Paper Mario: Color Splash: Difference between revisions

From the Super Mario Wiki, the Mario encyclopedia
Jump to navigationJump to search
m (Reverted edits by Camgames64 (talk) to last revision by SavK)
Tag: Rollback
 
(926 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{italic title}}
{{italic title}}
{{Upcoming}}
{{game infobox
{{Infobox
|title=Paper Mario: Color Splash
|image=[[File:PMCS Boxart.png|250px]]
|image=[[File:PMCS Boxart.png|250px]]
|developer=[[Nintendo]]<ref name="Paper Mario: Color Splash - FACT SHEET">[http://gonintendo.com/system/file_uploads/uploads/000/014/932/original/E32016_FactSheet_PaperMarioColorSplash_WiiU-page-001.jpg Paper Mario: Color Splash - FACT SHEET]</ref><br>[[Intelligent Systems]]<ref name="Paper Mario: Color Splash - FACT SHEET"/><ref name="TreeHouse" />
|developer=[[Intelligent Systems]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|released={{releasedate|USA|October 7, 2016<ref name="NE32016">Nintendo E3 2016 Press. (June 14, 2016). [http://gonintendo.com/stories/259348-nintendo-gives-players-unprecedented-freedom-in-the-legend-of-zel NINTENDO GIVES PLAYERS UNPRECEDENTED FREEDOM IN THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD]. ''GoNintendo''. Retrieved June 14, 2016.</ref>|Europe|October 7, 2016<ref>Nintendo UK (June 14, 2016). [https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2016/June/Nintendo-gives-players-unprecedented-freedom-of-adventure-in-The-Legend-of-Zelda-Breath-of-the-Wild-1113442.html Nintendo gives players unprecedented freedom of adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]. ''Nintendo UK Official Site''. Retrieved June 15, 2016.</ref>|Australia|October 8, 2016<ref>Nintendo of Australia (June 15, 2016). [http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=news&nid=3807&pageID=6 NINTENDO GIVES PLAYERS UNPRECEDENTED FREEDOM OF ADVENTURE IN THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD]. ''Nintendo.com.au''. Retrieved June 15, 2016.</ref>|Japan|October 13, 2016<ref name="September Direct Japan"/>}}
|release={{flag list|USA|October 7, 2016|Europe|October 7, 2016|Australia|October 8, 2016|Japan|October 13, 2016}}
|genre=Role-playing, action-adventure<ref name="NADirect">Nintendo of America (March 3, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arl3ACzJCBI&t=12m30s Nintendo Direct 3.3.2016]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved March 25, 2016.</ref>
|languages={{languages|en_us=y|fr_fr=y|fr_ca=y|es_es=y|es_latam=y|de=y|it=y|nl=y|ru=y|pt_pt=y|jp=y}}
|genre=[[Genre#Role-playing|Role-playing]], action-adventure
|modes=Single-player
|modes=Single-player
|ratings={{ratings|esrb=E|pegi=7|usk=0}}
|ratings={{ratings|esrb=E|pegi=3|usk=0|cero=A|acb=G|rars=0+}}
|platforms=[[Wii U]]
|platforms=[[Wii U]]
|media={{container|wiiu=1}}
|format={{format|wiiu=1|wiiudl=1}}
|input={{input|wiiu=1}}<ref name="NADirect"/>
|input={{input|wiiu=1}}
|serials={{flag list|USA|WUP-CNFE-USA}}
}}
}}
'''''Paper Mario: Color Splash''''' is an upcoming action-adventure, turn-based role-playing title in the [[Paper Mario (series)|''Paper Mario'' series]] for [[Wii U]]. It will be the fifth installment of the series.  
'''''Paper Mario: Color Splash''''' is an action-adventure, [[Genre#Turn-based tactics|turn-based]] [[Genre#Role-playing|role-playing game]] developed by [[Intelligent Systems]] and released in 2016 for the [[Wii U]]. It is the fifth installment in the [[Paper Mario (series)|''Paper Mario'' series]] as well as the twentieth and final ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' game released for the Wii U. As a successor to the [[Nintendo 3DS]] game ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]'', it expands on many gameplay elements introduced in that game. Its own sequel, ''[[Paper Mario: The Origami King]]'', was released for the [[Nintendo Switch]] in 2020.


The game follows [[Mario]]'s adventure across [[Prism Island]] where, after he receives a color-drained [[Toad (species)|Toad]] in the mail, he heads to [[Port Prisma]] to find out what is going on. Shortly after, he meets up with [[Huey]], who teams up with Mario to collect the six [[Big Paint Star]]s. After saving the first Big Paint Star, [[Princess Peach]] gets kidnapped by a [[Black Bowser|possessed Bowser]], and is taken to [[Black Bowser's Castle|his castle]] high in the sky. While kidnapped, she sends Mario [[Holo-Peach]]es along his journey to inform him about Bowser's plans. After saving each Big Paint Star, a memory is shown, with each one detailing an event leading up to Bowser being possessed.
The gameplay is very similar to that of [[Paper Mario: Sticker Star|its predecessor]] and puts an even greater emphasis on the paper aspect. All characters now have white outlines around them and the battle system now requires [[Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)#Thing Cards|Thing]]s for each boss fight. Things no longer need to be brought back to the main hub to be used; they become cards as soon as Mario collects them. [[Sticker]]s have been replaced by [[Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Battle Cards]], which share a similar function, but Battle Cards no longer take up multiple slots in Mario's inventory and can be painted to deal more damage. Many enemies from the predecessor return, while [[Dino Rhino]]s make their ''Paper Mario'' debut in this game, along with several new variants of [[Shy Guy]]s, most notably [[Slurp Guy]]s. Additionally, ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' introduces a system where Mario can repaint colorless areas to collect [[coin]]s and Battle Cards.
On September 23, 2016, it was discovered that purchased [[Nintendo eShop]] pre-load data was actually the full game, granting players early access two weeks ahead of schedule in North America.<ref>https://www.polygon.com/2016/9/23/13028328/paper-mario-color-splash-leaks</ref> Nintendo, however, removed the pre-order option within hours, and stated that this was inadvertent.<ref>http://kotaku.com/nintendos-big-fall-wii-u-game-briefly-went-on-sale-two-1786995541</ref>
==Story==
==Story==
Mario finds Princess Peach and Toad at his door one night during a storm. Surprised, he lets them in and receives a mysterious letter. The letter is actually Toad drained of his colors. The stamp on the letter points to Prism Island and Mario and co. quickly head there on a boat, even traveling through a storm. Upon arriving, Mario finds a hammer and uses it to reach the town square, that is deserted and full of elements whose colors have been drained. Toad then heads off, while Mario and Peach, after activating an emergency mechanism, meet Huey, a mysterious 3D talking paint bucket. A scream is heard and Mario, Huey and Princess Peach quickly head over to the sound only to find a Red Shy Guy with a straw, called Red Slurp Guy<ref name="JPDirect">Nintendo of Japan (March 3, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNyWixkbXIE Nintendo Direct 2016.3.4 プレゼンテーション映像]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved March 4, 2016.</ref><ref name="direct">GameXplain. (March 3, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2175ZyWwCzw Paper Mario: Color Splash Reveal Trailer]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved March 3, 2016.</ref>, draining the color from Toad. Toad gives some Battle cards to Mario and then the Slurp Guy fully drains his colors. Huey then asks Mario to squeeze him into paper form in order to obtain colors from his blood, his sweat and his tears. The colors are used to battle the Slurp Guy and two Shy Guys that came to his assistance. After the battle the colors from Huey are used to return Toad to color using Mario's hammer, then Huey discovers that the Big Paint Stars at Prisma Fountain are gone and asks Mario to find them and return them to the fountain, starting from a Red Mini Paint Star at Port Prisma that he mistakes for a Red Big Paint Star<ref>Luigikid Gaming (September 13, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4lU_3gML48 PAPER MARIO: COLOR SPLASH - PROLOGUE GAMEPLAY (ENGLISH) | LUIGIKID GAMING]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 14, 2016.</ref>. As soon as they reach the Mini Paint Star, they see an [[airship]] carrying a giant bucket of red paint that was stolen by the Slurp Guys<ref name="Frenchplaythroughpart2">KirbendoWorld (September 16, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me1gHxm-3Hg PAPER MARIO COLOR SPLASH FR #2 - La première étoile de couleur !]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 20, 2106.</ref>. When they reach Cherry Lake they find a Toad, named Justice Toad, that was hanging on the giant bucket but in the end fell off<ref>DomtenU (September 15, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAo9o6cSYgQ PAPER MARIO COLOR SPLASH Preview: Cherrylake Cut Feature Gameplay + GamePad Capture]. Retrieved September 20, 2016.</ref>. Eventually, the airship is destroyed, causing the bucket to fall onto Crimson Tower.
===Background===
The events that caused Port Prisma to be damaged and the [[black paint]]'s creation are explained through the Big Paint Stars' memories told throughout the game, each viewable after rescuing the respective Big Paint Star. One day, a group of Toads were playing with [[paint]] at the [[Prisma Fountain]]. [[Bowser]] observed the Toads playing from the top of a building, and jumped down into the fountain after imagining himself with a rainbow shell. However, while spinning in the Prisma Fountain, Bowser mixed the colors around, creating black paint which possessed him. Shortly after this, a fleet of airships carrying paint buckets arrives to Port Prisma, and a swarm of Slurp Guys deploys from them to drain the town of its colors. They then take the red, blue and yellow paint to the buckets on each airship. The ships with the yellow and blue paint, while the one with red paint stays in the town, presumably being the same airship Mario rides before entering the [[Crimson Tower]]. During this invasion, the [[Toadmaster General]] is taken out of [[Prisma Postal Toad]] and drained of its colors, folded into an envelope, and given to Kamek, to then send it to [[Princess Peach]] to lure her to [[Prism Island]]. Meanwhile, a group of [[Bob-Omb |Bob-ombs]] destroy the bridge in the Yellow District, which stops a yellow Toad from running away as a Slurp Guy drains him. Bowser then throws the six Big Paint Stars away from Port Prisma, as a red Mini Paint Star is shown to fall out of the red Big Paint Star onto the big building near the fountain.
 
===Prologue===
[[File:Paper Mario Color Splash - Mario House.png|270px|thumb|left|Princess Peach delivers a letter to Mario.]]
One stormy night, [[Princess Peach]] and [[Toad]] meet [[Mario]] at [[Mario Bros.' House|his house]] to deliver a strange [[letter]]: [[Toadmaster General|a Toad drained of his colors]]. Mario, who is initially shocked by the revelation, then realizes that the stamp on the letter points to [[Prism Island]], where the three then travel to. Upon arriving, they find [[Port Prisma]] deserted and full of [[Colorless spot|spots drained of color]]. After some exploration of Port Prisma, They activate the fountain, which releases a 3D paint can. After Mario tries hammering the paint can, it wakes up and is revealed to be [[Huey]], who is initially annoyed by Mario hitting him in his sleep. Huey calms down shortly after, but he, Mario, and Princess Peach are then startled by the sound of Toad screaming.
 
The three head to the yellow district of [[Port Prisma]], and find Toad being drained by a [[Slurp Guy]]. Toad, just before being fully drained, gives Mario a set of [[Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Battle Card]]s that they found. Mario and Huey then proceed to fight the Slurp Guy, but then realize that they do not have any paint. Realizing this, Huey asks Mario to wring him in order to gain paint to battle the [[Shy Guy]]s. This results in Huey turning into paper. Mario later uses this paint throughout the entire game to repaint the colorless spots across Prism Island, including the local Toads.
 
After defeating the Slurp Guy and repainting Toad, the group head back to the central district of Port Prisma, where Huey discovers that the [[Big Paint Star]]s at [[Prisma Fountain]] are gone. Huey, initially sad, then sees a Big Paint Star at the top of Port Prisma. After climbing up there, and unwinding the roll blocking the Paint Star, it is revealed that the Paint Star was actually a [[Mini Paint Star]], not a Big Paint Star. Mario and Huey then set off to find the actual Big Paint Stars.
 
===Red Big Paint Star===
After saving Port Prisma by finding Huey and painting the colorless spots, Mario and Huey set out to find the red Big Paint Star. First, they pass through [[Ruddy Road]] and re-paint a red [[Mini Paint Star]] to unlock [[Cherry Lake]], learning the [[Cutout]] ability and being introduced to 3D real-world objects called Things. When they arrive at [[the Crimson Tower]], they find three Toad-shaped indents in the gate, and must find the three Chosen Toads around the island. The player does not need to find them in a specific order. In-between these objectives, Mario must assemble the green and purple [[Rescue Squad]]s at [[Indigo Underground]] and Ruddy Road to help him reach a Mini Paint Star and the [[Fire Extinguisher]].
 
One Chosen Toad, a wannabe superhero who calls himself [[Justice Toad]], is found back in Cherry Lake. He fell from an airship that Bowser's minions were piloting, losing his clothes and belongings. Once Mario and Huey reclaim his stuff, he awakens his powers and helps move a Mini Paint Star so they can collect it. Justice Toad then leaves for the Crimson Tower gate.
 
[[File:PMCS Bloo Bay Beach Chosen Toad reveal.png|thumb|270px|The blue Chosen Toad awakening his powers]]
At [[Bloo Bay Beach]], Mario and Huey come across a [[Surfing Kinopio|blue Toad]] vowing to sail to the end of the world to find his true calling. After celebrating [[Oceanfest]] to get a key to [[Blissful Beach]], which is the location of another Mini Paint Star, they return to find the Toad shipwrecked. They use the Fan Thing to blow him back to shore, where he surfs on a piece of driftwood and uses his powers to stop the wave in its tracks. The blue Toad is informed of the gate and leaves as well.
 
Visiting [[Daffodil Peak]], Mario and Huey help the [[Daffodil Peak park ranger|park ranger]] out of his depression by repainting his cabin, learning the [[Unfurl Block|Unfurl]] ability in the process. He gives them permission to climb the mountain and seek the Mountain Sage. When they arrive, they find only a cardboard cutout of a yellow Toad. Enraged, Huey yells at the gatekeeper, who leaves his post to reveal a blank spot on the top of his head. When Mario repaints it, the gatekeeper remembers his true identity as the sage, leaves for the Crimson Tower, and the ranger is forced to take his place as the gatekeeper.
 
When all the Chosen Toads have been found, they open the gate for the Crimson Tower. Mario and Huey find that the tower has been drained of all its color, with the minions responsible having poured all the paint in a giant bucket attached to their airship. The airship is still anchored, so Mario raises it to get on board the ship, then defeats the captain to crash the ship and drop the paint back over the tower. While climbing it, Mario and Huey meet [[Morton]], who is keeping the red Big Paint Star captive. Morton attacks with a hammer that he lights on fire, but Mario's Fire Extinguisher extinguishes it and leaves Morton defenseless.
 
The Big Paint Star repaints a large gate at [[Sunglow Ridge]]. When Mario and Huey return to Port Prisma, they discover that [[Princess Peach|Peach]] has just been kidnapped by [[Bowser]], and decide that the only way to track them down is by collecting all the [[Big Paint Star]]s.
 
===Yellow Big Paint Star===
[[File:PMCS Marmalade Valley Princess return.png|thumb|270px|left|Mario getting startled by Princess]]
At Sunglow Ridge, Mario witnesses a black missile cover an area with harmful [[black paint]], which Huey cleans up while Mario's eyes are closed. In their quest, they come upon an active dig site at [[Marmalade Valley]], and are denied access until they get a permit. The guard explains they can get a permit from the [[Prof. Kinopio|professor]] at [[Château Chanterelle]]. However, the professor's assistant explains that he is not in, and he took his pet [[Chain Chomp]], [[Princess (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Princess]], out for a walk to [[Mondo Woods]]. Deep in the woods, Mario and Huey find the Professor sobbing over his pet's disappearance. Huey suggests that Princess may have just gone home, cheering up the professor and making him give them the permit.
 
Exploring Marmalade Valley, Mario and Huey are twice attacked by Princess, who is now giant. They also acquire a Bone from a digging Toad, which can be taken back to the professor's house to bring Princess back to her dog house. Happy about Princess's return, the professor gives them the [[Sharp Spike]] from his desk as thanks. The spike unlocks the door to [[Kiwano Temple]], which Mario must pass through to reach [[the Golden Coliseum]], where [[Iggy]] is holding the yellow Big Paint Star as a prize in his Battle Royale. Using the Bone to attract Princess and have him attack Iggy, Mario wins the fight and collects the Big Paint Star. It repaints an oversized coin in Mondo Woods.
 
===Blue Big Paint Star===
[[File:PMCS Ghost Toads.png|270px|thumb|Mario appeasing the six ghosts]]
Despite its size, the giant coin is worth very little, angering Huey. Its disappearance opens the path to the [[Dark Bloo Inn]], a hotel haunted by Toad ghosts. Learning that the ghosts are not yet at rest because they have unfinished business -- a tea party -- Mario explores [[Plum Park]], the hotel's garden, to find their Teapot to appease them. Bringing it back satisfies the ghosts and makes them move on, earning Mario the hotel staff's thanks.
 
The Mini Paint Star found there leads to [[Violet Passage]], a harbor where Mario helps out the yellow Rescue Squad while on a pirate ship. This Rescue Squad goes to the shrunken [[Sacred Forest]] to pull out a turnip clogging a pipe. Here, Mario pieces together a Mini Paint Star and gains access to [[Cobalt Base]], where he participates in a game of ''[[Snifit or Whiffit]]''.


Later at Crimson Tower, the duo runs into [[Morton Koopa Jr.]] who is guarding the red Big Paint Star. They fight him and return the star to the town square, and learn that Morton was sent by his master to also find the Big Red Paint Star.<ref name="TreeHouse" />
After this, Mario infiltrates [[Ludwig]]'s base in [[Fort Cobalt]]. Ludwig attacks Mario in a [[Super Ludship|battleship]], but he uses the Tail Card to reflect his attacks. Ludwig resurfaces in a [[Super Ludsub|submarine]], and Mario uses Balloons he found in Plum Park to pull it out of the water and destroy it for good. The recovered blue Big Paint Star repaints the ocean at Violet Passage.


After collecting the Big Red Paint Star, Mario and Huey return to Port Prisma, where the Red Paint Star reveals that [[Bowser]], while being covered in black paint, has thrown all the Big Paint Stars away from Prisma Fountain. Soon after the reveal, Bowser shows up and reveal to Mario his plan to use the power from the black paint to take on the world and then flies off on an airship with a lot of Bowser tape on it, including a long tape holding Peach. Peach manages to leave an Holo-Peach to Mario, where she reveals that Bowser seems different besides the black paint that covers him, even though he doesn't intend to be harmful toward her<ref name= "Bowser" />.
===Purple Big Paint Star===
[[File:PMCS Fortune Island docking.png|thumb|left|270px|Mario and Huey as part of a pirate crew]]
With the ocean restored, Mario has to join a ship crew and venture to [[Fortune Island]] to find the purple Big Paint Star. Using clues left behind by a [[legendary captain]], they pass through the [[Lost Sea]] and solve all its challenges. They are suddenly confronted by an impassible vortex, so they stop at [[Vortex Island]]. This island introduces the [[parallel world]], a mirror dimension drained of its water and full of undead enemies. The source of the vortex is revealed to be a Washing Machine in the parallel world. Once Mario wrings it out, and faces off against angry residents who were using it, the vortex calms down.


Later, it is seen that Bowser is using the black paint to color some [[Banzai Bill]]s and that Peach is hanging colorless on a painting in Bowser's throne room<ref name="NATrailer" />.
The next obstacle is a wall of darkness, caused by the lighthouse on [[Lighthouse Island]] not working properly. Mario climbs the lighthouse to find the bulb missing, then climbs it in the parallel world to find a working replacement bulb. Once the bulb is replaced, the path to Fortune Island is illuminated.


At Bloo Bay Beach, Mario and Huey find themselves participating in the Ocean Fest in their research for the Paint Star.<ref name="TreeHouse" />
Fortune Island also requires the use of the parallel world to navigate. Deep in its caves, Mario comes across the [[legendary captain]], who is barbecuing on a grill. Mario squeezes the grill, angering the captain and leading him to follow Mario as payback. After being brought to the regular world, he drops his grudge out of gratefulness at meeting the crew's captain. Mario and Huey find their way to the treasure room, only for [[Wendy]] to ambush them. Mario defeats Wendy by using Fortune Island's treasure, an Instant Camera that was stolen for ''Snifit or Whiffit'', to trick Wendy into using her best attack on a photo of him instead. Defeating Wendy and collecting the purple Big Paint Star repaints a sinkhole at [[Mustard Café]], which the café's owner falls into.


At Dark Bloo Inn, Mario and Huey attempt to solve the mystery of paranormal incidents happening in the building, which ends up being related to a tea party that ghostly Toads are throwing. They must head to Plum Park to retrieve a teapot for the Toads after obtaining the Paint Star in the inn<ref name="Gamescon footage">XCageGame (August 18, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAwtgGRUVvw Paper Mario Color Splash - New Gameplay Dark Bloo Inn - Gamescom 2016]. ''Youtube''. Retrieved August 21, 2016.</ref>.
===Orange Big Paint Star===
[[File:PMCS SunsetExpress01.png|thumb|270px|Larry hijacking the Sunset Express]]
When Mario and Huey investigate the sinkhole, a gust of wind blows them in. They escort the chef back to the entrance, but are captured by Snifits and must escape from [[Snifit Undersand Hideout|their jail]]. The chef reopens his cafe and gives Mario a Mini Paint Star. Afterwards, Mario hears of the Sunset Express train stuck at Kiwano Temple, with the tracks being destroyed due to a column Mario toppled on his first visit. Mario saves the rest of the blue Rescue Squad, who fold themselves up to replace the broken tracks. After the train gets going, it is crushed by a [[Thwomp]]. The passengers get out and push it to Toad Trainworks for repairs.


Later on, the duo runs into [[the Golden Coliseum]] where a gladiator battle is held between Mario and [[Iggy Koopa]], a [[Hammer Bro]] and a [[Snifit]], all three on chariots attached to [[Chain Chomp]]s, while Iggy promises to give Mario the yellow Paint Star if he wins the challenge.<ref name="Iggy Koopa Boss Battle"> GameXplain. (September 2, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JABXR7GKjvc Paper Mario: Color Splash - Iggy Koopa Boss Battle (Direct Feed - PAX West)]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 2, 2016.</ref>
Mario helps the trainworks foreman repair the train, which goes to its next destination, the Tangerino Grill. The Toads from the train are very hungry, so Mario cooks them [[Mamma Mia Pizza|pizza]], which satisfies them. Suddenly, he is informed of a VIP customer order that nobody has fulfilled yet: a [[steak]]. Mario cooks the steak in a battle and the VIP eats it, then leaves a Mini Paint Star as a tip.
 
The Sunset Express takes off again, but is blocked by a sleeping Thwomp. Huey uses a Megaphone from the trainworks to yell and wake it up. The train is hijacked by Larry, who turns out to be the same VIP customer he served at the restaurant. With the help of the Toad train conductor and his handcar, Mario catches up to the train and fights his way to the front car, rescuing many red Rescue Toads in the process. Assisted by the conductor, Mario defeats Larry by clogging the train's smokestack with a Cork from Vortex Island. The train stops at [[Starlight Cape]], where Huey makes a wish for the orange Big Paint Star; once it is granted, the Big Paint Star restores an unpainted [[Draggadon]] at Marmalade Valley.
 
===Green Big Paint Star===
[[File:PMCS TheEmeraldCircus01.png|thumb|270px|left|Lemmy making the green Big Paint Star disappear]]
Mario and Huey consult the professor for advice on where the Draggadon might have gone, and he suggests that it went to [[Redpepper Volcano]]. Using a spicy Magma Burger from Fort Cobalt, Mario rides Draggadon through the lava and into the volcano's crater, which contains a hot spring with the rest of the red Rescue Squad. Taking the Hair Dryer found in the crater, Mario melts the ice block in the Tangerino Grill freezer, which contains a Magnifying Glass. This is used to enlarge a shrunken pipe in the Sacred Forest. It leads to another Mini Paint Star, but Mario is ambushed by Kamek, who he manages to defeat. This opens a path to the [[Green Energy Plant]], where Mario ventures into a ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''-like world to find a Mini Paint Star.
 
After collecting the Mini Paint Star, Mario makes his way to [[Lemmy]]'s circus and assembles the last members of the red Rescue Squad at [[Mossrock Theater]]. At the circus, Mario has the red Rescue Squad serve as the audience. Lemmy shows up to do an act, where he shows off the green Big Paint Star, then makes it and himself disappear. Trying to follow him, Mario and Huey end up on stage and are pressured to perform. Huey's impressions bomb, but Mario impresses the audience with a trick. They then face off against a rush of circus-themed enemies. The last of them, the Trampoline Shy Guys, leave their trampoline behind. Mario jumps off of it to the top of the circus tent, where Lemmy reveals himself. He is distracted with the aid of a Disco Ball found backstage, and his Wonder Ball is popped with an Ice Pick from the Golden Coliseum. Unlike the other Big Paint Stars, what the green one repaints is not initially seen: it flies off-screen and [[Luigi]] is heard exclaiming.
 
===Black Bowser's Castle===
[[File:PMCS Black Bowser's Castle Bowser phase 2.png|270px|thumb|Bowser under the influence of the black paint]]
Upon rescuing all six Big Paint Stars and bringing them back to Prisma Fountain. They create a [[Rainbow Road#Paper Mario: Color Splash|path]] to [[Black Bowser's Castle]]. Mario and Huey try to climb it, but it is too slippery, leaving them stuck. Luigi shows up in his [[kart]], revealing it had been repainted by the green Big Paint Star, and gives them a ride to the castle. which Mario and Huey head off to via a [[kart]] ride from Luigi. Mario finds a colorless Peach put on display, but when he approaches her, he falls into a trapdoor. [[Roy]] shows up to attack, stealing Mario's paint and shooting it back at him with his cannon. As a last-ditch attack, Roy mixes all the paint together, creating more black paint. Mario must use the Washing Machine from Vortex Island to clean it up and defeat him.
 
Progressing further, Mario and Huey discover a factory producing [[Bomber Bill|Banzai Bill]]s loaded with black paint, similar to the one dropped on Sunglow Ridge. After destroying the factory with the aid of some [[Mega Bob-omb]]s, they escape the flood of black paint. Before they fight Bowser, Huey takes a moment to confess to Mario that he will always be grateful for their friendship. Entering the throne room, Mario and Huey find Bowser with the portrait of color-drained Peach. Since Bowser uses black paint to fight, Huey reverts back to his 3D self to contain it. When Bowser has all the paint removed, he appears to have no memories of the incident.
 
Black Bowser's Castle proceeds to collapse as Mario restores Peach's colors. The party makes it to the entrance, where Mario and Peach hop onto Luigi's kart. Huey, however, stays behind: he explains that when the castle disappears, the black paint will fall out and land somewhere. Huey has realized his true purpose is not to recover the Paint Stars, but to destroy the Black Paint. Using the power of the Big Paint Stars, he squeezes the entire castle into his body, then takes it where it cannot do any more harm, to the skies. Later, all the Toads are celebrating the restoration of the fountain in Port Prisma. Peach comforts Mario when he laments Huey's disappearance, saying that she is sure he is still watching over Prism Island. When all [[Super Flag]]s are achieved, Huey can be seen falling back into the Prisma Fountain in the end screen.<ref>Crunchii. (September 30 2016) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r-6wiSxPvk <nowiki>[Spoilers]</nowiki> 100% Ending - Paper Mario: Color Splash]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved October 30, 2016.</ref>
{{br}}


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' is an action-adventure game that appears to elaborate on the mechanics of ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]''. It is based on Mario using the Paint Hammer<ref name="UKDirect">Nintendo UK (March 3, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTXWfbGRqZM Nintendo Direct - 03.03.2016]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved March 4, 2016.</ref> to paint colorless elements, characters and parts of the environment in order to progress in the game<ref name="UKDirect" /> and collect Mini Paint Stars and Big Paint Stars<ref name="TreeHouse">Nintendo of America (June 15, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh16YgtySJI Paper Mario: Color Splash - Demonstration - Nintendo E3 2016]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved June 17, 2016.</ref>. When a course is completed, several new courses may become available at once<ref name="Gamescon footage" />, and the number-based course naming that was seen in ''Super Paper Mario'' and ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star'' is gone<ref name="TreeHouse" />.
''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' is an action-adventure RPG that elaborates on the mechanics of ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]''. Each level requires Mario to collect a [[Mini Paint Star]] or a [[Big Paint Star]] to progress. Some levels contain multiple Mini Paint Stars, though Mario can only collect one at a time. When Mario collects a Mini Paint Star, it opens up the world map and flies to an unpainted area. It then colors in the area, which unlocks a course to explore. Not all of the Mini Paint Stars need to be collected to complete the game, as some simply open paths to previous levels for faster navigation on the world map. Big Paint Stars are only found in the boss battles against the Koopalings (excluding [[Roy]]); when collected, they repaint a major area needed to progress in the game.  
 
Although ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' uses a world map much like its predecessor, there is no concrete distinction of worlds or chapters in the game, unlike the previous installments in the ''Paper Mario'' series. Each Big Paint Star requires the player to complete multiple courses across Prism Island, and not all of them match the color of the Big Paint Star. Additionally, the player is free to explore any of the previously unlocked courses at any time, and may need to do so to obtian any missing [[Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)#Thing Card|Thing]]s.  
 
===Overworld===
The Paint Hammer is the main new mechanic in ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'', and can be used on the overworld to repaint colorless spots, characters, and items. It requires paint to use, which is divided up into blue, yellow, and red paint on the top left of the screen. Paint can be found by hitting overworld objects, defeating enemies, repainting colorless spots, drinking [[Prisma Juice]], or by sitting in the [[Prisma Fountain]]. Each time the player uses their hammer on the overworld (including when not repainting colorless spots), they will lose a bit of paint, and will be unable to repaint any more spots once they run out of paint. At the start of the game, Mario can only hold 100 units of paint, but this capacity can be increased by collecting [[Hammer Scrap]]s to fill his EXP bar. Hammer Scraps exist in four different varieties and are worth either 1 point, 5 points, 10 points, or 20 points, depending on how shiny they are; when enough are collected to fill the player's EXP bar completely, the player will be able to carry more paint at once. However, each upgrade increases the capacity by a smaller amount than the last time, and the upgrades will stop once the paint storage capacity reaches 600 units. Hammer Scraps are only found by defeating enemies in combat.
 
On the overworld, the player can use a move similar to [[Paperize|paperization]] known as the [[Cutout]] technique by pressing {{button|wiiu|Y}}. This technique only works at certain locations; if the player tries using it at a place that does not have any Cutout spots, the screen will flash for a brief moment and nothing will happen. If the player performs the Cutout technique with a Cutout area nearby, but not in the right spot, the screen will flash again but the music will intensify and an outline will appear on the screen. If the Cutout technique is used in the right spot, Mario will ride on top of Huey and a pair of scissors will appear on the screen. The player will then need to move {{button|wiiu|stick}} in the direction the scissors are facing on a dotted line. When the line is fully cut, the player will either need to walk to a green flag, place a card in the slot, or do nothing, depending on the specific area. The Cutout technique is sometimes needed to progress in the game, specifically at times when a Thing Card needs to be placed, and also at the [[Green Energy Plant]] to enter the level.
 
[[File:PMCS Flip.png|thumb|The [[Flip]] technique used in the course dedicated to ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''.]]


[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star#Super Flags|Super Flags]] are returning as well, this time found in the main square of Port Prisma<ref name="UKDirect" />. The battles are based on cards that can be painted to increase their effect<ref name="TreeHouse" />. Painted cards can be bought as well at the Prisma Cardware<ref name="Overview" />. Once used, cards are discarded, it is however possible to buy them directly in battle using the Battle Spin and choosing one of the flipped cards<ref name="Overview" >NomComms (September 13, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KneBDSJot8g Paper Mario: Color Splash - 20 Minute Live Stream]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 14, 2016.</ref>. There are three types of cards. Battle Cards are used for various purposes including attacking, healing and replenishing paint<ref name="Paper Mario: Color Splash - FACT SHEET" /><ref name="TreeHouse" /><ref name="HJF">NinEverything (July 16, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uhqteKlYUo Paper Mario: Color Splash demonstration - Hyper Japan Festival 2016]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved July 18, 2016.</ref>. Many attacks are similar to those featured in ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star'', with the hammer attacks now having a charging sign indicating at which point an "Excellent" attack can be obtained<ref name="TreeHouse" />. Things cards, which do not deplete Mario's paint<ref name="TreeHouse" />, are used to summon [[Thing]]s<ref name="Paper Mario: Color Splash - FACT SHEET" />, both in battle<ref name="TreeHouse" /> and in the course to solve puzzles<ref name="TreeHouse" />. Such cards can be obtained by directly squeezing Things into Thing cards<ref name="HJF" />. There is a shop in Port Prisma allowing the player to directly buy Thnigs to squeeze them into Thing Cards, and there are Replica versions of Thing Cards as well<ref name="Overview" />. Finally Enemy cards, dropped by defeated enemies<ref name="TreeHouse" />, are used to summon an enemy into the battle as an ally<ref name="Paper Mario: Color Splash - FACT SHEET" />. Only one ally can be present at a time<ref name="Gamescon footage" />. Such an ally will attack other enemies and, when the enemies attack, position itself in front of Mario to protect him, and will stay in battle until defeated<ref name="TreeHouse" />. However, it will run away in front of bosses<ref name="TreeHouse" />.
When the Cutout is used at the Green Energy Plant, the player enters a course based on ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''. The course is the only place that the player can use the [[Flip]] technique, which was previously seen in ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'' as the main gameplay mechanic. Here, the Flip technique requires paint to use, and can only be used for 10 seconds before Mario is forced to revert back to 2D. However, the Flip technique does not hurt Mario when the timer runs out. This technique is required to obtain the course's Mini Paint Star, two Things, and the 46th red Rescue Squad member.
At the beginning of a battle, [[Kamek]] can sometimes appear and either flip all the cards or steal many cards, once the battle is won all the stolen cards are regained and additional coins are obtained as well<ref name="MinuteColiseum">Nintendo (September 9, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yBQS3MhwxY Paper Mario: Color Splash Let’s Color! - Nintendo Minute].''Youtube''. retrieved September 10, 2016.</ref><ref name="Overview" />. The number showing the HP of the enemies as well as the number showing the amount of damage dealt in HP are both missing, while the health of each enemy is shown in the form of color that is gradually drained starting from the bottom<ref name="HJF" />.  


Both the use of the Paint Hammer and the painting of most cards requires colors, whose levels are indicated by bars. Even though only coins are obtained when winning a battle<ref name="JPDirect" />, after winning it the defeated enemies drop various items, including colors, cards, coins and, most importantly, Hammer Scraps, cardboard hammers that fill a bar<ref name="PAX stream" />. They exist in at least three different varieties with varying amount of glittery parts, and the scraps with more glittery parts fill the bar more than the scraps with less glittery parts. Once such bar is fully filled, the maximum amount of colors that can be carried is permanently increased<ref>AbdallahSmash026 (September 4, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9urwb26zdFE&t=47s Paper Mario: Color Splash - Lemon "Thing" Card Battle Animation! <nowiki>[</nowiki>WiiU Gameplay Preview<nowiki>]</nowiki>]. ''Youtube''. Retrieved September 4, 2016.</ref><ref name="interview">GameXplain (June 15, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlcNubU6bYA Paper Mario: Color Splash Developer Interview - Risa Tabata (Koopalings, RPG Elements & PM's Future)]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved June 17, 2016.</ref> and the power of the [[First Strike]] is increased as well, up to the point that enemies on the course can be directly defeated without starting the battle<ref>Conor McMahon (September 13, 2016). [http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/09/preview_buckets_of_fun_with_paper_mario_color_splash Preview: Buckets Of Fun With Paper Mario: Color Splash]. ''nintendolife''. Retrieved Septmber 13, 2016.</ref><ref>GameXplain (September 3, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gAuyn3R0Y0&t=253 12 Minutes of Paper Mario: Color Splash - Massacre at The Golden Coliseum (Direct Feed - PAX West)]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 14, 2016.</ref>.
===Battle===
Enemies can be found on the overworld, and will pursue Mario if he is too close to one at any given time. While chasing Mario, the enemies may trip or stop searching, giving the player more time to run away if they do not wish to fight. A battle is initiated when Mario comes into direct physical contact with an enemy. If Mario hits an enemy on the overworld with his hammer or jumps on them, Mario will initiate combat with an additional attack to the enemy; the transition screen will have stars and display the word "Nice!" when this happens. Conversely, if the enemy attacks Mario on the overworld, combat will initiate with the enemy attacking Mario first; the transition screen will turn red when this happens. During combat, each enemy's HP is represented by the amount of paint left on their body, as opposed to a number on the screen; Mario's HP is still represented by a number. When [[Danger|Mario's HP drops below a certain number]], the music will become distorted and the screen will pulsate red, with Mario appearing to be tired. When Mario loses all his HP, he falls onto the floor, and several [[Slurp Guy]]s drain him of his paint.


