Paper Mario: Countdown to Calamity

Paper Mario: Countdown to Calamity (also known as Cutout Calamity in Japan) is an action-adventure roleplaying game that is the 7th entry in the Paper Mario series, and the second to be released on the Nintendo Switch. Developed by Intelligent Systems and Seashiba Studios, it is supposed to be a remake of an older article, Pages Lost in Time.
== Plot ==
=== Prologue ===
The game begins with paper versions of Captain Toad and his crew exploring a mysterious cave within Crystalline Hill. They appear to be looking for ancient artifacts from a now defunct civilization, which are rumored to be located in this very cave. Eventually, they find a secret tunnel that leads to a strangely blue-tinted portal, where the crew are greeted by a strange black cloak. It asks some peculiar questions, before turning around and opening the bottom floor, while purplish vines come out from the hole and drag the toads down.
Meanwhile, Mario and Luigi drive to Toad Town because they have been invited to the first ever ShroomCon, an annual convention where people across the kingdom can share their ideas for the future. After some exploring, they are eventually called out to the main stage, where Princess Peach says a motivational speech before calling Mario and Luigi out to the stage. Yet before they can say anything, a reality rip appears, nearly sucking the color out of everyone and steals Peach before the screen quickly fades to black.
It then cuts to Mario in a Sick Bay, awakened by a strange purple cloak. She introduces herself as Vixie, and claims that a group called The Enigma has been ripping out parts of the world, causing chaos, and have captured Peach. Vixie has brought everyone else including him to her underground base, and some have already woke up before him. She believes that Mario is the one most courageous enough to make the adventure, so they prepare themselves before setting off to Crystalline Hill.
After exploring for a while, they soon come across the cave where Captain Toad and his brigade were last seen and decide to enter it. Eventually, the two find the same room from the first cutscene, only this time the bottom floor has been closed and the portal has been deactivated. Vixie comes to her senses that the gems powering the portal have been scattered across the world, and after returning to the bunker to detect the gems, decide to go for the Red crystal first.
=== Chapter One ===
Mario and Vixie teleport to the foggy plains of Misty Hillside in search of the red crystal. Since the view is so foggy, they decide to use a lantern to guide their way. Eventually, they find a rural, vintage-like town and decide to take a break after all their tired searching. The town is having their weekly marketplace day when suddenly they find a Goomba merchant being robbed by a suspicious Bandit who claims himself as Rookie, a hired minion of The Enigma.
After defeating him, he claims they this isn't the last time they'll have an encounter with him and runs off. The merchant thanks them and introduces himself as Goombarry, going back to his shop. The two continue their search for directions on where the gem is exactly located, eventually finding their answer when a hotel lobby. One of the enders there speaks of the gem piled with other treasures within a cave. There was also a mole-like beast guarding the treasures, and ever since its appearance, the land was covered in fog. No one was able to defeat him, but those who do are said to clear the plains of its fogginess.
Suddenly, when they get out, the fog is suddenly deeper, as a few faint silhouettes of denizens ran for their lives. Vixie asks what going on as a Bumpty comes forth, claiming that the corruption wave is about to spread. Suddenly, pinkish-red gas covered the streets as the two went back inside for cover. After the wave disappeared, Mario went outside and found the streets to be empty except for Goombarry a few corrupted enemies, who try to attack him.
After defeating them, the other villagers get out of hiding and thank him before going back to what they were doing. Goombarry closes his shop and asks Mario if he can join his party, in which he accepts. The trio then go to the following cave using Vixie's interactive map. After solving some puzzles, they eventually reach the main cave where the treasures and Red Gem are piled up. Goombarry gets distracted by the Gem, thinking it will grant him a lot of money, and tries to climb the large pile of treasures, waking the beast up.
Mario defeats the beast, regaining the gem and clearing the grassland of its fog, still containing its dawn-like appearance. However, the chapter doesn't end there, as Mario has to return the treasures to their owners, leaving the rest in the Collector's Room.
