Let's Play: Paper Mario! part six, now with Interactivity(tm)!
Last time, Mario went to Shooting Star Summit and learned of his quest to
rescue the Star Spirits, then met a Star Kid named Twink, who gave him a
keepsake from Peach and encouragement.
Having defeated the Magikoopa that attacked him, Mario returns to Toad
Town, where one of the Toads waits for him.
Merlon was looking for you.
He lives in that house with the spinning roof.
He asked me to tell you to go meet him at his house.
I was just about to go look for you, but here you are!
It's rare for Merlon to call somebody over to house...
He's a bit eccentric.
Even when he has visitors, it's rare for him to come out of the house at
all.
When Merlon calls for you, you come right away!
Mario goes to Chez Merlon and knocks on the door.
Why do you keep on knocking?
I'm telling you he's out!!
Not letting himself be dissuaded that easily, Mario knocks again, and the
door flies open, knocking him to the ground.
Wait a minute...
That face seems verrry familiar to me...
Mario comes to and stands up.
Merlon: Oh! Maybe...
No... Yes! It must be!
You're Mario!
I've been waiting for you!
You should've come earlier!
Well, you're here now. Come in.
Merlon goes back into his house, and Mario and Goombario follow behind.
When I was reading the stars the other day, an oracle came to me.
What I discovered is very important, and it concerns you.
This chronicle commences in the year 2084 A.D. Mankind has virt--wait, wrong story again.
But before I tell you about it, there are other things of which I must
speak.
It is a very long story, but I'll try to shorten it.
Where should I start...?
It was in the old days.
One of my ancestors was up on Shooting Star Summit and as usual.....
......but one day it happened.
...suddenly...a great...
...appeared and I...
...standing face to face...
Then, the faraway....
the pious...
was...raised me up...
.....was amazing...
..I was still so young then...
I believed in .........
But....our hearts were.....
...........
and...........
.....then....
...........so......
Anyone remember the Great Ellipsis Shortage of the early 2000s? This game
caused it. Fortunately, new industry regulations have been set up
preventing anything like that ever happening again. Anyway, Mario soon
finds himself lulled into sleep by Merlon's droning voice.
Huh?! Hey, Mario!
Were you listening to me?
Mario is startled out of his nap, and nods lest the old man start over again.
Merlon: Oh...all right.
...So, anyway, that is why I am able to help you.
If you get lost during your adventure, you can come to me.
I can predict the path you should take for a small price.
Right now, your main goal must be to save Princess Peach as quickly as is
humanly possible, but...
according to my second sight, your path must first take you to the great
fortress of the Koopa Bros.
To reach the Koopas. Fortress, head east on the road in front of the Toad
House.
Mario leaves Merlon's house, and takes a short break to read the bulletin
board.
Recently, it seems that Fuzzies have invaded Koopa Village and
and [sic] are causing mayhem.
Please exercise extreme caution when visiting Koopa Village...
Hmm.
Mario starts to leave town, but doesn't get very far before he encounters
the same dark-clad Toads blocking the way.
Yellow Toad: Definitely. Definitely don't go.
Green Toad: Most of all, though, you shouldn't go ask old man
Merlon for help.
That would be really bad news for us...I mean, for you! Don't even think
about it!
Red Toad: You don't wanna go out there. It's way too dangerous.
They're not very smart, are they?
Mario, of course, returns to Merlon's house.
Merlon: Come again?
Strange Toads blocking the east side of Toad Town? That shouldn't be...
That's ridiculous!
Such a thing has never been heard of! Never!
I'll get to the bottom of this. Follow me over there.
I'll see what's going on.
Merlon storms out, and Mario and Goombario follow after him.
Black Toad: Take off!
Merlon: Hmmmm!
You aren't Toads, are you?!
Yellow Toad: ...Um...we don't know what you're talking about.
Green Toad: Yeah, what gives?
