Epic Paper Mario

A look at the current title screen and main menu for the game. It is based around the beta demo of TTYD. As you get farther in the story, there will be more characters that make cameos.

Take a look here:




This marks the last major new thing that needed to be added to the game before a demo could be prepared. What’s left is adding "user friendly" things (instructions, control information, etc..), testing, and some demo only elements. Sadly, because I have final exams and college graduation coming up, I don’t plan on releasing the demo this year. It all depends on how busy I will be in the following weeks.

Please continue to look forward to the release!

Update #7: Introducing Toadiko
The first party member and the first Toad party member in Paper Mario.

Hailing from the west and on a visit to the Mushroom Kingdom, Toadiko is a Toad you don't want to mess with.

Out of battle, she'll inform Mario on the surroundings or on NPCs. In battle, she'll provide detailed enemy info with "Recon" and will dole out the hurt with "Power Fist."

Update #5: Tower Gameplay #1
Enough with the ambiguious narration, it's time for some gameplay.

The further you get into the tower, the more hazards and stronger enemies you'll meet. But the payoff in increased stats and badges for Mario might just be worth it...




Because there is more emphasis on platforming here, Mario will need a little help. In Epic Paper Mario, since there are enemies that can be defeated in the field (the black/white and dotted ones) it makes sense that badges will be able to effect how Mario defeats the Dark Enemies. For instance, Spike Shield Badge will allow Mario to jump on Piranha Plants and the Buzz Saws, Ice Power will reduce the damage Mario takes from fallin in Lava to 0, and Pity Flower will work outside of Battle. This is true outside of the Tower as well.

Dark Enemies also have their own tricks. Dark Clefts have 1 DEF, so your normal jump won't be able to beat them where as Hammers will. Conquering the Tower means mastering both the Stage and the Field.

In this update we’re going to talk about the Stage and Audience System. In Paper Mario and TTYD, battles are presented as performances with viewers from all parts of the Mushroom Kingdom. This system was dropped in Super Paper Mario and Paper Mario: Sticker Star. In Epic Paper Mario, this system will be used once again as a way earn Star Power. Tentatively, Star Power will allow Mario (and potentially his Allies) to perform Epic Moves. These moves will be similar in function to Special Moves from the previous Paper Mario RPGs. The Audience will react to how well you perform Action Commands, including both Timed Hits and Stylish Moves. This gives you Star Power.

Another important mechanic is the Stage System. As you can see by the screenshots below, the backgrounds in Epic Paper Mario have been changed to incorporate these mechanics. Aesthetically, the battle scene functions more like a stage with parts of the stage attached to strings, curtains covering the BG, and an audience seated in front. Just as in Paper Mario TTYD, parts of the stage can fall, random fog will show up, or the lights may turn off. I’m also considering new Stage Effects like coins being present on the battle field or “Stage Items” that can force certain effects to happen.



For comparison's sake, this is the old battle stage vs. thew new one: