Paper Mario: The Origami King's battle system is unique in that you've probably never seen anything like it. Here's how it works and how you can use it to your advantage.
The Paper Mario series has always been known for breaking convention, down to the way Mario fights off his enemies. Paper Mario: The Origami King is no exception, as it takes the typical turn-based fighting systems from games of the past and turns them on their head.
This game goes the extra mile and has you solving puzzles before you can even land the first blow on your enemy, no matter the situation. It's poised to make sure you come out on top, but it can be difficult to understand if you've never seen it before. If you're struggling to make sense of the combat sequences, worry not. We've got it all broken down here for you so you can start totally slaying those Goombas and Koopas.
Here's how to use the Paper Mario: The Origami King battle system.
How to use the Paper Mario: The Origami King battle system
Source: YouTube
Paper Mario: The Origami King uses the Battle Ring System. It's a unique method of combat that turns traditional turn-based games around, requiring players to solve a circular puzzle where you line up enemies for maximum damage.
When you enter a battle after encountering enemies in the world, you're thrown into combat. You can avoid enemies by walking around most of them, or you can escape when you enter combat (though this won't always work). Once you're in battle, though, you'll need to keep your wits about you if you want to emerge victorious and avoid a "Game Over."
Source: YouTube
When each battle begins, Mario is situated at the center of three rings. Enemies will surround you, placed in various positions on the three rings. Each battle is turn-based, but you get some time before each round to do a bit of housekeeping. Setting up the Battle Ring will determine whether you win or lose and how much damage you'll eventually deal.
Each battle begins with a timed phase where you need to line up enemies by moving rings around to group enemies closer to you. You want either a row of enemies to bounce off of like skimming rocks in a pond, a two-by-two square to smash with one of your melee weapons, like your trusty hammer.
Source: YouTube
You must complete each puzzle while the timer ticks down. Once it's down to zero, you must keep whatever formation you were building at the time. You can spend coins to extend the timer if you need a bit longer to think about the puzzle, or you can pay Toads in the audience to assist either by throwing healing items in or throwing hands in battle.
Once you've lined enemies up in the most effective manner possible, battle begins. You need to use the best weapon for the formations you've created. Use your boots to attack enemies in lines and your hammer to decimate enemies in squares.
How to use the Paper Mario: The Origami King battle system in boss battles
Source: YouTube
Boss battles are an exception to the rule. The Battle Ring system will place the boss in the middle instead of Mario, with Mario stationed at the further ring out to start each battle. Instead of lining up enemies in rows and squares, you'll need to rotate rings with arrows in specific areas of the puzzle to create a path to the boss.
When you've created a path, Mario will follow it to the center so you have a clear shot at the boss monster. Depending on which one you're facing, Mario will either attack the boss's weak point or another area – it will change depending on the situation.
That's how you get down to business and slay enemies in Paper Mario: The Origami King! Get out there and kick some butt!
Read more
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