Ask anyone! We're just cute, ordinary Toads hanging out.
Merlon doesn't buy it for one second.
Merlon: Reveal your true selves!
Merlon: Hmph! Just as I thought.
You're the Koopa Bros.!!
Red Koopa: How... How'd you guess it was us?
We were perfectly disguised!!
Shucks!
Black! Yellow! Green!
We retreat!! ...for now...
They dash off, leaving Mario free to continue.
Merlon: Mario, those imposters were none other than the Koopa
Bros.
You must persue them to their hideout, the Koopa Bros. Fortress.
Oh, Mario,
there's one part of your fortune I haven't revealed.
To get to the Koopa Bros. Fortress, you'll need help from a blue-shelled
Koopa.
This is a strange portent. In Koopa Village, you might find something that
will clear it up.
I must return home now.
Mario and Goombario leave Toad Town in search of this fortress.
The road out of town takes them down the Pleasant Path.
If we go even farther east, we'll eventually reach Koopa Bros.
Fortress.
Soon, Mario runs into yet another familiar enemy:
You can't hurt these guys unless you jump on 'em and knock them onto
their backs first, which fortunately both Mario and Goombario excel at.
Moving on, Mario finds another new badge!
Unfortunately, he can't equip this one right now without taking off
others...
After a few more yards, Mario comes to what seems to be a dead end:
At least, it does until he whacks the tree, producing a switch. He hits the switch, and voila!
Mario takes it to the bridge, to quote a certain godfather of soul, and
keeps going, soon finding a roadsign.
He decides to keep going towards the fortress for now, and soon reaches
another dead end, complete with a sign left to taunt him.
With no switches to be found, he turns around and makes for Koopa Village.
And of course, as soon as he sets foot in Koopa Village, he is greeted by
a hysterical Koopa Troopa.
Can't you see what kind of madness is going on?
This village is in an uproar because of the Fuzzies.
You...do know what Fuzzies are like, don't you, Mario?
Sure I do! You touch-a one, you get-a dizzy!
...Oh, THOSE Fuzzies.
Koopa Troopa: Mean guys.
They're really naughty.
Just then, as if to illustrate his point, a Fuzzy appears and steals the
Troopa's shell!
Koopa Troopa: Oh, no! Stupid Fuzzy!
Get back here with my shell!
He chases after the Fuzzy. Mario, wasting no time, gives the Fuzzy a
smack with his hammer, making it drop the shell, which the Troopa quickly
re-dons.
Koopa Troopa: Oh, thank you, Mario!
I owe you one.
I just can't walk around without my shell on. Talk about embarrassing!
Mario, be sure to keep your shell safe from Fuzzies, all right?
...Oops. You don't have one. Well, watch your overalls.
Mario finds more instances of shell-thievery all through town, and uses
his skills to retrieve the captured carapaces.
I guess that was a really long time ago, huh?
Sorry, Kojima, you're not the only one who can play that game.
One of the houses is decorated in an island theme, complete with Bob-Ombs!
The Koopa Bros. in the fortress worked us too hard.
As far as they're concerned, laborers have no rights.
I will never, ever go back to work in such a terrible place.
Another home contains a lonely housewife Troopa...
My husband is never here when there's trouble.
My husband?
Oh, his name is Kolorado.
You've heard of him. He claims to be a famous explorer.
Who knows if it's true or not... He runs his mouth a lot.
My husband hasn't come back since he left to find some ruins.
If you see him somewhere out there in your travels, tell him to come home
once in a while!
Still another home belongs to a cantankerous old Troopa.
I've lived many, many years, and this is the first time I've seen
anything like this!
Goombario: This is the oldest Koopa in Koopa Village.
His name is Koopa Koot.
He's famous for being selfish, stingy and impatient.
He doesn't ask for things that are impossible, but you can bet the tasks
will be hard and time-consuming.
That's odd, this house in the middle seems to be hopping up and down...
Voice from within: Who's there?