It is also possible to permanently increase the number of cards playable in a turn during a battle by collecting special power-ups<ref>ntower tv (September 19, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srawCiYfP6Y Wii U-Gameplay: Paper Mario: Color Splash]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 20, 2016</ref>. Similarly, the maximum amount of HPs of Mario can be increased by collecting [[HP-Up Heart]]s that are obtained when saving a Big Paint Star<ref name= "Bowser" />. Each HP-Up Heart increases the maximum amount of HPs by 25<ref name= "Bowser" />.
At the start of the game, Mario can only play one card per turn. This limit increases as Mario collects [[Card Max Up]]s at certain points in the story, which increase the number of cards that can be used in battle by one. They can be obtained by helping a [[Soggy Guy]] in [[Cherry Lake]], by using the [[Teapot (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Teapot]] in [[Dark Bloo Inn]], and by beating Kamek in [[Sacred Forest]]. Similarly, the maximum amount of Mario's HP is increased by collecting [[MAX UP Heart|HP-Up Heart]]s that are obtained when the player saves a Big Paint Star. Each HP-Up Heart increases the maximum amount of HP by 25 and increases the power of the [[First Strike]] as well.


In order to gain additional coins, there are side quests and mini-games that can be played. One of them is finding Luigi who is hiding in some places<ref name="TreeHouse" />, another is playing Roshambo against several opponents at the [[Roshambo Temple]]s<ref name="Overview" />.
There are two instances in the game where Mario will encounter an environmental hazard that carries over to the main combat. The first instance is in [[Plum Park]], when the water is poisoned by the [[Teapot (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Teapot]]. Fighting an enemy while the water is poisoned will damage Mario by 1 HP at certain intervals<!--is it a specific number we can quantify or is it random?-->, only stopping briefly when the player has confirmed the cards that they wish to use. The second instance is in the [[Mustard Café]], when the player needs to rescue the [[Mustard Café chef]]. If the player attacks an enemy during this time, the combat will take place on quicksand, which will slowly pull Mario down as the player decides which cards to use. If the player does not decide fast enough, Mario will completely submerge, and the player will receive a [[Game Over]].
 
When an enemy is defeated, they can drop coins, paint, or Hammer Scraps, and will occasionally drop an Enemy Card. The number of coins and Hammer Scraps an enemy drops is random, while the amount and color of paint dropped depends on the enemy. Generally, the paint an enemy drops matches the color that the enemy was, though some of the paint may be a different color; for example, Red [[Shy Guy]]s will drop mostly red paint, but will also drop a smaller amount of blue paint. If Mario's attack is sufficiently high, where one attack can instantly defeat a specific enemy, attacking that enemy on the overworld will have them instantly be drained of color and disappear, dropping a smaller amount of coins and/or paint. If Mario is able to defeat an enemy in combat without taking any damage, he will receive a Perfect Bonus and earn additional coins. Once the player encounters a certain Goomba on [[Daffodil Peak]], [[Kamek]] can sometimes appear during combat and either flip over all cards, steal all but six of the player's cards, or turn all cards into a specific type of card. Once the battle is won, all the stolen cards are regained and all transformed cards turn back to normal, and 300 coins are obtained as well.


[[File:PMCS Flip.png|thumb|The [[Flip]] technique used in the course dedicated to ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''.]]
Furthermore, it is possible to use a move similar to [[paperization]] called "Cutout" in order to cut part of the courses<ref name="TreeHouse" />. Likewise, the [[Flip]] technique from ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'' is returning as well, at least in a course dedicated to ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''<ref name="Japanesesiteintro" />. Key items also return.
{{br}}
{{br}}
===Controls===
{|
|style="vertical-align:top;"|
'''Battle'''
*{{button|wiiu|stick}} - Select Battle Cards
*{{button|wiiu|A}} - Confirm/Paint
*{{button|wiiu|B}} - Cancel
*{{button|wiiu|X}} - Details
*{{button|wiiu|Y}} - Sort
*{{button|wiiu|Pad}} - Next step
*{{button|wiiu|ZL}} - Flee
*{{button|wiiu|L}}/{{button|wiiu|R}} - Battle Spin
*{{button|wiiu|ZR}} - Check enemy (off-TV play only)
|style="vertical-align:top;"|
'''Overworld'''
*{{button|wiiu|stick}} - Move
*{{button|wiiu|A}} - Jump
*{{button|wiiu|B}} - Hammer
*{{button|wiiu|X}} - Paint Hammer
*{{button|wiiu|Y}} - Cutout
*{{button|wiiu|Pad}} - Huey hint
*{{button|wiiu|minus}}/{{button|wiiu|plus}} - World map
|}
===Mario's stats===
{|class="wikitable"style="margin:auto; text-align:center"
|-
!
!Stat
!Initial value
!Max value
!Function
|-
|rowspan=6|[[File:PMCS MarioSprite.png|120px]]<br>[[File:PMCS Eyecatch Mario.png|100px|link=Mario]]
|[[File:GUICoinPMCS.png|link=Coin]]
|0
|9,999
|The number of coins Mario currently has.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Paint Meters.png|40px|link=Paint]]
|100
|600
|The amount of paint Mario can carry.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Card Slot.png|40px|link=Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Battle Card]]
|1
|4
|The number of cards Mario can use per turn in battle.
|-
|[[File:PMCS HP Text.png|40px|link=Heart Point]]
|50
|200
|The maximum amount of HP Mario can have.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Boot Artwork.png|40px|link=Jump]]
|3
|15
|The amount of damage Mario can do with the jump first strike.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Hammer.png|40px|link=Hammer]][[File:Painthammer.png|40px|link=Paint Hammer]]
|3
|15
|The amount of damage Mario can do with the hammer first strike.
|}
====Stats after each Big Paint Star====
{|class="wikitable"style="margin:auto; text-align:center"
!rowspan=2|Big Paint Star obtained
!rowspan=2|Max HP
!colspan=2|Power of First Strike (Damage in HP)
|-
!Jump
!Hammer
|-
!None
|50
|3
|3
|-
![[File:Red Big Paint Star.png|50px]]
|75
|5
|6
|-
![[File:Yellow Big Paint Star.png|50px]]
|100
|7
|9
|-
![[File:Blue Big Paint Star.png|50px]]
|125
|10
|11
|-
![[File:Purple Big Paint Star.png|50px]]
|150
|13
|13
|-
![[File:Orange Big Paint Star v2.png|50px]]
|175
|14
|14
|-
![[File:Green Big Paint Star.png|50px]]
|200
|15
|15
|}
===Battle Cards===
{{main|Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)}}
[[File:HammerCard.png|thumb|150px|A Hammer Card]]
Battle Cards are the main items in ''Color Splash'' and serve as Mario's attacks. The battles are based on these Battle Cards and can be painted to increase their attack power. Battle Cards can be found in colorless spots, [[? Block]]s, by defeating enemies or by buying them at [[Prisma Cardware]]. Once used, cards are discarded, but it is possible to buy them directly in battle by using the Battle Spin. There are three types of cards. Basic Cards are used for various purposes, including attacking, healing, and replenishing paint. Many attacks are similar to those featured in ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star'', with the hammer attacks now having a charging sign indicating at which point an "Excellent" attack can be obtained. Thing Cards are used to summon [[Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)#Thing Cards|Thing]]s, both in battle and in the overworld to solve puzzles. Such cards can be obtained by directly squeezing Things into Thing cards. There is a shop in Port Prisma allowing the player to directly buy Things to squeeze them into Thing Cards, and there are Replica versions of Thing Cards that can be found as well. The last card type, Enemy Cards, are used to summon an enemy into the battle as an ally. They can be found by defeating an enemy. Only one ally can be present at a time, and the ally attacks the enemies in the current battle. When the enemies attack, they will position themselves in front of Mario to protect him, and they stay in battle until defeated. If an Enemy Card is used in a boss battle, it runs away.
There are many versions of Battle Cards that Mario can use. Alongside [[Jump]]s and [[Hammer]]s are several variants of the two, such as Spin Jumps and KO Hammers. Several types from ''Sticker Star'' return, such as [[Hopslipper]]s, which let the player jump on an enemy 10 times; [[Iron Jump]]s, which let the player jump on spiky enemies; [[Eekhammer]]s, which let the player hit an enemy five times; and [[Hurlhammer]]s, which let the player throw a hammer into the air to damage enemies. [[Fire Flower]]s and [[Ice Flower]]s also appear, allowing the player to throw [[fireball]]s and [[Ice Ball]]s at enemies respectively. Alongside attacks, Mario can also use [[POW Block]]s to [[Immobilized|crumple]] enemies, [[Mushroom]]s to heal, [[1-Up Mushroom]]s to recover paint, [[Tail]]s to counter enemy attacks, [[Spike Helmet]]s to counter jump attacks, and [[Frog Suit]]s to dodge enemy attacks. There is also one enemy card for every enemy in the game, as well as enemy cards for the [[Koopalings]] which can be found by playing in the [[Roshambo Temple]]s.
There are four different variants of basic Battle Cards: Worn-out, Normal, Big, and Huge. Huge cards deal the most damage and worn-out cards deal the least. The stronger variants are found later on in the game. Despite the names, bigger cards do not take up more space than the weaker variants.
{|class="wikitable sortable"style="text-align:center"
|-
!Name
!Worn-out
!Normal
!Big
!Huge
|-
|Jump||[[File:WOJumpCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Worn-Out Jump card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:JumpCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Jump card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigJumpCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Jump card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:HugeJumpCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Huge Jump card unpainted.png|75px]]
|-
|Jump ×2||||[[File:Jump2Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Jump x2 card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigJump2Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Jump x2 card unpainted.png|75px]]||
|-
|Jump ×3||[[File:WOJump3Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Worn-Out Jump x3 card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:Jump3Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Jump x3 card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Jump ×5||[[File:WOJump5Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Worn-Out Jump x5 card unpainted.png|75px]]||||||
|-
|Line Jump||||[[File:LineJumpCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Line Jump card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigLineJumpCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Line Jump card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:HugeLineJumpCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Huge Line Jump card unpainted.png|75px]]
|-
|Hopslipper||||[[File:HopslipperCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Hopslipper card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigHopslipperCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Hopslipper card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:HugeHopslipperCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Huge Hopslipper card unpainted.png|75px]]
|-
|Hopslipper ×2||||[[File:Hopslipper2Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Hopslipper x2 card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Hopslipper ×3||||[[File:Hopslipper3Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Hopslipper x3 card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Iron Jump||||[[File:IronJumpCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Iron Jump card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigIronJumpCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Iron Jump card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:HugeIronJumpCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Huge Iron Jump card unpainted.png|75px]]
|-
|Iron Jump ×2||||[[File:IronJump2Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Iron Jump x2 card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Iron Jump ×3||||[[File:IronJump3Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Iron Jump x3 card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Spin Jump||||[[File:SpinJumpCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Spin Jump card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigSpinJumpCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Spin Jump card unpainted.png|75px]]||
|-
|Hammer||[[File:WOHammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Worn-Out Hammer card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:HammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Hammer card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigHammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Hammer card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:HugeHammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Huge Hammer card unpainted.png|75px]]
|-
|Hammer ×2||||[[File:Hammer2Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Hammer x2 card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigHammer2Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Hammer x2 card unpainted.png|75px]]||
|-
|Hammer ×3||[[File:WOHammer3Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Worn-Out Hammer x3 card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:Hammer3Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Hammer x3 card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Hammer ×5||[[File:WOHammer5Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Worn-Out Hammer x5 card unpainted.png|75px]]||||||
|-
|KO Hammer||||[[File:KOHammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS KO Hammer card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigKOHammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big KO Hammer card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:HugeKOHammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Huge KO Hammer card unpainted.png|75px]]
|-
|Eekhammer||||[[File:EekhammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Eekhammer card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigEekhammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Eekhammer card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:HugeEekhammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Huge Eekhammer card unpainted.png|75px]]
|-
|Eekhammer ×2||||[[File:Eekhammer2Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Eekhammer x2 card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigEekhammer2Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Eekhammer x2 card unpainted.png|75px]]||
|-
|Eekhammer ×3||||[[File:Eekhammer3Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Eekhammer x3 card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Hurlhammer||||[[File:HurlhammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Hurlhammer card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigHurlhammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Hurlhammer card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:HugeHurlhammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Huge Hurlhammer card unpainted.png|75px]]
|-
|Hurlhammer ×2||||[[File:Hurlhammer2Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Hurlhammer x2 card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Hurlhammer ×3||||[[File:Hurlhammer3Card.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Hurlhammer x3 card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Blazehammer||||[[File:BlazehammerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Blazehammer card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Fire Flower||||[[File:FireFlowerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Fire Flower card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigFireFlowerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Fire Flower card unpainted.png|75px]]||
|-
|Ice Flower||||[[File:IceFlowerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Ice Flower card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigIceFlowerCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Ice Flower card unpainted.png|75px]]||
|-
|POW Block||||[[File:POWBlockCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS POW Block card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Mushroom||||[[File:MushroomCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Mushroom card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:BigMushroomCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Big Mushroom card unpainted.png|75px]]||[[File:MegaMushroomCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Mega Mushroom card unpainted.png|75px]]
|-
|1-Up Mushroom||||[[File:1UpMushroomCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS 1-Up Mushroom card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Tail||||[[File:TailCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Tail card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Spike Helmet||||[[File:SpikeHelmetCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Spike Helmet card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|-
|Frog Suit||||[[File:FrogSuitCard.png|75px]][[File:PMCS Frog Suit card unpainted.png|75px]]||||
|}


==Characters==
==Characters==
===Playable===
===Protagonists===
*[[Mario]]<ref name="direct" />
{|class="wikitable sortable"style="width:100%; border="4px solid black"background-color:white;"
|-
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Image
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Name
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Description
|-
|[[File:PMCS MarioSprite.png|100px]]
|'''[[Mario]]'''
|The main protagonist of the game. He first arrives in [[Port Prisma]] where he meets with [[Huey]] and begins collecting the [[Mini Paint Star]]s scattered around the island. After beating [[Black Bowser]], Mario heads back to Port Prisma, where he celebrates with the others and laments on Huey's disappearance.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Huey.png|100px]]
|'''[[Huey]]'''
|Mario's main companion in this game, Huey is a paint can with the ability to absorb black paint. Huey imbues Mario's hammer with painting powers that can only be used while he is in the party. He also introduces the Cutout technique and gives context-specific hints to Mario when the player presses {{button|wiiu|padup}}. At the end of the game, he wrings Black Bowser's Castle into a card and flies off far away to prevent the black paint from doing more harm.
|}


===Allies===
===Allies===
*[[Princess Peach]]<ref name="direct"/>
{|class="wikitable sortable"style="width:100%; border="4px solid black"background-color:white;"
*[[Toad (character)|Toad]]<ref name="direct"/>
|-
*[[Toad (species)|Toad]]s<ref name="direct"/> (red, green, blue, yellow, purple and ghost)
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Image
*[[Luigi]]<ref name="TreeHouse" />
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Name
*[[Yoshi]]<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Description
*[[Huey]]: a paint bucket character (in 3D and paper form)<ref name="TreeHouse" />
|-
*[[Five Fun Guys]]<ref name="TreeHouse" />
|[[File:PMCS Peach.png|100px|center]]
*[[Rescue Squad V]] (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Purple)<ref name="RescueV1">Nintendo. (August 16, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agkV28jRnJ8 Paper Mario: Color Splash - Rescue V: Episode 1]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved August 16, 2016.</ref>
|'''[[Princess Peach]]'''
*[[Rescue Squad Chief]]<ref name="RescueV1"/>
|After Mario saves the red Big Paint Star, she is kidnapped by Bowser in his possessed state. During Mario's remaining adventure, she helps out by leaving [[Holo-Peach]]es with information about Bowser's plans in them. Just before she sends the last one, she is captured and drained by Bowser.
*[[Holo-Peach]]<ref name="Bowser" />
|-
*[[Rock Paper Wizard]]<ref name="Overview" />
|[[File:PMCS Luigi.png|80px|center]]
*[[Big Paint Star]]s (Red<ref name="TreeHouse" />, Orange<ref>[[Media:Orange Big Paint Star.png|Artwork of the Orange Big Paint Star]].</ref>, Yellow<ref name="PAX stream" />, Green, Blue, Purple<ref name="Japanesesiteintro" />)
|'''[[Luigi]]'''
*[[Chosen Toad]]s<ref name="PMCS livestream"/>
|After Mario rescues the green Big Paint Star, Luigi drives to Port Prisma to give Mario a ride up the newly made rainbow road.
|-
|[[File:Yoshi PMCS.png|100px|center]]
|'''[[Yoshi]]'''
|In the Dark Bloo Inn, Mario comes across a mysterious invisible object known only as [["It"]]: repainting it reveals it to be Yoshi. Trying to ride Yoshi results in him fluttering away to [[the Emerald Circus]], where he thanks Mario for freeing the other Yoshis.
|-
|[[File:Red Big Paint Star.png|100px|center]]
|'''[[Big Paint Star]]s'''
|These six stars are the source of [[Prisma Fountain]]'s paint. During the events of the game, they are scattered away from Port Prisma and guarded by the [[Koopalings]]. Collecting them repaints a big colorless area needed to progress the story.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Birdo.png|100px|center]]
|'''[[Birdo]]'''
|Birdo can be found at the performance at [[Plum Park]]. She also assists in the [[Balloons (Thing)|Balloons]] Thing animation where she blows a kiss to the enemies to make them fly away.
|-
|[[File:Princess artwork PMCS.jpg|100px|center]]
|'''[[Princess (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Princess]]'''
|[[Prof. Kinopio]]'s pet that has been turned giant due to [[Kamek]]'s magic. During the game, Mario needs to use the [[Bone (Thing)|Bone]] Thing in [[Château Chanterelle]] to bring her back to an upset Prof. Kinopio. She can be seen during the Bone Thing's animation, trampling enemies in battle.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Draggadon.png|140px]]
|'''[[Draggadon]]'''
|Draggadon can be rescued by collecting the orange Big Paint Star to restore his fossil. After this, Draggadon attacks Mario by breathing fire until he uses the [[Basin (Thing)|Basin]] Thing on him. When he is hit by the Basin, Draggadon gets knocked out until the player uses a [[Magma Burger]] on him. From then on, Mario can use him to traverse [[Redpepper Volcano]] safely. Every time Mario finishes the level, the player must give Draggadon the Magma Burger to collect the Paint Star.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Ptooie.png|100px|center]]
|'''[[Piper]]'''
|A friendly Ptooie who is central to the sidequest in Port Prisma. He was friends with five other Toads named [[Purp]], [[Redd]], [[Greenie (character)|Greenie]], [[Bloo]], and [[Yella]] prior to the events of ''Paper Mario: Color Splash''. By completing his sidequest, the six reunite and go to [[The Crimson Tower]] to play for the remainder of the game.
|}
 
===Toads===
{|class="wikitable sortable"style="width:100%; border="4px solid black"background-color:white;"
|-
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Image
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Name
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Description
|-
|[[File:Toad PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Toad]]'''
|Toad comes with Mario and Princess Peach to Port Prisma at the start of the game. He has his color drained, and Mario needs to recolor him after he fights the Slurp Guy. He can be found in the hotel in the yellow district of Port Prisma after the Battle Card tutorial.
|-
|[[File:Rescue Blue PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Rescue Blue]]'''
|The leader of the blue Rescue Squad. He and his team replace the train tracks in [[Kiwano Temple]].
|-
|[[File:Rescue Red PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Rescue Red]]'''
|The leader of the red Rescue Squad. He and his squad attend [[the Emerald Circus]], making up half the audience.
|-
|[[File:Rescue Green PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Rescue Green]]'''
|The leader of the green Rescue Squad. He helps make a bridge to the Mini Paint Star and the [[Lemon (Thing)|Lemon]] Thing along with his cadets.
|-
|[[File:Rescue Yellow PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Rescue Yellow]]'''
|The leader of the yellow Rescue Squad. He pulls out the giant turnip in [[Sacred Forest]] along with the rest of his squad.
|-
|[[File:Rescue Purple PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Rescue Purple]]'''
|The leader of the purple Rescue Squad. He and his three recruits make a staircase to the blue [[Mini Paint Star]] and the [[Fire Extinguisher]] Thing.
|-
|[[File:Rescue Squad Chief PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Rescue Squad Chief]]'''
|The leader of all the Rescue Squads. When Mario talks to him, he tells him how many Rescue Squad Toads are left to find.
|-
|[[File:Ghost Toad PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Tea Party Toads]]'''
|These six Toads occupy Dark Bloo Inn when Mario arrives. Mario helps them enjoy their promised tea party, after which they ascend once finally being satisfied.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Red Chosen Toad.png|75px]]
|'''[[Justice Toad]]'''
|One of the Chosen Toads. He can be found in [[Cherry Lake]] where Mario needs to collect the clothing that fell off of him when he fell from the big paint bucket being carried by an airship. He spends the rest of the game in [[the Crimson Tower]] entrance after he obtains the [[Mini Paint Star]] for Mario.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Yellow Chosen Toad.png|75px]]
|'''[[Mountain Sage]]'''
|One of the Chosen Toads. He initially is the amnesiac gatekeeper to [[Daffodil Peak]]. After Mario repaints his drained head, he reveals himself to be the actual Mountain Sage. He spends the rest of the game in the Crimson Tower entrance after revealing his identity.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Blue Chosen Toad.png|75px]]
|'''[[Surfing Kinopio]]'''
|One of the Chosen Toads. He can initially be found in [[Bloo Bay Beach]] getting ready to travel the world to find his true calling, but gets shipwrecked not too far from the beach. After Mario uses the [[Fan]] Thing in the Cutout area, he reveals that he is a Chosen Toad while surfing the newly made wave. He spends the rest of the game in the Crimson Tower entrance after this.
|-
|[[File:Five Fun Guys.png|75px]]
|'''[[Five Fun Guys]]'''
|These quintuplet Toads are the center of the minigames in [[Oceanfest]]. After Mario points out the scandal during Toad Shuffle, the manager tells them to give Mario the [[Blissful Beach Key]]. From then on, they can be seen whenever Mario takes a nap on [[Blissful Beach]].
|-
|[[File:Yellow Toad PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Prof. Kinopio]]'''
|A yellow Toad who lives in [[Château Chanterelle]] with his pet [[Princess (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Princess]]. Mario needs to bring back his pet (who has been enlarged by Kamek's magic) so that he can give him the [[Sharp Spike]].
|-
|[[File:PMCS Toad Captain.png|75px]]
|'''[[Violet Passage captain]]'''
|The leader of the pirate crew in [[Violet Passage]]. He is initially found stranded in the colorless sea until Mario saves the blue Big Paint Star. He is a recurring character during the voyage to [[Fortune Island]]. After he meets the legendary captain, he spends the remainder of the game learning from the legendary captain on Fortune Island.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Legendary Captain.png|75px]]
|'''[[Legendary captain]]'''
|A pirate Toad who was the first ever to reach Fortune Island. During the events of the game, he can be found in the [[parallel world]] cooking on a [[Charcoal Grill]] and causing smoke to rise into the purple Big Paint Star room. After Mario squeezes the Charcoal Grill Thing into a card, the captain gets angry and follows him until they reach the beginning of Fortune Island. Afterward, he says that the treasure has been claimed before he got there, and can be seen teaching the Violet Passage captain for the remainder of the game.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Lighthouse Keeper.png|75px]]
|'''[[Lighthouse keeper]]'''
|The owner of the lighthouse on [[Lighthouse Island]]. When Mario repaints him, he is depressed by the lack of light. He allows Mario to access the parallel world pipe to collect the lightbulb and restore the lighthouse, after which he begins dancing for the remainder of the game.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Toad Conductor.png|75px]]
|'''[[Sunset Express conductor]]'''
|The conductor of the [[Sunset Express]]. He helps Mario defeat Larry by stopping the Shy Guy in the train's cabin. The train he is conducting is originally scheduled for decommissioning, but after arriving in Starlight Cape, he, along with another blue Toad, decides it should not be decommissioned. He reappears briefly during the "This Here's Paint Country!" dance.
|-
|[[File:MustardCafeChef PMCS.png|75px]]
|'''[[Mustard Café chef]]'''
|The owner of the [[Mustard Café]]. After Mario collects the purple Big Paint Star, he falls into the newly made hole underneath him. Mario needs to escort him back to the Mustard Café during the level. As he is about to head back, Mario and the chef get pulled into the [[Snifit Undersand Hideout]]. When Mario frees him and finds the [[Café Key]], he tells Mario to hold onto it as he does not trust himself losing it. He spends the rest of the game in the Café.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Tangerino Grill Chef.png|75px]]
|'''[[Tangerino Grill Chef]]'''
|The head chef of [[Tangerino Grill]]. During the events of the game, he is injured by a Shy Guy jumping on him and is unable to make the [[Mamma Mia Pizza]] for the guests. Due to this, Mario needs to make it for him. Later, when Mario satisfies the VIP customer, he thanks Mario for satisfying him, as the VIP never liked any of the food.
|-
|[[File:Suit Toad PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Tangerino Grill host]]'''
|The host and waiter of Tangerino Grill. When Mario finishes making the Mamma Mia Pizza, he serves the pizza to the guests and watches them devour it. The host is optimistic for Mario, saying that he is the only one that can satiate the VIP.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Rock Paper Wizard.png|75px]]
|'''[[Rock Paper Wizard]]'''
|The master of [[Super Roshambo]]. They can be found after beating a chapter boss. When all 8 temples have been beaten, they reveal that they are a Toad and that there were actually eight Rock Paper Wizards all along.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Toadmaster General.png|75px]]
|'''[[Toadmaster General]]'''
|A Toad who owns the post office in Port Prisma. He was drained and folded into a letter to lure Princess Peach to Port Prisma. After restoring him, he returns to his post office and give Mario any new mail he receives from then on.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Action Toad.png|75px]]
|'''[[Action Toad]]'''
|A Toad who lives in the [[Action Command Dojo]]. Mario can visit him anytime to practice action commands for hammering, jumping, Fire Flowers, and blocking.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Card Connoisseur Toad.png|75px]]
|'''[[Card Connoisseur Toad]]'''
|The Toad who runs the [[Prisma Museum]]. He is first found by the blue Mini Paint Star in Port Prisma, where he examines Mario's cards while a [[Slurp Guy]] battles Mario. After Mario receives a letter from him, he opens the doors to the Prisma Museum.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Deep Cuts Toad.png|75px]]
|'''[["Deep Cuts" Toad]]'''
|A Toad found in the yellow district of Port Prisma. If Mario pays him 50 coins, he will tell the player a hint as to where an uncut Cutout is. When the Cutout is found, he will allow Mario to pay again for another hint.
|-
|[[File:Purple Toad PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Purp]]'''
|The first of Piper's friends. He says that Piper was magnetic and lovable.
|-
|[[File:Red Toad PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Redd]]'''
|The second of Piper's friends. He says that Piper helped them win a field day race, presumably on purpose.
|-
|[[File:Green Toad PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Greenie (character)|Greenie]]'''
|The third of Piper's friends. He says that during a school play, Piper offered to take the role of a "down-on-his-luck potted plant" that no one else wanted to take.
|-
|[[File:Blue Toad PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Bloo]]'''
|The fourth of Piper's friends. He says that Piper ate a thug that was picking on them.
|-
|[[File:Yellow Toad PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Yella]]'''
|The last of Piper's friends. He says that he knew Piper died from being dried and shriveled up. Moments after saying this, Piper sprouts from the tree.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Foreman.png|75px]]
|'''[[Foreman]]'''
|The foreman of [[Toad Trainworks]]. When Mario first meets him, he says he is planning on retiring soon. He takes the Sunset Express as his last job, but before this, he gives Mario a free Mini Paint Star. Later, after the conductor says he changed his mind on decommissioning the Sunset Express, the foreman says that he changed his mind on retiring as well.
|-
|[[File:Bloo Bay Beach barista PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Bloo Bay Beach barista]]'''
|The barista for the bar in Bloo Bay Beach. While Mario cannot buy anything from him, he unknowingly plays a role in Toad and Go Seek; one of the Five Fun Guys hides behind him and copies what he is saying.
|-
|[[File:Green Energy Plant researcher PMCS sprite.png|75px]]
|'''[[Green Energy Plant researcher]]'''
|A Toad residing in the [[Green Energy Plant]]. During the events of the game, he pulls Huey in with a [[Science Claw]] to try and get energy from him. After the power is restored, he sits to the right of the monitor for the rest of the game, saying he has been researching the unusual images' effect on brain activity.
|}
 
==Enemies==
{{main|Paper Mario: Color Splash bestiary}}
 
''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' features a smaller number of enemy species compared to previous games in the ''[[Paper Mario (series)|Paper Mario]]'' series. Many species that appear have either appeared earlier in the ''[[Super Mario (series)|Super Mario]]'' series or in previous ''Paper Mario'' installments; additionally, ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' does not have any new enemies that are not based on other enemies, unlike the first three games in the ''Paper Mario'' series. Instead, ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' features a number of new enemy variants that are based on other enemies. For example, this game marks the debut of [[Juggler Bro]]s, [[Shady Sledge Bro]]s, and [[Shunned Guy]]s, which are variants of [[Hammer Bro]]s, [[Sledge Bro]]s, and [[Shy Guy]]s, respectfully. Shy Guys receive the most new variants in ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'', as they are the most prominent enemy type seen. ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' features a total of 53 variants of Shy Guys, the most of any game, although a number of them only vary by color or an item. Additionally, this game introduces [[Dino Rhino]]s as enemies, which have not previously appeared in the ''Paper Mario'' series (although a variant of Dino Rhinos, known as [[Albino Dino]]s, appear in ''[[Paper Mario]]'').
 
All enemies in ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' have been redesigned from their previous appearances in the ''Paper Mario'' series. Every enemy has a white outline surrounding them, and the shading seen in all prior installments has been removed in favor of flat coloring. Some enemies have also had their designs changed to better match their most recent appearances, although this varies between each enemy. As the gameplay of ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' is heavily based on colors, the color an enemy has plays a role in where they appear, and on what color of paint they drop when defeated. This is best seen in [[Ruddy Road]], where a group of red Shy Guys turn blue out of fear, and leave behind large quantities of blue paint when crushed by an angry Toad.
 
