Combat in the latest Paper Mario game is going to look a lot different than you may have expected. On Friday, Nintendo released a new video for Paper Mario: The Origami King that gives players a deep dive into its world and its new combat system that’s all about positioning.
The newest Paper Mario game is set around Princess Peach’s Castle, which Olly, the Origami King, has taken over. To save the world from the new folded menace, Mario has to set off on a quest retake the castle. According to the video, Mario’s journey will bring him through five different areas including a desert oasis, a “ninja-filled mansion,” an underground sewer system, an autumn mountain, and a forest spring.
The biggest difference in the Paper Mario world this time around comes with the game’s combat. While it still has the turn-based battle system that the Paper Mario series is known for, the preparation for each battle is a little different. Every fight in The Origami King takes place in a massive, layered ring with dozens of spaces around it.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/20031717/paper_mario_ring.jpg)
Individual enemies are positioned inside the spaces and before each battle players can spin the layers to line up the enemies into the perfect position. Mario’s abilities will be more effective on enemies in a line as he can take out multiple opponents with just one move.
The boss battles give this new combat system another twist. Rather than placing Mario at the center of the ring, the bosses themselves stay at the center. Your job in these fights is to create a safe path for Mario to get close to the boss so he can damage them.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/20031716/tape.jpg)
Speaking of bosses, they might be the best part of this entire Paper Mario video. As it turns out, Mario’s biggest foes in this game will be stationary supplies. In the trailer he takes on a giant sentient case of colored pencils, a man made of rubber bands, and of course the dreaded Tape.
Paper Mario: The Origami King is set to be released on July 17 for Nintendo Switch.
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19829549/mmcwhertor_190819_ply0943_switch_0085_product.jpg)
Switch Lite
- $200
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Nintendo Switch consoles are often sold out, but you can still pick up the handheld-only Switch Lite, which is perfect for portable gaming.
Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our ethics policy.