I'm kind of busy right now!
The door opens, and out comes a shell-less Troopa.
You are! My name's Kooper!
Oh, I'm so psyched to meet you!
Us meeting here has gotta be fate or something.
I need a huge favor... I hope you'll help me out.
This wild Fuzzy took my shell, which, next to my life, is the most
important thing I have.
I can't go without my shell, period. Way too embarrassing.
The problem is, the Fuzzies are too fast for me to catch alone.
So if you don't mind, can you help me get my shell back?
I'm begging you!
Goombario: Hey, Mario.
It looks like he's in a bad way. We ought to help him out.
Kooper: The Fuzzy that took my shell is just inside my house.
I'll guard the door while you grab him like: Whump!
Mario steps inside, and is immediately confronted by the Fuzzy!
It taunts him and leads him out Kooper's back door and to a clearing in
the woods.
Come get it if you can!
Nyeah, nyeah!
Meeeeeoooooork!
Guess where I'm hiding?
It then challenges Mario to a shell game, which, thanks to his quick
eyes, Mario is able to beat with no trouble.
Here, take the stupid shell!
You're too tough for me. I won't be bad anymore, I promise.
...Maybe.
As Mario heads back to Koopa Village with Kooper's shell, he hears the
sound of running feet coming his way.
If I can't get my own shell, I'll lose my reputation!
I don't even care that I have no shell on! I'm gonna show those Fuzzies
what's what!
Goombario: We already got the shell back.
Kooper: Oh, yes! Yes!
This is my shell, all right!
Oh, yeah! Oh, yeah!
Got my shell back! Uh-huh!
You're the greatest, Mario!
I owe you big time!
He quickly pops his shell back on.
Kooper: Say, Mario...
I have an idea...
Do you happen to know Professor Kolorado?
Mario: ?
Goombario: Naturally he's a Koopa who's a professor of archaeology.
He's also known as an explorer.
Kooper: Right! Well, I live next to him.
I've been admiring Professor Kolorado ever since I was in my egg!
Nothing would make me happier than traveling the world, solving mysteries
like he does!
So... Do you think... Could I...
Please take me with you, Mario! I'll help! C'mon, lemme go!
Mario, remembering the words of Merlon, agrees.
Kooper: Oh, yes!! Yes!!
I'm on my way!
I swear, I, Kooper, will follow you anywhere, even to the ends of the
earth!
Right as Mario and his new friend are about to return to Koopa Village,
they hear the familiar screech of the Fuzzy!
And with that, not one, but FOUR fuzzies attack!
The problem with Fuzzies is their quickness. It's really tough to time
their attacks.
If they latch on to you, watch out! They'll absorb your HP.
Mario decides to put some of the items he's acquired to good use.
First, a Sleepy Sheepy, putting all four Fuzzies to sleep.
Next, a POW block, knocking them all down to 1 HP.
Finally, he switches Goombario for Kooper and has him use his Power Shell
attack to finish them all off without taking a single hit!
Fuzzy: Meeoooorkoooonooo!
We'll be good! We'll be good!
The fuzzies scurry off, leaving Mario &co. to return to Koopa Village
with no further harrassment.
Okay! Here is where the interactivity comes in:
As you know if you've played this already, Mario has a number of badges,
but only a limited amount of "space" for them. So, I'm leaving the
decision of what badges to wear up to you, the reader.
I have six BP, and the following badges:
Power Jump: 1 BP, lets you do a Power Jump.
Hammer Throw: 2 BP, lets you do a Hammer Throw.
HP Plus: 3 BP, increases maximum HP by 5
Close Call: 1 BP, when Marioo's in danger, enemies sometimes fail to attack.
Dizzy Attack: 2 BP, Delivers a blow that makes an enemy dizzy and unable to move.
Attack FX B: 0 BP, Changes the sound effects when Mario's attacking.