The following is a table of battle statistics for each enemy as obtained directly from the game's data. In gameplay, an enemy's HP is only represented by the amount of color left on their body, and reaches 0 when there is no color left; the actual number never appears as in-game text. For the attacks, "Normal" refers to the enemy's base attack unless otherwise stated, while "Blowback" refers to the damage the enemy inflicts upon other enemies when using the [[KO Hammer]].
{|class="wikitable sortable"style="width:100%; border="4px solid black"background-color:white;"
|-
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Name
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|HP
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Attack
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Location
|-
![[File:PMCS Red Shy Guy Idle Animated.gif|80px]]<br>'''[[Shy Guy]]'''
|8
|Normal ('''3'''), Blowback ('''8''')
|[[Port Prisma]], [[Ruddy Road]], [[Cherry Lake]], [[Indigo Underground]], [[The Crimson Tower]],<br> [[Sunglow Ridge]], [[The Golden Coliseum]], [[Dark Bloo Inn]], [[Violet Passage]],<br> [[Vortex Island]] (European and Australian versions only), [[Fort Cobalt]], [[Toad Trainworks]],<br> [[Tangerino Grill]], [[Sunset Express]], [[Redpepper Crater]], [[Mossrock Theater]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Shy Guy 4-Stack.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Shy Guy 4-Stack]]'''
|4
|Normal ('''3''' per Shy Guy), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Cherry Lake]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Shy Guy 5-Stack.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Shy Guy 5-Stack]]'''
|5
|Normal ('''3''' per Shy Guy), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Cherry Lake]], [[Daffodil Peak]], [[Fort Cobalt]], [[Vortex Island]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Red Slurp Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Slurp Guy]]'''
|14
|Normal ('''5'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Port Prisma]], [[Ruddy Road]], [[Indigo Underground]], [[Bloo Bay Beach]], [[The Crimson Tower]],<br> [[Sunglow Ridge]], [[Violet Passage]], [[Toad Trainworks]], [[Tangerino Grill]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Shunned Guy 01.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Shunned Guy]]'''
|12
|Normal ('''5'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Indigo Underground]], [[Tangerino Grill]], [[Sunset Express]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Red Shield Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Shield Guy]]'''
|16
|Normal ('''10'''), Blowback ('''16''')
|[[The Crimson Tower]], [[The Golden Coliseum]], [[Violet Passage]], [[Fort Cobalt]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Sombrero Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Sombrero Guy]]'''
|30
|Hat ('''13'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Sunset Express]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Red Spike Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Spike Guy]]'''
|16
|Normal ('''3'''), Spike ('''9'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Ruddy Road]], [[Cherry Lake]], [[Indigo Underground]], [[The Crimson Tower]], [[The Golden Coliseum]],<br> [[Violet Passage]], [[Toad Trainworks]], [[Sunset Express]], [[Mossrock Theater]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Soggy Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Soggy Guy]]'''
|8
|Normal ('''1'''), Blowback ('''10''')
|[[Cherry Lake]], [[Indigo Underground]], [[Violet Passage]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Pry Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Pry Guy]]'''
|16
|Normal ('''10'''), Blowback ('''16''')
|[[Cherry Lake]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Silver Shy Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Silver Shy Guy]]'''
|8
|Normal ('''25'''), Blowback ('''25''')
|[[Fort Cobalt]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Gold Shy Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Gold Shy Guy]]'''
|8
|Normal ('''25'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Fort Cobalt]], [[Fortune Island]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Coal Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Coal Guy]]'''
|1 per Shy Guy
|'''50'''
|[[Toad Trainworks]], [[Sunset Express]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Laundry Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Laundry Guy]]'''
|16
|Normal ('''10'''), Blowback ('''16''')
|[[Vortex Island]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Red Roller Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Roller Guy]]'''
|8
|'''12'''
|[[Mossrock Theater]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Unicycle Shy Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Unicycle Shy Guy]]'''
|8 per Shy Guy
|'''40''' (decreases as stack decreases)
|[[The Emerald Circus]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Paint Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Paint Guy]]'''
|16
|Normal ('''6'''), Blowback ('''16''')
|[[Ruddy Road]], [[Black Bowser's Castle]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Trampoline Shy Guys.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Trampoline Shy Guy]]s'''
|1 per Shy Guy
|Somersault ('''28'''), Punch ('''12''')
|[[The Emerald Circus]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Animal Trainer Shy Guy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Animal Trainer Shy Guy]]'''
|8
|Changes battle position
|[[The Emerald Circus]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Red Snifit.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Snifit]]'''
|24
|Normal ('''5'''), Combo ('''15'''), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[Sunglow Ridge]], [[The Golden Coliseum]], [[Plum Park]], [[Fort Cobalt]], [[Sunset Express]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Red Slurp Snifit.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Slurp Snifit]]'''
|24
|Straw ('''10'''), Bullet ('''5'''), Combo ('''15'''), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[Sunglow Ridge]], [[The Golden Coliseum]], [[Plum Park]], [[Fort Cobalt]], [[Mustard Café]],<br> [[Toad Trainworks]], [[Black Bowser's Castle]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Chariot Snifit.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Chariot Snifit]]'''
|100
|'''9'''
|[[The Golden Coliseum]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Red Whistle Snifit.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Whistle Snifit]]'''
|24
|Bullet ('''5'''), Combo ('''15'''), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[Fort Cobalt]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Red Spike Snifit.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Spike Snifit]]'''
|32
|Bullet ('''5'''), Combo ('''15'''), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[Plum Park]], [[Mustard Café]], [[Black Bowser's Castle]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Koopa Troopa.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Koopa Troopa]]'''
|21
|Normal ('''7'''), Stomped-on ('''21'''), Blowback Attack ('''16''')
|[[Ruddy Road]], [[Cherry Lake]], [[Bloo Bay Beach]], [[The Golden Coliseum]], [[Vortex Island]],<br> [[Lighthouse Island]], [[Fortune Island]], [[Green Energy Plant]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Koopa Troopa 6-Stack.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Koopa Troopa 6-Stack]]'''
|6
|Normal ('''18''' per Koopa Troopa), Blowback ('''20''')
|[[Lighthouse Island]], [[Green Energy Plant]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Koopa Paratroopa.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Koopa Paratroopa]]'''
|25
|Normal ('''7'''), Stomped-on ('''12'''), Blowback ('''16''')
|[[Daffodil Peak]], [[The Crimson Tower]], [[Fort Cobalt]], [[Sunset Express]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Koopa Paratroopa 10-Stack.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Koopa Paratroopa 10-Stack]]'''
|10
|Normal ('''5''' per Paratroopa), Blowback ('''20''')
|[[Sunset Express]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Hammer Bro.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Hammer Bro]]'''
|64
|Normal ('''32'''), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[The Golden Coliseum]], [[Fort Cobalt]], [[Mustard Café]], [[Black Bowser's Castle]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Small Hammer Bro.png|60px]]<br>'''[[Small Hammer Bro]]'''
|64
|Normal ('''15'''), Blowback ('''5''')
|[[Sacred Forest]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Boomerang Bro.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Boomerang Bro]]'''
|72
|Normal ('''12''' twice), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[Fort Cobalt]], [[Sunset Express]], [[Green Energy Plant]], [[Black Bowser's Castle]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Fire Bro.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Fire Bro]]'''
|68
|Normal ('''32'''), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[Fort Cobalt]], [[Fortune Island]], [[Redpepper Volcano]], [[Redpepper Crater]], [[Black Bowser's Castle]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Fire Bro 8-Stack.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Fire Bro 8-Stack]]'''
|8
|Normal ('''8''' per Fire Bro), Blowback ('''30''')
|[[Redpepper Volcano]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Ice Bro.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Ice Bro]]'''
|68
|Normal ('''36'''), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[Lighthouse Island]], [[Fortune Island]], [[Black Bowser's Castle]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Chariot Bro.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Chariot Bro]]'''
|100
|'''15'''
|[[The Golden Coliseum]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Sledge Bro.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Sledge Bro]]'''
|80
|Normal ('''30'''), Quake ('''20'''), Blowback ('''80''')
|[[Green Energy Plant]], [[Black Bowser's Castle]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Shady Sledge Bro.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Shady Sledge Bro]]'''
|88
|Normal ('''30'''), Quake ('''20'''), Blowback ('''80''')
|[[Dark Bloo Inn]], [[Vortex Island]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Juggler Bro.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Juggler Bro]]'''
|50
|'''24'''
|[[Mossrock Theater]], [[The Emerald Circus]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Circus Bro.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Circus Bro]]'''
|50
|Normal ('''12''' twice), Blowback ('''24''')
|-
![[File:PMCS Ninji.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Ninji]]'''
|23
|Jump ('''5'''), Knife ('''15'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Fort Cobalt]], [[Toad Trainworks]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Spike.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Spike]]'''
|25
|Hop ('''9'''), Ball ('''12'''), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[Kiwano Temple]], [[The Golden Coliseum]], [[Fort Cobalt]], [[Mustard Café]], [[Sunset Express]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Spiny.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Spiny]]'''
|19
|Normal ('''7'''), Stomped-on ('''20'''), Blowback ('''20''')
|[[Daffodil Peak]], [[Sunglow Ridge]], [[Kiwano Temple]], [[Redpepper Volcano]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Buzzy Beetle.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Buzzy Beetle]]'''
|14
|Normal ('''6'''), Stomped-on ('''25'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Indigo Underground]], [[Lighthouse Island]], [[Redpepper Volcano]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Buzzy Beetle Tower.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Buzzy Beetle Tower]]'''
|150
|Shell ('''4''', '''8''', '''12'''), Shy Guy ('''36'''),<br> Stomped-on ('''999'''), Line ('''2''', '''4''', '''7''')
|[[The Emerald Circus]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Buzzy Beetle Gang.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Buzzy Beetle Gang]]'''
|14 per Buzzy Beetle
|'''6''' per Buzzy Beetle
|[[Lighthouse Island]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Small Buzzy Beetle.png|60px]]<br>'''[[Small Buzzy Beetle]]'''
|2
|Normal ('''1'''), Stomped-on ('''2'''), Blowback ('''1''')
|[[Sacred Forest]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Small Buzzy Beetle Gang.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Small Buzzy Beetle Gang]]'''
|2 per Small Buzzy Beetle
|'''1''' per Buzzy Beetle
|[[Sacred Forest]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Spike Top.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Spike Top]]'''
|22
|Normal ('''16'''), Stomped-on ('''32'''), Blowback ('''16''')
|[[Redpepper Volcano]], [[Redpepper Crater]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Cheep Cheep.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Cheep Cheep]]'''
|26
|Normal ('''4'''), Water ('''10'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Bloo Bay Beach]], [[Violet Passage]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Small Cheep Cheep.png|60px]]<br>'''[[Small Cheep Cheep]]'''
|10
|Normal ('''1'''), Water ('''3'''), Blowback ('''1''')
|[[Sacred Forest]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Bob-omb.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Bob-omb]]'''
|25
|Body ('''8'''), Bomb ('''16'''), Counterattack ('''12'''), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[Fort Cobalt]], [[Redpepper Crater]], [[Black Bowser's Castle]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Scaredy Rat.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Scaredy Rat]]'''
|8
|Normal ('''3'''), Steal ('''1'''), Blowback ('''8''')
|[[Marmalade Valley]], [[Dark Bloo Inn]], [[Toad Trainworks]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Scaredy Rat 10-Stack.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Scaredy Rat 10-Stack]]'''
|10
|Normal ('''1''' per Scaredy Rat), Blowback ('''20''')
|[[Toad Trainworks]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Fuzzy.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Fuzzy]]'''
|14
|Normal ('''3'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[The Golden Coliseum]], [[Toad Trainworks]], [[Sunset Express]], [[Redpepper Volcano]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Fuzzy Stack.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Fuzzy Stack]]'''
|16
|Normal ('''8''' per Fuzzy), Blowback ('''20''')
|[[Toad Trainworks]], [[Sunset Express]], [[Redpepper Volcano]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Dry Bones.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Dry Bones]]'''
|10
|'''12'''
|[[Marmalade Valley]], [[Vortex Island]], [[Lighthouse Island]], [[Fortune Island]], [[Redpepper Crater]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Dry Bones 5-Stack.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Dry Bones 5-Stack]]'''
|5
|Normal ('''12''' per Dry Bones), Blowback ('''20''')
|[[Lighthouse Island]], [[Fortune Island]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Boo 1.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Boo]]'''
|33
|Normal ('''6'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Vortex Island]], [[Lighthouse Island]], [[Fortune Island]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Boo 10-Stack.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Boo 10-Stack]]'''
|10
|Normal ('''4''' per Boo), Blowback ('''20''')
|[[Lighthouse Island]], [[Fortune Island]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Fire Piranha Plant.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Piranha Plant]]'''
|64
|'''9'''
|[[Redpepper Crater]], [[Mossrock Theater]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Fire Piranha Plant.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Fire Piranha Plant]]'''
|64
|'''15'''
|[[Plum Park]], [[Redpepper Crater]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Ptooie 01.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Ptooie]]'''
|64
|Bite ('''9'''), Ball ('''36'''), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[Mossrock Theater]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Swoop.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Swoop]]'''
|11
|Low ('''4'''), High ('''8'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Indigo Underground]], [[Kiwano Temple]], [[Vortex Island]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Goomba.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Goomba]]'''
|6
|Normal ('''3'''), Blowback ('''6''')
|[[Port Prisma]], [[Daffodil Peak]], [[The Crimson Tower]], [[Sunglow Ridge]], [[Mondo Woods]],<br> [[The Golden Coliseum]], [[Sacred Forest]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Mega Goomba.png|100px]]<br>'''[[Big Goomba|Mega Goomba]]'''
|116
|Normal ('''33'''), Blowback ('''116''')
|[[Mondo Woods]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Small Goomba.png|60px]]<br>'''[[Mini Goomba|Small Goomba]]'''
|3
|'''1'''
|[[Sacred Forest]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Bone Goomba.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Bone Goomba]]'''
|12
|Normal ('''10'''), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[Marmalade Valley]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Paragoomba.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Paragoomba]]'''
|10
|Normal ('''5'''), Blowback ('''10''')
|[[Fort Cobalt]], [[Mustard Café]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Paper-Cone Goomba.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Paper-Cone Goomba]]'''
|10
|Normal ('''6'''), Blowback ('''8''')
|[[Kiwano Temple]]
|-
![[File:Accordion Goomba screenshot.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Accordion Goombas]]'''
|30
|Normal ('''7'''), Blowback ('''30''')
|[[The Crimson Tower]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Small Goomba Wheel.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Small Goomba Wheel]]'''
|10
|'''5'''
|[[Sacred Forest]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Small Goomba Gang.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Small Goomba Gang]]'''
|3 per Small Goomba
|'''1''' per Small Goomba
|[[Sacred Forest]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Rocky Wrench.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Rocky Wrench]]'''
|32
|Normal ('''10'''), Wrench ('''15''')
|[[Toad Trainworks]], [[Sunset Express]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Blooper.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Blooper]]'''
|26
|Body ('''7'''), Ink ('''13'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Plum Park]], [[Vortex Island]], [[Lighthouse Island]], [[Fortune Island]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Blooper 10-Stack.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Blooper 10-Stack]]'''
|10
|Normal ('''7''' per Blooper), Blowback ('''20''')
|[[Lighthouse Island]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Poison Blooper.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Poison Blooper]]'''
|26
|Body ('''7'''), Ink ('''13'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Plum Park]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Pokey.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Pokey]]'''
|36
|Normal ('''5'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Mustard Café]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Green Pokey.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Green Pokey]]'''
|36
|Normal ('''6'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Mustard Café]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Dino Rhino.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Dino Rhino]]'''
|56
|Normal ('''16'''), Fire ('''32'''), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[Mossrock Theater]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Wild Dino Rhino.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Wild Dino Rhino]]'''
|300
|Body ('''12'''), Jump ('''8'''), Breath ('''2''')
|[[The Emerald Circus]]
|-
![[File:PMCS Lava Bubble.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Lava Bubble]]'''
|16
|Normal ('''8'''), Blowback ('''12''')
|[[Redpepper Volcano]], [[Redpepper Crater]]
|-
![[File:Black_Lava_Bubble_sprite_PMCS.png|80px]]<br>'''[[Black Lava Bubble]]'''
|24
|Normal ('''8''', '''8''', '''10''', '''12'''), Blowback ('''24''')
|[[Black Bowser's Castle]]
|}


===Bosses===
===Bosses===
*[[Koopalings]]<ref name="interview" />
{|class="wikitable sortable"style="width:100%; border="4px solid black"background-color:white;"
**[[Morton Koopa Jr.]]<ref name="TreeHouse" />
|-
**[[Ludwig von Koopa]]<ref name="RescueV3">Nintendo. (August 30, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2rEE5hiiMk Paper Mario: Color Splash – Rescue V: Episode 3]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved August 30, 2016.</ref>
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Image
**[[Iggy Koopa]]<ref name="Iggy Koopa Boss Battle"/><ref name="RescueV4">Nintendo. (September 13, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYruo1bOOE0 Paper Mario: Color Splash – Rescue V: Episode 4]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 13, 2016.</ref>
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Name
*[[Shady Sledge Bro]]<ref name="SDCC 2016"/>
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Description
*[[Petey Piranha|Petea Piranha]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/><ref name="September Direct Japan"/>
|-
*[[Big Spiny]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
|[[File:PMCS Morton.png|130px]]
|[[Morton]]
|The guardian of the red [[Big Paint Star]], battled atop [[the Crimson Tower]]. Morton calls in two Shy Guys with a pedestal and stands atop it during his battle. Once Mario defeats the two Shy Guys and knocks away the pedestal with a hammer attack, Morton pulls out a flaming hammer, which has to be countered with the Fire Extinguisher Thing.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Iggy.png|90px|center]]
|[[Iggy]]
|Iggy is fought in [[the Golden Coliseum]] as part of a "Battle Royal" event. In battle, Iggy rides a chariot, driving away when Mario tries to attack. Mario has to use the Bone Thing and have Princess destroy Iggy's chariot, as well as the [[Chariot Bro]] and [[Chariot Snifit]] accompanying him. Once Iggy is defeated, Mario is rewarded with the yellow Big Paint Star.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Ludwig.png|100px|center]]
|[[Ludwig]]
|Ludwig is found in [[Fort Cobalt]] with the blue Big Paint Star. He rides the [[Super Ludship]], which is invulnerable to attacks; Mario must reflect Ludwig's projectiles with [[Tail]] attacks to destroy the ship. However, Ludwig resurfaces in the [[Super Ludsub]], hiding in the water and firing missiles. The Balloons Thing must be used to lift the sub out of the water.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Wendy.png|100px|center]]
|[[Wendy]]
|As the boss of [[Fortune Island]], Wendy protects the purple Big Paint Star. She attacks by throwing enemies and coins at Mario, eventually preparing a giant ring to trap him. If Mario uses the Instant Camera Thing, he prints out a picture of himself, which Wendy attacks instead.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Larry.png|120px|center]]
|[[Larry]]
|Larry is fought on the [[Sunset Express]] while it is heading to [[Starlight Cape]]. A Shy Guy supplies Larry with healing hearts through the smokestack, as the Sunset Express's conductor goes down to the cabin to stop it. Once the Shy Guy is defeated, Mario can plug the smokestack with the Cork Thing, making Larry vulnerable. After Larry is defeated, the conductor takes control of the train again and stops near the orange Big Paint Star at Starlight Cape.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Lemmy.png|80px|center]]
|[[Lemmy]]
|As a performer at [[the Emerald Circus]], Lemmy battles Mario on top of the circus tent while guarding the green Big Paint Star. Lemmy is the only Koopaling that requires two Things to be weakened; while he is spinning on the Wonder Ball, Mario has to use the Disco Ball Thing to distract him, then pop the ball with the Ice Pick Thing.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Roy.png|110px|center]]
|[[Roy]]
|Roy is the only Koopaling that does not guard a Big Paint Star; instead, he is fought at the beginning of [[Black Bowser's Castle]]. Roy steals all of Mario's paint and shoots it back at him through a cannon, causing unique status effects. After taking enough damage, Roy mixes the paint together and covers the room in black paint; this can be removed with the Washing Machine Thing.
|-
|[[File:Pera Albedo.0001.png|130px|center]]
|[[Black Bowser]]
|Black Bowser is the final boss of ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'', appearing at the end of Black Bowser's Castle. For the first phase of the fight, Mario has to damage Black Bowser until his head is free of black paint; he appears shocked and unaware of what he has been doing. The black paint then covers Bowser again as he enlarges in size. Huey reverts into 3D and has Mario time his blocks perfectly to absorb the black paint. As a final attack, Black Bowser spits all the black paint into a giant ball, then fires it at Mario; if blocked, Huey is damaged, although Mario is able to finish off Bowser.
|}


===Enemies===
===Mini-bosses===
*[[Shy Guy]] (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink, Black)<ref name="Gamescon footage" /><ref name="RescueV3" />
{|class="wikitable sortable"style="width:100%; border="4px solid black"background-color:white;"
**[[Shy Guy 4-Stack]]<ref name="Gameplay preview">MyGamingBoulevard (September 13, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meS0XU4mIbg [Preview] Paper Mario: Color Splash]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 13, 2016.</ref>
|-
**[[Shy Guy 5-Stack]]<ref name="PMCS livestream">Crunchii (September 23, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1xZof9jogg Paper Mario: Color Splash stream]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 23, 2016.</ref>
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Image
**[[Slurp Guy]] (Red, Blue, Yellow)<ref name="direct"/><ref>Nintendo of Europe (September 8, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5Kp4ikETmc Paper Mario: Color Splash - Thing Cards (Wii U)]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 11, 2016.</ref>
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Name
**[[Shunned Guy]]<ref name="PMCS livestream">Crunchii (September 23, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1xZof9jogg Paper Mario: Color Splash stream]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 23, 2016.</ref>
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Description
**[[Shield Guy]] (Red)<ref name="PAX stream">NinEverything. (September 3, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29WcXSpSnes Paper Mario: Color Splash - PAX West stream footage (Golden Colosseum)]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 3, 2016.</ref>
|-
**[[Sombrero Guy]]<ref name="Adventure05">Nintendo Co. Ltd. [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/cnfj/assets/movie/adventure05.mp4 fifth video of the ''Adventure'' section of the Japanese site]. Retrieved September 15, 2016.</ref>
|[[File:PMCS Big Spiny.png|100px]]
**[[Spike Guy]] (Red, Blue, Yellow) <ref name="TreeHouse" />
|[[Big Spiny]]
**[[Soggy Guy]]<ref name="PMCS livestream">Crunchii (September 23, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1xZof9jogg Paper Mario: Color Splash stream]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 23, 2016.</ref>
|A large Spiny fought in [[Kiwano Temple]].
**[[Pry Guy]]<ref name="PMCS livestream">Crunchii (September 23, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1xZof9jogg Paper Mario: Color Splash stream]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 23, 2016.</ref>
|-
*[[Snifit]] (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow) <ref name="IGNColiseum">IGN (September 3, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n04RA5WHpE 10 Minutes of Paper Mario: Color Splash Gameplay - PAX West 2016]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 10, 2016.</ref><ref name="E3 2016 trailer">Nintendo. (June 15, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZTUYjNMACw Paper Mario: Color Splash - Official Game Trailer - Nintendo E3 2016]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved June 16, 2016.</ref><ref name="Japanesesiteintro"/>
|[[File:PMCS Petea Piranha.png|100px]]
**[[Slurp Snifit]] (Red) <ref name="PAX stream"/>
|[[Petea Piranha]]
**[[Chariot Snifit]]<ref name="Iggy Koopa Boss Battle"/>
|A version of [[Petey Piranha]] who is hiding in the [[Teapot (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Teapot]] at [[Plum Park]]. Once defeated, the park's waters are purified and Mario can collect the Teapot.
*[[Koopa Troopa]]<ref name="direct"/> (green)
|-
*[[Koopa Paratroopa]]<ref name="TreeHouse" /> (red)
|[[File:PMCS Black Shy Guy.png|100px]]
*[[Hammer Bro]]<ref name="IGNColiseum" />
|[[Black Shy Guy]]
**[[Boomerang Bro]]<ref name="RescueV7">[https://youtu.be/TiaKksG06SU Paper Mario: Color Splash - Rescue V: Episode 7]</ref>
|A [[Shy Guy]] in a black cloak who speaks in haiku and ambushes Mario in [[Violet Passage]].
**[[Fire Bro]]<ref name="E3 2016 trailer"/>
|-
**[[Chariot Bro]]<ref name="Iggy Koopa Boss Battle"/>
|[[File:PMCS Steak.png|100px]]
**[[Sledge Bro]]
|[[Steak]]
**[[Small Hammer Bro]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
|A live-action slab of meat battled at [[Tangerino Grill]]. Mario must use a correct series of attacks and Things to cook the steak, and then serve it to [[Larry Koopa|a VIP customer]].
*[[Spike]]<ref name="IGNColiseum" />
|-
*[[Spiny]]<ref name="Paper Mario: Color Splash - FACT SHEET"/>
|[[File:PMCS Big Lava Bubble.png|100px]]
*[[Small Buzzy Beetle Gang]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
|[[Big Lava Bubble]]
*[[Cheep Cheep]]<ref name="TreeHouse" />
|A giant Lava Bubble battled in [[Redpepper Crater]]. A Shy Guy accompanies it to translate its speech.
*[[Scaredy Rat]]<ref name="SDCC 2016">GameXplain (June 15, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8_uFtnRHE4 10 Minutes of Paper Mario: Color Splash Gameplay - Dark Bloo Inn (Direct Feed - SDCC)]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved July 21, 2016.</ref>
|-
*[[Fuzzy]]<ref name="RescueV1"/>
|[[File:PMCS Kamek.png|100px]]
*[[Dry Bones]]<ref name="September Direct Japan">Nintendo. (September 1, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHG8fWiWJaw Nintendo 3DS Direct 2016.9.1 プレゼンテーション映像]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 1, 2016.</ref>
|[[Kamek]]
*[[Boo]]<ref name="September Direct Japan"/>
|Kamek is fought directly in the [[Sacred Forest]] after enlarging a pipe with the Magnifying Glass Thing. He casts spells on Mario to hinder him throughout the battle.
*[[Chain Chomp]]<ref name="Iggy Koopa Boss Battle"/>
|-
*[[Goomba]]<ref name="Frenchplaythroughpart2" />
|[[File:PMCS Shy Bandit.png|100px]]
**[[Mega Goomba]]<ref name="Overview" />
|[[The Shy Bandit]]
**[[Micro-Goomba|Small Goomba]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/><ref name="NATrailer" />
|A recurring mid-boss who appears on the world map. The Shy Bandit throws his calling card to a spot on the map and begins slurping the color out of the area. If Mario catches him first, he enters a battle. The Shy Bandit attacks like a regular [[Slurp Guy]], but can also summon reinforcements.
**[[Bone Goomba]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
|}
**[[Paper-Cone Goomba]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
**[[Accordion Goomba]]<ref name="PMCS livestream">Crunchii (September 23, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1xZof9jogg Paper Mario: Color Splash stream]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 23, 2016.</ref>
**[[Small Goomba Wheel]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
**[[Small Goomba Gang]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
*[[Rocky Wrench]]<ref name="NATrailer" />
*[[Ninji]]<ref name="NATrailer" />
*[[Blooper]]<ref name="NATrailer" />
**[[Poison Blooper]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
*[[Pokey]] (spiked and [[Pokey (Paper Mario: Sticker Star)|non-spiked]])<ref name="Japanesesiteintro"/>
*[[Swoop]]<ref name="NATrailer" />
*[[Ptooie]]<ref name="Card02">Nintendo Co. Ltd. [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/cnfj/assets/movie/card02.mp4 Second video of the ''Card'' section of the Japanese site]. Retrieved September 15, 2016.</ref>
*[[Orange Yoshi]]<ref name="RescueV5">Nintendo. (September 20, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_rT0hqRgrw Paper Mario: Color Splash – Rescue V: Episode 5]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 20, 2016.</ref>
*[[Dino Rhino]]<ref name="RescueV5"/>
*[[Banzai Bill]]<ref name="RescueV7"/>


===Other===
===Other===
*[[Draggadon]]<ref name="TreeHouse" />
{|class="wikitable sortable"style="width:100%; border="4px solid black"background-color:white;"
*[[Goomba]]<ref name="Iggy Koopa Boss Battle"/>
|-
*[[Kamek]]<ref name="MinuteColiseum" /><ref>Nintendo of Europe (September 9, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA3Iv2h0kxc Paper Mario: Color Splash - Adventure awaits! (Wii U)]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 11, 2016.</ref>
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Image
*[[Bowser]]<ref name="Bowser">Nintendo Life (September 13, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqKIEzNFczg Bowser Appears in Paper Mario: Color Splash]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 13, 2016.</ref>
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Name
*[[Wendy O. Koopa]]<ref name="Japanesesiteintro">Nintendo Co. Ltd. (September 13, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geXuvL3o78M ペーパーマリオカラースプラッシュTOP映像 ]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 14, 2016.</ref>
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Description
*[[Lemmy Koopa]]<ref name="RescueV5"/>
|-
![[File:PMCS Light Blue Yoshi.png|75px]]
|[[Yoshi (species)|Yoshi]]s
|Yoshis that appear in [[The Emerald Circus]]. If Mario tries to open the cage they are in, they will eat him and spit him out. After [[Lemmy]] flees the stage, they escape the cage they are in. During a battle on the stage, one of them may pop out from behind the curtains and try to eat Mario. If Mario does not block this, he loses his next card.
|-
![[File:TacticalBlackPaintNuke.png|75px]]
|[[Bomber Bill|Banzai Bill]]
|Banzai Bills appear in this game as black paint bombs made in [[Black Bowser's Castle]]. One lands on [[Sunglow Ridge]] and covers the area in black paint, which Mario must avoid or he will lose 30 HP.
|-
![[File:PMCS Sprite - Big Bob-omb.png|75px]]
|[[Mega Bob-omb]]
|Large [[Bob-omb]]s found in Black Bowser's Castle. When Mario arrives in Black Bowser's Castle, he uses them to destroy the [[black paint]] mixing room.
|-
![[File:PMCS volcanic debris.png|75px]]
|[[Volcanic debris]]
|Molten rocks that jump out of lava. They are found at the end of [[Kiwano Temple]], damaging Mario if he comes into contact with them.
|-
![[File:BulletBill-SMB3.png|75px]]
|[[Bullet Bill]]
|Bullet Bills can be found in the [[Green Energy Plant]] in their ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' sprite forms. They are shot by a Bill Blaster and drop paint when stomped on.
|-
![[File:PMCS Bill Blaster.png|75px]]
|[[Bill Blaster]]
|A cannon that fires [[Bullet Bill]]s every few seconds and cannot be destroyed. One appears in the Green Energy Plant, using its appearances from ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
|}


==Locations==
==Locations==
[[File:Paper Mario Color Splash Wo.png|thumb|250px|The map of [[Prism Island]] and nearby islands.]]
{{PMCS map}}
The game is set on [[Prism Island]], shaped like a paintbrush, and on nearby islands shaped like drops of paint, which have been drained of their color. The locations are organized according to the order listed in the game's status menu, though there are five courses for each of the six main colors (red, yellow, blue, purple, orange, and green), with one for each of them having a main boss. Port Prisma is dedicated to the game's three primary colors and Bowser's Castle is dedicated to the game's tertiary color, black. The map is colored in as Mario collects Mini Paint Stars, though it is not possible to view it completely colorless, as the world map is only unlocked after Mario collects the red Mini Paint Star from Port Prisma.
{|align="center"cellpadding=2 cellspacing=2 style="padding: 2px; background-color: #f9f9f9; border:1px solid lightgray; color:black; text-align:center;"width=100%
!width="300px"|Image
!width="12%"|Level
!width="55%"|Description
!width="12%"|[[Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)#Thing Cards|Thing]]s found
!width="8%"|Colorless spots
!width="15%"|Connects to
|-
|style="background:linear-gradient(aliceblue, mistyrose, ivory)"|[[File:PMCS Port Prisma complete.png|300px]]
|style="background:linear-gradient(aliceblue, mistyrose, ivory)"|'''[[Port Prisma]]'''
|style="background:linear-gradient(aliceblue, mistyrose, ivory)"|A harborside town, and the main hub of the game. Notable features in the main plaza include the [[Prisma Fountain]] and various [[Super Flag]]s. Port Prisma is divided into various districts, all accessible from the plaza. The blue district contains [[Prisma Postal Toad]], [[Prisma Cardware]], and a [[Prisma Cafe]]. The yellow district has the [[Prisma Museum]], [[Action Command Dojo]], Rescue Squad HQ, and Peach and Toad's guest rooms. At the harbor district, Mario can talk to the [[Wringer]] or the [[Know-it-All Toad (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Know-it-All Toad]].
|style="background:linear-gradient(aliceblue, mistyrose, ivory)"|[[File:PMCS PlungerThing.png|link=Plunger (Thing)]]
|style="background:linear-gradient(aliceblue, mistyrose, ivory)"|80
|style="background:linear-gradient(aliceblue, mistyrose, ivory)"|[[Ruddy Road]]<br>[[Indigo Underground]]<br>[[Black Bowser's Castle]]
|-
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[File:PMCS Ruddy Road Slurp Guys.png|300px]]
|style="background:mistyrose"|'''[[Ruddy Road]]'''
|style="background:mistyrose"|A grassland area that is also the first level in the game. Notable locations include a Toad's house and the Ruddy Road Cafe. The purple [[Rescue Squad]]'s formation is located here.
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[File:PMCS FireExtinguisherThing.png|link=Fire Extinguisher]]
|style="background:mistyrose"|40
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[Port Prisma]]<br>[[Cherry Lake]]<br>[[Indigo Underground]]
|-
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[File:PMCS Cherry Lake far away Paint Star.png|300px]]
|style="background:mistyrose"|'''[[Cherry Lake]]'''
|style="background:mistyrose"|An area with many waterwheels that Mario must navigate through. [[Justice Toad]] is found here, and Mario has to collect the various items he has lost.
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[File:PMCS FanThing.png|link=Fan]]
|style="background:mistyrose"|29
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[Ruddy Road]]<br>[[The Crimson Tower]]<br>[[Bloo Bay Beach]]
|-
|style="background:aliceblue"|[[File:PMCS Indigo Underground green Rescue Squad Toad 5.png|300px]]
|style="background:aliceblue"|'''[[Indigo Underground]]'''
|style="background:aliceblue"|A cavernous area where [[Rescue Green]] and all five members of his squad are found.
|style="background:aliceblue"|[[File:PMCS LemonThing.png|link=Lemon (Thing)]]
|style="background:aliceblue"|39
|style="background:aliceblue"|[[Bloo Bay Beach]]<br>[[Ruddy Road]]<br>[[Port Prisma]]<br>[[Daffodil Peak]]
|-
|style="background:aliceblue"|[[File:PMCS Oceanfest.png|300px]]
|style="background:aliceblue"|'''[[Bloo Bay Beach]]'''
|style="background:aliceblue"|A tropical beach. Mario participates in the [[Oceanfest]] event to unlock access to [[Blissful Beach]]. Additionally, [[Surfing Kinopio]] of the Chosen Toads must be rescued.
|style="background:aliceblue"|None
|style="background:aliceblue"|38
|style="background:aliceblue"|[[Indigo Underground]]<br>[[Cherry Lake]]<br>[[Sunglow Ridge]]<br>[[Plum Park]]
|-
|style="background:ivory"|[[File:PMCS Daffodil Peak climb.png|300px]]
|style="background:ivory"|'''[[Daffodil Peak]]'''
|style="background:ivory"|A tall mountain. Mario must talk to the [[Daffodil Peak park ranger|park ranger]] to obtain a climbing permit. The [[Mountain Sage]] is found here.
|style="background:ivory"|None
|style="background:ivory"|53
|style="background:ivory"|[[Indigo Underground]]<br>[[Sunglow Ridge]]<br>[[Ruddy Road]]
|-
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[File:PMCS The Crimson Tower conveyor.png|300px]]
|style="background:mistyrose"|'''[[The Crimson Tower]]'''
|style="background:mistyrose"|A tall tower full of conveyor belts and stairways. The tower is initially unpainted, but is restored after Mario rides an [[airship]] and drops paint onto it. The three [[Chosen Toads]] must be gathered at the doorway to gain entry.
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[File:PMCS CatOLuckThing.png|link=Cat-o-Luck]]
|style="background:mistyrose"|24
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[Cherry Lake]]
|-
|style="background:ivory"|[[File:PMCS SunglowRidge02.png|300px]]
|style="background:ivory"|'''[[Sunglow Ridge]]'''
|style="background:ivory"|A mountainous area with a lumber mill. It contains the Scarlet Gate, blocking the level from entry until the red Big Paint Star is collected. A [[Bomber Bill|black paint bomb]] is dropped on Sunglow Ridge, and Huey cleans it up.
|style="background:ivory"|None
|style="background:ivory"|44
|style="background:ivory"|[[Daffodil Peak]]<br>[[Bloo Bay Beach]]<br>[[Château Chanterelle]]
|-
|style="background:ivory"|[[File:PMCS Chateau Chanterelle exterior.png|300px]]
|style="background:ivory"|'''[[Château Chanterelle]]'''
|style="background:ivory"|A small level that contains [[Prof. Kinopio]]'s house.
|style="background:ivory"|[[File:PMCS PiggyBankThing.png|link=Piggy Bank]]
|style="background:ivory"|8
|style="background:ivory"|[[Sunglow Ridge]]<br>[[Mondo Woods]]<br>[[Marmalade Valley]]
|-
|style="background:honeydew"|[[File:PMCS Mondo Woods Mario near coin.png|300px]]
|style="background:honeydew"|'''[[Mondo Woods]]'''
|style="background:honeydew"|An enlarged forest, featuring [[Big Goomba|Mega Goomba]]s and big objects. Mario visits this area to search for Princess.
|style="background:honeydew"|None
|style="background:honeydew"|19
|style="background:honeydew"|[[Chateau Chanterelle]]<br>[[Sacred Forest]]<br>[[Dark Bloo Inn]]
|-
|style="background:oldlace"|[[File:PMCS Marmalade Valley Bone.png|300px]]
|style="background:oldlace"|'''[[Marmalade Valley]]'''
|style="background:oldlace"|An active dig site. Mario goes here in search of [[Princess (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Princess]], [[Prof. Kinopio]]'s pet Chain Chomp. A Toad is trapped from a cave-in, and Mario scales cliffs and explores caves to save him.
|style="background:oldlace"|[[File:PMCS BoneThing.png|link=Bone (Thing)]]
|style="background:oldlace"|36
|style="background:oldlace"|[[Chateau Chanterelle]]<br>[[Kiwano Temple]]
|-
|style="background:oldlace"|[[File:PMCS Kiwano Temple Super Star.png|300px]]
|style="background:oldlace"|'''[[Kiwano Temple]]'''
|style="background:oldlace"|An ancient temple full of [[Spiny Shell]]-shaped rocks. Mario must balance on top of cardboard tubes to avoid falling on the spikes. The Sunset Express first appears outside the temple, where it is crushed by a [[Thwomp]]. The blue Rescue Squad's formation is located here.
|style="background:oldlace"|None
|style="background:oldlace"|37
|style="background:oldlace"|[[Marmalade Valley]]<br>[[The Golden Coliseum]]<br>[[Toad Trainworks]]<br>[[Redpepper Volcano]]
|-
|style="background:ivory"|[[File:PMCS The Golden Coliseum dressing room 1.png|300px]]
|style="background:ivory"|'''[[The Golden Coliseum]]'''
|style="background:ivory"|An ancient coliseum. Mario participates in a Battle Royal held by [[Iggy]], the boss of the area.
|style="background:ivory"|[[File:PMCS BoneThing.png|link=Bone (Thing)]]<br>[[File:PMCS IcePickThing.png|link=Ice Pick]]<br>[[File:PMCS BottleOpenerThing.png|link=Bottle Opener]]
|style="background:ivory"|31
|style="background:ivory"|[[Kiwano Temple]]
|-
|style="background:aliceblue"|[[File:PMCS Dark Bloo Inn floor 2 ghost.png|300px]]
|style="background:aliceblue"|'''[[Dark Bloo Inn]]'''
|style="background:aliceblue"|A hotel haunted by [[Tea Party Toads|a group of six ghostly Toads]]. The Dark Bloo Inn is stuck in a time loop, and is only freed after the Toads are satisfied.
|style="background:aliceblue"|None
|style="background:aliceblue"|14
|style="background:aliceblue"|[[Plum Park]]<br>[[Mondo Woods]]
|-
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[File:PMCS PlumPark01.png|300px]]
|style="background:lavenderblush"|'''[[Plum Park]]'''
|style="background:lavenderblush"|The garden to the Dark Bloo Inn. The waters have been poisoned by [[Petea Piranha]], and are purified after he is defeated by Mario. [[Birdo]] performs a concert in this area.
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[File:PMCS TeapotThing.png|link=Teapot (Paper Mario: Color Splash)]]<br>[[File:PMCS BalloonThing.png|link=Balloons (Thing)]]
|style="background:lavenderblush"|38
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[Dark Bloo Inn]]<br>[[Violet Passage]]<br>[[Bloo Bay Beach]]
|-
|style="background:honeydew"|[[File:PMCS Sacred Forest Bowser Tape.png|300px]]
|style="background:honeydew"|'''[[Sacred Forest]]'''
|style="background:honeydew"|A miniature forest inhabited by small enemies. During his first visit, Mario collects pieces of a [[Mini Paint Star]] that has been torn apart by a [[Small Goomba Gang]].
|style="background:honeydew"|[[File:PMCS TurnipThing.png|link=Turnip (Thing)]]
|style="background:honeydew"|47
|style="background:honeydew"|[[Mondo Woods]]<br>[[Green Energy Plant]]<br>[[Cobalt Base]]<br>[[Mustard Cafe]]
|-
|style="background:aliceblue"|[[File:PMCS Cobalt Base Big Urchin.png|300px]]
|style="background:aliceblue"|'''[[Cobalt Base]]'''
|style="background:aliceblue"|A militaristic base near the ocean. Mario is challenged to a game of ''[[Snifit or Whiffit]]: Seabed Edition'', a quiz show based on memorizing Battle Cards.
|style="background:aliceblue"|[[File:PMCS CameraThing.png|link=Instant Camera]]
|style="background:aliceblue"|3
|style="background:aliceblue"|[[Sacred Forest]]<br>[[Fort Cobalt]]
|-
|style="background:aliceblue"|[[File:PMCS Fort Cobalt Rescue Squad Toads 8-17.png|300px]]
|style="background:aliceblue"|'''[[Fort Cobalt]]'''
|style="background:aliceblue"|A training area for [[Shy Guy]]s. Many blue [[Rescue Squad]] members are found here, during their attempts to infiltrate the base. [[Ludwig]] acts as the boss, fighting Mario from both a [[Super Ludship|boat]] and [[Super Ludsub|submarine]].
|style="background:aliceblue"|[[File:PMCS BasinThing.png|link=Basin (Thing)]]
|style="background:aliceblue"|21
|style="background:aliceblue"|[[Cobalt Base]]
|-
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[File:PMCS Violet Passage sailing.png|300px]]
|style="background:lavenderblush"|'''[[Violet Passage]]'''
|style="background:lavenderblush"|A port with a pirate ship. When Mario first visits, the water has been partially drained from the ocean, and he must save the yellow Rescue Squad from a Shy Guy attack. When the blue Big Paint Star restores the ocean, the [[Violet Passage captain|ship's captain]] sets sail for the [[Violet Isles]].
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[File:PMCS BatteryThing.png|link=Battery]]<br>[[File:PMCS CompassThing.png|link=Compass]]
|style="background:lavenderblush"|10
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[Plum Park]]<br>[[Vortex Island]]<br>[[Redpepper Volcano]]
|-
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[File:PMCS Laundry room.png|300px]]
|style="background:lavenderblush"|'''[[Vortex Island]]'''
|style="background:lavenderblush"|Mario visits this island and makes use of the [[parallel world]] to remove the source of a large vortex: the [[Washing Machine]].
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[File:PMCS CorkThing.png|link=Cork (Thing)]]<br>[[File:PMCS WashingMachineThing.png|link=Washing Machine]]
|style="background:lavenderblush"|56
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[Lighthouse Island]]<br>[[Violet Passage]]<br>[[Redpepper Crater]]
|-
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[File:PMCS Lighthouse Island parallel lighthouse.png|300px]]
|style="background:lavenderblush"|'''[[Lighthouse Island]]'''
|style="background:lavenderblush"|On this island, the lighthouse has burnt out. Mario goes to the parallel world and climbs the lighthouse to find the [[Lightbulb]], returning it to the [[lighthouse keeper]] to illuminate the way forward.
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[File:PMCS LightbulbThing.png|link=Lightbulb]]
|style="background:lavenderblush"|35
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[Fortune Island]]<br>[[Vortex Island]]<br>[[Mossrock Theater]]
|-
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[File:PMCS FortuneIsland01.png|300px]]
|style="background:lavenderblush"|'''[[Fortune Island]]'''
|style="background:lavenderblush"|A large island featuring a prominent skull-shaped cave. Mario and the ship crew investigate, finding a parallel world with a [[legendary captain]] inside.
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[File:PMCS GrillThing.png|link=Charcoal Grill]]<br>[[File:PMCS SaltPepperThing.png|link=Salt and Pepper]]
|style="background:lavenderblush"|42
|style="background:lavenderblush"|[[Lighthouse Island]]
|-
|style="background:ivory"|[[File:PMCS Mustard Cafe exit pipe.png|300px]]
|style="background:ivory"|'''[[Mustard Café]]'''
|style="background:ivory"|A [[Prisma Café]] variant located in the desert. Mario and the [[Mustard Café chef|café's chef]] fall into a deep hole, and are imprisoned by [[Snifit]]s.
|style="background:ivory"|None
|style="background:ivory"|54
|style="background:ivory"|[[Toad Trainworks]]<br>[[Sacred Forest]]
|-
|style="background:oldlace"|[[File:PMCS Toad Trainworks rail.png|300px]]
|style="background:oldlace"|'''[[Toad Trainworks]]'''
|style="background:oldlace"|A train repair station that the Sunset Express stops at. Various green Toads assist Mario with repairing the train so it can get to [[Tangerino Grill]].
|style="background:oldlace"|[[File:PMCS MegaphoneThing.png|link=Megaphone]]
|style="background:oldlace"|28
|style="background:oldlace"|[[Kiwano Temple]]<br>[[Mustard Cafe]]<br>[[Tangerino Grill]]<br>[[Redpepper Crater]]
|-
|style="background:oldlace"|[[File:PMCS TangerinoGrill01.png|300px]]
|style="background:oldlace"|'''[[Tangerino Grill]]'''
|style="background:oldlace"|A restaurant staffed by yellow Toads. Mario serves many hungry diners by cooking [[Mamma Mia Pizza]], and serves [[steak]] to an [[Larry Koopa|anonymous VIP customer]].
|style="background:oldlace"|[[File:PMCS MagnifyingGlassThing.png|link=Magnifying Glass (Paper Mario: Color Splash)]]
|style="background:oldlace"|8
|style="background:oldlace"|[[Toad Trainworks]]<br>[[Mossrock Theater]]<br>[[Sunset Express]]
|-
|style="background:oldlace"|[[File:PMCS Sunset Express Rescue Squad Toad 1.png|300px]]
|style="background:oldlace"|'''[[Sunset Express]]'''
|style="background:oldlace"|A runaway train, hijacked by [[Larry]]. Mario acquires many members of the red [[Rescue Squad]] while making his way to the front of the train.
|style="background:oldlace"|None
|style="background:oldlace"|14
|style="background:oldlace"|[[Tangerino Grill]]
|-
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[File:PMCS RedpepperVolcano01.png|300px]]
|style="background:mistyrose"|'''[[Redpepper Volcano]]'''
|style="background:mistyrose"|A volcanic level. [[Draggadon]] resides here, and can be guided using the [[Fishing Pole]] and [[Magma Burger]].
|style="background:mistyrose"|None
|style="background:mistyrose"|13
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[Kiwano Temple]]<br>[[Redpepper Crater]]<br>[[Violet Passage]]
|-
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[File:PMCS Redpepper Crater Bowser Tape.png|300px]]
|style="background:mistyrose"|'''[[Redpepper Crater]]'''
|style="background:mistyrose"|A deep volcanic area, containing hot springs.
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[File:PMCS HairDryerThing.png|link=Hair Dryer]]
|style="background:mistyrose"|19
|style="background:mistyrose"|[[Redpepper Volcano]]<br>[[Toad Trainworks]]<br>[[Vortex Island]]
|-
|style="background:honeydew"|[[File:PMCS Green Energy Plant view.png|300px]]
|style="background:honeydew"|'''[[Green Energy Plant]]'''
|style="background:honeydew"|A [[Toad House]] laboratory. Inside, Mario can use [[Cutout]] to transport himself into a world themed after ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''.
|style="background:honeydew"|[[File:PMCS RecorderThing.png|link=Recorder]]<br>[[File:PMCS HammerThing.png|link=Claw Hammer]]
|style="background:honeydew"|1
|style="background:honeydew"|[[Sacred Forest]]<br>[[Mossrock Theater]]
|-
|style="background:honeydew"|[[File:PMCS Mossrock Theater juggling.png|300px]]
|style="background:honeydew"|'''[[Mossrock Theater]]'''
|style="background:honeydew"|A foggy forest area located before the Emerald Circus. Mario fights various circus-themed enemies while rescuing members of the red Rescue Squad.
|style="background:honeydew"|None
|style="background:honeydew"|34
|style="background:honeydew"|[[Green Energy Plant]]<br>[[The Emerald Circus]]<br>[[Tangerino Grill]]<br>[[Lighthouse Island]]
|-
|style="background:honeydew"|[[File:PMCS The Emerald Circus Unicycle Shy Guys.png|300px]]
|style="background:honeydew"|'''[[The Emerald Circus]]'''
|style="background:honeydew"|A circus tent where the green Big Paint Star is held. The red Rescue Squad's formation is here, where they form half of the audience.
|style="background:honeydew"|[[File:PMCS DiscoBallThing.png|link=Disco Ball]]
|style="background:honeydew"|12
|style="background:honeydew"|[[Mossrock Theater]]
|-
|style="background:gainsboro"|[[File:PMCS BlackBowsersCastle01.png|300px]]
|style="background:gainsboro"|'''[[Black Bowser's Castle]]'''
|style="background:gainsboro"|The final level of ''Paper Mario: Color Splash''. It can only be reached once all six Big Paint Stars have been obtained, forming a [[Rainbow Road]] path up to the castle. A [[black paint]] mixing operation takes place here, where [[Bomber Bill|Banzai Bill]] bombs are filled and fired. After Mario defeats [[Black Bowser]] and rescues Princess Peach, they manage to escape on [[Luigi]]'s kart. Huey stays behind to destroy Black Bowser's Castle, squeezing it into an Enemy Card.
|style="background:gainsboro"|None
|style="background:gainsboro"|0
|style="background:gainsboro"|[[Port Prisma]]
|}


