD]]<ref>[http://ign64.ign.com/articles/061/061138p1.html IGN: Miyamoto Reveals Secrets: Fire Emblem, Mario Paint 64] - interview from 1997 where ''Paper Mario'' (under the name ''Mario RPG 2'') is mentioned as a 64DD title in development</ref>. Originally a sequel to ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'', the game would soon become the first installment launching the ''[[Paper Mario (series)|Paper Mario]]'' category of games for the ''Mario'' series overall.

[[File:PM_Group.jpg|thumb|Concept artwork of some of the characters from the game.]]

'''The story, from the instruction booklet:'''

<blockquote>''Story: Once Upon a Mushroom''<br><br>

Far, far away beyond the sky, way above the clouds, it's been said that there was a haven where the Stars lived.<br><br>

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.<br><br>  

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...</blockquote>

===Opening: The Stolen Star Rod===

[[File:PaperMarioTitleScreen.png|thumb|left|The title screen of the North American version.]]

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 the Star Rod, which can grant any and all wishes. The seven [[Star Spirit]]s use this artifact to watch over and protect Mushroom Kingdom. Until one day, [[Kammy Koopa]] uses 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. Kammy Koopa then traps all of the Star Spirits inside cards, then leaves.

<br clear=all>

[[File:PMBowserBattle1.png|thumb|320px|right|Bowser attacking Mario in Peach's Castle.]]

The game begins at [[Mario]]'s house. [[Parakarry|Parakarry]] delivers some mail and [[Luigi]] reads it. [[Princess Peach]] has invited Mario and Luigi to [[Princess Peach's Castle|her castle]] for a party. Mario and Luigi go to the castle where everything is fine until [[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 to make himself invincible. Bowser then defeats Mario. After his defeat, Mario is then knocked out of the window by Bowser and lands in [[Goomba Village (place)|Goomba Village]]. Peach is horrified to see this, but Kammy orders a pair of [[Koopatrol]]s to nab her.

At Goomba Village, a family of [[Goomba]]s rescue Mario. Eldstar tells him in a 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 and very persistent [[Koopa]] named [[Jr. Troopa]], and return to the village. Goompa then allows [[Goombario]], one of the members 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 seven [[Star Spirits]], who are trapped in various places throughout the [[Mushroom Kingdom]].

Back at Princess Peach's Castle, Peach is visited by [[Twink]], a young Star Spirit. Her initial reaction to Twink's appearance is for a wish for Twink to procure the Star Rod, but when the requested wish cannot be fulfilled, she instead asks Twink to tell Mario that she is safe.

'''Names in other languages'''

{{Foreignname

|Fra=Prologue: L'appel des Etoiles

|FraM=Prologue: The call of the Stars

===Chapter 1: Storming Koopa Bros. Fortress===

[[File:KoopaFort.png|thumb|left|300px|Mario and Bombette inside the Koopa Bros. Fortress.]]

Before Mario can get the first Star Spirit in the [[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 [[Fuzzy|Fuzzies]], who are stealing shells from the [[Koopa Troopa]]s. Mario meets a Koopa Troopa named [[Kooper]] in the village, who joins Mario after Mario retrieves Kooper's stolen shell. Mario, Goombario and Kooper eventually end up at the [[Koopa Bros.]] Fortress.  

Once outside the 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 Blaster]]s, [[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. They find the secret passageway and 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. He then orders two Koopatrols to take Princess Peach back to her room.

'''Names in other languages'''

{{Foreignname

|JapM=Stage 1: Capture! Koopa Bros. Fortess

|GerM=Chapter 1: Grab the Koopa Brothers

|Fra=Chapitre 1: A l'assaut de la forteresse!

|FraM=Chapter 1: Assaulting the fortress!

[[File:DryDryRuinspm.PNG|thumb|250px|Mario and Kooper, disabling a sand trap in 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 [[K64|train]] to the foot of [[Mt. Rugged]]. On the way to Dry Dry Desert, they find a mail-delivering [[Koopa Paratroopa|Paratroopa]] named [[Parakarry]], who joins their party after Mario helps him find three lost letters. They also find the condor [[Buzzar]], and the Koopa archaeologist [[Kolorado]]. Mario goes through [[Dry Dry Desert]] to [[Dry Dry Outpost]], where they search for clues about Dry Dry Ruins. Eventually, 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 Chomp]]s. After defeating him, the second Star Spirit, [[Mamar]], is 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.

'''Name in other languages'''

{{Foreignname

|Fra=Chapitre 2: Le mystère des Ruines Sec Sec

|FraM=Chapter 2: The mystery of Dry Dry Ruins

[[File:Gusty_gulch.PNG|thumb|left|250px|[[Lady Bow]] makes herself and [[Mario]] invisible to [[Tubba Blubba]], who is about to devour the frightened Boo, [[Stanley (Paper Mario)|Stanley]].]]