Post any combination of badges you like that adds up to 6 BP, and next time I play, I'll pick the most popular ones and see how it goes!
rescue the Star Spirits, then met a Star Kid named Twink, who gave him a
keepsake from Peach and encouragement.
Having defeated the Magikoopa that attacked him, Mario returns to Toad
Town, where one of the Toads waits for him.
Merlon was looking for you.
He lives in that house with the spinning roof.
He asked me to tell you to go meet him at his house.
I was just about to go look for you, but here you are!
It's rare for Merlon to call somebody over to house...
He's a bit eccentric.
Even when he has visitors, it's rare for him to come out of the house at
all.
When Merlon calls for you, you come right away!
Mario goes to Chez Merlon and knocks on the door.
Why do you keep on knocking?
I'm telling you he's out!!
Not letting himself be dissuaded that easily, Mario knocks again, and the
door flies open, knocking him to the ground.
Wait a minute...
That face seems verrry familiar to me...
Mario comes to and stands up.
Merlon: Oh! Maybe...
No... Yes! It must be!
You're Mario!
I've been waiting for you!
You should've come earlier!
Well, you're here now. Come in.
Merlon goes back into his house, and Mario and Goombario follow behind.
When I was reading the stars the other day, an oracle came to me.
What I discovered is very important, and it concerns you.
This chronicle commences in the year 2084 A.D. Mankind has virt--wait, wrong story again.
But before I tell you about it, there are other things of which I must
speak.
It is a very long story, but I'll try to shorten it.
Where should I start...?
It was in the old days.
One of my ancestors was up on Shooting Star Summit and as usual.....
......but one day it happened.
...suddenly...a great...
...appeared and I...
...standing face to face...
Then, the faraway....
the pious...
was...raised me up...
.....was amazing...
..I was still so young then...
I believed in .........
But....our hearts were.....
...........
and...........
.....then....
...........so......
Anyone remember the Great Ellipsis Shortage of the early 2000s? This game
caused it. Fortunately, new industry regulations have been set up
preventing anything like that ever happening again. Anyway, Mario soon
finds himself lulled into sleep by Merlon's droning voice.
Huh?! Hey, Mario!
Were you listening to me?
Mario is startled out of his nap, and nods lest the old man start over again.
Merlon: Oh...all right.
...So, anyway, that is why I am able to help you.
If you get lost during your adventure, you can come to me.
I can predict the path you should take for a small price.
Right now, your main goal must be to save Princess Peach as quickly as is
humanly possible, but...
according to my second sight, your path must first take you to the great
fortress of the Koopa Bros.
To reach the Koopas. Fortress, head east on the road in front of the Toad
House.
Mario leaves Merlon's house, and takes a short break to read the bulletin
board.
Recently, it seems that Fuzzies have invaded Koopa Village and
and [sic] are causing mayhem.
Please exercise extreme caution when visiting Koopa Village...
Hmm.
Mario starts to leave town, but doesn't get very far before he encounters
the same dark-clad Toads blocking the way.
Yellow Toad: Definitely. Definitely don't go.
Green Toad: Most of all, though, you shouldn't go ask old man
Merlon for help.
That would be really bad news for us...I mean, for you! Don't even think
about it!
Red Toad: You don't wanna go out there. It's way too dangerous.
They're not very smart, are they?
Mario, of course, returns to Merlon's house.
Merlon: Come again?
Strange Toads blocking the east side of Toad Town? That shouldn't be...
That's ridiculous!
Such a thing has never been heard of! Never!
I'll get to the bottom of this. Follow me over there.
I'll see what's going on.
Merlon storms out, and Mario and Goombario follow after him.
Black Toad: Take off!
Merlon: Hmmmm!
You aren't Toads, are you?!
Yellow Toad: ...Um...we don't know what you're talking about.
Green Toad: Yeah, what gives?
Ask anyone! We're just cute, ordinary Toads hanging out.
Merlon doesn't buy it for one second.