The game is set on [[Prism Island]], shaped like a paint brush, and on three nearby islands, similar to drops of paint, which have been drained of their color.<ref name="direct"/> Locations include:
==Services==
===Prisma Cardware===
[[File:PMCS Prisma Cardware.png|thumb|250px]]
{{main|Prisma Cardware}}
Prisma Cardware is the only shop in the game where Mario can buy Battle Cards. As the player progresses, more cards can be bought. A red Toad outside the shop lets Mario know when a new card is available.


*[[Port Prisma]]<ref name="TreeHouse" />
===Prisma Café===
**Blue district
[[File:PMCS Ruddy Road cafe.png|thumb|left|250px]]
**Red district
{{main|Prisma Café}}
**Yellow district
Prisma Café is a series of restaurants found throughout Prism Island. Here, Mario can buy [[Hearty Latte]]s and [[Prisma Juice]]s, which restore HP and paint respectively. A few stores have extra things Mario can buy, such as the [[Magma Burger]]s in [[Fort Cobalt]]. A similar café, named the [[Mustard Café]], also appears in the game.
*[[Ruddy Road]]<ref name="direct"/>
{{br}}
*[[Cherry Lake]]<ref name="Overview" />
 
*[[The Crimson Tower]]<ref name="TreeHouse" />
===Know-it-All Toad===
*[[Bloo Bay Beach]]<ref name="TreeHouse" />
The [[Know-it-All Toad (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Know-it-All Toad]] is a Toad that appears near the entrance to the Red District in Port Prisma. If the player chooses to talk to him, he offers hints about the Thing Mario needs to progress now. For example, if Mario needs to find the [[Fire Extinguisher]], the Know-it-All Toad says, ''"You must seek a red Thing on a red road... It cools that which is hot."''
*[[Sunglow Ridge]]<ref name="Overview" />
 
*[[Indigo Underground]]<ref name="Overview" />
===The Wringer===
*[[Daffodil Peak]]<ref name="Overview" />
[[File:Wringer in PMCS screenshot.png|thumb|100px|The Wringer]]
*[[Château Chanterelle]]<ref name="TreeHouse" />
The [[Wringer]] is a shady Toad found in the Port District of Port Prisma. He runs a shop where Mario can purchase any Thing he found before if he does not have it on him currently. If Mario already has the Thing, it is marked as "Sold Out". If Mario did not find a specific Thing, its slot is marked as "Coming Soon".
*[[Mondo Woods]]<ref name="TreeHouse" />
{{br}}
*[[Sacred Forest]]<ref name="Overview" />
 
*[[Dark Bloo Inn]]<ref name="SDCC 2016"/>
==Side activities==
*[[Plum Park]]<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
===Prisma Museum===
*[[The Golden Coliseum]]<ref name="MinuteColiseum"/><ref name="Iggy Koopa Boss Battle"/><ref name="RescueV4"/>
[[File:PMCS Prisma Museum.png|thumb|250px|The interior of the Prisma Museum]]
*[[Marmalade Valley]]<ref name="PAX stream"/>
{{main|Prisma Museum}}
*[[Redpepper Volcano]]<ref name="UK website">[http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Wii-U/Paper-Mario-Color-Splash-1090845.html#Gameplay Official UK website - ''Gameplay'' section]</ref>
The Prisma Museum is a museum hidden inside of the [[Action Command Dojo]] where the player can deposit Battle Cards to unlock concept art in the art gallery. Additionally, for every area that is fully repainted, the player unlocks music from that level in the sound gallery. When all types of cards are deposited, the museum lights up and Toads start visiting.
*[[Roshambo Temple]] #1<ref name="Overview" />
{{br|left}}
**Roshambo Temple #2<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
 
**Roshambo Temple #3<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
===Roshambo Temples===
**Roshambo Temple #4<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
[[File:RoshamboTemple.png|thumb|left|250px|The exterior of a Roshambo Temple]]
*[[Fortune Island]]<ref name="RescueV6">[https://youtu.be/KwAXAp-ZKBc Paper Mario: Color Splash - Rescue V: Episode 6]</ref>
{{main|Roshambo Temple}}
*[[Kiwano Temple]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
The Roshambo Temples are areas where Mario can play [[Super Roshambo]] for coins and Battle Cards. There are eight Roshambo Temples located throughout [[Prism Island]]. Roshambo Temples do not have any Cutouts, Things, colorless spots, Rescue Toads, or Mini Paint Stars. They are unlocked by collecting tokens after completing various levels. Additionally, the player can challenge the [[Rock Paper Wizard]] if they have beaten a chapter boss, who awards them an Enemy Card based on the Koopalings or Kamek for defeating him. If the boss has not been beaten, Mario competes against a generic enemy in the third match instead.
*[[Violet Passage]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
{{br|right}}
*[[Mustard Café]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
 
*[[Black Bowser's Castle]]<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
===Piper's sidequest===
*A train course
When [[Purp]] is repainted by the water wheel in Port Prisma, a sidequest initiates. Every time Mario finds one of Piper's friends, the tree in the yellow district grows a small amount. After [[Bloo]] is found, the tree begins to wither and the four friends set off to find the [[Rainbow Carnation]]. After [[Yella]] is found, he tells the gang that he knew Piper died, and the tree begins to wither even more before suddenly ejecting a seed that Piper sprouts out of. Mario begins to fight it, only for the five Toads to stop him and tell Mario that the Ptooie is Piper. After this, the six can be seen near the entrance to [[The Crimson Tower]] playing around.
*A plains course
 
*A radio station course
===Spinning-Door===
*A circus course<ref name="RescueV5"/>
{{main|Spinning-Door}}
*A course in the style of ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''<ref name="Japanesesiteintro"/>
[[File:PMCS Spinning-Door.png|thumb|150px|A Spinning-Door]]
The Spinning-Door is a three-segmented door appearing in some levels such as [[Daffodil Peak]]. When Mario hits it with his hammer, the segments begin rotating. He can then hammer it again to make the three segments have the same color. When all three segments match, the door becomes usable and leads Mario to a minigame depending on the color chosen; [[Blockstopper!]] for {{color|red|Red}}, [[Flippin' Cards!]] for {{color|blue|Blue}}, [[Prize Pipe Paths]] for {{color|yellow|Yellow}}, and [[Paint Hunter!]] for rainbow.
{{br|left}}
 
===Super Flags===
{{main|Super Flag}}
[[File:PMCS Super Flags credits.png|thumb|left|300px|The Super Flags in the credits parade]]
Super Flags return from ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]''. This time, there are only six flags to obtain instead of eight. When the player completes an achievement, its corresponding flag will unroll and be displayed in the credits parade. If the player manages to complete all six achievements, an alternate ending is unlocked after the end credits, with Huey falling from the sky into the [[Prisma Fountain]].
{|class= width=40% cellspacing=0 border=1 cellpadding=3 style="border-collapse:collapse;"colspan="3;"style="text-align: center;"
|-style="background: #CBA"
!Achievement
!How to obtain
|-
!Excellence Embodied
|Perform 200 Excellent attacks.
|-
!Sizzlin' Scissors
|Perform every [[Cutout]].
|-
!Gold Bug
|Collect 10,000 coins.
|-
!Card Champion
|Buy 200 cards from [[Prisma Cardware]].
|-
!Honorary Paint Can
|Repaint all [[Colorless spot]]s.
|-
!The One and Roshambonly
|Beat the [[Rock Paper Wizard]] in all eight [[Roshambo Temple]]s.
|}
 
===Luigi sightings===
Luigi can be found hiding in six locations across [[Prism Island]]. If the player uses the Cutout technique on these spots, Luigi will look around, face Mario, give the player 300 coins, and run off the screen. If the player finds all six Luigi spots, Luigi will appear at the start of the credits parade. Luigi can be found in the following areas:
{|class= width=40% cellspacing=0 border=1 cellpadding=3 style="border-collapse:collapse;"colspan="3;"style="text-align: center;"
|-style="background: #0F6"
!Level
!Location
|-
![[Bloo Bay Beach]]
|The outdoor shower room behind the juice bar.
|-
![[Marmalade Valley]]
|Near the Save Block found on the second level of the excavations area.
|-
![[The Golden Coliseum]]
|On top of one of the spectator stands in the arena.
|-
![[Plum Park]]
|The tree in the area where Birdo is encountered.
|-
![[Redpepper Crater]]
|Behind a waterfall within the hot springs area.
|-
![[Green Energy Plant]]
|A monitor outside the Green Toad House.
|}


==Items and objects==
==Items and objects==
===General===
===General===
*[[Coin]]
{|class="wikitable sortable"style="width:100%; border="4px solid black"background-color:white;"
*[[Super Star]]<ref name="PAX stream"/><ref name="RescueV4"/>
|-
*[[? Block]]
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Image
*[[Unfurl Block]]<ref name="PAX stream"/>
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Name
*[[Save Block]]<ref name="PAX stream"/>
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Description
*[[Paint Star]]
|-
*[[Big Paint Star]]
|[[File:Question Block PMCS art.png|100px]]
|[[? Block]]
|Yellow blocks with a white ? symbol. They are very common and contain coins and Battle Cards. When hit, a ? Block's top flips open as the item inside pops out. Mario can either hammer a ? Block or jump into it from below to release its contents.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Q Panel.png|100px]]
|[[? Panel]]
|A ground counterpart to the ? Block that appears exclusively in the [[Flippin' Cards!]] minigame. When hit, a ? Panel will either reveal a Battle Card, which must be matched to form a pair, or add or subtract from the timer.
|-
|[[File:Airship PMCS.png|100px]]
|[[Airship]]
|Large flying battleships used by Bowser's army. Outside [[the Crimson Tower]], Mario boards an airship commanded by [[Shy Guy]]s. An airship appears during [[Black Bowser]]'s reveal, and another one is shown in the ending cutscene.
|-
|[[File:PMCS barrel.png|100px]]
|[[Barrel]]
|Common wooden barrels. They contain paint, coins, and Battle Cards.
|-
|[[File:Red Big Paint Star.png|100px]]
|[[Big Paint Star]]
|The main collectibles of the game. There are six Big Paint Stars in the game, each corresponding to the primary and secondary colors. When collected, a Big Paint Star repaints a major landmark on the map and moves back to the Prisma Fountain. At Port Prisma, Mario can hammer a Big Paint Star for paint or watch its memories.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Bowser Tape texture.png|100px]]
|[[Bowser Tape]]
|Sticky pieces of tape with [[Bowser]]'s insignia. They are found blocking folded-up pieces of ground, entrances, and doors. The removal of Bowser Tape often opens a shortcut to the previous parts of the level.
|-
|[[File:PMCS - Brick Block.png|100px]]
|[[Brick Block]]
|Ordinary blocks that appear in nearly every level. Mario can destroy them by hitting them with his hammer or striking them from below.
|-
|[[File:PMCS wooden bucket.png|100px]]
|[[Bucket]]
|A large, wooden bucket ridden through the waters of [[Plum Park]]. Can protect its passenger from poisonous water.
|-
|[[File:No image.png|100px]]
|[[Cannonball]]
|Projectiles that can be fired from the Violet Passage captain's ship to hit targets.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Card Max Up.png|100px]]
|[[Card Max Up]]
|A rare object that permanently increases the number of cards Mario can use in battle. They are awarded at [[Cherry Lake]], [[Dark Bloo Inn]], and [[Sacred Forest]].
|-
|[[File:PMCS coconuts.png|100px]]
|[[Coconut]]
|Papercraft coconuts found growing on trees. When Mario hammers the tree, a coconut falls and cracks open to reveal a coin.
|-
|[[File:PMCS coin.png|100px]]
|[[Coin]]
|Gold coins that serve as the game's main currency. They can be obtained by winning battles, finding them on the overworld, playing [[Super Roshambo]], repainting colorless spots, and collecting a Mini Paint Star. Coins are primarily used to purchase cards at Prisma Cardware or Things from the Wringer. Mario can have up to 9999 coins at once.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Conveyor Belt.png|100px]]
|[[Conveyor Belt]]
|Paper rolls that automatically move Mario in a set direction as he stands on them. They appear in [[the Crimson Tower]] and [[Black Bowser's Castle]].
|-
|[[File:PMCS crate.png|50px]][[File:PMCS crate big.png|50px]]
|[[Crate]]
|Wooden crates that appear in two sizes. They can contain paint, hearts, Battle Cards, or coins.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Empty Block screenshot.png|100px]]
|[[Empty Block]]
|A ? Block after it has been struck. These blocks sometimes serve as platforms.
|-
|[[File:PMCS fireball.png|100px]]
|[[Fireball]]
|Fiery projectiles that are thrown by [[Fire Mario]] and [[Fire Bro]]s.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Mario with hammer sprite.png|100px]]
|[[Hammer]]
|Mario's hammer. He can use it on the overworld to hit objects and characters. In battle, hammer attacks deals minor splash damage, are effective against spiked enemies, and cannot hit flying enemies.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Hammer Scrap Artwork.png|100px]]
|[[Hammer Scrap]]
|Scraps that drop from enemies upon defeat, increasing the capacity of Mario's Paint Hammer when collected in large quantities. Hammer Scraps are found in 4 progressively shinier and more potent varieties.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Heart Artwork.png|100px]]
|[[Heart (item)|Heart]]
|Pink hearts that restore either 20 or 40 of Mario's HP when collected.
|-
|N/A
|[[Hidden Block]]
|Invisible [[? Block]]s, often used to alert Mario towards secret areas.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Holo-Peach.gif|100px]]
|[[Holo-Peach]]
|Holographic messages sent by [[Peach]] to alert Mario on the details of [[Black Bowser]]'s plan while being held in captivity.
|-
|[[File:No image.png|100px]]
|[[MAX UP Heart|HP-Up Heart]]
|Rare items that are awarded to Mario every time he returns a Big Paint Star to the Prisma Fountain, increasing his maximum HP.
|-
|[[File:PMCS ice ball.png|100px]]
|[[Ice Ball]]
|Projectiles that are thrown by [[Ice Mario]] and [[Ice Bro]]s.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Goal Pole 8bit.png|100px]]
|[[Goal Pole]]
|A Goal Pole, themed after its ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' appearance, appears at the end of the Green Energy Plant. Mario can use it to exit the Cutout section. Another Goal Pole with a Bowser logo appears in Black Bowser's Castle, which Mario slides down to get off the conveyor belt.
|-
|[[File:PMCS golden ring.png|100px]]
|[[Ring (projectile)|Golden ring]]
|A gold ring thrown by [[Wendy]] during her boss fight.
|-
|[[File:PMCS kart.png|100px]]
|[[Kart]]
|Luigi's green kart, which he uses to drive Mario and Huey to Black Bowser's Castle.
|-
|[[File:PMCS magical ball.png|100px]]
|[[Magical ball]]
|A striped, red-and-green ball that Lemmy balances on.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Mamma Mia Pizza slice.png|100px]]
|[[Mamma Mia Pizza]]
|A pizza that Mario cooks for the diners at the Tangerino Grill.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Mega Q Block.png|100px]]
|[[Mega ? Block]]
|Large ? Blocks that are found in Mondo Woods.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Mega Brick Block.png|100px]]
|[[Mega Block]]
|Large Brick Blocks that are found in Mondo Woods.
|-
|[[File:Red Mini Paint Star v2.png|100px]]
|[[Mini Paint Star]]
|One of the game's main collectibles. Mini Paint Stars open up new paths on the world map by restoring color to blank areas.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Blue Paint Artwork.png|100px]]
|[[Paint]]
|Blobs of paint found scattered around the world, ranging from red to purple and even multicolored. Paint pops out of the interactive scenery and from defeated enemies.
|-
|[[File:Painthammer.png|100px]]
|[[Paint Hammer]]
|A 3D hammer infused with paint by Huey. The Paint Hammer is used to restore [[colorless spot]]s around the world.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Plum Park bucket.png|100px]]
|[[Poison (obstacle)|Poison]]
|Poisonous water appears as an obstacle in Plum Park, having been tainted by [[Petea Piranha]]. The water is purified after his defeat. Roy's purple paint also poisons Mario, making him take damage every turn.
|-
|[[File:PMCS POW Block crop.png|100px]]
|[[POW Block]]
|Special blocks that, when hit, crumple and stun nearby enemies. POW Blocks appear both on the overworld and as a Battle Card.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Prisma Times Toad.png|100px]]
|''[[Prisma Times]]''
|The ''Prisma Times'' is a newspaper that a Toad in Port Prisma reads. By paying the Toad 10 coins, Mario can have a section of the paper read to him, hinting at his next objective.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Mustard Cafe Huey sand.png|100px]]
|[[Quicksand]]
|Quicksand appears in the [[Mustard Café]]. Mario's walking speed slows as he moves through it, and it pulls him downwards. If Mario drowns completely in quicksand, he gets a [[Game Over]].
|-
|[[File:PMCS Rainbow Carnation.png|100px]]
|[[Rainbow Carnation]]
|A special flower growing in [[Marmalade Valley]] that brings plants back to life. Piper's friends use it to revitalize his tree. Mario cannot directly interact with the Rainbow Carnation, as it only appears in a cutscene.
|-
|[[File:No image.png|100px]]
|Rope
|Hanging ropes and vines that can be pulled to hide or reveal various pieces of scenery. They appear in [[Lighthouse Island]], [[Mustard Café]], [[Mossrock Theater]], and [[the Emerald Circus]].
|-
|[[File:Card-rock.jpg|33px]][[File:Card-paper.jpg|33px]][[File:Card-scissors.jpg|33px]]
|[[Roshambo Card]]
|Special Battle Cards representing the Rock-Paper-Scissors symbols. They are played by Mario and his opponents during [[Super Roshambo]]. Roshambo Cards cannot be used in regular battle or taken outside of the [[Roshambo Temple]]s.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Blockstopper!.png|100px]]
|[[Roulette Block]]
|Three Roulette Blocks cycling through various rewards appear in the [[Blockstopper!]] minigame. The picture shown when Mario hits it determines what he will earn.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Save Block.png|100px]]
|[[Save Block]]
|Rainbow-colored blocks with a spinning "S". When Mario hits one, the game's progress is saved.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Science Claw.png|100px]]
|[[Science Claw]]
|An invention at the Green Energy Plant. Huey is caught in the claw until the power is restored.
|-
|[[File:No image.png|100px]]
|[[Sign]]
|Signboards that provide information. Some are unpainted and must be colored in before Mario can read them.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Spike Trap.png|100px]]
|[[Spike Trap]]
|Spikes hidden in the floor. They appear on [[Fortune Island]], where Mario must memorize their locations in the main world to avoid them in the [[parallel world]].
|-
|[[File:PMCS spike ball.png|100px]]
|[[Spike Ball|Spiked Ball]]
|Projectiles used by [[Spike]]s and [[Ptooie]]s.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Spinning-Door.png|100px]]
|[[Spinning-Door]]
|A door consisting of three rotating segments. Matching all three panels allows Mario to play a minigame, depending on the color of the segments.
|-
|[[File:LudwigColorSplash.png|100px]]
|[[Super Ludship]]
|Ludwig's vehicle during the first phase of his boss fight. He summons troops to fight aboard the Ludship.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Fort Cobalt Ludsub.png|100px]]
|[[Super Ludsub]]
|A submarine used by Ludwig after the Ludship is sunk. To attack the submarine, Mario must lift it out of the water with the Balloons Thing.
|-
|[[File:No image.png|100px]]
|[[Super Star]]
|Rare power-ups that grant Mario [[Invincible Mario|invincibility]] for a short period of time.
|-
|[[File:PMCS trampoline.png|100px]]
|[[Trampoline]]
|A Trampoline appears in the Green Energy Plant, styled after its ''Super Mario Bros.'' appearance. Mario can jump off of it to reach a higher area.
|-
|[[File:PMCS treasure chest.png|100px]]
|[[Treasure chest]]
|Golden treasure chests. They are found throughout the purple Big Paint Star levels, containing a blue Rescue Toad, coins, and important notes.
|-
|[[File:Unfurl Block PMCS artwork.png|100px]]
|[[Unfurl Block]]
|A semi-rare red block with a !? symbol. Hitting it gives Mario the Unfurl ability for 20 seconds: while active, he gains a shiny foil texture, can instantly defeat enemies with First Strikes, and can transform objects with an Unfurl Mark.
|-
|[[File:PMCS - Warp Pipe.png|100px]]
|[[Warp Pipe]]
|Common pipes that, when entered, transport Mario to another area. They appear in green, orange, and red varieties.
|}


===Key items===
===Key items===
*Tea Recipe Book<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
{|class="wikitable sortable"style="width:100%; border="4px solid black"background-color:white;"
*Birdcage<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
|-
*Caged "Bird"<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Image
*"[[Yoshi#Paper Mario: Color Splash|It]]"<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Name
*Fresh Sheets<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
!style="background-color:#74A5ED"|Description
*Mountain Climbing Permit<ref name="PMCS livestream"/>
|-
*Excavation Site Permit<ref name="PMCS livestream 2">Crunchii (September 24, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcJNTANspYo Paper Mario: Color Splash stream]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 24, 2016.</ref>
|[[File:PMCS Item Toads Pants.png|50px]]
*Sharp Spike<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
|[[Toad's Pants]]
*Holo-Peach PR-M4<ref name="PMCS livestream 2"/>
|One of Justice Toad's items at Cherry Lake. They are found stuck in a tree.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Toads Shoes.png|50px]]
|[[Toad's Shoes]]
|One of Justice Toad's items at Cherry Lake. They are found in a bush.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Toads Vest.png|50px]]
|[[Toad's Vest]]
|One of Justice Toad's items at Cherry Lake. It is stuck in a piece of wood.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Heros Journal.png|50px]]
|[[Hero's Journal]]
|One of Justice Toad's items at Cherry Lake. It is stolen and read aloud by [[Pry Guy]].
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Blissful Beach Key.png|50px]]
|[[Blissful Beach Key]]
|The key to [[Blissful Beach]]. It is won from the [[Toad Shuffle]] event at [[Bloo Bay Beach]].
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Tea Recipe Book.png|50px]]
|[[Tea Recipe Book]]
|A book found in the [[Dark Bloo Inn]]. It must be given to a [[Tea Party Toads|Tea Party Toad]] to appease him.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Birdcage.png|50px]]
|[[Birdcage]]
|A birdcage found in room 303 in the Dark Bloo Inn.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Caged Bird.png|50px]]
|[[Caged "Bird"]]
|A [[Koopa Paratroopa]] in the Birdcage. It is used to appease a Tea Party Toad at the Dark Bloo Inn.
|-
|
|[["It"]]
|[[Yoshi]], who is initially invisible. "It" is captured by a [[Shady Sledge Bro]] and his group near the Dark Bloo Inn, and must be returned to its Tea Party Toad owner.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Fresh Sheets.png|50px]]
|[[Fresh Sheets]]
|Bedsheets found in the linen closet of the Dark Bloo Inn, given to a Tea Party Toad in room 301.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Mountain Climbing Permit.png|50px]]
|[[Mountain Climbing Permit]]
|A permit required to climb [[Daffodil Peak]] and find the [[Mountain Sage]]. Mario must cheer up the park ranger by repainting his cabin in order to get the Mountain Climbing Permit.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Excavation Site Permit.png|50px]]
|[[Excavation Site Permit]]
|A permit needed to enter [[Marmalade Valley]], given by [[Prof. Kinopio]] so Mario can look for [[Princess (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Princess]].
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Sharp Spike.png|50px]]
|[[Sharp Spike]]
|A spike similar to one on a [[Spiny]]'s shell, rewarded by Prof. Kinopio and used to enter [[Kiwano Temple]].
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Paint Star Piece 1.png|25px]][[File:PMCS Item Paint Star Piece 2.png|25px]]<br>[[File:PMCS Item Paint Star Piece 3.png|25px]][[File:PMCS Item Paint Star Piece 4.png|25px]]<br>[[File:PMCS Item Paint Star Piece 5.png|25px]]
|[[Paint Star Piece]]s
|Five pieces of a [[Mini Paint Star]], torn apart by a [[Small Goomba Gang]] and scattered around [[Sacred Forest]].
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Magma Burger.png|50px]]
|[[Magma Burger]]
|A spicy burger sold at the [[Prisma Café]] in [[Fort Cobalt]]. It is used to lure [[Draggadon]] at [[Redpepper Volcano]].
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Fishing Pole.png|50px]]
|[[Fishing Pole]]
|A fishing rod sold as a combo with the Magma Burger. It is used with the Magma Burger to guide Draggadon.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Day 1 Journal Entry.png|25px]][[File:PMCS Item Day 2 Journal Entry.png|25px]]<br>[[File:PMCS Item Day 3 Journal Entry.png|25px]][[File:PMCS Item Day 4 Journal Entry.png|25px]]<br>[[File:PMCS Item Day 5 Journal Entry.png|25px]]
|[[Journal Entry|Journal Entries]]
|Five journal entries written by the [[legendary captain]], scattered around the ship at [[Violet Passage]].
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Letter from Chest.png|50px]]
|[[Letter from Chest]]
|A note found on [[Fortune Island]], informing Mario and Huey that the [[Instant Camera]] has been taken by ''[[Snifit or Whiffit]]''.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Snifits Card Key.png|50px]]
|[[Snifit's Card Key]]
|A key card needed to use the elevator in the [[Snifit Undersand Hideout]], found underneath a sofa on the bottom floor.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Cafe Key.png|50px]]
|[[Café Key]]
|The key to the [[Mustard Café]], stolen by [[Snifit]]s. Mario needs to bring it to the [[Mustard Café chef]] to open the café and get the Mini Paint Star inside.
|-
|[[File:PMCS Item Trunk Key.png|50px]]
|[[Trunk Key]]
|The key to a trunk on the [[Sunset Express]], containing 30 members of the red Rescue Squad and obtained after defeating some Snifits.
|}
 
==[[Nintendo eShop#Wii U|Nintendo eShop]] description==
[[File:PMCS Wii U icon.png|thumb]]
''A mystery is afoot on Prism Island and only Mario™ can solve it——by restoring the land's vanishing colors with his new Paint Hammer. Puzzling battles await, but never fear; there's always a clever way to dish out the powerful Battle Cards up his sleeve. These fresh layers of strategy make this one of the most action-packed Paper Mario™ adventures ever!''
 
''It all begins when Mario receives an odd letter in the mail and heads for the unknown in a small boat. What he finds is a series of hilariously mysterious moments, each a clue that inches him closer to answering the riddle of Prism Island. To restore its former glory, he must first rescue the Big Paint Stars. Luckily, Mario's new companion Huey has granted him the power of paint, which can be used to recolor the exotic locales he'll hit up on his journey. Examine environments for clues, revive color-drained Toads, and even participate in strange events like the game show "Whifit or Snifit." Whatever it takes to make a splash on Prism Island!''
{{br}}
 
==Pre-release and unused content==
{{main|List of Paper Mario: Color Splash pre-release and unused content}}
[[File:PMCS Art 37.png|thumb|Concept art showing [[Decalburg]] and an unused location.]]
[[File:PMCS Art 28.png|thumb|left|The inside of the unused location.]]
The game features a concept art gallery where concept art is gradually unlocked by donating Battle Cards to the museum. The concept art allows players to see how the characters, objects, and settings were gradually changed during development. It also reveals two locations that were cut from the game.
 
The first location is the east side of [[Decalburg]] from the [[Paper Mario: Sticker Star|previous game]], that would have featured new objects including postboxes, differently placed [[Coin]]s and [[? Block]]s and, most importantly, a river with sewage pipes, that would have been possible to cross using a bridge to reach an area not present in ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''. The second one is an unused location similar to a temple in a mountainous area of a rocky desert, that would have featured blue torches and at least three buildings connected by staircases and bridges. Many warp pipes would have been present as well, as in the concept art five of them can be observed, of which four are in a row.
 