=== Chapter Two ===
Mario, Vixie, and their new acquaintance Goombarry teleport to the Broom Fields, where the Orange gem is located. Vixie says that the tall golden grasses are said to be from the sticks of a broom, thus the name. They also realize that the same corruption is starting to spread in this area, so they decide to clear it out. Eventually, they find a ranch in the road where various young farmers are working and try to ask each of the farmers for directions.
It turns out, the ranch actually belongs to a Monty Mole named Mort and his large family of adopted children. He says that just nearby their ranch is a rural yet lively town that has an ancient temple containing the Orange gem. Alongside that, he also sends one of his children Karlah to go with them, since he believes it'll help her improve. However, she refuses to go and is forced instead. Afterwards, the group continues their journey, with Karlah constantly refusing to participate.
Eventually, they reach the rural town known as Solarius City. After exploring for a while, they soon find the location of the temple, which is settled on top of a large plateau towering above the town. When they arrive, a spiritual voice calls out to them. They claim themselves as the Solar Spirit, a messenger of the sun. However, they do explain that the gem has been unfortunately been stolen by a group of thieves, and holds a special trial where they'll have to retrieve the gem first in order to keep it.
Using Vixie's radar and gathering clues, the group eventually find their secret hideout, where they are currently planning to locate the next one. Suddenly, they notice Mario and co. and decide to release an attack on them. After each of them are defeated, they release their final attack by using the orange gem to summon an eagle-like creature to destroy the city. After defeating such beast, the city returns to normal, the thieves are revealed to be controlled by a strange force, and the group receives their Orange gem
== Gameplay ==
Like Origami King, Paper Mario: Countdown to Calamity keeps the style of Color Splash with the white outline. The way the story is outlined is also similar to its predecessor, where chapters are often hidden but set into seven Portal Rubies that Mario needs in order to activate the portal to The Enigma's realm. Unlike the four previous entries, Countdown to Calamity also returns to a more RPG-traditional battle system similar to the first two games.
== Battle System ==
The battle system visually takes place on a stage that is based on a wrestling match without the borders. Of course, audience stands can be seen around the battle area. Alongside a traditional battle system, the game also features things in different lights such as XP in the form of the Skill Orb, and new stats. During the player or partner's turn, there are six actions they can perform: attacks, special attacks, team attacks, items, flee, and tactics.
=== Attacking ===
There are two types of attacks: weapon and skill. Weapon attacks use the attacker's current weapon, and skill attacks are natural to the attacker. After selecting an attack, Mario or his partner can attack with extra power using the Action command. The most common action command is Perfect Timing, though this time there are more, mostly for the partners.
*Perfect Timing: Right when your attack lands on an opponent, press A. Works for quick attacks.
*Back & Forth: Tilt and hold the Left Joystick to the left, then release when the red light flashes. Works for charging attacks.
*Bullseye: Press A when the bullseye points towards your target. Works for scanning or mimic attacks.
*Button Overload: Press certain buttons repeatedly or in a certain pattern. Works for throwing or patterned attacks.
*Metronome: Press A when the arrow points at the green area until it's gone. Pressing A at the red area cancels the attack. Also works for charging and patterned attacks.
=== Dodging ===
During an enemy's turn, Mario and his partner can dodge the attack right when it strikes, reducing the damage they've taken. There are two types of dodges: Jump (A) and Guard (B). Jumping will prevent damage if done perfectly, while guarding will just reduce damage.
=== Tactics ===
Tactics also make a return in Countdown to Calamity, only this time having a much more major role in battle. Fleeing is no longer part of this system, and all characters share at least four tactics: pass, defend, charge, and Cheer, which has returned from Origami King. Additionally, partners also have at least one tactic unique to their character.
=== Levelling Up ===
Levelling Up is the most changed battle mechanic out of all of them, though it's still more traditional than the three previous games. Mario and his partners now hold a Skill Orb that receive harnessed soul for every enemy they defeat (including overworld enemies). Once one of them collects enough soul, their MAX HP and MAX ENERGY will increase. Optionally, the player can also raise one of his/her stats by 5. The following is what each stat will do:
*HP: Raises Max Health Points (HP). If one's HP goes to zero, they will be defeated and can no longer participate in battle.