Merlon: Reveal your true selves!
Merlon: Hmph! Just as I thought.
You're the Koopa Bros.!!
Red Koopa: How... How'd you guess it was us?
We were perfectly disguised!!
Shucks!
Black! Yellow! Green!
We retreat!! ...for now...
They dash off, leaving Mario free to continue.
Merlon: Mario, those imposters were none other than the Koopa
Bros.
You must persue them to their hideout, the Koopa Bros. Fortress.
Oh, Mario,
there's one part of your fortune I haven't revealed.
To get to the Koopa Bros. Fortress, you'll need help from a blue-shelled
Koopa.
This is a strange portent. In Koopa Village, you might find something that
will clear it up.
I must return home now.
Mario and Goombario leave Toad Town in search of this fortress.
The road out of town takes them down the Pleasant Path.
If we go even farther east, we'll eventually reach Koopa Bros.
Fortress.
Soon, Mario runs into yet another familiar enemy:
You can't hurt these guys unless you jump on 'em and knock them onto
their backs first, which fortunately both Mario and Goombario excel at.
Moving on, Mario finds another new badge!
Unfortunately, he can't equip this one right now without taking off
others...
After a few more yards, Mario comes to what seems to be a dead end:
At least, it does until he whacks the tree, producing a switch. He hits the switch, and voila!
Mario takes it to the bridge, to quote a certain godfather of soul, and
keeps going, soon finding a roadsign.
He decides to keep going towards the fortress for now, and soon reaches
another dead end, complete with a sign left to taunt him.
With no switches to be found, he turns around and makes for Koopa Village.
And of course, as soon as he sets foot in Koopa Village, he is greeted by
a hysterical Koopa Troopa.
Can't you see what kind of madness is going on?
This village is in an uproar because of the Fuzzies.
You...do know what Fuzzies are like, don't you, Mario?
Sure I do! You touch-a one, you get-a dizzy!
...Oh, THOSE Fuzzies.
Koopa Troopa: Mean guys.
They're really naughty.
Just then, as if to illustrate his point, a Fuzzy appears and steals the
Troopa's shell!
Koopa Troopa: Oh, no! Stupid Fuzzy!
Get back here with my shell!
He chases after the Fuzzy. Mario, wasting no time, gives the Fuzzy a
smack with his hammer, making it drop the shell, which the Troopa quickly
re-dons.
Koopa Troopa: Oh, thank you, Mario!
I owe you one.
I just can't walk around without my shell on. Talk about embarrassing!
Mario, be sure to keep your shell safe from Fuzzies, all right?
...Oops. You don't have one. Well, watch your overalls.
Mario finds more instances of shell-thievery all through town, and uses
his skills to retrieve the captured carapaces.
I guess that was a really long time ago, huh?
Sorry, Kojima, you're not the only one who can play that game.
One of the houses is decorated in an island theme, complete with Bob-Ombs!
The Koopa Bros. in the fortress worked us too hard.
As far as they're concerned, laborers have no rights.
I will never, ever go back to work in such a terrible place.
Another home contains a lonely housewife Troopa...
My husband is never here when there's trouble.
My husband?
Oh, his name is Kolorado.
You've heard of him. He claims to be a famous explorer.
Who knows if it's true or not... He runs his mouth a lot.
My husband hasn't come back since he left to find some ruins.
If you see him somewhere out there in your travels, tell him to come home
once in a while!
Still another home belongs to a cantankerous old Troopa.
I've lived many, many years, and this is the first time I've seen
anything like this!
Goombario: This is the oldest Koopa in Koopa Village.
His name is Koopa Koot.
He's famous for being selfish, stingy and impatient.
He doesn't ask for things that are impossible, but you can bet the tasks
will be hard and time-consuming.
That's odd, this house in the middle seems to be hopping up and down...
Voice from within: Who's there?
I'm kind of busy right now!
The door opens, and out comes a shell-less Troopa.