The unused location on the inside would have featured blue torches, cacti, sandfalls, broken walls allowing light to enter, drawings of a Coin, a mushroom, and a star on the walls, very high pillars, bridges made of sand blocks, and spiked pits, thus making it similar to [[Kiwano Temple]], suggesting, along with the rocky desert setting, that this unused location might have been a preliminary version of said location.
{{br}}
 
==Staff==
{{main|List of Paper Mario: Color Splash staff}}
 
===Directors===
*Naohiko Aoyama (Concept)
*Taro Kudo (Writing)


===Cards===
===Level Design===
{{main|Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)}}
*Shingo Igata (Lead)
There are more than 150 different cards in the game<ref name="JPCard">Nintendo Co. Ltd. [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/cnfj/card/index.html ''Card'' section of the Japanese site]. Retrieved September 15, 2016.</ref>.
*Kayoko Takamizawa
====Battle Cards====
*Yuki Agata
{{multiframe
*Tomomi Fujisawa (Support)
|[[File:WO Hammer Card.png]][[File:WO Hammer ×5 Card.png]][[File:Hammer Card.png]][[File:Big Hammer Card.png]][[File:Mega Hammer Card.png]]|From left to right: a Worn-Out Hammer Card, a Worn-Out Hammer ×5 Card, a Hammer Card, a Big Hammer Card, a Mega Hammer Card.|size=420
 
|align=right
===Producers===
}}
*Kensuke Tanabe
There are 4 categories of Battle Cards: Worn-Out Battle Cards have a striped background with fine colored stripes on a white background, Normal Battle Cards have a checkered background with colored squares on a white background, Big Battle Cards have a checkered background with bigger colored squares on a background of a lighter color, Mega Battle Cards have a striped radial background in which a striped colored slice is alternated with a striped slice of a lighter color, the stripes themselves alternating a stripe of a lighter color with a stripe of a more saturated color. There are also cards that allow to obtain the same effect up to five times, depending on the number of items in the card<ref name="Cardsbackground" />.
*Toshiyuki Nakamura
*Worn-Out Jump<ref name="UKDirect" />
*Toshio Sengoku
*Worn-Out Jump ×3<ref name="direct"/>
*Naoki Nakano
*Worn-Out Jump ×5<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Shinya Takahashi
*Jump<ref name="UKDirect" />
*Keisuke Terasaki
*Jump ×2<ref name="HJF" />
*Satoru Iwata (Executive)
*Jump ×3<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Tatsumi Kimishima (Executive)
*Big Jump<ref name="HJF" />
 
*Big Jump ×2<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
==Technical aspects==
*Mega Jump<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
The game supports 5.1 surround. Though the rear speaker effects are very faint, certain effects like Mario preparing to attack or jump do use the rear speakers to a small extent.
*Hopslipper<ref name="JPDirect" />
 
*Hopslipper ×2<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
==Promotion==
*Hopslipper ×3<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
[[File:Rescue V Fearless Color Defenders title card.png|thumb|The intro card for Rescue V]]
*Big Hopslipper<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
To promote the game, a series of videos about the Rescue Squad was produced called ''[[Rescue V: Fearless Color Defenders]]''. The series revolves around the Rescue Squad trying to convince the listeners that the Rescue Squad were the real protagonists of the game, as according to them, they did all the hard work. The series has seven episodes total and each episode shows the parts of the game involving each color of the Rescue Squad. At the end of the last episode, the Chief fires the Rescue Squad leaders.
*Mega Hopslipper<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
 
*Line Jump<ref name="TreeHouse" />
A game on the [[Play Nintendo]] website was released in 2016 called ''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash Trivia Quiz]]''.
*Big Line Jump<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
{{br}}
*Mega Line Jump<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
 
*Iron Jump<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
==Reception==
*Iron Jump ×2<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
===Critical reception===
*Iron Jump ×3<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
Upon its reveal during the March 2016 Nintendo Direct, ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' received negative reception from fans, the main complaint focusing around the game's similarities to ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star'', including its combat system, presence of Things and lack of original characters outside of Huey. Within hours of the game's reveal, a petition on {{wp|Change.org}} ordered the game to be canceled even though its development started immediately after the development of ''Sticker Star'' was over, which TechRadar described as "a frightening example of how quickly, and harshly, we judge games we know next to nothing about".<ref>http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/paper-mario-color-splash-has-been-around-30-minutes-and-people-already-hate-it-1316232</ref>
*Big Iron Jump<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
 
*Mega Iron Jump<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
Despite this, the game received generally positive reviews at release. Critics praised the game's art direction and writing, though the lack of original characters and still-simplistic storyline were points of contention. In addition, while several reviewers noted gameplay improvements from ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star'', some elements still drew criticism, such as the battle system and linear level design.
*Spin Jump<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
 
*Big Spin Jump<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
Terri Schwartz from IGN gave the game a 7.3/10, praising the game for balancing the battles and paint demands while also admitting it "could have benefited from more than one card shop (at the main hub of Port Prisma) and more readily available save blocks throughout the levels".<ref>https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/05/paper-mario-color-splash-review</ref> Ben Reeves from GameInformer gave it an 8.5/10, praising the game for its visuals and dialogue. He, however, said that the battle system was overly simple and that it "felt aimless with few far-reaching character goals".<ref>https://www.gameinformer.com/games/paper_mario_color_splash/b/wii_u/archive/2016/10/05/paper-mario-color-splash-game-informer-review.aspx</ref> Matt West from NintendoWorldReport gave the game a 9/10, praising the combat system for being strategic with the paint supply, while also praising the game's soundtrack and visuals. While he did say that the amount of Toads made the NPCs feel "same-y", he noted that those were "minor complaints in an otherwise excellent package".<ref>http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/43515/paper-mario-color-splash-wii-u-review</ref>
*Worn-Out Hammer<ref name="direct"/>
 
*Worn-Out Hammer ×3<ref name="TreeHouse" />
Miguel Concepcion from GameSpot gave the game a 7/10, praising the game's visuals and that its dialogue is a vast improvement over the previous ''Super Mario'' RPGs. However, they criticized the Cutout ability for being difficult to know when to use, and that it "can leave one stumped, disrupting the game's pacing and enjoyment of levels considerably".<ref>https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/paper-mario-color-splash-review/1900-6416536/</ref> Alex Jones from GamesRadar+ also gave it a 7/10, saying that while backtracking was a recurring theme and that the battle system was cumbersome, he also said the dialogue was superb and the presentation was carefully crafted. He ended by saying it is one of "one of the most heartwarming games you’ll play this year".<ref>https://www.gamesradar.com/paper-mario-color-splash-review/</ref> CJ Andriessen from Destructoid gave the game a higher rating, at 8.5/10. They praised the game for its storytelling, soundtrack, and visuals. Additionally, they noted that while the world map and battle system made the game feel slow at times, they said "the rewards you receive for stomping and smashing the familiar crop of ''Mario'' baddies are actually useful".<ref>https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-paper-mario-color-splash/</ref>
*Worn-Out Hammer ×5<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
 
*Hammer<ref name="direct"/>
Conversely, Dan Ryckert from Giant Bomb gave the game a 40/100, criticizing the game's battle system, opining that it ruined otherwise enjoyable gameplay. He noted that the fights made it easy to waste cards on almost defeated enemies, that strong cards can often be taken from the player without warning, and that he "never once felt like any of the standard fights were doing anything to progress the story or my character’s abilities".<ref>https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/paper-mario-color-splash-review/1900-753/</ref>
*Hammer ×2<ref name="TreeHouse" />
{| class="wikitable reviews"
*Hammer ×3<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
!colspan="4"style="font-size:120%; text-align: center; background-color:silver"|Reviews
*Big Hammer<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6;"
*Big Hammer ×2<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|Reviewer, Publication
*Mega Hammer<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|Score
*Eekhammer<ref name="TreeHouse" />
|Comment
*Eekhammer ×2<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|-
*Eekhammer ×3<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|Terri Schwartz, [http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/05/paper-mario-color-splash-review IGN]
*Big Eekhammer<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
|7.3/10
*Big Eekhammer ×2<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|align="left"|"''Paper Mario: Color Splash is a step in the right direction for the series after the 3DS's [[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]], continuing its shift from RPG to action-adventure game while also introducing some smart changes to its battle system. The beautiful Wii U graphics and playful humor stay true to the spirit of the Paper Mario franchise, but the story is straightforward and a bit bland. Inventive level design in the second act offers some much needed diversity to some of Color Splash's otherwise linear gameplay before the disappointing third act regresses into simple and uninteresting battles. Though Color Splash still isn't back to the high points of [[Paper Mario|the]] [[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door|first]] [[Super Paper Mario|three games]] in the Paper Mario series, it's a strong step in the right direction.''"
*Mega Eekhammer<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|-
*KO Hammer<ref name="TreeHouse" />
|Miguel Concepcion, [http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/paper-mario-color-splash-review/1900-6416536/ GameSpot]
*Big KO Hammer<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|7/10
*Mega KO Hammer<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|align="left"|"''At its most imaginative, Color Splash's visual gags and thoughtful manipulation of 2D objects rival any "wow" moment from Sony's Tearaway games. What Color Splash lacks in moment-to-moment paper tricks, it more than makes up for in persistent visual appeal and a wholly adorable cast, including antagonists from all pay grades. Its only frustrating feature is its Cutout interface, which can leave one stumped, disrupting the game's pacing and enjoyment of levels considerably. The novelty of the paint splashing doesn't grow tiresome, but it does take a backseat to the visual allure for which the series is known. Color Splash makes a solid case for a Paper Mario sequel that doesn’t need to rely on shtick like stickers or paint, though I won't be surprised if Nintendo's considering using crayons in the future.''"
*Hurlhammer<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
|-
*Hurlhammer ×2<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|Ben Reeves, [http://www.gameinformer.com/games/paper_mario_color_splash/b/wii_u/archive/2016/10/05/paper-mario-color-splash-game-informer-review.aspx GameInformer]
*Hurlhammer ×3<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|8.5/10
*Big Hurlhammer<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|align="left"|"''Color Splash's RPG elements might be paper thin, but fans of the series won't be disappointed with this latest adventure. While the game's combat isn't much deeper than Mario’s paper-thin body, this plumber's antics and colorful world are worth the price of admission.''"
*Mega Hurlhammer<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|-
*Blazehammer<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
|CJ Andriessen, [https://www.destructoid.com/review-paper-mario-color-splash-390128.phtml Destructoid]
*Fire Flower<ref name="UKDirect" />
|8.5/10
*Big Fire Flower<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|align="left"|"''If you didn't like Paper Mario: Sticker Star because it wasn't like the first two games in the series, I don't think you'll be satisfied here. For everyone else willing to give it a chance, Paper Mario: Color Splash is a charming journey that will delight your senses, your funny bone, and the part of your brain that houses your nostalgic feelings towards Nintendo.''"
*Ice Flower<ref name="TreeHouse" />
|-
*Big Ice Flower<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|Emma Schaefer, [http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/paper-mario-color-splash-review/ EGM]
*Mushroom<ref name="UKDirect" />
|8/10
*Big Mushroom<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
|align="left"|"''Color Splash presents a beautifully crafted paper and cardboard world, populated by witty paper Toads and existential minions. Though it's got its share of backtracking and battle system quirks, the new painting mechanics are satisfying, and the mini-story arcs are almost creative and clever enough to make you forget that your princess is (yet again) in another castle.''"
*Mega Mushroom<ref>TheBitBlock. (September 7, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qomwDxUq45Q&t=2m55s 3 Things Paper Mario Color Splash Gets RIGHT!]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 8, 2016.</ref>
|-
*1-Up Mushroom<ref name="UKDirect" />
!colspan="4"style="background-color:silver; font-size:120%; text-align: center;"|Aggregators
*Spike Helmet<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6;"
*POW Block<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
|colspan=2|Compiler
*Tail<ref name="Cardsbackground">Nintendo Co. Ltd. [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/cnfj/assets/img/card/card_sprite.png The sprite sheet used in the background behind the title of the ''Card'' section of the Japanese site]. Retrieved September 15, 2016.</ref>
|colspan=2|Platform / Score
*Frog Suit<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
|-
|colspan=2|Metacritic
|colspan=2 style="background-color:LimeGreen"|[http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/paper-mario-color-splash 76]
|-
|colspan=2|GameRankings
|colspan=2|[http://www.gamerankings.com/wii-u/187636-paper-mario-color-splash/index.html 76.25%]
|}
 
===Sales===
In its opening week - October 10 through 16, 2016 - ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' sold 20,894 copies in Japan.<ref>Romano, Sal. [http://gematsu.com/2016/10/media-create-sales-101016-101616 Media Create Sales 10/10/16 - 10/16/16] (October 19, 2016). ''Gematsu''. Retrieved October 23, 2016.</ref>
It left the top 20 after the week of October 31 with 37,093 copies sold.<ref>Romano, Sal. [https://gematsu.com/2016/11/media-create-sales-103116-11616 Media Create Sales: 10/31/16 – 11/6/16] (November 9, 2016). ''Gematsu''. Retrieved August 10, 2019.</ref> Famitsu reported the game as selling a total of 65,316 copies over its entire lifetime in Japan, making it one of the lowest-selling retail ''Super Mario'' games in the country.<ref>https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search</ref>


====Thing Cards====
==Similarities to the other ''Paper Mario'' games==
*Fan<ref name="UKDirect" />
*[[Huey]] is Mario's companion in the game, fulfilling the role of [[Tippi]] from ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'' and [[Kersti]] from ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]''.
*Fan Replica<ref name="TreeHouse" />
*Huey turns himself into a [[Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Battle Card]] to help Mario defeat Bowser, similar to how Kersti sacrificed herself by turning into a [[Sticker (Paper Mario: Sticker Star)|sticker]] during the final boss in ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''.
*Electric Battery<ref name="TreeHouse" />
*Bowser returns as the main antagonist like he was in ''Paper Mario'' and ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''.
*Fire Extinguisher<ref name="TreeHouse" />
**Also, the black paint controls Bowser and makes him more powerful, much like the [[Royal Sticker]] in ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''.
*BBQ<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*There is a level in which Mario must go on a game show.
*Basin<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
**[[Snifit or Whiffit]] returns from ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star'' with new games involving Battle Cards.
*Cat-O-Luck<ref name="TreeHouse" />
*Mini Paint Stars function like the [[Comet Piece]]s from ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''.
*Lemon<ref name="TreeHouse" />
*Battle Cards replace stickers.
*Lemon Replica<ref name="HJF" />
*Jumps, Hammers, their Worn-Out variants, Line Jumps, Hopslippers, Iron Jumps, Eekhammers, Hurlhammers, Blazehammers, [[Fire Flower]]s, [[Ice Flower]]s, [[POW Block]]s, [[Mushroom]]s, Tails, Spike Helmets, and [[Frog Suit]]s all return from ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''.
*Turnip<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Things from ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]'' return, including the Fan, Cat-o-Luck, Basin, Lightbulb, and the Hair Dryer, along with the Teapot, although it has a different appearance.
*Salt and Pepper Shaker<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Like in ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star'', Luigi can be found hiding in some levels.
*Teapot<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Like the previous home console installments of the ''Paper Mario'' series, the game starts at the [[Mario Bros.' House]].
*Piggy Bank<ref name="SDCC 2016"/>
*Much like ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' and ''Super Paper Mario'', there is a generic enemy character named [[Johnson]]. In the former games' cases, he was an [[X-Naut]] and a [[Koopa Troopa]] respectively, whereas in this game, Johnson is a [[Shy Guy]].
*Piggy Bank Replica<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
*Bowser's castle floats, like it does in ''Paper Mario'' and ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''.
*Ice Pick<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
*A parade takes place during the ending credits, just like in ''[[Paper Mario]]'' and ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''.
*Bone<ref name="RescueV4"/>
**[[Luigi]] leads the parade, just like in those games.
*A bottle opener<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
*Magnifying Glass<ref>Nintendo Co. Ltd. [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/cnfj/assets/img/card/section3_img_objcard_s6.png Magnifying Glass sprite used in the ''Card'' section of the Japanese site]. Retrieved September 15, 2016.</ref>
*Screwdriver<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Plunger<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*A hammer<ref name="NATrailer" />
*A hair dryer<ref name="NATrailer" />


====Enemy Cards====
==Differences from the other ''Paper Mario'' games==
*Shy Guy (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink)<ref name="JPDirect" /><ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*[[Lakitu]]s are completely absent from this game, though they are mentioned by [[Luigi]].
*Slurp Guy (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink)<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*When fought, enemies say phrases to provoke Mario.
*Spike Guy (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink)<ref name="TreeHouse" /><ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*[[Parakarry]] makes no appearance in any form and is not mentioned in any version either.
*The Shy Bandit<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
**As a result, this is the first game to not reference a [[partner]] from a previous game in any version.
*Snifit (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink)<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*A giant [[Blooper]] does not appear as a boss or mini boss.
*Slurp Snifit (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink)<ref name="Cardsbackground"/>
*There is no story-related recurring mini boss.
*Spike Snifit (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink)<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*The [[Heart Point|HP]] of enemies cannot be seen and has been replaced by the color of the enemy draining, showing how much HP it has left.
*Goomba<ref name="HJF" />
**The amount of damage inflicted on enemies can also not be seen.
*Paragoomba<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*There are no individual save files.
*Bone Goomba<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
**Players can only remove save data through the settings.
*Koopa Troopa<ref name="TreeHouse" />
*When Mario hits a [[Save Block]], the game does not ask the player if they want to save, instead automatically saving the game by default.
*Koopa Paratoopa<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*The heads-up display ([[Heart Point]]s and coins, and the Paint Meter in this case) no longer disappears after a short time when Mario does not collect anything or is hurt.
*Piranha Plant<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
**When Mario collects a coin, the counter only bounces slightly instead of flashing three times.
*Fire Piranha Plant<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*When Mario collects a Big Paint Star, his maximum HP increases by 25 points. Comparatively, in previous ''Paper Mario'' games, Mario's health only increased by 5 points at a time (either after [[Level up|leveling up]] or collecting an [[MAX UP Heart|HP-Up Heart]]).
*Ptooie<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Unlike in ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star'', where several Things can be used for the same puzzle, only one set Thing is required to change a level.
*Cheep Cheep<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*When getting a Perfect Bonus, it is no longer based on clearing the battle in one turn without taking damage, but rather not sustaining damage throughout the entire battle.
*Blooper<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Characters and enemies in this game have a more papery appearance than in the rest of the ''Paper Mario'' series. They have a white outline, similar to ''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]'', and they have no shading on their colors.
*Lava Bubble<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*This is the first ''Paper Mario'' game where Boos are enemies, but no Big Boo variations are present.
*Hammer Bro<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*This is the only ''Paper Mario'' game to have only [[Prisma Cardware|one shop]], which gets updated throughout the game; other games have multiple shops found in different areas.
*Boomerang Bro<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*This is the first ''Paper Mario'' game to contain an unlockable post-credits scene.
*Fire Bro<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*This is the first ''Paper Mario'' game where Mario is not joined at any point by a character he previously battled; in the first four games, this applies to [[Lakilester]], [[Vivian]], Bowser, and the [[Wiggler Segment]]s, respectively.
*Ice Bro<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Sledge Bro<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Shady Sledge Bro<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Bob-omb<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Ninji<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Pokey (Spike and non-spike)<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Dry Bones<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Boo<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Spike<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Rocky Wrench <ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Spiny<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
*Buzzy Beetle<ref name="TreeHouse" />
*Spike Top<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Fuzzy<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Swoop<ref name="Gamescon footage" />
*Magikoopa <ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Dino Rhino<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Scaredy Rat<ref name="Cardsbackground" />
*Morton<ref>[http://i.imgur.com/EO4oeys.jpg Screenshot of the game, showing a Morton Card won at the Roshambo Temple]. Retrieved September 24, 2016.</ref>


==References to other games==
==References to other games==
*''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'': The music that plays in [[Indigo Underground]] is a cover of the underground theme from this game.<ref>GameXplain. (September 23, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0hWK_tJ-wQ 20 Minutes of Paper Mario: Color Splash Gameplay (Livestream Archive)]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 23, 2016.</ref>
*''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'': The [[Goal Pole]] makes an appearance in both the 8-bit sprite from this game which appears in Green Energy Plant and in Black Bowser's Castle. The [[Springboard]] uses this game's sprite in Green Energy Plant as well. A Toad in the audience of Emerald Circus throws the Super Mushroom sprite from this game and Mario uses his idle based on his sprite while he grows.
*''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'': The [[Angry Sun]] is mentioned by one of the [[Five Fun Guys]] during Toad and Go Seek. There is an area that resembles a level in this game, where Mario can flip into 3D like in ''Super Paper Mario''<ref name="NATrailer">Nintendo (September 13, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZyerryUkoc Paper Mario: Color Splash Trailer – The Adventure Unfolds]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 14, 2016.</ref><ref name="Japanesesiteintro" />.
*''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]'': When Huey realizes that the red Mini Paint Star in [[Ruddy Road]] has lost most of its color, he exclaims, "What in The Lost Levels is going on here?"
*''[[Paper Mario]]'': The jingle played when collecting a Big Paint Star is remixed from the first few notes of this game's opening theme. <ref name="PMCS livestream">Crunchii (September 23, 2016). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1xZof9jogg Paper Mario: Color Splash stream]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 23, 2016.</ref>
*''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'': The "[[Ground Theme (Super Mario Bros. 2)|Ground Theme]]" is rearranged, titled "[[Spinning-Door]] Game." The vases also make an appearance in [[Château Chanterelle]]. [[Wart]] is mentioned in the game by a yellow Toad at [[Sunglow Ridge]].
*''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'' [[Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon|series]]: One of the Toads in Dark Bloo Inn references Luigi's role in these two games.
**''[[Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic]]'': At the concert in [[Plum Park]], [[Birdo]] sings the line "two hearts in doki doki panic," referencing her first appearance in this game.  
*''[[Super Paper Mario]]'': Mario can [[flip]] in a certain area, an ability that originated in this game<ref name="NATrailer" /><ref name="Japanesesiteintro" />.
*''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'': The [[Angry Sun]] is mentioned by one of the [[Five Fun Guys]] during Toad and Go Seek, and again by the Roshambo announcer while introducing Green Pokey. The Green Energy Plant is based on this game. When accessing the level, the soundtrack during normal gameplay is taken directly from the NES game, although flipping to 3D mode has it play a slightly orchestral cover. When Mario and Huey confront Larry on top of the train and the latter explains his motives, he makes clear he is doing his actions regarding hijacking the train to get the orange Big Paint Star solely to make sure Bowser is not upset otherwise, which is what Larry stated in the Japanese manual for the game. The [[Recorder]] from this game (which, in turn, is from the original ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda|The Legend of Zelda]]'' game) appears as its 8-bit sprite in [[Green Energy Plant]] and can be squeezed into a more realistic-looking [[Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)#Thing Cards|Thing Card]]; when used, the original notes are played by the flute itself, and it has the same effect of summoning a whirlwind, while three other flutes play the "[[Coin Heaven]]" theme in the background. Additionally, to board the airship, Mario hangs on an anchor, similar to how he did in this game. The Shy Guy Stack in Cherry Lake, upon seeing Mario, says, "HA! It looks like your upper lip found a Tanooki Suit!" Peach also uses [[Holo-Peach]]s to send Mario tips during the game after beating the various Koopalings, similar to her letters from ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. Also, like in that game, she will be unable to send a message to Mario after all objectives have been completed, although for different reasons (in ''Super Mario Bros. 3'', Bowser sends a letter in her stead stating he kidnapped her again. In ''Color Splash'', her message is cut off via Black Bowser draining her color off-screen).
*''[[Mario Party 8]]'': The Five Fun Guys troupe name originates from the Mario and Toad team name featured in this game.<ref>Phillips, Tom (June 23, 2016) [http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-06-23-nintendo-denies-paper-mario-color-splash-link-to-online-hate-campaign Nintendo denies Paper Mario: Color Splash joke references "online hate campaign"]. Eurogamer. Retrieved June 23, 2016.</ref>
*''[[Super Mario Land]]'': An arranged version of the credits theme is present in the [[Roshambo Temple]]s.
*''[[Mario Party 9]]'': Toad and Go Seek is named after a [[Toad and Go Seek|minigame]] from this game.
*[[Dr. Mario (series)|''Dr. Mario'' series]]: After talking to the injured Purple Rescue Squad member on Daffodil Peak, if the player talks to Huey before helping the Toad, he will mention Mario part-timing [[Dr. Mario|as a doctor]].
*''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'': Iggy taunts Mario by slapping his behind like in this game<ref name="Japanesesiteintro" />.
*''[[Super Mario World]]'': Dino Rhinos return from this game.
*''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]'': Photographs of the [[Yoshi Sphinx]], a location in [[World 4 (Paper Mario: Sticker Star)|World 4]], and [[Hither Thither Hill]] can be seen on the left wall in Dark Bloo Inn's lobby.<ref name="SDCC 2016"/>. Also, sound effects from this game are recycled. The music for Bowser's introduction is also the same music used for his introduction from the same game.
*''[[Paper Mario]]'': The jingle played when collecting a [[Big Paint Star]] is remixed from the first few notes of this game's opening theme.
*[[Luigi's Mansion (series)|''Luigi's Mansion'' series]]: One of the Toads in Dark Bloo Inn references Luigi's role in these games, noting that he has dealt with paranormal activity before.
*''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'': The running gag that originated from this game in which an implied grunt character is referred to as [[Johnson]] returns after being absent from ''Sticker Star''. Additionally, Port Prisma has an almost identical layout to [[Rogueport]], with a staircase leading to the square where the major collectibles of the game are put in place in Prisma Fountain, like in Rogueport Underground. In addition, Peach sends messages to Mario like in that game, and was ultimately responsible for getting him to the main area of the game in the first place, and late into the game, she also has her message cut off due to interference from the primary antagonist. The [[Hero's Journal]] looks similar to [[Goombella]]'s [[Tattle Log]].
*''[[Super Paper Mario]]'': Mario can use [[flip]] in the ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' part of Green Energy Plant in a similar way to this game.
*''[[Mario Party 8]]'': The Five Fun Guys troupe name originates from the Mario and Toad team name featured in this game.<ref>McWhertor, Michael (June 23, 2016). [https://www.polygon.com/2016/6/23/12014436/nintendo-paper-mario-color-splash-gamergate Nintendo denies ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' makes jokes about 'online hate campaign']. Polygon. Retrieved July 26, 2017.</ref>
*''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'': Iggy taunts Mario by slapping his behind, like in this game. A [[Junior Clown Car]], which is shown to be [[Koopa Clown Car]] in concept art, is seen in the back room of [[The Emerald Circus]].
*''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]'': Many of this game's elements and physics return. Photographs of the [[Yoshi Sphinx]], a location in [[World 2 (Paper Mario: Sticker Star)|World 2]], and [[Hither Thither Hill]] can be seen on the left wall in Dark Bloo Inn's lobby. Also, sound effects from this game are recycled. The music for Bowser's introduction is also the same music used for his introduction from the same game. When Mario gets a Big Paint Star, the music that plays when the area's color is restored is the same theme that plays when the flashbacks explaining how each of the bosses in that game got their respective [[Royal Stickers]]. Also, there are plenty of music tracks from this game that are remixed. The Koopalings' introduction themes were also taken from the Warning themes for the "Sticker Star" boss introductions. [[Snifit or Whiffit]] is also taken from this game as well. The fight against [[Wendy]] is a music-based fight similar to the [[Gooper Blooper]] battle in this game. Huey turning into a battle card mirrors [[Kersti]] turning into a sticker.
*[[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]]: Luigi appears driving a [[Standard Kart]] modeled after the ones from ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''. Additionally, the "Luigi's death stare" meme, which originated from that game, is referenced. Also, the title theme and the countdown timer to begin racing are taken from this game as well. [[Rainbow Road]] appears in the game and the music of that course is a remix from ''[[Mario Kart 64]]''. When Luigi decides to floor it to rush to the castle despite its creepy appearance, he states that they should be careful because [[Lakitu]] will not save them this time around, alluding to how various characters in the ''Mario Kart'' series, if caught in various hazards (falling into water, quicksand, lava, or bottomless pits), are fished out by Lakitu and brought back onto the main course. After being beaten, Bowser asks Mario if he is at Black Bowser's Castle because they have a kart race scheduled for the day, referencing the [[Bowser's Castle#Mario Kart series|Bowser's Castle]] tracks in the series. Just before leaving Black Bowser's Castle in the ending, Luigi reassures Mario that Huey is alright, mentioning that he fell off Rainbow Road lots of times, alluding to the difficulty of the courses in the game.
*''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'': Similar to the ending of this game, the Koopalings and Bowser's last appearance before the credits was them and their already damaged airship crash landing. Unlike in this game, however, it crashing was not Bowser's fault, as it got hit by a stray firework. Morton Koopa Jr. has his Hammer (based on Mario's) and Roy Koopa has his Bill Blaster for their respective fights.
*''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]'': [[Draggadon]] makes his paper debut. After using the Basin Thing in [[Redpepper Volcano]], a bump comes out of its head, just like in this game after a rock falls on it. Also, when this happens, Mario can ride Draggadon as Captain Toad does in this game. One of the yellow Rescue Squad members says they used "sophisticated Toad treasure-tracking technology" to track a stolen bone from [[Marmalade Valley]] to [[The Golden Coliseum]].
*''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]'': Enemies can sometimes appear in stacks, just as the paper enemies do in this game. Also, the Koopalings have their first paper appearances, after it being foreshadowed by Roy and Wendy in this game.


==References in later games==
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'': The battle theme from ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'' appears in this game. Additionally, [[Huey]] appears as a [[Spirit (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)|Spirit]], and [[Petea Piranha]] is mentioned in [[Piranha Plant]]'s [[List of Palutena's Guidance conversations|Palutena's Guidance]].
*''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey]]'': In ''Bowser Jr.'s Journey'', having Morton Koopa Jr. as a First Officer in the player's team changes the team's name to "More Tons", a phrase Morton uses in several of his dialogues in ''Paper Mario: Color Splash''.
*''[[Paper Mario: The Origami King]]'': This game runs on a similar graphic engine, with many character appearances and text box sound effects being reused. A Shy Guy with a straw appears in [[Shogun Studios]]. The music for Fortune Island plays when Mario meets [[Captain T. Ode]]. An image of Princess Peach's appearance from this game appears in [[The Princess Peach]] alongside images of her other appearances in the series.
==Glitches==
{{main|List of Paper Mario: Color Splash glitches}}
===Angled Mario===
[[File:PMCS_Angled_Model_Glitch.jpg|thumb|Mario jumping at an angle.]]
At [[Plum Park]], station a barrel raft close enough to a ledge facing north, then get between the raft and the ledge and continually [[hammer]] the raft. If done correctly, Mario will glitch into the raft. When jumping out and walking around, Mario's model will appear at an odd angle, even though the overall physics will remain constant. The glitch ends if the player stops moving.
===Flower pot clipping===
Flower pots are interactable details found in various levels including [[Plum Park]]. When hammered they stay squished for a few seconds before rising back up. Before it un-squishes, if Mario is positioned on the edge of the flower pot and runs towards a wall close to the pot, it is possible for the player to be clipped through the wall. This also allows Mario to fall out of bounds and [[Game Over]].
===Tree clipping===
The corners of the tree canopies in [[Port Prisma]] and [[Ruddy Road]] are slightly buggy, and it is possible for Mario to jump into and stand inside the canopy.
{{br}}
==Quotes==
{{main|List of Paper Mario: Color Splash quotes}}
*''"Anyway, now that I'm awake, you wanna grab a burger or something? Your treat."'' - [[Huey]]
*''"Mario! Princess Peach has been kidnapped by Bowser! No one could have predicted this!"'' - [[Toad]]
*''"NO PAIN STAR FOR DA MARIO!"'' - [[Morton|Morton Koopa Jr.]]
*''"Well, I've already locked you in jail. There isn't actually much worse I can do without raising this game's age rating."'' - [[Snifit]]
*''"Thanks for listening, Mario. I'm sure we'll meet again... maybe as enemies."'' - [[Red Shy Guy (character)|Red Shy Guy]]
*''"Wha...? What's going on? MARIO?! What are YOU doing here? Do we have a kart race scheduled for today?"'' - [[Bowser]]
{{br}}
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{morepic}}
{{main-gallery}}
<gallery widths="160px">
<gallery widths="160px">
Paper Mario- Color Splash Logo.PNG
Mario and Huey.png|[[Mario]] and [[Huey]]
Mario and Huey.png|[[Mario]] and [[Huey]]
PaperMarioColorSplash Bowser artwork.jpg|[[Bowser]]
Peach PMCS.png|[[Princess Peach]]
Draggadon_PMCS.jpg|Mario riding [[Draggadon]]
File:PMCS Koopa Troopa Art.png|A [[Koopa Troopa]]
Morton_PMCS.jpg|[[Morton Koopa Jr.]]
Rescue Red PMCS.png|[[Rescue Red]]
Princess artwork PMCS.jpg|[[Princess (Paper Mario: Color Splash)|Princess]]
PMCS Toad and Slurp Guy.png|A [[Toad (species)|Toad]] and a [[Slurp Guy]]
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Media==
{{main-media|st=Prisma Museum}}
{{media table
|file1=PMCS Main Theme.oga
|title1=Main Theme
|description1=The music that plays on the title screen.
|file2=PMCS Overworld.oga
|title2=Overworld
|description2=Plays on the world map.
|file3=PMCS Fight!.oga
|title3=Fight!
|description3=The regular battle theme.
|file4=PMCS Port Prisma.oga
|title4=Port Prisma
|description4=Plays at [[Port Prisma]].
|file5=PMCS Cherry Lake.oga
|title5=Cherry Lake
|description5=Plays at [[Cherry Lake]].
|file6=PMCS Sunglow Ridge.oga
|title6=Sunglow Ridge
|description6=Plays at [[Sunglow Ridge]].
|file7=PMCS Bloo Bay Beach.oga
|title7=Bloo Bay Beach
|description7=Plays at [[Bloo Bay Beach]].
|file8=PMCS Island in Violet.oga
|title8=Island in Violet
|description8=Plays while exploring [[Vortex Island]] and [[Lighthouse Island]].
|file9=PMCS Sunset Express.oga
|title9=Sunset Express
|description9=The theme of the [[Sunset Express]].
|file10=PMCS Mossrock Theater.oga
|title10=Mossrock Theater
|description10=Plays at [[Mossrock Theater]].
}}


==Names in other languages==
==Names in other languages==
{{foreignname
{{foreign names
|Jap=ペーパーマリオ カラースプラッシュ<ref name=nico>とねKX. (March 3, 2016). [http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm28348549 ペーパーマリオカラースプラッシュ初報.ika]. ''Niconico''. Retrieved March 4, 2016.</ref>
|Jap=ペーパーマリオ カラースプラッシュ
|JapR=Pēpā Mario Karā Supurasshu
|JapR=Pēpā Mario Karā Supurasshu
|JapM=Paper Mario: Color Splash
|JapM=''Paper Mario: Color Splash''
|Ger=''Paper Mario: Color Splash''
|Ita=''Paper Mario: Color Splash''
|Spa=''Paper Mario: Color Splash''
|ChiT=紙片瑪利歐Colour Splash<ref>[https://www.nintendo.com.hk/switch/mario/history/index.html Official Chinese website for the ''Super Mario Bros.'' 35th Anniversary]. Retrieved October 23, 2020.</ref>
|ChiTR=Zhǐpiàn Mǎlì'ōu Colour Splash
|ChiTM=''Paper Mario: Colour Splash''
|Kor=''Paper Mario: Color Splash''
}}
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* Two weeks ahead of release, it was discovered that pre-purchasing the game on [[Nintendo eShop]] unintentionally allows players early access to the full game.<ref>http://www.polygon.com/2016/9/23/13028328/paper-mario-color-splash-leaks</ref>
*The seven main colors on which the game is based (red, yellow, and blue as the primary colors; violet, orange, and green as the secondary colors; and black as the tertiary color) are actually the colors of the Koopalings' [[Magic Wand]]s, first introduced in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' in 1988.
*In some English-speaking countries (e.g. the United Kingdom and Australia), the correct spelling for color is "colour". Despite this, the title was not changed outside of the Americas to reflect this difference.
*In some sprites, Mario's cap briefly rises, but it does not show his hair below, unlike other games in the franchise, including ''[[Super Mario Party]]'''s cover, which shows Mario's hair visible whenever he raises his hat. This was corrected in ''[[Paper Mario: The Origami King]]'', where both Mario and Luigi have sprites that show them without their hats.
 
==References==
<references/>


==External links==
==External links==
{{NIWA|StrategyWiki=1}}
{{TCRF}}
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20180301060344/http://papermario.nintendo.com/ Official American site]
*[http://www.nintendo.co.uk/games/oms/paper-mario-color-splash/index.html?a=home Official European site]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/cnfj/index.html Official Japanese site]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/cnfj/index.html Official Japanese site]
*[http://papermario.nintendo.com/ Official North American site]
*[https://fs-prod-cdn.nintendo-europe.com/media/downloads/games_8/wiiu_papermariocolorsplash_2/WiiU_PaperMarioColorSplash_comic_UK.pdf Rescue V comic]
*[http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Wii-U/Paper-Mario-Color-Splash-1090845.html Official UK site]


==References==
{{PMCS}}
<references/>
{{Super Mario games}}
 
{{BoxTop}}
{{Mariogames}}
{{Wii U}}
{{Wii U}}
[[Category:RPGs]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: Color Splash|*]]
[[Category:Wii U Games]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Role-playing games]]
[[Category:Wii U games]]
[[Category:2016 games]]
[[Category:2016 games]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: Color Splash|*]]
[[it:Paper Mario: Color Splash]]
[[Category:Mario Games]]
[[de:Paper Mario: Color Splash]]

Latest revision as of 08:06, December 16, 2024

Paper Mario: Color Splash
North American boxart of Paper Mario: Color Splash.
For alternate box art, see the game's gallery.
Developer Intelligent Systems
Publisher Nintendo
Platform(s) Wii U
Release date USA October 7, 2016[?]
Europe October 7, 2016[?]
Australia October 8, 2016[?]
Japan October 13, 2016[?]
Language(s) English (United States)
French (France)
French (Canada)
German
Spanish (Spain)
Spanish (Latin America)
Italian
Dutch
Portuguese (Portugal)
Russian
Japanese
Genre Role-playing, action-adventure
Rating(s)
ESRB:E - Everyone
PEGI:3 - Three years and older
CERO:A - All ages
ACB:G - General
USK:0 - All ages
RARS:0+ - All ages
Mode(s) Single-player
Format
Wii U:
Optical disc
Digital download
Input
Wii U:
Serial code(s) USA WUP-CNFE-USA

Paper Mario: Color Splash is an action-adventure, turn-based role-playing game developed by Intelligent Systems and released in 2016 for the Wii U. It is the fifth installment in the Paper Mario series as well as the twentieth and final Super Mario game released for the Wii U. As a successor to the Nintendo 3DS game Paper Mario: Sticker Star, it expands on many gameplay elements introduced in that game. Its own sequel, Paper Mario: The Origami King, was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2020.

The game follows Mario's adventure across Prism Island where, after he receives a color-drained Toad in the mail, he heads to Port Prisma to find out what is going on. Shortly after, he meets up with Huey, who teams up with Mario to collect the six Big Paint Stars. After saving the first Big Paint Star, Princess Peach gets kidnapped by a possessed Bowser, and is taken to his castle high in the sky. While kidnapped, she sends Mario Holo-Peaches along his journey to inform him about Bowser's plans. After saving each Big Paint Star, a memory is shown, with each one detailing an event leading up to Bowser being possessed.

The gameplay is very similar to that of its predecessor and puts an even greater emphasis on the paper aspect. All characters now have white outlines around them and the battle system now requires Things for each boss fight. Things no longer need to be brought back to the main hub to be used; they become cards as soon as Mario collects them. Stickers have been replaced by Battle Cards, which share a similar function, but Battle Cards no longer take up multiple slots in Mario's inventory and can be painted to deal more damage. Many enemies from the predecessor return, while Dino Rhinos make their Paper Mario debut in this game, along with several new variants of Shy Guys, most notably Slurp Guys. Additionally, Paper Mario: Color Splash introduces a system where Mario can repaint colorless areas to collect coins and Battle Cards.

