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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

I always liked Paper Mario 64's gameplay mechanics but couldn't really put a finger on why. This video explains it very well.

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

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.

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.

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

The way you presented everything was really clean and well done, great video

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.

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!

I recently plugged in my childhood N64 with my old copy and was blown away to be greeted by me and my brothers 20 year old save file 😢

Playing the TTYD remake, and this actually holds for TTYD as well. I never noticed it befor,e but after watching this video, I'm noticing it now. Like in Hooktail's Castle, there are flying enemies, spiked enemies, and enemies with defense. Koops can't handle the flying enemies, and Goombella can't handle the enemies with spikes or defense, so Mario is once again left to pick up the slack for the partner he doesn't choose because he can attack all of them.