The third Star Spirit is originally held in Tubba Blubba's Castle, but since Tubba Blubba 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 [[Boo]]s, has trapped the third Star Spirit, [[Skolar]]. She informs Mario that she will only release Skolar if Mario saves Gusty Gulch from Tubba Blubba. Mario and Bow travel to [[Tubba Blubba's Castle]] and after searching, 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 reunites with Tubba Blubba, who is then 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.

'''Names in other languages'''

{{Foreignname

|JapM=Stage 3: Dogabon the Inmortal<br>(''Dogabon'' is the [[Tubba Blubba]]'s Japanese name.)

|Fra=Chapitre 3: L'Invincible Tubba Blubba

|FraM=Chapter 3: The Invincible Tubba Blubba

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 Guy]]s 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.

'''Names in other languages'''

{{Foreignname

|JapM=Stage 4: Assault! The Toy Box

|Fra=Chapitre 4: Joujou dans le Coffre à jouets

|FraM=Chapter 4: Toy in the Toy Box

[[File:Yoshi's_village.PNG|280px|thumb|left|Mario in Yoshi's Village, talking to one of the residents.]]

Players cannot 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 [[Fearsome 5|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 [[64th Trivia Quiz-off|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.

'''Names in other languages'''

{{Foreignname

|SpaM=Chapter 5: Heat in the Lavalava Island

|GerM=Chapter 5: Welcome on Lavalava Island<br>(''Aloha'' is Hawaiian for "welcome".)

|Fra=Chapitre 5: Ça chauffe sur l'Île Lavelave

|FraM=Chapter 5: Hot on Lavelave Island

[[File:FlowerFieldsPM.png|thumb|250px|Mario and Lakilester in Flower Fields after the clouds are dispelled.]]

The sixth Star Spirit is hidden in beautiful [[Flower Fields]]. After Mario finds the four [[Magical Seed]]s from the four [[Bub-ulb]]s from Mt. Rugged, Forever Forest, [[Toad Town]], and Lavalava Island, 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 Mole]]s. Mario then encounters [[Posie]], who gives him fertile soil so his nose can grow bigger like hers. Mario then visits [[Lily (Paper Mario)|Lily]], who is in a state of crisis; her pond has dried up because [[Lakitu]]s 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 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 [[64th Trivia Quiz-Off|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 [[Power Platform|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.

'''Names in other languages'''

{{Foreignname

|JapR=Sutēji 6: Hana to kumo ni tsutsuma rete

|GerM=Chapter 6: Tears on Peals

|Fra=Chapitre 6: Sale temps au Champ de Fleurs

|FraM=Chapter 6: Bad weather in the Flower Field

[[File:Crystal_palace.PNG|thumb|left||270px|Mario and Bombette deep inside the Palace.]]

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 [[Toad Town Tunnels|sewers]], he finds a [[Bumpty]] blocking the way to [[Starborn Valley]]. The Bumpty says he will not let anyone pass unless the [[Mayor Penguin|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 [[Duplighost]]s 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 Peach's 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. Bowser hisses at Twink through bared teeth and swats him out of the window. Soon he, Kammy, and the princess go upstairs to where Bowser first defeated Mario.

'''Names in other languages'''

{{Foreignname

|JapR=Sutēji 7: Saihate no Ji e

|Fra=Chapitre 7: Etoile des neiges

|FraM=Chapter 7: Snow star

[[File:FinalBattlePM.png|thumb|right|320px|Mario, Peach, and Goombario watch as Kammy Koopa uses the [[Power Platform]] to make Bowser stronger, as the final battle begins.]]

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 Guy]]s), 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' [[Star Beam|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 ineffective, 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.

'''Names in other languages'''

{{Foreignname

|JapM=Stage 8: Showdown! King Demon Koopa

|Fra=Chapitre 8: Final des Etoiles

|FraM=Chapter 8: Finale of the Stars

===Ending===

[[File:Paper Mario Ending.png|thumb|left|350px|Mario and Peach riding a float at the end of the game.]]

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. [[Kolorado|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 [[Boo|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.

Afterward, 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 [[Fearsome 5|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 Guy]]s of the Shy Squad, and four [[Groove Guy|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 [[Princess 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.

[[File:Tubba Blubba's Heart Attack.png|thumb|right|The battle interface of ''Paper Mario''.]]

''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 Point]]s (abbreviated HP) and [[Badge Point]]s (abbreviated BP), while he shares [[Flower Point]]s (abbreviated FP) with his partner. FP applies towards special moves, HP towards Mario's life, and BP affects the number of [[Badge]]s 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 65 HP, power meter of 65 FP, and 30 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 {{button|n64|A}} 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 {{button|n64|A}} 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.

==Mario's partners==

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