On September 23, 2016, it was discovered that purchased Nintendo eShop pre-load data was actually the full game, granting players early access two weeks ahead of schedule in North America.[1] Nintendo, however, removed the pre-order option within hours, and stated that this was inadvertent.[2]

Story[edit]

Background[edit]

The events that caused Port Prisma to be damaged and the black paint's creation are explained through the Big Paint Stars' memories told throughout the game, each viewable after rescuing the respective Big Paint Star. One day, a group of Toads were playing with paint at the Prisma Fountain. Bowser observed the Toads playing from the top of a building, and jumped down into the fountain after imagining himself with a rainbow shell. However, while spinning in the Prisma Fountain, Bowser mixed the colors around, creating black paint which possessed him. Shortly after this, a fleet of airships carrying paint buckets arrives to Port Prisma, and a swarm of Slurp Guys deploys from them to drain the town of its colors. They then take the red, blue and yellow paint to the buckets on each airship. The ships with the yellow and blue paint, while the one with red paint stays in the town, presumably being the same airship Mario rides before entering the Crimson Tower. During this invasion, the Toadmaster General is taken out of Prisma Postal Toad and drained of its colors, folded into an envelope, and given to Kamek, to then send it to Princess Peach to lure her to Prism Island. Meanwhile, a group of Bob-ombs destroy the bridge in the Yellow District, which stops a yellow Toad from running away as a Slurp Guy drains him. Bowser then throws the six Big Paint Stars away from Port Prisma, as a red Mini Paint Star is shown to fall out of the red Big Paint Star onto the big building near the fountain.

Prologue[edit]

Princess Peach delivers a letter to Mario.

One stormy night, Princess Peach and Toad meet Mario at his house to deliver a strange letter: a Toad drained of his colors. Mario, who is initially shocked by the revelation, then realizes that the stamp on the letter points to Prism Island, where the three then travel to. Upon arriving, they find Port Prisma deserted and full of spots drained of color. After some exploration of Port Prisma, They activate the fountain, which releases a 3D paint can. After Mario tries hammering the paint can, it wakes up and is revealed to be Huey, who is initially annoyed by Mario hitting him in his sleep. Huey calms down shortly after, but he, Mario, and Princess Peach are then startled by the sound of Toad screaming.

The three head to the yellow district of Port Prisma, and find Toad being drained by a Slurp Guy. Toad, just before being fully drained, gives Mario a set of Battle Cards that they found. Mario and Huey then proceed to fight the Slurp Guy, but then realize that they do not have any paint. Realizing this, Huey asks Mario to wring him in order to gain paint to battle the Shy Guys. This results in Huey turning into paper. Mario later uses this paint throughout the entire game to repaint the colorless spots across Prism Island, including the local Toads.

After defeating the Slurp Guy and repainting Toad, the group head back to the central district of Port Prisma, where Huey discovers that the Big Paint Stars at Prisma Fountain are gone. Huey, initially sad, then sees a Big Paint Star at the top of Port Prisma. After climbing up there, and unwinding the roll blocking the Paint Star, it is revealed that the Paint Star was actually a Mini Paint Star, not a Big Paint Star. Mario and Huey then set off to find the actual Big Paint Stars.

Red Big Paint Star[edit]

After saving Port Prisma by finding Huey and painting the colorless spots, Mario and Huey set out to find the red Big Paint Star. First, they pass through Ruddy Road and re-paint a red Mini Paint Star to unlock Cherry Lake, learning the Cutout ability and being introduced to 3D real-world objects called Things. When they arrive at the Crimson Tower, they find three Toad-shaped indents in the gate, and must find the three Chosen Toads around the island. The player does not need to find them in a specific order. In-between these objectives, Mario must assemble the green and purple Rescue Squads at Indigo Underground and Ruddy Road to help him reach a Mini Paint Star and the Fire Extinguisher.

One Chosen Toad, a wannabe superhero who calls himself Justice Toad, is found back in Cherry Lake. He fell from an airship that Bowser's minions were piloting, losing his clothes and belongings. Once Mario and Huey reclaim his stuff, he awakens his powers and helps move a Mini Paint Star so they can collect it. Justice Toad then leaves for the Crimson Tower gate.

Bloo Bay Beach
The blue Chosen Toad awakening his powers

At Bloo Bay Beach, Mario and Huey come across a blue Toad vowing to sail to the end of the world to find his true calling. After celebrating Oceanfest to get a key to Blissful Beach, which is the location of another Mini Paint Star, they return to find the Toad shipwrecked. They use the Fan Thing to blow him back to shore, where he surfs on a piece of driftwood and uses his powers to stop the wave in its tracks. The blue Toad is informed of the gate and leaves as well.

Visiting Daffodil Peak, Mario and Huey help the park ranger out of his depression by repainting his cabin, learning the Unfurl ability in the process. He gives them permission to climb the mountain and seek the Mountain Sage. When they arrive, they find only a cardboard cutout of a yellow Toad. Enraged, Huey yells at the gatekeeper, who leaves his post to reveal a blank spot on the top of his head. When Mario repaints it, the gatekeeper remembers his true identity as the sage, leaves for the Crimson Tower, and the ranger is forced to take his place as the gatekeeper.

When all the Chosen Toads have been found, they open the gate for the Crimson Tower. Mario and Huey find that the tower has been drained of all its color, with the minions responsible having poured all the paint in a giant bucket attached to their airship. The airship is still anchored, so Mario raises it to get on board the ship, then defeats the captain to crash the ship and drop the paint back over the tower. While climbing it, Mario and Huey meet Morton, who is keeping the red Big Paint Star captive. Morton attacks with a hammer that he lights on fire, but Mario's Fire Extinguisher extinguishes it and leaves Morton defenseless.

The Big Paint Star repaints a large gate at Sunglow Ridge. When Mario and Huey return to Port Prisma, they discover that Peach has just been kidnapped by Bowser, and decide that the only way to track them down is by collecting all the Big Paint Stars.

Yellow Big Paint Star[edit]

Marmalade Valley
Mario getting startled by Princess

At Sunglow Ridge, Mario witnesses a black missile cover an area with harmful black paint, which Huey cleans up while Mario's eyes are closed. In their quest, they come upon an active dig site at Marmalade Valley, and are denied access until they get a permit. The guard explains they can get a permit from the professor at Château Chanterelle. However, the professor's assistant explains that he is not in, and he took his pet Chain Chomp, Princess, out for a walk to Mondo Woods. Deep in the woods, Mario and Huey find the Professor sobbing over his pet's disappearance. Huey suggests that Princess may have just gone home, cheering up the professor and making him give them the permit.

Exploring Marmalade Valley, Mario and Huey are twice attacked by Princess, who is now giant. They also acquire a Bone from a digging Toad, which can be taken back to the professor's house to bring Princess back to her dog house. Happy about Princess's return, the professor gives them the Sharp Spike from his desk as thanks. The spike unlocks the door to Kiwano Temple, which Mario must pass through to reach the Golden Coliseum, where Iggy is holding the yellow Big Paint Star as a prize in his Battle Royale. Using the Bone to attract Princess and have him attack Iggy, Mario wins the fight and collects the Big Paint Star. It repaints an oversized coin in Mondo Woods.

Blue Big Paint Star[edit]

Mario appeasing the six ghosts

Despite its size, the giant coin is worth very little, angering Huey. Its disappearance opens the path to the Dark Bloo Inn, a hotel haunted by Toad ghosts. Learning that the ghosts are not yet at rest because they have unfinished business -- a tea party -- Mario explores Plum Park, the hotel's garden, to find their Teapot to appease them. Bringing it back satisfies the ghosts and makes them move on, earning Mario the hotel staff's thanks.

The Mini Paint Star found there leads to Violet Passage, a harbor where Mario helps out the yellow Rescue Squad while on a pirate ship. This Rescue Squad goes to the shrunken Sacred Forest to pull out a turnip clogging a pipe. Here, Mario pieces together a Mini Paint Star and gains access to Cobalt Base, where he participates in a game of Snifit or Whiffit.

After this, Mario infiltrates Ludwig's base in Fort Cobalt. Ludwig attacks Mario in a battleship, but he uses the Tail Card to reflect his attacks. Ludwig resurfaces in a submarine, and Mario uses Balloons he found in Plum Park to pull it out of the water and destroy it for good. The recovered blue Big Paint Star repaints the ocean at Violet Passage.

Purple Big Paint Star[edit]

Fortune Island
Mario and Huey as part of a pirate crew

With the ocean restored, Mario has to join a ship crew and venture to Fortune Island to find the purple Big Paint Star. Using clues left behind by a legendary captain, they pass through the Lost Sea and solve all its challenges. They are suddenly confronted by an impassible vortex, so they stop at Vortex Island. This island introduces the parallel world, a mirror dimension drained of its water and full of undead enemies. The source of the vortex is revealed to be a Washing Machine in the parallel world. Once Mario wrings it out, and faces off against angry residents who were using it, the vortex calms down.

The next obstacle is a wall of darkness, caused by the lighthouse on Lighthouse Island not working properly. Mario climbs the lighthouse to find the bulb missing, then climbs it in the parallel world to find a working replacement bulb. Once the bulb is replaced, the path to Fortune Island is illuminated.

Fortune Island also requires the use of the parallel world to navigate. Deep in its caves, Mario comes across the legendary captain, who is barbecuing on a grill. Mario squeezes the grill, angering the captain and leading him to follow Mario as payback. After being brought to the regular world, he drops his grudge out of gratefulness at meeting the crew's captain. Mario and Huey find their way to the treasure room, only for Wendy to ambush them. Mario defeats Wendy by using Fortune Island's treasure, an Instant Camera that was stolen for Snifit or Whiffit, to trick Wendy into using her best attack on a photo of him instead. Defeating Wendy and collecting the purple Big Paint Star repaints a sinkhole at Mustard Café, which the café's owner falls into.

Orange Big Paint Star[edit]

Sunset Express from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Larry hijacking the Sunset Express

When Mario and Huey investigate the sinkhole, a gust of wind blows them in. They escort the chef back to the entrance, but are captured by Snifits and must escape from their jail. The chef reopens his cafe and gives Mario a Mini Paint Star. Afterwards, Mario hears of the Sunset Express train stuck at Kiwano Temple, with the tracks being destroyed due to a column Mario toppled on his first visit. Mario saves the rest of the blue Rescue Squad, who fold themselves up to replace the broken tracks. After the train gets going, it is crushed by a Thwomp. The passengers get out and push it to Toad Trainworks for repairs.

Mario helps the trainworks foreman repair the train, which goes to its next destination, the Tangerino Grill. The Toads from the train are very hungry, so Mario cooks them pizza, which satisfies them. Suddenly, he is informed of a VIP customer order that nobody has fulfilled yet: a steak. Mario cooks the steak in a battle and the VIP eats it, then leaves a Mini Paint Star as a tip.

The Sunset Express takes off again, but is blocked by a sleeping Thwomp. Huey uses a Megaphone from the trainworks to yell and wake it up. The train is hijacked by Larry, who turns out to be the same VIP customer he served at the restaurant. With the help of the Toad train conductor and his handcar, Mario catches up to the train and fights his way to the front car, rescuing many red Rescue Toads in the process. Assisted by the conductor, Mario defeats Larry by clogging the train's smokestack with a Cork from Vortex Island. The train stops at Starlight Cape, where Huey makes a wish for the orange Big Paint Star; once it is granted, the Big Paint Star restores an unpainted Draggadon at Marmalade Valley.

Green Big Paint Star[edit]

The first sighting of the Green Big Paint Star in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Lemmy making the green Big Paint Star disappear

Mario and Huey consult the professor for advice on where the Draggadon might have gone, and he suggests that it went to Redpepper Volcano. Using a spicy Magma Burger from Fort Cobalt, Mario rides Draggadon through the lava and into the volcano's crater, which contains a hot spring with the rest of the red Rescue Squad. Taking the Hair Dryer found in the crater, Mario melts the ice block in the Tangerino Grill freezer, which contains a Magnifying Glass. This is used to enlarge a shrunken pipe in the Sacred Forest. It leads to another Mini Paint Star, but Mario is ambushed by Kamek, who he manages to defeat. This opens a path to the Green Energy Plant, where Mario ventures into a Super Mario Bros. 3-like world to find a Mini Paint Star.

After collecting the Mini Paint Star, Mario makes his way to Lemmy's circus and assembles the last members of the red Rescue Squad at Mossrock Theater. At the circus, Mario has the red Rescue Squad serve as the audience. Lemmy shows up to do an act, where he shows off the green Big Paint Star, then makes it and himself disappear. Trying to follow him, Mario and Huey end up on stage and are pressured to perform. Huey's impressions bomb, but Mario impresses the audience with a trick. They then face off against a rush of circus-themed enemies. The last of them, the Trampoline Shy Guys, leave their trampoline behind. Mario jumps off of it to the top of the circus tent, where Lemmy reveals himself. He is distracted with the aid of a Disco Ball found backstage, and his Wonder Ball is popped with an Ice Pick from the Golden Coliseum. Unlike the other Big Paint Stars, what the green one repaints is not initially seen: it flies off-screen and Luigi is heard exclaiming.

Black Bowser's Castle[edit]

Black Bowser's Castle
Bowser under the influence of the black paint

Upon rescuing all six Big Paint Stars and bringing them back to Prisma Fountain. They create a path to Black Bowser's Castle. Mario and Huey try to climb it, but it is too slippery, leaving them stuck. Luigi shows up in his kart, revealing it had been repainted by the green Big Paint Star, and gives them a ride to the castle. which Mario and Huey head off to via a kart ride from Luigi. Mario finds a colorless Peach put on display, but when he approaches her, he falls into a trapdoor. Roy shows up to attack, stealing Mario's paint and shooting it back at him with his cannon. As a last-ditch attack, Roy mixes all the paint together, creating more black paint. Mario must use the Washing Machine from Vortex Island to clean it up and defeat him.

Progressing further, Mario and Huey discover a factory producing Banzai Bills loaded with black paint, similar to the one dropped on Sunglow Ridge. After destroying the factory with the aid of some Mega Bob-ombs, they escape the flood of black paint. Before they fight Bowser, Huey takes a moment to confess to Mario that he will always be grateful for their friendship. Entering the throne room, Mario and Huey find Bowser with the portrait of color-drained Peach. Since Bowser uses black paint to fight, Huey reverts back to his 3D self to contain it. When Bowser has all the paint removed, he appears to have no memories of the incident.

Black Bowser's Castle proceeds to collapse as Mario restores Peach's colors. The party makes it to the entrance, where Mario and Peach hop onto Luigi's kart. Huey, however, stays behind: he explains that when the castle disappears, the black paint will fall out and land somewhere. Huey has realized his true purpose is not to recover the Paint Stars, but to destroy the Black Paint. Using the power of the Big Paint Stars, he squeezes the entire castle into his body, then takes it where it cannot do any more harm, to the skies. Later, all the Toads are celebrating the restoration of the fountain in Port Prisma. Peach comforts Mario when he laments Huey's disappearance, saying that she is sure he is still watching over Prism Island. When all Super Flags are achieved, Huey can be seen falling back into the Prisma Fountain in the end screen.[3]

Gameplay[edit]

Paper Mario: Color Splash is an action-adventure RPG that elaborates on the mechanics of Paper Mario: Sticker Star. Each level requires Mario to collect a Mini Paint Star or a Big Paint Star to progress. Some levels contain multiple Mini Paint Stars, though Mario can only collect one at a time. When Mario collects a Mini Paint Star, it opens up the world map and flies to an unpainted area. It then colors in the area, which unlocks a course to explore. Not all of the Mini Paint Stars need to be collected to complete the game, as some simply open paths to previous levels for faster navigation on the world map. Big Paint Stars are only found in the boss battles against the Koopalings (excluding Roy); when collected, they repaint a major area needed to progress in the game.

Although Paper Mario: Color Splash uses a world map much like its predecessor, there is no concrete distinction of worlds or chapters in the game, unlike the previous installments in the Paper Mario series. Each Big Paint Star requires the player to complete multiple courses across Prism Island, and not all of them match the color of the Big Paint Star. Additionally, the player is free to explore any of the previously unlocked courses at any time, and may need to do so to obtian any missing Things.

Overworld[edit]

The Paint Hammer is the main new mechanic in Paper Mario: Color Splash, and can be used on the overworld to repaint colorless spots, characters, and items. It requires paint to use, which is divided up into blue, yellow, and red paint on the top left of the screen. Paint can be found by hitting overworld objects, defeating enemies, repainting colorless spots, drinking Prisma Juice, or by sitting in the Prisma Fountain. Each time the player uses their hammer on the overworld (including when not repainting colorless spots), they will lose a bit of paint, and will be unable to repaint any more spots once they run out of paint. At the start of the game, Mario can only hold 100 units of paint, but this capacity can be increased by collecting Hammer Scraps to fill his EXP bar. Hammer Scraps exist in four different varieties and are worth either 1 point, 5 points, 10 points, or 20 points, depending on how shiny they are; when enough are collected to fill the player's EXP bar completely, the player will be able to carry more paint at once. However, each upgrade increases the capacity by a smaller amount than the last time, and the upgrades will stop once the paint storage capacity reaches 600 units. Hammer Scraps are only found by defeating enemies in combat.

On the overworld, the player can use a move similar to paperization known as the Cutout technique by pressing Y Button. This technique only works at certain locations; if the player tries using it at a place that does not have any Cutout spots, the screen will flash for a brief moment and nothing will happen. If the player performs the Cutout technique with a Cutout area nearby, but not in the right spot, the screen will flash again but the music will intensify and an outline will appear on the screen. If the Cutout technique is used in the right spot, Mario will ride on top of Huey and a pair of scissors will appear on the screen. The player will then need to move Control Stick in the direction the scissors are facing on a dotted line. When the line is fully cut, the player will either need to walk to a green flag, place a card in the slot, or do nothing, depending on the specific area. The Cutout technique is sometimes needed to progress in the game, specifically at times when a Thing Card needs to be placed, and also at the Green Energy Plant to enter the level.

The Flip technique in Paper Mario: Color Splash.
The Flip technique used in the course dedicated to Super Mario Bros. 3.

When the Cutout is used at the Green Energy Plant, the player enters a course based on Super Mario Bros. 3. The course is the only place that the player can use the Flip technique, which was previously seen in Super Paper Mario as the main gameplay mechanic. Here, the Flip technique requires paint to use, and can only be used for 10 seconds before Mario is forced to revert back to 2D. However, the Flip technique does not hurt Mario when the timer runs out. This technique is required to obtain the course's Mini Paint Star, two Things, and the 46th red Rescue Squad member.

Battle[edit]

Enemies can be found on the overworld, and will pursue Mario if he is too close to one at any given time. While chasing Mario, the enemies may trip or stop searching, giving the player more time to run away if they do not wish to fight. A battle is initiated when Mario comes into direct physical contact with an enemy. If Mario hits an enemy on the overworld with his hammer or jumps on them, Mario will initiate combat with an additional attack to the enemy; the transition screen will have stars and display the word "Nice!" when this happens. Conversely, if the enemy attacks Mario on the overworld, combat will initiate with the enemy attacking Mario first; the transition screen will turn red when this happens. During combat, each enemy's HP is represented by the amount of paint left on their body, as opposed to a number on the screen; Mario's HP is still represented by a number. When Mario's HP drops below a certain number, the music will become distorted and the screen will pulsate red, with Mario appearing to be tired. When Mario loses all his HP, he falls onto the floor, and several Slurp Guys drain him of his paint.

At the start of the game, Mario can only play one card per turn. This limit increases as Mario collects Card Max Ups at certain points in the story, which increase the number of cards that can be used in battle by one. They can be obtained by helping a Soggy Guy in Cherry Lake, by using the Teapot in Dark Bloo Inn, and by beating Kamek in Sacred Forest. Similarly, the maximum amount of Mario's HP is increased by collecting HP-Up Hearts that are obtained when the player saves a Big Paint Star. Each HP-Up Heart increases the maximum amount of HP by 25 and increases the power of the First Strike as well.

There are two instances in the game where Mario will encounter an environmental hazard that carries over to the main combat. The first instance is in Plum Park, when the water is poisoned by the Teapot. Fighting an enemy while the water is poisoned will damage Mario by 1 HP at certain intervals, only stopping briefly when the player has confirmed the cards that they wish to use. The second instance is in the Mustard Café, when the player needs to rescue the Mustard Café chef. If the player attacks an enemy during this time, the combat will take place on quicksand, which will slowly pull Mario down as the player decides which cards to use. If the player does not decide fast enough, Mario will completely submerge, and the player will receive a Game Over.

When an enemy is defeated, they can drop coins, paint, or Hammer Scraps, and will occasionally drop an Enemy Card. The number of coins and Hammer Scraps an enemy drops is random, while the amount and color of paint dropped depends on the enemy. Generally, the paint an enemy drops matches the color that the enemy was, though some of the paint may be a different color; for example, Red Shy Guys will drop mostly red paint, but will also drop a smaller amount of blue paint. If Mario's attack is sufficiently high, where one attack can instantly defeat a specific enemy, attacking that enemy on the overworld will have them instantly be drained of color and disappear, dropping a smaller amount of coins and/or paint. If Mario is able to defeat an enemy in combat without taking any damage, he will receive a Perfect Bonus and earn additional coins. Once the player encounters a certain Goomba on Daffodil Peak, Kamek can sometimes appear during combat and either flip over all cards, steal all but six of the player's cards, or turn all cards into a specific type of card. Once the battle is won, all the stolen cards are regained and all transformed cards turn back to normal, and 300 coins are obtained as well.

Controls[edit]

Battle

  • Control Stick - Select Battle Cards
  • A Button - Confirm/Paint
  • B Button - Cancel
  • X Button - Details
  • Y Button - Sort
  • +Control Pad - Next step
  • ZL Button - Flee
  • L Button/R Button - Battle Spin
  • ZR Button - Check enemy (off-TV play only)

Overworld

  • Control Stick - Move
  • A Button - Jump
  • B Button - Hammer
  • X Button - Paint Hammer
  • Y Button - Cutout
  • +Control Pad - Huey hint
  • Minus Button/Plus Button - World map

Mario's stats[edit]

Stat Initial value Max value Function
Mario in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Mario
Coin 0 9,999 The number of coins Mario currently has.
Paint 100 600 The amount of paint Mario can carry.
Battle Card 1 4 The number of cards Mario can use per turn in battle.
Heart Point 50 200 The maximum amount of HP Mario can have.
Jump 3 15 The amount of damage Mario can do with the jump first strike.
HammerPaint Hammer 3 15 The amount of damage Mario can do with the hammer first strike.

Stats after each Big Paint Star[edit]

Big Paint Star obtained Max HP Power of First Strike (Damage in HP)
Jump Hammer
None 50 3 3
Red Big Paint Star.png 75 5 6
Yellow Big Paint Star.png 100 7 9
Blue Big Paint Star.png 125 10 11
Purple Big Paint Star.png 150 13 13
Orange Big Paint Star v2.png 175 14 14
Green Big Paint Star.png 200 15 15

Battle Cards[edit]

Main article: Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)
A Hammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.
A Hammer Card

Battle Cards are the main items in Color Splash and serve as Mario's attacks. The battles are based on these Battle Cards and can be painted to increase their attack power. Battle Cards can be found in colorless spots, ? Blocks, by defeating enemies or by buying them at Prisma Cardware. Once used, cards are discarded, but it is possible to buy them directly in battle by using the Battle Spin. There are three types of cards. Basic Cards are used for various purposes, including attacking, healing, and replenishing paint. Many attacks are similar to those featured in Paper Mario: Sticker Star, with the hammer attacks now having a charging sign indicating at which point an "Excellent" attack can be obtained. Thing Cards are used to summon Things, both in battle and in the overworld to solve puzzles. Such cards can be obtained by directly squeezing Things into Thing cards. There is a shop in Port Prisma allowing the player to directly buy Things to squeeze them into Thing Cards, and there are Replica versions of Thing Cards that can be found as well. The last card type, Enemy Cards, are used to summon an enemy into the battle as an ally. They can be found by defeating an enemy. Only one ally can be present at a time, and the ally attacks the enemies in the current battle. When the enemies attack, they will position themselves in front of Mario to protect him, and they stay in battle until defeated. If an Enemy Card is used in a boss battle, it runs away.

There are many versions of Battle Cards that Mario can use. Alongside Jumps and Hammers are several variants of the two, such as Spin Jumps and KO Hammers. Several types from Sticker Star return, such as Hopslippers, which let the player jump on an enemy 10 times; Iron Jumps, which let the player jump on spiky enemies; Eekhammers, which let the player hit an enemy five times; and Hurlhammers, which let the player throw a hammer into the air to damage enemies. Fire Flowers and Ice Flowers also appear, allowing the player to throw fireballs and Ice Balls at enemies respectively. Alongside attacks, Mario can also use POW Blocks to crumple enemies, Mushrooms to heal, 1-Up Mushrooms to recover paint, Tails to counter enemy attacks, Spike Helmets to counter jump attacks, and Frog Suits to dodge enemy attacks. There is also one enemy card for every enemy in the game, as well as enemy cards for the Koopalings which can be found by playing in the Roshambo Temples.

There are four different variants of basic Battle Cards: Worn-out, Normal, Big, and Huge. Huge cards deal the most damage and worn-out cards deal the least. The stronger variants are found later on in the game. Despite the names, bigger cards do not take up more space than the weaker variants.

Name Worn-out Normal Big Huge
Jump A Worn-Out Jump Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Jump Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Jump Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Huge Jump Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Jump ×2 A Jump ×2 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Jump ×2 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Jump ×3 A Worn-Out Jump ×3 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Jump ×3 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Jump ×5 A Worn-Out Jump ×5 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Line Jump A Line Jump Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Line Jump Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Huge Line Jump Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Hopslipper A Hopslipper Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Hopslipper Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Huge Hopslipper Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Hopslipper ×2 A Hopslipper ×2 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Hopslipper ×3 A Hopslipper ×3 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Iron Jump A Iron Jump Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Iron Jump Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Huge Iron Jump Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Iron Jump ×2 A Iron Jump ×2 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Iron Jump ×3 A Iron Jump ×3 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Spin Jump A Spin Jump Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Spin Jump Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Hammer A Worn-Out Hammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Hammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Hammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Huge Hammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Hammer ×2 A Hammer ×2 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Hammer ×2 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Hammer ×3 A Worn-Out Jump ×3 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Hammer ×3 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Hammer ×5 A Worn-Out Hammer ×5 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
KO Hammer A KO Hammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big KO Hammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Huge KO Hammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Eekhammer A Eekhammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Eekhammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Huge Eekhammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Eekhammer ×2 A Eekhammer ×2 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Eekhammer ×2 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Eekhammer ×3 A Eekhammer ×3 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Hurlhammer A Hurlhammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Hurlhammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Huge Hurlhammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Hurlhammer ×2 A Hurlhammer ×2 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Hurlhammer ×3 A Hurlhammer ×3 Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Blazehammer A Blazehammer Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Fire Flower A Fire Flower Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Fire Flower Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Ice Flower A Ice Flower Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Ice Flower Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
POW Block A POW Block Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Mushroom A Mushroom Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Big Mushroom Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash A Mega Mushroom Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
1-Up Mushroom A 1-Up Mushroom Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Tail A Tail Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Spike Helmet A Spike Helmet Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Frog Suit A Frog Suit Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Battle Card in Paper Mario: Color Splash

Characters[edit]

Protagonists[edit]

Image Name Description
Mario in Paper Mario: Color Splash Mario The main protagonist of the game. He first arrives in Port Prisma where he meets with Huey and begins collecting the Mini Paint Stars scattered around the island. After beating Black Bowser, Mario heads back to Port Prisma, where he celebrates with the others and laments on Huey's disappearance.
Huey in Paper Mario: Color Splash Huey Mario's main companion in this game, Huey is a paint can with the ability to absorb black paint. Huey imbues Mario's hammer with painting powers that can only be used while he is in the party. He also introduces the Cutout technique and gives context-specific hints to Mario when the player presses +Control Pad up. At the end of the game, he wrings Black Bowser's Castle into a card and flies off far away to prevent the black paint from doing more harm.

Allies[edit]

Image Name Description
Princess Peach in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Princess Peach After Mario saves the red Big Paint Star, she is kidnapped by Bowser in his possessed state. During Mario's remaining adventure, she helps out by leaving Holo-Peaches with information about Bowser's plans in them. Just before she sends the last one, she is captured and drained by Bowser.
Luigi in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Luigi After Mario rescues the green Big Paint Star, Luigi drives to Port Prisma to give Mario a ride up the newly made rainbow road.
Yoshi from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Yoshi In the Dark Bloo Inn, Mario comes across a mysterious invisible object known only as "It": repainting it reveals it to be Yoshi. Trying to ride Yoshi results in him fluttering away to the Emerald Circus, where he thanks Mario for freeing the other Yoshis.
Red Big Paint Star.png
Big Paint Stars These six stars are the source of Prisma Fountain's paint. During the events of the game, they are scattered away from Port Prisma and guarded by the Koopalings. Collecting them repaints a big colorless area needed to progress the story.
Birdo in Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Birdo Birdo can be found at the performance at Plum Park. She also assists in the Balloons Thing animation where she blows a kiss to the enemies to make them fly away.
Artwork of Princess in Paper Mario: Color Splash
Princess Prof. Kinopio's pet that has been turned giant due to Kamek's magic. During the game, Mario needs to use the Bone Thing in Château Chanterelle to bring her back to an upset Prof. Kinopio. She can be seen during the Bone Thing's animation, trampling enemies in battle.
Draggadon in Paper Mario: Color Splash. Draggadon Draggadon can be rescued by collecting the orange Big Paint Star to restore his fossil. After this, Draggadon attacks Mario by breathing fire until he uses the Basin Thing on him. When he is hit by the Basin, Draggadon gets knocked out until the player uses a Magma Burger on him. From then on, Mario can use him to traverse Redpepper Volcano safely. Every time Mario finishes the level, the player must give Draggadon the Magma Burger to collect the Paint Star.
A Ptooie from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Piper A friendly Ptooie who is central to the sidequest in Port Prisma. He was friends with five other Toads named Purp, Redd, Greenie, Bloo, and Yella prior to the events of Paper Mario: Color Splash. By completing his sidequest, the six reunite and go to The Crimson Tower to play for the remainder of the game.

Toads[edit]

Image Name Description
A Toad from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Toad Toad comes with Mario and Princess Peach to Port Prisma at the start of the game. He has his color drained, and Mario needs to recolor him after he fights the Slurp Guy. He can be found in the hotel in the yellow district of Port Prisma after the Battle Card tutorial.
Rescue Blue in Paper Mario: Color Splash Rescue Blue The leader of the blue Rescue Squad. He and his team replace the train tracks in Kiwano Temple.
Rescue Red in Paper Mario: Color Splash Rescue Red The leader of the red Rescue Squad. He and his squad attend the Emerald Circus, making up half the audience.
Rescue Green in Paper Mario: Color Splash Rescue Green The leader of the green Rescue Squad. He helps make a bridge to the Mini Paint Star and the Lemon Thing along with his cadets.
Rescue Yellow in Paper Mario: Color Splash Rescue Yellow The leader of the yellow Rescue Squad. He pulls out the giant turnip in Sacred Forest along with the rest of his squad.
Rescue Purple in Paper Mario: Color Splash Rescue Purple The leader of the purple Rescue Squad. He and his three recruits make a staircase to the blue Mini Paint Star and the Fire Extinguisher Thing.
A Toad from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Rescue Squad Chief The leader of all the Rescue Squads. When Mario talks to him, he tells him how many Rescue Squad Toads are left to find.
A Toad from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Tea Party Toads These six Toads occupy Dark Bloo Inn when Mario arrives. Mario helps them enjoy their promised tea party, after which they ascend once finally being satisfied.
Red Chosen Toad sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Justice Toad One of the Chosen Toads. He can be found in Cherry Lake where Mario needs to collect the clothing that fell off of him when he fell from the big paint bucket being carried by an airship. He spends the rest of the game in the Crimson Tower entrance after he obtains the Mini Paint Star for Mario.
Yellow Chosen Toad sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Mountain Sage One of the Chosen Toads. He initially is the amnesiac gatekeeper to Daffodil Peak. After Mario repaints his drained head, he reveals himself to be the actual Mountain Sage. He spends the rest of the game in the Crimson Tower entrance after revealing his identity.
Blue Chosen Toad sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Surfing Kinopio One of the Chosen Toads. He can initially be found in Bloo Bay Beach getting ready to travel the world to find his true calling, but gets shipwrecked not too far from the beach. After Mario uses the Fan Thing in the Cutout area, he reveals that he is a Chosen Toad while surfing the newly made wave. He spends the rest of the game in the Crimson Tower entrance after this.
The Five Fun Guys from Paper Mario: Color Splash Five Fun Guys These quintuplet Toads are the center of the minigames in Oceanfest. After Mario points out the scandal during Toad Shuffle, the manager tells them to give Mario the Blissful Beach Key. From then on, they can be seen whenever Mario takes a nap on Blissful Beach.
A Toad from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Prof. Kinopio A yellow Toad who lives in Château Chanterelle with his pet Princess. Mario needs to bring back his pet (who has been enlarged by Kamek's magic) so that he can give him the Sharp Spike.
The Violet Passage captain from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Violet Passage captain The leader of the pirate crew in Violet Passage. He is initially found stranded in the colorless sea until Mario saves the blue Big Paint Star. He is a recurring character during the voyage to Fortune Island. After he meets the legendary captain, he spends the remainder of the game learning from the legendary captain on Fortune Island.
Legendary Captain sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Legendary captain A pirate Toad who was the first ever to reach Fortune Island. During the events of the game, he can be found in the parallel world cooking on a Charcoal Grill and causing smoke to rise into the purple Big Paint Star room. After Mario squeezes the Charcoal Grill Thing into a card, the captain gets angry and follows him until they reach the beginning of Fortune Island. Afterward, he says that the treasure has been claimed before he got there, and can be seen teaching the Violet Passage captain for the remainder of the game.
Lighthouse Keeper sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Lighthouse keeper The owner of the lighthouse on Lighthouse Island. When Mario repaints him, he is depressed by the lack of light. He allows Mario to access the parallel world pipe to collect the lightbulb and restore the lighthouse, after which he begins dancing for the remainder of the game.
The Sunset Express conductor from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Sunset Express conductor The conductor of the Sunset Express. He helps Mario defeat Larry by stopping the Shy Guy in the train's cabin. The train he is conducting is originally scheduled for decommissioning, but after arriving in Starlight Cape, he, along with another blue Toad, decides it should not be decommissioned. He reappears briefly during the "This Here's Paint Country!" dance.
MustardCafeChef PMCS.png Mustard Café chef The owner of the Mustard Café. After Mario collects the purple Big Paint Star, he falls into the newly made hole underneath him. Mario needs to escort him back to the Mustard Café during the level. As he is about to head back, Mario and the chef get pulled into the Snifit Undersand Hideout. When Mario frees him and finds the Café Key, he tells Mario to hold onto it as he does not trust himself losing it. He spends the rest of the game in the Café.
Tangerino Grill Chef sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Tangerino Grill Chef The head chef of Tangerino Grill. During the events of the game, he is injured by a Shy Guy jumping on him and is unable to make the Mamma Mia Pizza for the guests. Due to this, Mario needs to make it for him. Later, when Mario satisfies the VIP customer, he thanks Mario for satisfying him, as the VIP never liked any of the food.
A Toad from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Tangerino Grill host The host and waiter of Tangerino Grill. When Mario finishes making the Mamma Mia Pizza, he serves the pizza to the guests and watches them devour it. The host is optimistic for Mario, saying that he is the only one that can satiate the VIP.
Rock Paper Wizard sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash Rock Paper Wizard The master of Super Roshambo. They can be found after beating a chapter boss. When all 8 temples have been beaten, they reveal that they are a Toad and that there were actually eight Rock Paper Wizards all along.
The Toadmaster General sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash Toadmaster General A Toad who owns the post office in Port Prisma. He was drained and folded into a letter to lure Princess Peach to Port Prisma. After restoring him, he returns to his post office and give Mario any new mail he receives from then on.
Action Toad sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Action Toad A Toad who lives in the Action Command Dojo. Mario can visit him anytime to practice action commands for hammering, jumping, Fire Flowers, and blocking.
The Card Connoisseur Toad sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash Card Connoisseur Toad The Toad who runs the Prisma Museum. He is first found by the blue Mini Paint Star in Port Prisma, where he examines Mario's cards while a Slurp Guy battles Mario. After Mario receives a letter from him, he opens the doors to the Prisma Museum.
PMCS Deep Cuts Toad.png "Deep Cuts" Toad A Toad found in the yellow district of Port Prisma. If Mario pays him 50 coins, he will tell the player a hint as to where an uncut Cutout is. When the Cutout is found, he will allow Mario to pay again for another hint.
A Toad from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Purp The first of Piper's friends. He says that Piper was magnetic and lovable.
A Toad from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Redd The second of Piper's friends. He says that Piper helped them win a field day race, presumably on purpose.
A Toad from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Greenie The third of Piper's friends. He says that during a school play, Piper offered to take the role of a "down-on-his-luck potted plant" that no one else wanted to take.
A Toad from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Bloo The fourth of Piper's friends. He says that Piper ate a thug that was picking on them.
A Toad from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Yella The last of Piper's friends. He says that he knew Piper died from being dried and shriveled up. Moments after saying this, Piper sprouts from the tree.
The Foreman sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash Foreman The foreman of Toad Trainworks. When Mario first meets him, he says he is planning on retiring soon. He takes the Sunset Express as his last job, but before this, he gives Mario a free Mini Paint Star. Later, after the conductor says he changed his mind on decommissioning the Sunset Express, the foreman says that he changed his mind on retiring as well.
Bloo Bay Beach barista in Paper Mario: Color Splash Bloo Bay Beach barista The barista for the bar in Bloo Bay Beach. While Mario cannot buy anything from him, he unknowingly plays a role in Toad and Go Seek; one of the Five Fun Guys hides behind him and copies what he is saying.
The Green Energy Plant researcher from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Green Energy Plant researcher A Toad residing in the Green Energy Plant. During the events of the game, he pulls Huey in with a Science Claw to try and get energy from him. After the power is restored, he sits to the right of the monitor for the rest of the game, saying he has been researching the unusual images' effect on brain activity.

