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Paper
Mario 2
In
the waning days of the N64, Paper Mario was released to very solid
review scores.It’s
unusual visual style and mix of platforming and role-playing elements,
and turn-based and twitch combat made it an engrossing experience.The combat style returned earlier this year with Mario &
Luigi: Superstar Saga that appeared on the GameBoy Advance – again, to
very solid review scores.Pleasantly
enough, E3 revealed Paper Mario 2, looking sharper than ever on the
GameCube but maintaining (and improving) the gameplay mechanics of the
original.
Here
are the “facts” as they stand from Nintendo:
Time
passes, the pages turn...and a new chapter unfolds in an unfamiliar
land! Get ready for a two-dimensional role-playing adventure for the
ages, as Mario™ returns to paper form in pursuit of a threat unlike
any he's ever faced.
Take
to the stage! Paper Mario 2 builds on the action-packed battle
system of the original RPG with the addition of audience participation.
Not only will timing Action Commands help you dodge or inflict damage,
but impressing the crowd will help you
build power for super attacks!
Try not to disappoint the audience, though, or you'll pay!
Don't
fold under pressure! This time, Mario will have to make full use of his
papery qualities to survive. Fold into a paper airplane and take to the
air, turn sideways to slip through narrow passages and roll into a tube
to bounce to safety.
No
need to go it alone! Many strange friends will join your party, and
you'll have to rely on their skills to survive. Even former enemies may
bail you out, so keep an open mind!
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Game
Storyline: Peach is
enjoying a vacation with her loyal servant, Toadsworth, when a
mysterious creature captures her. The one clue is a treasure map she had
sent to Mario earlier. When our hero hears news of her capture, he
follows the map's clues to the Star Crystals, strange artifacts of
unknown power. Complicating the matter are three veiled figures plotting
the return of the great shadow witch, an army of strange new enemies and
one angry Bowser, who embarks on an adventure of his own to find out
who's cutting into his villain business.
Characters:
Mario, Luigi, Princess
Peach, Toadsworth, Bowser, Kammy Koopa, Toads, Koopas, Goombas, Yoshis,
a wealth of new and established characters.
How
to progress through the game: Explore
the towns and locales of a massive world as Mario follows clues in his
hunt for the Star Crystals. Many characters will join his party and aid
him along the way, so talk to everyone. When Mario enters a battle,
he'll hit the stage, where well-timed button presses will help him dodge
danger and inflict extra damage. Winning battles gains Mario experience
points, and as he levels up, he grows more and more powerful. Badges and
items will also augment his strength.
Special
powers/weapons/moves/features: This
time around, much more emphasis is placed on the paper abilities of
Mario and his friends. He can turn sideways to slip through cracks, fold
into a paper airplane to fly, roll into a tube and much more. He can
also use tons of items like hammers and thunderbolts.
What
else is left to say?Paper
Mario 2 had a strong E3 showing making the wait until its October
release all the longer.