Paper Mario's Not-So-Secret Glue

i wish the people working on Paper Mario games would see this video, because Paper Mario without the partners is not a very enjoyable Paper Mario, imo

The most consistent part about "Mario RPG" is the Hammer.

I find it funny how this video simultaneously explains why quick change is by far the best badge in paper mario, turns the partner action into anything you need it to be.

This is the best video explaining the appeal of Paper Mario I have ever seen. I often struggle to find the words to express it, but "strategical thinking" is really the best way to put it. Paper Mario isn't a game where you mash A to win, you actually have to think before acting.

A uniquely styled, tight, polished video about my favorite game? You better believe that's a subscribe.

For sure, the partners are such an integral part of the Paper Mario formula. The idea that Mario goes on an adventure with a colorful cast of familiar yet distinct group of characters is so charming and creative. I'd say my favorite partner in 64 is Goombario. While technically not the best in terms of combat practicality, he was the OG partner, and I just love how he's Mario's biggest fan and admirer. Seriously great video, man, and I love the editing and artwork. Top quality stuff.

Wow, really great video! I've always loved the elegance of the jump and hammer. They're kind of like elemental attacks, functionally, but their strengths and weaknesses are really intuitive. Most RPG elemental weaknesses and resistances feel kind of arbitrary. You just have to look at an enemy's design and determine if it looks like it might be weak to ice or something. But in the case of the jump and hammer, what they can and can't do is just an extension of those moves' basic properties. It's so smart, and it's something I haven't found replicated in any other RPG series.

This guy gets it, this is what has always been the appeal and force of progression of paper mario games, THE PARTNERS Nintendo failed to see this, and i can only hope this is reverted back as the standard after TTYD remake

Now talk about ttyd’s not-so-secret glue

Honestly, this is the main reason I couldn't get into bug fables. Sure, they have all the interesting over world abilities and interesting battle dynamics I'd expect between the three leads, but the episodic charm of meeting new people and helping an area is instead this really serialized adventure with a consistent cast

There is so much love and care put in to your video. I can see why I was recommended it. As someone who first played Paper Mario 64 while growing up, this really hits home. The partners in this game feel like childhood friends that I look fondly back on every now and then. Thanks for making this great video!

This is probably one of the best edited videos I have ever seen.

Why did this video almost make me cry? I grew up with the new paper Mario games, but still only having beating this game only twice, I kinda started getting emotional at the end. Can’t wait to see what you’re making next 👍

How charming!! The paper cutout style is just perfect!

Concise, well-produced, and has something both original and insightful to say? This is the best video essay I've seen in a long time. And some love for Paper Mario 64, which is so often overshadowed by its younger brother, is just the cherry on top! I've thought way too much about these games and their mechanics over the years, but even I hadn't noticed just how well the pacing of introducing new partners and enemies complimented each other in allowing for more and more complex decision making as the game goes on while maintaining the simple mechanics.

Honestly I prefer the simpler, smaller numbers of the Paper Mario battle system to more complex RPGs. More complicated doesn't always mean better- I enjoy being able to plan out my next moves, especially when moving through the game avoiding as many non-required battle encounters as possible, some of the bosses can become genuinely challenging- Planning out your next moves ahead of time and executing them successfully, barely beating the battle by your last HP point just as calculated is extremely satisfying. Paper Mario isn't a baby RPG, it's a different kind of RPG. Not to mention it modulates difficulty extremely well, like- If a younger player is struggling on a boss they're on, they will have the option to grind out lesser battles to gain XP and get stronger- Wheras a veteran player on a repeat playthrough will naturally be skilled enough with the movement to skip many non-required fights, and so the boss fights will naturally get harder.

I really love your take on partners being the heart of the game. If you pay attention, that's also reinforced in the game cover art. The first impression you get of the game is not Mario either being the star or battling enemies to rescue princess Peach, but rather Mario being helped by Parakarry. For me, it's a clear reminder that this is not just Mario's story on its own.

This game is so beloved, and all the creators want to do is move away from it, as far as possible. It's so sad. Great video man.

I love how you explained this in the video. Paper Mario may be “simple” in some ways compared to other RPGs, but the low damage numbers and simple combat allow the player to make decisions that are entirely thought out. Battles are often puzzles that the player often doesn’t even realize that they are solving. I’ve never thought of it as being so dependant on the partners but you’re totally right

Just wanted to say that this was a LOVELY video. I appreciate your visuals and breakdown if enemy types! I never used Parakarry in Dry Dry Ruins and formed a completely diff strategy bc it didn't occur to me!! Which shows just how flexible the game can be and give Mario the right tools for almost any partner to work! Definitely subscribing!!