Enemies[edit]

Main article: Paper Mario: Color Splash bestiary

Paper Mario: Color Splash features a smaller number of enemy species compared to previous games in the Paper Mario series. Many species that appear have either appeared earlier in the Super Mario series or in previous Paper Mario installments; additionally, Paper Mario: Color Splash does not have any new enemies that are not based on other enemies, unlike the first three games in the Paper Mario series. Instead, Paper Mario: Color Splash features a number of new enemy variants that are based on other enemies. For example, this game marks the debut of Juggler Bros, Shady Sledge Bros, and Shunned Guys, which are variants of Hammer Bros, Sledge Bros, and Shy Guys, respectfully. Shy Guys receive the most new variants in Paper Mario: Color Splash, as they are the most prominent enemy type seen. Paper Mario: Color Splash features a total of 53 variants of Shy Guys, the most of any game, although a number of them only vary by color or an item. Additionally, this game introduces Dino Rhinos as enemies, which have not previously appeared in the Paper Mario series (although a variant of Dino Rhinos, known as Albino Dinos, appear in Paper Mario).

All enemies in Paper Mario: Color Splash have been redesigned from their previous appearances in the Paper Mario series. Every enemy has a white outline surrounding them, and the shading seen in all prior installments has been removed in favor of flat coloring. Some enemies have also had their designs changed to better match their most recent appearances, although this varies between each enemy. As the gameplay of Paper Mario: Color Splash is heavily based on colors, the color an enemy has plays a role in where they appear, and on what color of paint they drop when defeated. This is best seen in Ruddy Road, where a group of red Shy Guys turn blue out of fear, and leave behind large quantities of blue paint when crushed by an angry Toad.

The following is a table of battle statistics for each enemy as obtained directly from the game's data. In gameplay, an enemy's HP is only represented by the amount of color left on their body, and reaches 0 when there is no color left; the actual number never appears as in-game text. For the attacks, "Normal" refers to the enemy's base attack unless otherwise stated, while "Blowback" refers to the damage the enemy inflicts upon other enemies when using the KO Hammer.

Name HP Attack Location
Red Shy Guy Idle Animation from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Shy Guy
8 Normal (3), Blowback (8) Port Prisma, Ruddy Road, Cherry Lake, Indigo Underground, The Crimson Tower,
Sunglow Ridge, The Golden Coliseum, Dark Bloo Inn, Violet Passage,
Vortex Island (European and Australian versions only), Fort Cobalt, Toad Trainworks,
Tangerino Grill, Sunset Express, Redpepper Crater, Mossrock Theater
Shy Guy 4-Stack sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Shy Guy 4-Stack
4 Normal (3 per Shy Guy), Blowback (12) Cherry Lake
Shy Guy 5-Stack sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Shy Guy 5-Stack
5 Normal (3 per Shy Guy), Blowback (12) Cherry Lake, Daffodil Peak, Fort Cobalt, Vortex Island
Slurp Guy
Slurp Guy
14 Normal (5), Blowback (12) Port Prisma, Ruddy Road, Indigo Underground, Bloo Bay Beach, The Crimson Tower,
Sunglow Ridge, Violet Passage, Toad Trainworks, Tangerino Grill
Shunned Guy from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Shunned Guy
12 Normal (5), Blowback (12) Indigo Underground, Tangerino Grill, Sunset Express
A Red Shield Guy from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Shield Guy
16 Normal (10), Blowback (16) The Crimson Tower, The Golden Coliseum, Violet Passage, Fort Cobalt
A Sombrero Guy from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Sombrero Guy
30 Hat (13), Blowback (12) Sunset Express
A Red Spike Guy from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Spike Guy
16 Normal (3), Spike (9), Blowback (12) Ruddy Road, Cherry Lake, Indigo Underground, The Crimson Tower, The Golden Coliseum,
Violet Passage, Toad Trainworks, Sunset Express, Mossrock Theater
A Soggy Guy from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Soggy Guy
8 Normal (1), Blowback (10) Cherry Lake, Indigo Underground, Violet Passage
Pry Guy sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Pry Guy
16 Normal (10), Blowback (16) Cherry Lake
A Silver Shy Guy from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Silver Shy Guy
8 Normal (25), Blowback (25) Fort Cobalt
A Gold Shy Guy from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Gold Shy Guy
8 Normal (25), Blowback (12) Fort Cobalt, Fortune Island
A Coal Guy from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Coal Guy
1 per Shy Guy 50 Toad Trainworks, Sunset Express
Laundry Guy from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Laundry Guy
16 Normal (10), Blowback (16) Vortex Island
A Red Roller Guy from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Roller Guy
8 12 Mossrock Theater
The Unicycle Shy Guy from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Unicycle Shy Guy
8 per Shy Guy 40 (decreases as stack decreases) The Emerald Circus
Paint Guy sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Paint Guy
16 Normal (6), Blowback (16) Ruddy Road, Black Bowser's Castle
The Trampoline Shy Guy from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Trampoline Shy Guys
1 per Shy Guy Somersault (28), Punch (12) The Emerald Circus
Animal Trainer Shy Guy sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Animal Trainer Shy Guy
8 Changes battle position The Emerald Circus
Red Snifit sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Snifit
24 Normal (5), Combo (15), Blowback (24) Sunglow Ridge, The Golden Coliseum, Plum Park, Fort Cobalt, Sunset Express
Red Slurp Snifit sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Slurp Snifit
24 Straw (10), Bullet (5), Combo (15), Blowback (24) Sunglow Ridge, The Golden Coliseum, Plum Park, Fort Cobalt, Mustard Café,
Toad Trainworks, Black Bowser's Castle
The Chariot Snifit from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Chariot Snifit
100 9 The Golden Coliseum
The Red Whistle Snifit sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Whistle Snifit
24 Bullet (5), Combo (15), Blowback (24) Fort Cobalt
A Red Spike Snifit from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Spike Snifit
32 Bullet (5), Combo (15), Blowback (24) Plum Park, Mustard Café, Black Bowser's Castle
Koopa Troopa sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Koopa Troopa
21 Normal (7), Stomped-on (21), Blowback Attack (16) Ruddy Road, Cherry Lake, Bloo Bay Beach, The Golden Coliseum, Vortex Island,
Lighthouse Island, Fortune Island, Green Energy Plant
Koopa Troopa 6-Stack sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Koopa Troopa 6-Stack
6 Normal (18 per Koopa Troopa), Blowback (20) Lighthouse Island, Green Energy Plant
Koopa Paratroopa sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Koopa Paratroopa
25 Normal (7), Stomped-on (12), Blowback (16) Daffodil Peak, The Crimson Tower, Fort Cobalt, Sunset Express
The Koopa Paratroopa 10-Stack sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Koopa Paratroopa 10-Stack
10 Normal (5 per Paratroopa), Blowback (20) Sunset Express
Hammer Bro sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Hammer Bro
64 Normal (32), Blowback (24) The Golden Coliseum, Fort Cobalt, Mustard Café, Black Bowser's Castle
The Small Hammer Bro sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Small Hammer Bro
64 Normal (15), Blowback (5) Sacred Forest
Boomerang Bro sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Boomerang Bro
72 Normal (12 twice), Blowback (24) Fort Cobalt, Sunset Express, Green Energy Plant, Black Bowser's Castle
Fire Bro sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Fire Bro
68 Normal (32), Blowback (24) Fort Cobalt, Fortune Island, Redpepper Volcano, Redpepper Crater, Black Bowser's Castle
A Fire Bro 8-Stack from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Fire Bro 8-Stack
8 Normal (8 per Fire Bro), Blowback (30) Redpepper Volcano
Ice Bro sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Ice Bro
68 Normal (36), Blowback (24) Lighthouse Island, Fortune Island, Black Bowser's Castle
The Chariot Bro from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Chariot Bro
100 15 The Golden Coliseum
Sledge Bro sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Sledge Bro
80 Normal (30), Quake (20), Blowback (80) Green Energy Plant, Black Bowser's Castle
Shady Sledge Bro sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Shady Sledge Bro
88 Normal (30), Quake (20), Blowback (80) Dark Bloo Inn, Vortex Island
The Juggler Bro sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Juggler Bro
50 24 Mossrock Theater, The Emerald Circus
The Circus Bro sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Circus Bro
50 Normal (12 twice), Blowback (24)
Ninji from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Ninji
23 Jump (5), Knife (15), Blowback (12) Fort Cobalt, Toad Trainworks
Spike sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Spike
25 Hop (9), Ball (12), Blowback (24) Kiwano Temple, The Golden Coliseum, Fort Cobalt, Mustard Café, Sunset Express
Spiny sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Spiny
19 Normal (7), Stomped-on (20), Blowback (20) Daffodil Peak, Sunglow Ridge, Kiwano Temple, Redpepper Volcano
A Buzzy Beetle from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Buzzy Beetle
14 Normal (6), Stomped-on (25), Blowback (12) Indigo Underground, Lighthouse Island, Redpepper Volcano
The Buzzy Beetle Tower from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Buzzy Beetle Tower
150 Shell (4, 8, 12), Shy Guy (36),
Stomped-on (999), Line (2, 4, 7)
The Emerald Circus
A Buzzy Beetle Gang from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Buzzy Beetle Gang
14 per Buzzy Beetle 6 per Buzzy Beetle Lighthouse Island
A Small Buzzy Beetle from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Small Buzzy Beetle
2 Normal (1), Stomped-on (2), Blowback (1) Sacred Forest
The Small Buzzy Beetle Gang from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Small Buzzy Beetle Gang
2 per Small Buzzy Beetle 1 per Buzzy Beetle Sacred Forest
Spike Top sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Spike Top
22 Normal (16), Stomped-on (32), Blowback (16) Redpepper Volcano, Redpepper Crater
A Cheep Cheep from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Cheep Cheep
26 Normal (4), Water (10), Blowback (12) Bloo Bay Beach, Violet Passage
A Small Cheep Cheep from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Small Cheep Cheep
10 Normal (1), Water (3), Blowback (1) Sacred Forest
Bob-omb sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Bob-omb
25 Body (8), Bomb (16), Counterattack (12), Blowback (24) Fort Cobalt, Redpepper Crater, Black Bowser's Castle
Scaredy Rat sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Scaredy Rat
8 Normal (3), Steal (1), Blowback (8) Marmalade Valley, Dark Bloo Inn, Toad Trainworks
The Scaredy Rat 10-Stack from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Scaredy Rat 10-Stack
10 Normal (1 per Scaredy Rat), Blowback (20) Toad Trainworks
Fuzzy sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Fuzzy
14 Normal (3), Blowback (12) The Golden Coliseum, Toad Trainworks, Sunset Express, Redpepper Volcano
A Fuzzy Stack from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Fuzzy Stack
16 Normal (8 per Fuzzy), Blowback (20) Toad Trainworks, Sunset Express, Redpepper Volcano
Dry Bones sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Dry Bones
10 12 Marmalade Valley, Vortex Island, Lighthouse Island, Fortune Island, Redpepper Crater
A Dry Bones 5-Stack from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Dry Bones 5-Stack
5 Normal (12 per Dry Bones), Blowback (20) Lighthouse Island, Fortune Island
Boo sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Boo
33 Normal (6), Blowback (12) Vortex Island, Lighthouse Island, Fortune Island
The Boo 10-Stack sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Boo 10-Stack
10 Normal (4 per Boo), Blowback (20) Lighthouse Island, Fortune Island
Fire Piranha Plant sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Piranha Plant
64 9 Redpepper Crater, Mossrock Theater
Fire Piranha Plant sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Fire Piranha Plant
64 15 Plum Park, Redpepper Crater
A Ptooie sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Ptooie
64 Bite (9), Ball (36), Blowback (24) Mossrock Theater
Swoop sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Swoop
11 Low (4), High (8), Blowback (12) Indigo Underground, Kiwano Temple, Vortex Island
Goomba sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Goomba
6 Normal (3), Blowback (6) Port Prisma, Daffodil Peak, The Crimson Tower, Sunglow Ridge, Mondo Woods,
The Golden Coliseum, Sacred Forest
Mega Goomba sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Mega Goomba
116 Normal (33), Blowback (116) Mondo Woods
The Small Goomba sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Small Goomba
3 1 Sacred Forest
Bone Goomba sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Bone Goomba
12 Normal (10), Blowback (24) Marmalade Valley
The Paragoomba sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Paragoomba
10 Normal (5), Blowback (10) Fort Cobalt, Mustard Café
A Paper-Cone Goomba from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Paper-Cone Goomba
10 Normal (6), Blowback (8) Kiwano Temple
Accordion Goombas sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Accordion Goombas
30 Normal (7), Blowback (30) The Crimson Tower
A Small Goomba Wheel from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Small Goomba Wheel
10 5 Sacred Forest
A Small Goomba Gang from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Small Goomba Gang
3 per Small Goomba 1 per Small Goomba Sacred Forest
Rocky Wrench sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Rocky Wrench
32 Normal (10), Wrench (15) Toad Trainworks, Sunset Express
Blooper from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Blooper
26 Body (7), Ink (13), Blowback (12) Plum Park, Vortex Island, Lighthouse Island, Fortune Island
The Blooper 10-Stack sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Blooper 10-Stack
10 Normal (7 per Blooper), Blowback (20) Lighthouse Island
Poison Blooper from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Poison Blooper
26 Body (7), Ink (13), Blowback (12) Plum Park
A Pokey in Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Pokey
36 Normal (5), Blowback (12) Mustard Café
A Green Pokey in Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Green Pokey
36 Normal (6), Blowback (12) Mustard Café
Dino Rhino sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Dino Rhino
56 Normal (16), Fire (32), Blowback (24) Mossrock Theater
Wild Dino Rhino sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Wild Dino Rhino
300 Body (12), Jump (8), Breath (2) The Emerald Circus
Lava Bubble sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Lava Bubble
16 Normal (8), Blowback (12) Redpepper Volcano, Redpepper Crater
Black Lava Bubble from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Black Lava Bubble
24 Normal (8, 8, 10, 12), Blowback (24) Black Bowser's Castle

Bosses[edit]

Image Name Description
Morton Koopa Jr. in Paper Mario: Color Splash. Morton The guardian of the red Big Paint Star, battled atop the Crimson Tower. Morton calls in two Shy Guys with a pedestal and stands atop it during his battle. Once Mario defeats the two Shy Guys and knocks away the pedestal with a hammer attack, Morton pulls out a flaming hammer, which has to be countered with the Fire Extinguisher Thing.
Iggy Koopa in Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Iggy Iggy is fought in the Golden Coliseum as part of a "Battle Royal" event. In battle, Iggy rides a chariot, driving away when Mario tries to attack. Mario has to use the Bone Thing and have Princess destroy Iggy's chariot, as well as the Chariot Bro and Chariot Snifit accompanying him. Once Iggy is defeated, Mario is rewarded with the yellow Big Paint Star.
Ludwig von Koopa in Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Ludwig Ludwig is found in Fort Cobalt with the blue Big Paint Star. He rides the Super Ludship, which is invulnerable to attacks; Mario must reflect Ludwig's projectiles with Tail attacks to destroy the ship. However, Ludwig resurfaces in the Super Ludsub, hiding in the water and firing missiles. The Balloons Thing must be used to lift the sub out of the water.
Wendy O. Koopa in Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Wendy As the boss of Fortune Island, Wendy protects the purple Big Paint Star. She attacks by throwing enemies and coins at Mario, eventually preparing a giant ring to trap him. If Mario uses the Instant Camera Thing, he prints out a picture of himself, which Wendy attacks instead.
Larry Koopa in Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Larry Larry is fought on the Sunset Express while it is heading to Starlight Cape. A Shy Guy supplies Larry with healing hearts through the smokestack, as the Sunset Express's conductor goes down to the cabin to stop it. Once the Shy Guy is defeated, Mario can plug the smokestack with the Cork Thing, making Larry vulnerable. After Larry is defeated, the conductor takes control of the train again and stops near the orange Big Paint Star at Starlight Cape.
Lemmy Koopa in Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Lemmy As a performer at the Emerald Circus, Lemmy battles Mario on top of the circus tent while guarding the green Big Paint Star. Lemmy is the only Koopaling that requires two Things to be weakened; while he is spinning on the Wonder Ball, Mario has to use the Disco Ball Thing to distract him, then pop the ball with the Ice Pick Thing.
Roy Koopa in Paper Mario: Color Splash.
Roy Roy is the only Koopaling that does not guard a Big Paint Star; instead, he is fought at the beginning of Black Bowser's Castle. Roy steals all of Mario's paint and shoots it back at him through a cannon, causing unique status effects. After taking enough damage, Roy mixes the paint together and covers the room in black paint; this can be removed with the Washing Machine Thing.
Black Bowser (Phase 1)
Black Bowser Black Bowser is the final boss of Paper Mario: Color Splash, appearing at the end of Black Bowser's Castle. For the first phase of the fight, Mario has to damage Black Bowser until his head is free of black paint; he appears shocked and unaware of what he has been doing. The black paint then covers Bowser again as he enlarges in size. Huey reverts into 3D and has Mario time his blocks perfectly to absorb the black paint. As a final attack, Black Bowser spits all the black paint into a giant ball, then fires it at Mario; if blocked, Huey is damaged, although Mario is able to finish off Bowser.

Mini-bosses[edit]

Image Name Description
Big Spiny sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash Big Spiny A large Spiny fought in Kiwano Temple.
Petea Piranha in Paper Mario: Color Splash. Petea Piranha A version of Petey Piranha who is hiding in the Teapot at Plum Park. Once defeated, the park's waters are purified and Mario can collect the Teapot.
A black Shy Guy in Paper Mario: Color Splash. Black Shy Guy A Shy Guy in a black cloak who speaks in haiku and ambushes Mario in Violet Passage.
The Steak from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Steak A live-action slab of meat battled at Tangerino Grill. Mario must use a correct series of attacks and Things to cook the steak, and then serve it to a VIP customer.
Big Lava Bubble sprite from Paper Mario: Color Splash Big Lava Bubble A giant Lava Bubble battled in Redpepper Crater. A Shy Guy accompanies it to translate its speech.
Kamek, in Paper Mario: Color Splash Kamek Kamek is fought directly in the Sacred Forest after enlarging a pipe with the Magnifying Glass Thing. He casts spells on Mario to hinder him throughout the battle.
The Shy Bandit from Paper Mario: Color Splash. The Shy Bandit A recurring mid-boss who appears on the world map. The Shy Bandit throws his calling card to a spot on the map and begins slurping the color out of the area. If Mario catches him first, he enters a battle. The Shy Bandit attacks like a regular Slurp Guy, but can also summon reinforcements.

Other[edit]

Image Name Description
A Light-Blue Yoshi in Paper Mario: Color Splash. Yoshis Yoshis that appear in The Emerald Circus. If Mario tries to open the cage they are in, they will eat him and spit him out. After Lemmy flees the stage, they escape the cage they are in. During a battle on the stage, one of them may pop out from behind the curtains and try to eat Mario. If Mario does not block this, he loses his next card.
TacticalBlackPaintNuke.png Banzai Bill Banzai Bills appear in this game as black paint bombs made in Black Bowser's Castle. One lands on Sunglow Ridge and covers the area in black paint, which Mario must avoid or he will lose 30 HP.
Sprite of a Mega Bob-omb, from Paper Mario: Color Splash Mega Bob-omb Large Bob-ombs found in Black Bowser's Castle. When Mario arrives in Black Bowser's Castle, he uses them to destroy the black paint mixing room.
Volcanic debris in Paper Mario: Color Splash Volcanic debris Molten rocks that jump out of lava. They are found at the end of Kiwano Temple, damaging Mario if he comes into contact with them.
Bullet Bill Bullet Bill Bullet Bills can be found in the Green Energy Plant in their Super Mario Bros. 3 sprite forms. They are shot by a Bill Blaster and drop paint when stomped on.
A Bill Blaster in Paper Mario: Color Splash Bill Blaster A cannon that fires Bullet Bills every few seconds and cannot be destroyed. One appears in the Green Energy Plant, using its appearances from Super Mario Bros. 3.

Locations[edit]

Map of Prism Island.Ruddy RoadCherry LakeThe Crimson TowerRedpepper VolcanoRedpepper CraterDaffodil PeakSunglow RidgeChâteau ChanterelleThe Golden ColiseumMustard CaféIndigo UndergroundBloo Bay BeachDark Bloo InnCobalt BaseFort CobaltPlum ParkViolet PassageVortex IslandLighthouse IslandFortune IslandMarmalade ValleyKiwano TempleToad TrainworksTangerino GrillSunset ExpressMondo WoodsSacred ForestGreen Energy PlantMossrock TheaterThe Emerald CircusPort PrismaBlack Bowser's CastleRoshambo Temple
Click an area to open the relevant article.

The game is set on Prism Island, shaped like a paintbrush, and on nearby islands shaped like drops of paint, which have been drained of their color. The locations are organized according to the order listed in the game's status menu, though there are five courses for each of the six main colors (red, yellow, blue, purple, orange, and green), with one for each of them having a main boss. Port Prisma is dedicated to the game's three primary colors and Bowser's Castle is dedicated to the game's tertiary color, black. The map is colored in as Mario collects Mini Paint Stars, though it is not possible to view it completely colorless, as the world map is only unlocked after Mario collects the red Mini Paint Star from Port Prisma.

Image Level Description Things found Colorless spots Connects to
Port Prisma Port Prisma A harborside town, and the main hub of the game. Notable features in the main plaza include the Prisma Fountain and various Super Flags. Port Prisma is divided into various districts, all accessible from the plaza. The blue district contains Prisma Postal Toad, Prisma Cardware, and a Prisma Cafe. The yellow district has the Prisma Museum, Action Command Dojo, Rescue Squad HQ, and Peach and Toad's guest rooms. At the harbor district, Mario can talk to the Wringer or the Know-it-All Toad. Plunger (Thing) 80 Ruddy Road
Indigo Underground
Black Bowser's Castle
Ruddy Road Ruddy Road A grassland area that is also the first level in the game. Notable locations include a Toad's house and the Ruddy Road Cafe. The purple Rescue Squad's formation is located here. Fire Extinguisher 40 Port Prisma
Cherry Lake
Indigo Underground
Cherry Lake Cherry Lake An area with many waterwheels that Mario must navigate through. Justice Toad is found here, and Mario has to collect the various items he has lost. Fan 29 Ruddy Road
The Crimson Tower
Bloo Bay Beach
Indigo Underground Indigo Underground A cavernous area where Rescue Green and all five members of his squad are found. Lemon (Thing) 39 Bloo Bay Beach
Ruddy Road
Port Prisma
Daffodil Peak
The Ocean Fest from Paper Mario: Color Splash Bloo Bay Beach A tropical beach. Mario participates in the Oceanfest event to unlock access to Blissful Beach. Additionally, Surfing Kinopio of the Chosen Toads must be rescued. None 38 Indigo Underground
Cherry Lake
Sunglow Ridge
Plum Park
Daffodil Peak in Paper Mario: Color Splash Daffodil Peak A tall mountain. Mario must talk to the park ranger to obtain a climbing permit. The Mountain Sage is found here. None 53 Indigo Underground
Sunglow Ridge
Ruddy Road
The Crimson Tower The Crimson Tower A tall tower full of conveyor belts and stairways. The tower is initially unpainted, but is restored after Mario rides an airship and drops paint onto it. The three Chosen Toads must be gathered at the doorway to gain entry. Cat-o-Luck 24 Cherry Lake
Sunglow Ridge from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Sunglow Ridge A mountainous area with a lumber mill. It contains the Scarlet Gate, blocking the level from entry until the red Big Paint Star is collected. A black paint bomb is dropped on Sunglow Ridge, and Huey cleans it up. None 44 Daffodil Peak
Bloo Bay Beach
Château Chanterelle
Château Chanterelle Château Chanterelle A small level that contains Prof. Kinopio's house. Piggy Bank 8 Sunglow Ridge
Mondo Woods
Marmalade Valley
Mondo Woods Mondo Woods An enlarged forest, featuring Mega Goombas and big objects. Mario visits this area to search for Princess. None 19 Chateau Chanterelle
Sacred Forest
Dark Bloo Inn
Marmalade Valley Marmalade Valley An active dig site. Mario goes here in search of Princess, Prof. Kinopio's pet Chain Chomp. A Toad is trapped from a cave-in, and Mario scales cliffs and explores caves to save him. Bone (Thing) 36 Chateau Chanterelle
Kiwano Temple
Kiwano Temple Kiwano Temple An ancient temple full of Spiny Shell-shaped rocks. Mario must balance on top of cardboard tubes to avoid falling on the spikes. The Sunset Express first appears outside the temple, where it is crushed by a Thwomp. The blue Rescue Squad's formation is located here. None 37 Marmalade Valley
The Golden Coliseum
Toad Trainworks
Redpepper Volcano
The Golden Coliseum The Golden Coliseum An ancient coliseum. Mario participates in a Battle Royal held by Iggy, the boss of the area. Bone (Thing)
Ice Pick
Bottle Opener
31 Kiwano Temple
Dark Bloo Inn Dark Bloo Inn A hotel haunted by a group of six ghostly Toads. The Dark Bloo Inn is stuck in a time loop, and is only freed after the Toads are satisfied. None 14 Plum Park
Mondo Woods
Plum Park from Paper Mario: Color Splash Plum Park The garden to the Dark Bloo Inn. The waters have been poisoned by Petea Piranha, and are purified after he is defeated by Mario. Birdo performs a concert in this area. Teapot (Paper Mario: Color Splash)
Balloons (Thing)
38 Dark Bloo Inn
Violet Passage
Bloo Bay Beach
Sacred Forest Sacred Forest A miniature forest inhabited by small enemies. During his first visit, Mario collects pieces of a Mini Paint Star that has been torn apart by a Small Goomba Gang. Turnip (Thing) 47 Mondo Woods
Green Energy Plant
Cobalt Base
Mustard Cafe
Cobalt Base Cobalt Base A militaristic base near the ocean. Mario is challenged to a game of Snifit or Whiffit: Seabed Edition, a quiz show based on memorizing Battle Cards. Instant Camera 3 Sacred Forest
Fort Cobalt
Fort Cobalt Fort Cobalt A training area for Shy Guys. Many blue Rescue Squad members are found here, during their attempts to infiltrate the base. Ludwig acts as the boss, fighting Mario from both a boat and submarine. Basin (Thing) 21 Cobalt Base
Violet Passage Violet Passage A port with a pirate ship. When Mario first visits, the water has been partially drained from the ocean, and he must save the yellow Rescue Squad from a Shy Guy attack. When the blue Big Paint Star restores the ocean, the ship's captain sets sail for the Violet Isles. Battery
Compass
10 Plum Park
Vortex Island
Redpepper Volcano
The Vortex Island laundry in Paper Mario: Color Splash. Vortex Island Mario visits this island and makes use of the parallel world to remove the source of a large vortex: the Washing Machine. Cork (Thing)
Washing Machine
56 Lighthouse Island
Violet Passage
Redpepper Crater
Lighthouse Island Lighthouse Island On this island, the lighthouse has burnt out. Mario goes to the parallel world and climbs the lighthouse to find the Lightbulb, returning it to the lighthouse keeper to illuminate the way forward. Lightbulb 35 Fortune Island
Vortex Island
Mossrock Theater
Fortune Island from Paper Mario: Color Splash Fortune Island A large island featuring a prominent skull-shaped cave. Mario and the ship crew investigate, finding a parallel world with a legendary captain inside. Charcoal Grill
Salt and Pepper
42 Lighthouse Island
Mustard Café Mustard Café A Prisma Café variant located in the desert. Mario and the café's chef fall into a deep hole, and are imprisoned by Snifits. None 54 Toad Trainworks
Sacred Forest
Toad Trainworks Toad Trainworks A train repair station that the Sunset Express stops at. Various green Toads assist Mario with repairing the train so it can get to Tangerino Grill. Megaphone 28 Kiwano Temple
Mustard Cafe
Tangerino Grill
Redpepper Crater
Tangerino Grill from Paper Mario: Color Splash Tangerino Grill A restaurant staffed by yellow Toads. Mario serves many hungry diners by cooking Mamma Mia Pizza, and serves steak to an anonymous VIP customer. Magnifying Glass (Paper Mario: Color Splash) 8 Toad Trainworks
Mossrock Theater
Sunset Express
Sunset Express Sunset Express A runaway train, hijacked by Larry. Mario acquires many members of the red Rescue Squad while making his way to the front of the train. None 14 Tangerino Grill
Redpepper Volcano from Paper Mario: Color Splash Redpepper Volcano A volcanic level. Draggadon resides here, and can be guided using the Fishing Pole and Magma Burger. None 13 Kiwano Temple
Redpepper Crater
Violet Passage
Redpepper Crater Redpepper Crater A deep volcanic area, containing hot springs. Hair Dryer 19 Redpepper Volcano
Toad Trainworks
Vortex Island
Green Energy Plant Green Energy Plant A Toad House laboratory. Inside, Mario can use Cutout to transport himself into a world themed after Super Mario Bros. 3. Recorder
Claw Hammer
1 Sacred Forest
Mossrock Theater
Mossrock Theater Mossrock Theater A foggy forest area located before the Emerald Circus. Mario fights various circus-themed enemies while rescuing members of the red Rescue Squad. None 34 Green Energy Plant
The Emerald Circus
Tangerino Grill
Lighthouse Island
The Emerald Circus The Emerald Circus A circus tent where the green Big Paint Star is held. The red Rescue Squad's formation is here, where they form half of the audience. Disco Ball 12 Mossrock Theater
Black Bowser's Castle from Paper Mario: Color Splash Black Bowser's Castle The final level of Paper Mario: Color Splash. It can only be reached once all six Big Paint Stars have been obtained, forming a Rainbow Road path up to the castle. A black paint mixing operation takes place here, where Banzai Bill bombs are filled and fired. After Mario defeats Black Bowser and rescues Princess Peach, they manage to escape on Luigi's kart. Huey stays behind to destroy Black Bowser's Castle, squeezing it into an Enemy Card. None 0 Port Prisma

Services[edit]

Prisma Cardware[edit]

Prisma Cardware
Main article: Prisma Cardware

Prisma Cardware is the only shop in the game where Mario can buy Battle Cards. As the player progresses, more cards can be bought. A red Toad outside the shop lets Mario know when a new card is available.

Prisma Café[edit]

Ruddy Road
Main article: Prisma Café

Prisma Café is a series of restaurants found throughout Prism Island. Here, Mario can buy Hearty Lattes and Prisma Juices, which restore HP and paint respectively. A few stores have extra things Mario can buy, such as the Magma Burgers in Fort Cobalt. A similar café, named the Mustard Café, also appears in the game.

Know-it-All Toad[edit]

The Know-it-All Toad is a Toad that appears near the entrance to the Red District in Port Prisma. If the player chooses to talk to him, he offers hints about the Thing Mario needs to progress now. For example, if Mario needs to find the Fire Extinguisher, the Know-it-All Toad says, "You must seek a red Thing on a red road... It cools that which is hot."

The Wringer[edit]

The Wringer in Color Splash
The Wringer

The Wringer is a shady Toad found in the Port District of Port Prisma. He runs a shop where Mario can purchase any Thing he found before if he does not have it on him currently. If Mario already has the Thing, it is marked as "Sold Out". If Mario did not find a specific Thing, its slot is marked as "Coming Soon".

Side activities[edit]

Prisma Museum[edit]

Prisma Museum
The interior of the Prisma Museum
Main article: Prisma Museum

The Prisma Museum is a museum hidden inside of the Action Command Dojo where the player can deposit Battle Cards to unlock concept art in the art gallery. Additionally, for every area that is fully repainted, the player unlocks music from that level in the sound gallery. When all types of cards are deposited, the museum lights up and Toads start visiting.

Roshambo Temples[edit]

Roshambo Temple
The exterior of a Roshambo Temple
Main article: Roshambo Temple

The Roshambo Temples are areas where Mario can play Super Roshambo for coins and Battle Cards. There are eight Roshambo Temples located throughout Prism Island. Roshambo Temples do not have any Cutouts, Things, colorless spots, Rescue Toads, or Mini Paint Stars. They are unlocked by collecting tokens after completing various levels. Additionally, the player can challenge the Rock Paper Wizard if they have beaten a chapter boss, who awards them an Enemy Card based on the Koopalings or Kamek for defeating him. If the boss has not been beaten, Mario competes against a generic enemy in the third match instead.

Piper's sidequest[edit]

When Purp is repainted by the water wheel in Port Prisma, a sidequest initiates. Every time Mario finds one of Piper's friends, the tree in the yellow district grows a small amount. After Bloo is found, the tree begins to wither and the four friends set off to find the Rainbow Carnation. After Yella is found, he tells the gang that he knew Piper died, and the tree begins to wither even more before suddenly ejecting a seed that Piper sprouts out of. Mario begins to fight it, only for the five Toads to stop him and tell Mario that the Ptooie is Piper. After this, the six can be seen near the entrance to The Crimson Tower playing around.

Spinning-Door[edit]

Main article: Spinning-Door
A Spinning-Door in Paper Mario: Color Splash
A Spinning-Door

The Spinning-Door is a three-segmented door appearing in some levels such as Daffodil Peak. When Mario hits it with his hammer, the segments begin rotating. He can then hammer it again to make the three segments have the same color. When all three segments match, the door becomes usable and leads Mario to a minigame depending on the color chosen; Blockstopper! for Red, Flippin' Cards! for Blue, Prize Pipe Paths for Yellow, and Paint Hunter! for rainbow.

Super Flags[edit]

Main article: Super Flag
Super Flags
The Super Flags in the credits parade

Super Flags return from Paper Mario: Sticker Star. This time, there are only six flags to obtain instead of eight. When the player completes an achievement, its corresponding flag will unroll and be displayed in the credits parade. If the player manages to complete all six achievements, an alternate ending is unlocked after the end credits, with Huey falling from the sky into the Prisma Fountain.

Achievement How to obtain
Excellence Embodied Perform 200 Excellent attacks.
Sizzlin' Scissors Perform every Cutout.
Gold Bug Collect 10,000 coins.
Card Champion Buy 200 cards from Prisma Cardware.
Honorary Paint Can Repaint all Colorless spots.
The One and Roshambonly Beat the Rock Paper Wizard in all eight Roshambo Temples.

Luigi sightings[edit]

Luigi can be found hiding in six locations across Prism Island. If the player uses the Cutout technique on these spots, Luigi will look around, face Mario, give the player 300 coins, and run off the screen. If the player finds all six Luigi spots, Luigi will appear at the start of the credits parade. Luigi can be found in the following areas:

Level Location
Bloo Bay Beach The outdoor shower room behind the juice bar.
Marmalade Valley Near the Save Block found on the second level of the excavations area.
The Golden Coliseum On top of one of the spectator stands in the arena.
Plum Park The tree in the area where Birdo is encountered.
Redpepper Crater Behind a waterfall within the hot springs area.
Green Energy Plant A monitor outside the Green Toad House.