*ENERGY: Raises Max Energy Points (EP). If one's EP goes to zero, they can no longer attack until it recharges.
*POW: Raises Attack stat, which is the damage range one's attacks can deal.
*DEF: Raises Defense stat, which is the damage range one reduces when blocking attacks.
*STYLE: Raises Style stat, which is the audience's appeal towards one.
*INTEL: Raises Intellect stat, which is the wits to use advantages and tactics against one's notice.
*HEART: Raises Heart stat, which is the ability to work with allies in battle.
=== Audience ===
The audience once again returns from Origami King and Thousand-Year Door, which has a more similar purpose to its main debut. It will consist of either toads you've saved, other allies, or judgmental foes. The better you do in battle, more of the audience will support your side. However, your enemy can also use this to an advantage. The only ones that'll stick to supporting your side are toads you've saved.
== Main Characters ==
Image	Name 	Description 	Abilities
 	Mario 	The hero of the Mushroom Kingdom has risen again! This time, he's on a quest to stop the evil forces of The Enigma before they can rip apart the universe. 	Can use his hammer to whack things and use confetti (returning from TOK) and tape to cover up rips and piece the world together.
 	Peach 	The noble ruler of the kingdom has been captured again, but it's not Bowser. She has been placed in a deep dungeon with high security and attempts to escape during her side story. 	Can use her parasol to hit buttons, protect herself, and block camera views.
 	Captain Toad	Leader of the Toad Brigade and a wonderous explorer. However, his unfortunes lead him to the Enigma Dungeons, so he and his crew must help Peach escape. 	Can use his pickaxe to smash blocks, and has a bag to carry items.
 	Luigi 	Mario's younger brother who manages the Calamity Bunker when Vixie is away with Mario during his quest. With that in mind, he also needs to defend it in his side story, since the rescued toads are barely able to fight. 	Has higher jumps and can do a side dash to pick up speed.
 	Bowser 	In his side story, he goes to Toad Town about to kidnap the princess. However, he finds the town left empty and thus began a search for the princess, sending troops and himself to various places that Mario has visited in the past.	Can breathe fire and ground pound to break blocks.
== Partners ==
Name 	Description 	Attacks
Vixie 	A descendant of a fallen civilization who has built a bunker for survivors of the Enigma incident and has joined Mario on his quest to stop the suspects from ripping apart the universe. 	
*Spell Cast
*Spirit Shot
*Two-Faced
*Purple Mist
*New Code of Paint (special)
Goombarry	A travelling merchant who dreams of proving himself worthy to join the Helper Scouts while having enough money for his family, so he joins Mario in hopes that he'll be able to accomplish his goal. 	
*Downward Swoop
*Papercut
*Air Lift
*Inventory Dump
*Hurricane Eye (special)
Karlah 	A pessimistic Koopa Troopa who, after witnessing some trauma in her childhood, now lives a solitary life with her strict adoptive father, forcing her to join Mario's party so she can develop a more friendly nature. 	
*Shell Toss
*Homing Shell
*Scale Shield
*Pepper Spray
*Electrical Note (special)
Oto 	A young and naïve traveler who is also a decent chef trying to search for his origins, knowing he crashed onto the world for a reason. He meets Mario and decide to join him to recover some early memories. 	
*Tail Whip
*Azure Shield
*Metal Clash
*Quadruple Stab
*Bon Appetit (special)
Sybil 	An idealistic yet somewhat self-entitled Spike who immediately begs Mario add her to his party when they enter Dune Outpost. Later in the main story, it is revealed that she has a curse of turning into a beast at night.	
*Jump
*Ball Toss
*Freeze
*Flame
*Wrath of Spike (special)
Daxter 	A hardworking Duplighost who was once a Sheriff's deputy before the incident in which he was blamed for. In addition to attempting to pay his taxes, he joins Mario to prove his innocence. 	
*Spook
*Gliding Dash
*Transform
*Pepper Spray
*Jack-O-Lantern (special)