Paper Mario

Paper Mario is a role-playing game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. It was initially released in Japan on August 11, 2000, in North America on February 5, 2001, and in Europe on October 5, 2001.

Gameplay

Paper Mario's two primary gaming modes combine certain aspects from both the platforming and role-playing genres. The combat system makes use of turn-based battle sequences, a staple in many RPGs. Over the course of the game, Mario manages to find eight party members to assist him both in battle and in navigating the world. Outside of battle, however, the player must direct Mario over traps, lava, and other obstacles, giving the game its platforming feel.

Mario has two primary methods of dealing with obstacles without the use of party members: a jump attack and a hammer blow. The jump is available from the start of the game, while the hammer is acquired very early in the game's prologue. During certain points in the game, the player must upgrade Mario's boots and hammer, giving him both new abilities for use in clearing traps and heightened attack power inside battle.

The game is subdivided into a prologue and eight chapters. Players are initially restricted to Goomba Village, Toad Town, and the roads immediately surrounding them during the game's prologue, but new regions are unlocked during each gameplay chapter. Each locale has its own unique set of obstacles that typically require the use of a new party member or equipment upgrade to clear.

Combat

Players can begin a battle by touching any on-screen enemy.