You are! My name's Kooper!
Oh, I'm so psyched to meet you!
Us meeting here has gotta be fate or something.
I need a huge favor... I hope you'll help me out.
This wild Fuzzy took my shell, which, next to my life, is the most
important thing I have.
I can't go without my shell, period. Way too embarrassing.
The problem is, the Fuzzies are too fast for me to catch alone.
So if you don't mind, can you help me get my shell back?
I'm begging you!
Goombario: Hey, Mario.
It looks like he's in a bad way. We ought to help him out.
Kooper: The Fuzzy that took my shell is just inside my house.
I'll guard the door while you grab him like: Whump!
Mario steps inside, and is immediately confronted by the Fuzzy!
It taunts him and leads him out Kooper's back door and to a clearing in
the woods.
Come get it if you can!
Nyeah, nyeah!
Meeeeeoooooork!
Guess where I'm hiding?
It then challenges Mario to a shell game, which, thanks to his quick
eyes, Mario is able to beat with no trouble.
Here, take the stupid shell!
You're too tough for me. I won't be bad anymore, I promise.
...Maybe.
As Mario heads back to Koopa Village with Kooper's shell, he hears the
sound of running feet coming his way.
If I can't get my own shell, I'll lose my reputation!
I don't even care that I have no shell on! I'm gonna show those Fuzzies
what's what!
Goombario: We already got the shell back.
Kooper: Oh, yes! Yes!
This is my shell, all right!
Oh, yeah! Oh, yeah!
Got my shell back! Uh-huh!
You're the greatest, Mario!
I owe you big time!
He quickly pops his shell back on.
Kooper: Say, Mario...
I have an idea...
Do you happen to know Professor Kolorado?
Mario: ?
Goombario: Naturally he's a Koopa who's a professor of archaeology.
He's also known as an explorer.
Kooper: Right! Well, I live next to him.
I've been admiring Professor Kolorado ever since I was in my egg!
Nothing would make me happier than traveling the world, solving mysteries
like he does!
So... Do you think... Could I...
Please take me with you, Mario! I'll help! C'mon, lemme go!
Mario, remembering the words of Merlon, agrees.
Kooper: Oh, yes!! Yes!!
I'm on my way!
I swear, I, Kooper, will follow you anywhere, even to the ends of the
earth!
Right as Mario and his new friend are about to return to Koopa Village,
they hear the familiar screech of the Fuzzy!
And with that, not one, but FOUR fuzzies attack!
The problem with Fuzzies is their quickness. It's really tough to time
their attacks.
If they latch on to you, watch out! They'll absorb your HP.
Mario decides to put some of the items he's acquired to good use.
First, a Sleepy Sheepy, putting all four Fuzzies to sleep.
Next, a POW block, knocking them all down to 1 HP.
Finally, he switches Goombario for Kooper and has him use his Power Shell
attack to finish them all off without taking a single hit!
Fuzzy: Meeoooorkoooonooo!
We'll be good! We'll be good!
The fuzzies scurry off, leaving Mario &co. to return to Koopa Village
with no further harrassment.
Okay! Here is where the interactivity comes in:
As you know if you've played this already, Mario has a number of badges,
but only a limited amount of "space" for them. So, I'm leaving the
decision of what badges to wear up to you, the reader.
I have six BP, and the following badges:
Power Jump: 1 BP, lets you do a Power Jump.
Hammer Throw: 2 BP, lets you do a Hammer Throw.
HP Plus: 3 BP, increases maximum HP by 5
Close Call: 1 BP, when Marioo's in danger, enemies sometimes fail to attack.
Dizzy Attack: 2 BP, Delivers a blow that makes an enemy dizzy and unable to move.
Attack FX B: 0 BP, Changes the sound effects when Mario's attacking.
Post any combination of badges you like that adds up to 6 BP, and next time I play, I'll pick the most popular ones and see how it goes!