Items and objects[edit]

General[edit]

Image Name Description
? Block artwork from Paper Mario: Color Splash. ? Block Yellow blocks with a white ? symbol. They are very common and contain coins and Battle Cards. When hit, a ? Block's top flips open as the item inside pops out. Mario can either hammer a ? Block or jump into it from below to release its contents.
A ? Panel in Paper Mario: Color Splash ? Panel A ground counterpart to the ? Block that appears exclusively in the Flippin' Cards! minigame. When hit, a ? Panel will either reveal a Battle Card, which must be matched to form a pair, or add or subtract from the timer.
Airship PMCS.png Airship Large flying battleships used by Bowser's army. Outside the Crimson Tower, Mario boards an airship commanded by Shy Guys. An airship appears during Black Bowser's reveal, and another one is shown in the ending cutscene.
A barrel in Port Prisma in Paper Mario: Color Splash Barrel Common wooden barrels. They contain paint, coins, and Battle Cards.
Red Big Paint Star.png Big Paint Star The main collectibles of the game. There are six Big Paint Stars in the game, each corresponding to the primary and secondary colors. When collected, a Big Paint Star repaints a major landmark on the map and moves back to the Prisma Fountain. At Port Prisma, Mario can hammer a Big Paint Star for paint or watch its memories.
Bowser Tape in Paper Mario: Color Splash Bowser Tape Sticky pieces of tape with Bowser's insignia. They are found blocking folded-up pieces of ground, entrances, and doors. The removal of Bowser Tape often opens a shortcut to the previous parts of the level.
Artwork of a Brick Block in Paper Mario: Color Splash Brick Block Ordinary blocks that appear in nearly every level. Mario can destroy them by hitting them with his hammer or striking them from below.
A wooden bucket used to float in the waters of Plum Park in Paper Mario: Color Splash. Bucket A large, wooden bucket ridden through the waters of Plum Park. Can protect its passenger from poisonous water.
Used in case of images missing from a section gallery, table, bestiary box, or certain infoboxes. Cannonball Projectiles that can be fired from the Violet Passage captain's ship to hit targets.
Card Max Up Card Max Up A rare object that permanently increases the number of cards Mario can use in battle. They are awarded at Cherry Lake, Dark Bloo Inn, and Sacred Forest.
Coconuts in Paper Mario: Color Splash Coconut Papercraft coconuts found growing on trees. When Mario hammers the tree, a coconut falls and cracks open to reveal a coin.
A coin in Paper Mario: Color Splash Coin Gold coins that serve as the game's main currency. They can be obtained by winning battles, finding them on the overworld, playing Super Roshambo, repainting colorless spots, and collecting a Mini Paint Star. Coins are primarily used to purchase cards at Prisma Cardware or Things from the Wringer. Mario can have up to 9999 coins at once.
A Conveyor Belt in Paper Mario: Color Splash Conveyor Belt Paper rolls that automatically move Mario in a set direction as he stands on them. They appear in the Crimson Tower and Black Bowser's Castle.
A crate in the Green Energy Plant in Paper Mario: Color SplashA crate in Port Prisma in Paper Mario: Color Splash Crate Wooden crates that appear in two sizes. They can contain paint, hearts, Battle Cards, or coins.
An Empty Block in Paper Mario: Color Splash Empty Block A ? Block after it has been struck. These blocks sometimes serve as platforms.
A fireball in Paper Mario: Color Splash Fireball Fiery projectiles that are thrown by Fire Mario and Fire Bros.
Mario with his hammer Hammer Mario's hammer. He can use it on the overworld to hit objects and characters. In battle, hammer attacks deals minor splash damage, are effective against spiked enemies, and cannot hit flying enemies.
A basic Hammer Scrap from Paper Mario: Color Splash Hammer Scrap Scraps that drop from enemies upon defeat, increasing the capacity of Mario's Paint Hammer when collected in large quantities. Hammer Scraps are found in 4 progressively shinier and more potent varieties.
A cardboard Heart from Paper Mario: Color Splash Heart Pink hearts that restore either 20 or 40 of Mario's HP when collected.
N/A Hidden Block Invisible ? Blocks, often used to alert Mario towards secret areas.
A Holo-Peach from the development of Paper Mario: Color Splash. Holo-Peach Holographic messages sent by Peach to alert Mario on the details of Black Bowser's plan while being held in captivity.
Used in case of images missing from a section gallery, table, bestiary box, or certain infoboxes. HP-Up Heart Rare items that are awarded to Mario every time he returns a Big Paint Star to the Prisma Fountain, increasing his maximum HP.
An Ice Ball in Paper Mario: Color Splash Ice Ball Projectiles that are thrown by Ice Mario and Ice Bros.
A Goal Pole in Paper Mario: Color Splash Goal Pole A Goal Pole, themed after its Super Mario Bros. appearance, appears at the end of the Green Energy Plant. Mario can use it to exit the Cutout section. Another Goal Pole with a Bowser logo appears in Black Bowser's Castle, which Mario slides down to get off the conveyor belt.
A golden ring in Paper Mario: Color Splash Golden ring A gold ring thrown by Wendy during her boss fight.
A kart in Paper Mario: Color Splash Kart Luigi's green kart, which he uses to drive Mario and Huey to Black Bowser's Castle.
A magical ball in Paper Mario: Color Splash Magical ball A striped, red-and-green ball that Lemmy balances on.
The Mamma Mia Pizza in Paper Mario: Color Splash Mamma Mia Pizza A pizza that Mario cooks for the diners at the Tangerino Grill.
A Mega ? Block in Paper Mario: Color Splash Mega ? Block Large ? Blocks that are found in Mondo Woods.
A Mega Block in Paper Mario: Color Splash Mega Block Large Brick Blocks that are found in Mondo Woods.
Red Mini Paint Star v2.png Mini Paint Star One of the game's main collectibles. Mini Paint Stars open up new paths on the world map by restoring color to blank areas.
A pair of blue paint blobs from Paper Mario: Color Splash Paint Blobs of paint found scattered around the world, ranging from red to purple and even multicolored. Paint pops out of the interactive scenery and from defeated enemies.
The Paint Hammer in Paper Mario: Color Splash. Paint Hammer A 3D hammer infused with paint by Huey. The Paint Hammer is used to restore colorless spots around the world.
Plum Park Poison Poisonous water appears as an obstacle in Plum Park, having been tainted by Petea Piranha. The water is purified after his defeat. Roy's purple paint also poisons Mario, making him take damage every turn.
A POW Block in Paper Mario: Color Splash POW Block Special blocks that, when hit, crumple and stun nearby enemies. POW Blocks appear both on the overworld and as a Battle Card.
A Toad reading the Prisma Times Prisma Times The Prisma Times is a newspaper that a Toad in Port Prisma reads. By paying the Toad 10 coins, Mario can have a section of the paper read to him, hinting at his next objective.
Mustard Café Quicksand Quicksand appears in the Mustard Café. Mario's walking speed slows as he moves through it, and it pulls him downwards. If Mario drowns completely in quicksand, he gets a Game Over.
The Rainbow Carnation in Paper Mario: Color Splash Rainbow Carnation A special flower growing in Marmalade Valley that brings plants back to life. Piper's friends use it to revitalize his tree. Mario cannot directly interact with the Rainbow Carnation, as it only appears in a cutscene.
Used in case of images missing from a section gallery, table, bestiary box, or certain infoboxes. Rope Hanging ropes and vines that can be pulled to hide or reveal various pieces of scenery. They appear in Lighthouse Island, Mustard Café, Mossrock Theater, and the Emerald Circus.
A Roshambo rock card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Roshambo paper card in Paper Mario: Color Splash.A Roshambo scissors card in Paper Mario: Color Splash. Roshambo Card Special Battle Cards representing the Rock-Paper-Scissors symbols. They are played by Mario and his opponents during Super Roshambo. Roshambo Cards cannot be used in regular battle or taken outside of the Roshambo Temples.
Blockstopper! Roulette Block Three Roulette Blocks cycling through various rewards appear in the Blockstopper! minigame. The picture shown when Mario hits it determines what he will earn.
A Save Block in Paper Mario: Color Splash Save Block Rainbow-colored blocks with a spinning "S". When Mario hits one, the game's progress is saved.
The Science Claw in Paper Mario: Color Splash Science Claw An invention at the Green Energy Plant. Huey is caught in the claw until the power is restored.
Used in case of images missing from a section gallery, table, bestiary box, or certain infoboxes. Sign Signboards that provide information. Some are unpainted and must be colored in before Mario can read them.
A Spike Trap in Paper Mario: Color Splash Spike Trap Spikes hidden in the floor. They appear on Fortune Island, where Mario must memorize their locations in the main world to avoid them in the parallel world.
A Spiked Ball in Paper Mario: Color Splash Spiked Ball Projectiles used by Spikes and Ptooies.
A Spinning-Door in Paper Mario: Color Splash Spinning-Door A door consisting of three rotating segments. Matching all three panels allows Mario to play a minigame, depending on the color of the segments.
Ludwig von Koopa in Paper Mario: Color Splash. Super Ludship Ludwig's vehicle during the first phase of his boss fight. He summons troops to fight aboard the Ludship.
Fort Cobalt Super Ludsub A submarine used by Ludwig after the Ludship is sunk. To attack the submarine, Mario must lift it out of the water with the Balloons Thing.
Used in case of images missing from a section gallery, table, bestiary box, or certain infoboxes. Super Star Rare power-ups that grant Mario invincibility for a short period of time.
A trampoline in Paper Mario: Color Splash Trampoline A Trampoline appears in the Green Energy Plant, styled after its Super Mario Bros. appearance. Mario can jump off of it to reach a higher area.
A treasure chest in Paper Mario: Color Splash Treasure chest Golden treasure chests. They are found throughout the purple Big Paint Star levels, containing a blue Rescue Toad, coins, and important notes.
!? Block from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Unfurl Block A semi-rare red block with a !? symbol. Hitting it gives Mario the Unfurl ability for 20 seconds: while active, he gains a shiny foil texture, can instantly defeat enemies with First Strikes, and can transform objects with an Unfurl Mark.
Warp Pipe artwork from Paper Mario: Color Splash. Warp Pipe Common pipes that, when entered, transport Mario to another area. They appear in green, orange, and red varieties.

Key items[edit]

Image Name Description
The Toad's Pants icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Toad's Pants One of Justice Toad's items at Cherry Lake. They are found stuck in a tree.
The Toad's Shoes icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Toad's Shoes One of Justice Toad's items at Cherry Lake. They are found in a bush.
The Toad's Vest icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Toad's Vest One of Justice Toad's items at Cherry Lake. It is stuck in a piece of wood.
The Hero's Journal icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Hero's Journal One of Justice Toad's items at Cherry Lake. It is stolen and read aloud by Pry Guy.
The Blissful Beach Key icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Blissful Beach Key The key to Blissful Beach. It is won from the Toad Shuffle event at Bloo Bay Beach.
The Tea Recipe Book icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Tea Recipe Book A book found in the Dark Bloo Inn. It must be given to a Tea Party Toad to appease him.
The Birdcage icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Birdcage A birdcage found in room 303 in the Dark Bloo Inn.
The Caged Bird icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Caged "Bird" A Koopa Paratroopa in the Birdcage. It is used to appease a Tea Party Toad at the Dark Bloo Inn.
"It" Yoshi, who is initially invisible. "It" is captured by a Shady Sledge Bro and his group near the Dark Bloo Inn, and must be returned to its Tea Party Toad owner.
The Fresh Sheets icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Fresh Sheets Bedsheets found in the linen closet of the Dark Bloo Inn, given to a Tea Party Toad in room 301.
The Mountain Climbing Permit icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Mountain Climbing Permit A permit required to climb Daffodil Peak and find the Mountain Sage. Mario must cheer up the park ranger by repainting his cabin in order to get the Mountain Climbing Permit.
The Excavation Site Permit icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Excavation Site Permit A permit needed to enter Marmalade Valley, given by Prof. Kinopio so Mario can look for Princess.
The Sharp Spike icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Sharp Spike A spike similar to one on a Spiny's shell, rewarded by Prof. Kinopio and used to enter Kiwano Temple.
The Paint Star Piece 1 icon from Paper Mario: Color SplashThe Paint Star Piece 2 icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash
The Paint Star Piece 3 icon from Paper Mario: Color SplashThe Paint Star Piece 4 icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash
The Paint Star Piece 5 icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Paint Star Pieces Five pieces of a Mini Paint Star, torn apart by a Small Goomba Gang and scattered around Sacred Forest.
The Magma Burger icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Magma Burger A spicy burger sold at the Prisma Café in Fort Cobalt. It is used to lure Draggadon at Redpepper Volcano.
The Fishing Pole icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Fishing Pole A fishing rod sold as a combo with the Magma Burger. It is used with the Magma Burger to guide Draggadon.
The Day 1 Journal Entry icon from Paper Mario: Color SplashThe Day 2 Journal Entry icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash
The Day 3 Journal Entry icon from Paper Mario: Color SplashThe Day 4 Journal Entry icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash
The Day 5 Journal Entry icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash
Journal Entries Five journal entries written by the legendary captain, scattered around the ship at Violet Passage.
The Letter from Chest icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Letter from Chest A note found on Fortune Island, informing Mario and Huey that the Instant Camera has been taken by Snifit or Whiffit.
The Snifit's Card Key icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Snifit's Card Key A key card needed to use the elevator in the Snifit Undersand Hideout, found underneath a sofa on the bottom floor.
The Café Key icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Café Key The key to the Mustard Café, stolen by Snifits. Mario needs to bring it to the Mustard Café chef to open the café and get the Mini Paint Star inside.
The Trunk Key icon from Paper Mario: Color Splash Trunk Key The key to a trunk on the Sunset Express, containing 30 members of the red Rescue Squad and obtained after defeating some Snifits.

Nintendo eShop description[edit]

Paper Mario: Color Splash game icon

A mystery is afoot on Prism Island and only Mario™ can solve it——by restoring the land's vanishing colors with his new Paint Hammer. Puzzling battles await, but never fear; there's always a clever way to dish out the powerful Battle Cards up his sleeve. These fresh layers of strategy make this one of the most action-packed Paper Mario™ adventures ever!

It all begins when Mario receives an odd letter in the mail and heads for the unknown in a small boat. What he finds is a series of hilariously mysterious moments, each a clue that inches him closer to answering the riddle of Prism Island. To restore its former glory, he must first rescue the Big Paint Stars. Luckily, Mario's new companion Huey has granted him the power of paint, which can be used to recolor the exotic locales he'll hit up on his journey. Examine environments for clues, revive color-drained Toads, and even participate in strange events like the game show "Whifit or Snifit." Whatever it takes to make a splash on Prism Island!

Pre-release and unused content[edit]

Main article: List of Paper Mario: Color Splash pre-release and unused content
Paper Mario: Color Splash concept artwork.
Concept art showing Decalburg and an unused location.
Paper Mario: Color Splash concept artwork.
The inside of the unused location.

The game features a concept art gallery where concept art is gradually unlocked by donating Battle Cards to the museum. The concept art allows players to see how the characters, objects, and settings were gradually changed during development. It also reveals two locations that were cut from the game.

The first location is the east side of Decalburg from the previous game, that would have featured new objects including postboxes, differently placed Coins and ? Blocks and, most importantly, a river with sewage pipes, that would have been possible to cross using a bridge to reach an area not present in Paper Mario: Sticker Star. The second one is an unused location similar to a temple in a mountainous area of a rocky desert, that would have featured blue torches and at least three buildings connected by staircases and bridges. Many warp pipes would have been present as well, as in the concept art five of them can be observed, of which four are in a row.

The unused location on the inside would have featured blue torches, cacti, sandfalls, broken walls allowing light to enter, drawings of a Coin, a mushroom, and a star on the walls, very high pillars, bridges made of sand blocks, and spiked pits, thus making it similar to Kiwano Temple, suggesting, along with the rocky desert setting, that this unused location might have been a preliminary version of said location.

Staff[edit]

Main article: List of Paper Mario: Color Splash staff

Directors[edit]

  • Naohiko Aoyama (Concept)
  • Taro Kudo (Writing)

Level Design[edit]

  • Shingo Igata (Lead)
  • Kayoko Takamizawa
  • Yuki Agata
  • Tomomi Fujisawa (Support)

Producers[edit]

  • Kensuke Tanabe
  • Toshiyuki Nakamura
  • Toshio Sengoku
  • Naoki Nakano
  • Shinya Takahashi
  • Keisuke Terasaki
  • Satoru Iwata (Executive)
  • Tatsumi Kimishima (Executive)

Technical aspects[edit]

The game supports 5.1 surround. Though the rear speaker effects are very faint, certain effects like Mario preparing to attack or jump do use the rear speakers to a small extent.

Promotion[edit]

A screenshot from Rescue V: Fearless Color Defenders
The intro card for Rescue V

To promote the game, a series of videos about the Rescue Squad was produced called Rescue V: Fearless Color Defenders. The series revolves around the Rescue Squad trying to convince the listeners that the Rescue Squad were the real protagonists of the game, as according to them, they did all the hard work. The series has seven episodes total and each episode shows the parts of the game involving each color of the Rescue Squad. At the end of the last episode, the Chief fires the Rescue Squad leaders.

A game on the Play Nintendo website was released in 2016 called Paper Mario: Color Splash Trivia Quiz.

Reception[edit]

Critical reception[edit]

Upon its reveal during the March 2016 Nintendo Direct, Paper Mario: Color Splash received negative reception from fans, the main complaint focusing around the game's similarities to Paper Mario: Sticker Star, including its combat system, presence of Things and lack of original characters outside of Huey. Within hours of the game's reveal, a petition on Change.org ordered the game to be canceled even though its development started immediately after the development of Sticker Star was over, which TechRadar described as "a frightening example of how quickly, and harshly, we judge games we know next to nothing about".[4]

Despite this, the game received generally positive reviews at release. Critics praised the game's art direction and writing, though the lack of original characters and still-simplistic storyline were points of contention. In addition, while several reviewers noted gameplay improvements from Paper Mario: Sticker Star, some elements still drew criticism, such as the battle system and linear level design.

Terri Schwartz from IGN gave the game a 7.3/10, praising the game for balancing the battles and paint demands while also admitting it "could have benefited from more than one card shop (at the main hub of Port Prisma) and more readily available save blocks throughout the levels".[5] Ben Reeves from GameInformer gave it an 8.5/10, praising the game for its visuals and dialogue. He, however, said that the battle system was overly simple and that it "felt aimless with few far-reaching character goals".[6] Matt West from NintendoWorldReport gave the game a 9/10, praising the combat system for being strategic with the paint supply, while also praising the game's soundtrack and visuals. While he did say that the amount of Toads made the NPCs feel "same-y", he noted that those were "minor complaints in an otherwise excellent package".[7]

Miguel Concepcion from GameSpot gave the game a 7/10, praising the game's visuals and that its dialogue is a vast improvement over the previous Super Mario RPGs. However, they criticized the Cutout ability for being difficult to know when to use, and that it "can leave one stumped, disrupting the game's pacing and enjoyment of levels considerably".[8] Alex Jones from GamesRadar+ also gave it a 7/10, saying that while backtracking was a recurring theme and that the battle system was cumbersome, he also said the dialogue was superb and the presentation was carefully crafted. He ended by saying it is one of "one of the most heartwarming games you’ll play this year".[9] CJ Andriessen from Destructoid gave the game a higher rating, at 8.5/10. They praised the game for its storytelling, soundtrack, and visuals. Additionally, they noted that while the world map and battle system made the game feel slow at times, they said "the rewards you receive for stomping and smashing the familiar crop of Mario baddies are actually useful".[10]

Conversely, Dan Ryckert from Giant Bomb gave the game a 40/100, criticizing the game's battle system, opining that it ruined otherwise enjoyable gameplay. He noted that the fights made it easy to waste cards on almost defeated enemies, that strong cards can often be taken from the player without warning, and that he "never once felt like any of the standard fights were doing anything to progress the story or my character’s abilities".[11]

Reviews
Reviewer, Publication Score Comment
Terri Schwartz, IGN 7.3/10 "Paper Mario: Color Splash is a step in the right direction for the series after the 3DS's Paper Mario: Sticker Star, continuing its shift from RPG to action-adventure game while also introducing some smart changes to its battle system. The beautiful Wii U graphics and playful humor stay true to the spirit of the Paper Mario franchise, but the story is straightforward and a bit bland. Inventive level design in the second act offers some much needed diversity to some of Color Splash's otherwise linear gameplay before the disappointing third act regresses into simple and uninteresting battles. Though Color Splash still isn't back to the high points of the first three games in the Paper Mario series, it's a strong step in the right direction."
Miguel Concepcion, GameSpot 7/10 "At its most imaginative, Color Splash's visual gags and thoughtful manipulation of 2D objects rival any "wow" moment from Sony's Tearaway games. What Color Splash lacks in moment-to-moment paper tricks, it more than makes up for in persistent visual appeal and a wholly adorable cast, including antagonists from all pay grades. Its only frustrating feature is its Cutout interface, which can leave one stumped, disrupting the game's pacing and enjoyment of levels considerably. The novelty of the paint splashing doesn't grow tiresome, but it does take a backseat to the visual allure for which the series is known. Color Splash makes a solid case for a Paper Mario sequel that doesn’t need to rely on shtick like stickers or paint, though I won't be surprised if Nintendo's considering using crayons in the future."
Ben Reeves, GameInformer 8.5/10 "Color Splash's RPG elements might be paper thin, but fans of the series won't be disappointed with this latest adventure. While the game's combat isn't much deeper than Mario’s paper-thin body, this plumber's antics and colorful world are worth the price of admission."
CJ Andriessen, Destructoid 8.5/10 "If you didn't like Paper Mario: Sticker Star because it wasn't like the first two games in the series, I don't think you'll be satisfied here. For everyone else willing to give it a chance, Paper Mario: Color Splash is a charming journey that will delight your senses, your funny bone, and the part of your brain that houses your nostalgic feelings towards Nintendo."
Emma Schaefer, EGM 8/10 "Color Splash presents a beautifully crafted paper and cardboard world, populated by witty paper Toads and existential minions. Though it's got its share of backtracking and battle system quirks, the new painting mechanics are satisfying, and the mini-story arcs are almost creative and clever enough to make you forget that your princess is (yet again) in another castle."
Aggregators
Compiler Platform / Score
Metacritic 76
GameRankings 76.25%

Sales[edit]

In its opening week - October 10 through 16, 2016 - Paper Mario: Color Splash sold 20,894 copies in Japan.[12] It left the top 20 after the week of October 31 with 37,093 copies sold.[13] Famitsu reported the game as selling a total of 65,316 copies over its entire lifetime in Japan, making it one of the lowest-selling retail Super Mario games in the country.[14]

Similarities to the other Paper Mario games[edit]

  • Huey is Mario's companion in the game, fulfilling the role of Tippi from Super Paper Mario and Kersti from Paper Mario: Sticker Star.
  • Huey turns himself into a Battle Card to help Mario defeat Bowser, similar to how Kersti sacrificed herself by turning into a sticker during the final boss in Paper Mario: Sticker Star.
  • Bowser returns as the main antagonist like he was in Paper Mario and Paper Mario: Sticker Star.
    • Also, the black paint controls Bowser and makes him more powerful, much like the Royal Sticker in Paper Mario: Sticker Star.
  • There is a level in which Mario must go on a game show.
    • Snifit or Whiffit returns from Paper Mario: Sticker Star with new games involving Battle Cards.
  • Mini Paint Stars function like the Comet Pieces from Paper Mario: Sticker Star.
  • Battle Cards replace stickers.
  • Jumps, Hammers, their Worn-Out variants, Line Jumps, Hopslippers, Iron Jumps, Eekhammers, Hurlhammers, Blazehammers, Fire Flowers, Ice Flowers, POW Blocks, Mushrooms, Tails, Spike Helmets, and Frog Suits all return from Paper Mario: Sticker Star.
  • Things from Paper Mario: Sticker Star return, including the Fan, Cat-o-Luck, Basin, Lightbulb, and the Hair Dryer, along with the Teapot, although it has a different appearance.
  • Like in Paper Mario: Sticker Star, Luigi can be found hiding in some levels.
  • Like the previous home console installments of the Paper Mario series, the game starts at the Mario Bros.' House.
  • Much like Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Super Paper Mario, there is a generic enemy character named Johnson. In the former games' cases, he was an X-Naut and a Koopa Troopa respectively, whereas in this game, Johnson is a Shy Guy.
  • Bowser's castle floats, like it does in Paper Mario and Paper Mario: Sticker Star.
  • A parade takes place during the ending credits, just like in Paper Mario and Paper Mario: Sticker Star.
    • Luigi leads the parade, just like in those games.

Differences from the other Paper Mario games[edit]

  • Lakitus are completely absent from this game, though they are mentioned by Luigi.
  • When fought, enemies say phrases to provoke Mario.
  • Parakarry makes no appearance in any form and is not mentioned in any version either.
    • As a result, this is the first game to not reference a partner from a previous game in any version.
  • A giant Blooper does not appear as a boss or mini boss.
  • There is no story-related recurring mini boss.
  • The HP of enemies cannot be seen and has been replaced by the color of the enemy draining, showing how much HP it has left.
    • The amount of damage inflicted on enemies can also not be seen.
  • There are no individual save files.
    • Players can only remove save data through the settings.
  • When Mario hits a Save Block, the game does not ask the player if they want to save, instead automatically saving the game by default.
  • The heads-up display (Heart Points and coins, and the Paint Meter in this case) no longer disappears after a short time when Mario does not collect anything or is hurt.
    • When Mario collects a coin, the counter only bounces slightly instead of flashing three times.
  • When Mario collects a Big Paint Star, his maximum HP increases by 25 points. Comparatively, in previous Paper Mario games, Mario's health only increased by 5 points at a time (either after leveling up or collecting an HP-Up Heart).
  • Unlike in Paper Mario: Sticker Star, where several Things can be used for the same puzzle, only one set Thing is required to change a level.
  • When getting a Perfect Bonus, it is no longer based on clearing the battle in one turn without taking damage, but rather not sustaining damage throughout the entire battle.
  • Characters and enemies in this game have a more papery appearance than in the rest of the Paper Mario series. They have a white outline, similar to Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, and they have no shading on their colors.
  • This is the first Paper Mario game where Boos are enemies, but no Big Boo variations are present.
  • This is the only Paper Mario game to have only one shop, which gets updated throughout the game; other games have multiple shops found in different areas.
  • This is the first Paper Mario game to contain an unlockable post-credits scene.
  • This is the first Paper Mario game where Mario is not joined at any point by a character he previously battled; in the first four games, this applies to Lakilester, Vivian, Bowser, and the Wiggler Segments, respectively.

References to other games[edit]

  • Super Mario Bros.: The Goal Pole makes an appearance in both the 8-bit sprite from this game which appears in Green Energy Plant and in Black Bowser's Castle. The Springboard uses this game's sprite in Green Energy Plant as well. A Toad in the audience of Emerald Circus throws the Super Mushroom sprite from this game and Mario uses his idle based on his sprite while he grows.
  • Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels: When Huey realizes that the red Mini Paint Star in Ruddy Road has lost most of its color, he exclaims, "What in The Lost Levels is going on here?"
  • Super Mario Bros. 2: The "Ground Theme" is rearranged, titled "Spinning-Door Game." The vases also make an appearance in Château Chanterelle. Wart is mentioned in the game by a yellow Toad at Sunglow Ridge.
  • Super Mario Bros. 3: The Angry Sun is mentioned by one of the Five Fun Guys during Toad and Go Seek, and again by the Roshambo announcer while introducing Green Pokey. The Green Energy Plant is based on this game. When accessing the level, the soundtrack during normal gameplay is taken directly from the NES game, although flipping to 3D mode has it play a slightly orchestral cover. When Mario and Huey confront Larry on top of the train and the latter explains his motives, he makes clear he is doing his actions regarding hijacking the train to get the orange Big Paint Star solely to make sure Bowser is not upset otherwise, which is what Larry stated in the Japanese manual for the game. The Recorder from this game (which, in turn, is from the original The Legend of Zelda game) appears as its 8-bit sprite in Green Energy Plant and can be squeezed into a more realistic-looking Thing Card; when used, the original notes are played by the flute itself, and it has the same effect of summoning a whirlwind, while three other flutes play the "Coin Heaven" theme in the background. Additionally, to board the airship, Mario hangs on an anchor, similar to how he did in this game. The Shy Guy Stack in Cherry Lake, upon seeing Mario, says, "HA! It looks like your upper lip found a Tanooki Suit!" Peach also uses Holo-Peachs to send Mario tips during the game after beating the various Koopalings, similar to her letters from Super Mario Bros. 3. Also, like in that game, she will be unable to send a message to Mario after all objectives have been completed, although for different reasons (in Super Mario Bros. 3, Bowser sends a letter in her stead stating he kidnapped her again. In Color Splash, her message is cut off via Black Bowser draining her color off-screen).
  • Super Mario Land: An arranged version of the credits theme is present in the Roshambo Temples.
  • Dr. Mario series: After talking to the injured Purple Rescue Squad member on Daffodil Peak, if the player talks to Huey before helping the Toad, he will mention Mario part-timing as a doctor.
  • Super Mario World: Dino Rhinos return from this game.
  • Paper Mario: The jingle played when collecting a Big Paint Star is remixed from the first few notes of this game's opening theme.
  • Luigi's Mansion series: One of the Toads in Dark Bloo Inn references Luigi's role in these games, noting that he has dealt with paranormal activity before.
  • Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door: The running gag that originated from this game in which an implied grunt character is referred to as Johnson returns after being absent from Sticker Star. Additionally, Port Prisma has an almost identical layout to Rogueport, with a staircase leading to the square where the major collectibles of the game are put in place in Prisma Fountain, like in Rogueport Underground. In addition, Peach sends messages to Mario like in that game, and was ultimately responsible for getting him to the main area of the game in the first place, and late into the game, she also has her message cut off due to interference from the primary antagonist. The Hero's Journal looks similar to Goombella's Tattle Log.
  • Super Paper Mario: Mario can use flip in the Super Mario Bros. 3 part of Green Energy Plant in a similar way to this game.
  • Mario Party 8: The Five Fun Guys troupe name originates from the Mario and Toad team name featured in this game.[15]
  • New Super Mario Bros. Wii: Iggy taunts Mario by slapping his behind, like in this game. A Junior Clown Car, which is shown to be Koopa Clown Car in concept art, is seen in the back room of The Emerald Circus.
  • Paper Mario: Sticker Star: Many of this game's elements and physics return. Photographs of the Yoshi Sphinx, a location in World 2, and Hither Thither Hill can be seen on the left wall in Dark Bloo Inn's lobby. Also, sound effects from this game are recycled. The music for Bowser's introduction is also the same music used for his introduction from the same game. When Mario gets a Big Paint Star, the music that plays when the area's color is restored is the same theme that plays when the flashbacks explaining how each of the bosses in that game got their respective Royal Stickers. Also, there are plenty of music tracks from this game that are remixed. The Koopalings' introduction themes were also taken from the Warning themes for the "Sticker Star" boss introductions. Snifit or Whiffit is also taken from this game as well. The fight against Wendy is a music-based fight similar to the Gooper Blooper battle in this game. Huey turning into a battle card mirrors Kersti turning into a sticker.
  • Mario Kart series: Luigi appears driving a Standard Kart modeled after the ones from Mario Kart 8. Additionally, the "Luigi's death stare" meme, which originated from that game, is referenced. Also, the title theme and the countdown timer to begin racing are taken from this game as well. Rainbow Road appears in the game and the music of that course is a remix from Mario Kart 64. When Luigi decides to floor it to rush to the castle despite its creepy appearance, he states that they should be careful because Lakitu will not save them this time around, alluding to how various characters in the Mario Kart series, if caught in various hazards (falling into water, quicksand, lava, or bottomless pits), are fished out by Lakitu and brought back onto the main course. After being beaten, Bowser asks Mario if he is at Black Bowser's Castle because they have a kart race scheduled for the day, referencing the Bowser's Castle tracks in the series. Just before leaving Black Bowser's Castle in the ending, Luigi reassures Mario that Huey is alright, mentioning that he fell off Rainbow Road lots of times, alluding to the difficulty of the courses in the game.
  • New Super Mario Bros. U: Similar to the ending of this game, the Koopalings and Bowser's last appearance before the credits was them and their already damaged airship crash landing. Unlike in this game, however, it crashing was not Bowser's fault, as it got hit by a stray firework. Morton Koopa Jr. has his Hammer (based on Mario's) and Roy Koopa has his Bill Blaster for their respective fights.
  • Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker: Draggadon makes his paper debut. After using the Basin Thing in Redpepper Volcano, a bump comes out of its head, just like in this game after a rock falls on it. Also, when this happens, Mario can ride Draggadon as Captain Toad does in this game. One of the yellow Rescue Squad members says they used "sophisticated Toad treasure-tracking technology" to track a stolen bone from Marmalade Valley to The Golden Coliseum.
  • Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam: Enemies can sometimes appear in stacks, just as the paper enemies do in this game. Also, the Koopalings have their first paper appearances, after it being foreshadowed by Roy and Wendy in this game.

References in later games[edit]

Glitches[edit]

Main article: List of Paper Mario: Color Splash glitches

Angled Mario[edit]

Paper Mario skewed after performing a glitch with a barrel.
Mario jumping at an angle.

At Plum Park, station a barrel raft close enough to a ledge facing north, then get between the raft and the ledge and continually hammer the raft. If done correctly, Mario will glitch into the raft. When jumping out and walking around, Mario's model will appear at an odd angle, even though the overall physics will remain constant. The glitch ends if the player stops moving.

Flower pot clipping[edit]

Flower pots are interactable details found in various levels including Plum Park. When hammered they stay squished for a few seconds before rising back up. Before it un-squishes, if Mario is positioned on the edge of the flower pot and runs towards a wall close to the pot, it is possible for the player to be clipped through the wall. This also allows Mario to fall out of bounds and Game Over.

Tree clipping[edit]

The corners of the tree canopies in Port Prisma and Ruddy Road are slightly buggy, and it is possible for Mario to jump into and stand inside the canopy.

Quotes[edit]

Main article: List of Paper Mario: Color Splash quotes
  • "Anyway, now that I'm awake, you wanna grab a burger or something? Your treat." - Huey
  • "Mario! Princess Peach has been kidnapped by Bowser! No one could have predicted this!" - Toad
  • "NO PAIN STAR FOR DA MARIO!" - Morton Koopa Jr.
  • "Well, I've already locked you in jail. There isn't actually much worse I can do without raising this game's age rating." - Snifit
  • "Thanks for listening, Mario. I'm sure we'll meet again... maybe as enemies." - Red Shy Guy
  • "Wha...? What's going on? MARIO?! What are YOU doing here? Do we have a kart race scheduled for today?" - Bowser

Gallery[edit]

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Paper Mario: Color Splash.

Media[edit]

For a complete list of media for this subject, see List of Paper Mario: Color Splash media. For this subject's sound test, see Prisma Museum.
Audio.svg Main Theme - The music that plays on the title screen.
File infoMedia:PMCS Main Theme.oga
Audio.svg Overworld - Plays on the world map.
File infoMedia:PMCS Overworld.oga
Audio.svg Fight! - The regular battle theme.
File infoMedia:PMCS Fight!.oga
Audio.svg Port Prisma - Plays at Port Prisma.
File infoMedia:PMCS Port Prisma.oga
Audio.svg Cherry Lake - Plays at Cherry Lake.
File infoMedia:PMCS Cherry Lake.oga
Audio.svg Sunglow Ridge - Plays at Sunglow Ridge.
File infoMedia:PMCS Sunglow Ridge.oga
Audio.svg Bloo Bay Beach - Plays at Bloo Bay Beach.
File infoMedia:PMCS Bloo Bay Beach.oga
Audio.svg Island in Violet - Plays while exploring Vortex Island and Lighthouse Island.
File infoMedia:PMCS Island in Violet.oga
Audio.svg Sunset Express - The theme of the Sunset Express.
File infoMedia:PMCS Sunset Express.oga
Audio.svg Mossrock Theater - Plays at Mossrock Theater.
File infoMedia:PMCS Mossrock Theater.oga
Help:MediaHaving trouble playing?

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ペーパーマリオ カラースプラッシュ[?]
Pēpā Mario Karā Supurasshu
Paper Mario: Color Splash
Chinese (traditional) 紙片瑪利歐Colour Splash[16]
Zhǐpiàn Mǎlì'ōu Colour Splash
Paper Mario: Colour Splash
German Paper Mario: Color Splash[?] -
Italian Paper Mario: Color Splash[?] -
Korean Paper Mario: Color Splash[?] -
Spanish Paper Mario: Color Splash[?] -

Trivia[edit]

  • The seven main colors on which the game is based (red, yellow, and blue as the primary colors; violet, orange, and green as the secondary colors; and black as the tertiary color) are actually the colors of the Koopalings' Magic Wands, first introduced in Super Mario Bros. 3 in 1988.
  • In some English-speaking countries (e.g. the United Kingdom and Australia), the correct spelling for color is "colour". Despite this, the title was not changed outside of the Americas to reflect this difference.
  • In some sprites, Mario's cap briefly rises, but it does not show his hair below, unlike other games in the franchise, including Super Mario Party's cover, which shows Mario's hair visible whenever he raises his hat. This was corrected in Paper Mario: The Origami King, where both Mario and Luigi have sprites that show them without their hats.

References[edit]

  1. ^ https://www.polygon.com/2016/9/23/13028328/paper-mario-color-splash-leaks
  2. ^ http://kotaku.com/nintendos-big-fall-wii-u-game-briefly-went-on-sale-two-1786995541
  3. ^ Crunchii. (September 30 2016) [Spoilers] 100% Ending - Paper Mario: Color Splash. YouTube. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  4. ^ http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/paper-mario-color-splash-has-been-around-30-minutes-and-people-already-hate-it-1316232
  5. ^ https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/05/paper-mario-color-splash-review
  6. ^ https://www.gameinformer.com/games/paper_mario_color_splash/b/wii_u/archive/2016/10/05/paper-mario-color-splash-game-informer-review.aspx
  7. ^ http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/43515/paper-mario-color-splash-wii-u-review
  8. ^ https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/paper-mario-color-splash-review/1900-6416536/
  9. ^ https://www.gamesradar.com/paper-mario-color-splash-review/
  10. ^ https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-paper-mario-color-splash/
  11. ^ https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/paper-mario-color-splash-review/1900-753/
  12. ^ Romano, Sal. Media Create Sales 10/10/16 - 10/16/16 (October 19, 2016). Gematsu. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  13. ^ Romano, Sal. Media Create Sales: 10/31/16 – 11/6/16 (November 9, 2016). Gematsu. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
  14. ^ https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search
  15. ^ McWhertor, Michael (June 23, 2016). Nintendo denies Paper Mario: Color Splash makes jokes about 'online hate campaign'. Polygon. Retrieved July 26, 2017.
  16. ^ Official Chinese website for the Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary. Retrieved October 23, 2020.

External links[edit]