Those eager to learn more about Paper Mario: The Origami King ahead of its launch on Switch next month are in luck; Nintendo has released a five-minute gameplay deep-dive video thingy, touching on everything from combat mechanics to the long-awaited return of companions. As they say in the Mushroom Kingdom – let’s a-go!
As The Origami King’s announcement trailer revealed, there’s a new nemesis in town this time around, with Princess Peach’s castle under siege from the evil King Olly and his cohorts. From that starting point, a quest to find the end of five ribbons stretching across the world unfolds, one that sees Mario exploring a striking series of locales, including an autumn-hued mountain, a forest spring, a desert oasis, an underground sewer (of course), and even a ninja-filled mansion.
There are secrets to find and mini-games to play along the way – white water rafting, target shooting, underwater treasure hunting, aerial battling, quiz shows, and fishing all get an airing in the latest trailer – and there are more suggestions the series has finally returned to its RPG roots too; a range of companions will tag along with Mario on his latest grand adventure, for instance, including Bobby the amnesiac Bob-omb, the historian Professor Toad, and Olivia, the sister of King Olly, intent on thwarting her brother’s nefarious plans.
Get an in-depth look at Paper Mario: The Origami King! (Nintendo Switch) Watch on YouTube
Paper Mario’s other notable addition comes in the form of a new 360-degree battle system. While the rhythmic combat of previous Mario RPG entries looks to remain intact – Mario is shown foot-stomping, fire-balling, tail-spinning, hammer-bopping, and POW-blocking his foes – the whole thing plays out on a new ring-style battle grid.