Prelude to the recolored Paper tale...

[TyrorexDMZ]

LEGAL WAIVER
I, TYROREXDMZ (hereafter also referred to as “DMZapp”, “I”, ”my”, and all first person pronouns) permanently and irrevocably waive any and all rights to Nintendo Co. Ltd (hereafter also referred to as "Nintendo", “Nintendo of Japan”, "them", "their" and "they") regarding MY IDEAS FOR AN EXPANDED VERSION OF PAPER MARIO COLOR SPLASH, as well as any further post I personally make in this topic/thread and/or any other dedicated topics/threads on any website, message board or discussion platform anywhere, including website types not mentioned or yet to be discovered/invented. I also waive any & all rights to Nintendo regarding images I personally create, alter and/or display in some way regarding MY IDEAS FOR AN EXPANDED VERSION OF PAPER MARIO COLOR SPLASH, as well as the ideas the images convey. All loopholes which would circumvent the intention of this waiver (TO GIVE NINTENDO THE RIGHTS TO NEW IDEAS REGARDING PAPER MARIO SO THEY AREN'T LOCKED OUT OF SELECT PARTS OF THEIR OWN FRANCHISE) are closed.
END LEGAL WAIVER
---

This is a repost of a topic on GameFAQs and Mario RPG Universe. If you already frequent those sites, you may have already seen this topic.

I am TyrorexDMZ aka DMZapp. I am a huge fan of the Mario series- specifically Paper Mario. Paper Mario 64 and Super Paper Mario were always my favorites, despite some rough edges.

Due to the actions of the 3DS/Wii U era development team for the series, however, the series was left with rusted blades. Eventually, I got motivated enough to try and make a stand. Over the years, I've done two original fan topics (entitled Paper Mario Relic Hunter and Paper Mario Wonder Journey), and two recuts of the 3DS era games. They weren't actual (re)programmed games, however (something that would get on Nintendo's nerves). They just described (and eventually visualized) the things I would do.

When Color Splash was announced in March 2016, people realized it was similar to Sticker Star in it's ideals. Wonder Journey was made in 3 months in response to this. The E3 2016 further demonstrated the developers (especially the producers...) don't really "get" the series. Needless to say, I felt I had to do something once again.

That's why, now, I am announcing the forthcoming, to eventually be posted here on Super Mario Boards...Paper Mario: Color Splash Recut [DMZ ver].

*Box-art subject to change.

Like the previous Recut topics, Color Splash Recut will rectify many inevitable rougher points of the original game, while working alongside the new ideas. The Toad population being severely cut down and replaced/visually individualized where appropriate (including 1 never-before-seen friendly species)? Check. Another villain group (already decided upon) fighting against the Koopalings and their Master (whomever it could possibly be)? Check. Partners and heavily overhauled "Things" (given a new-ish, yet familiar overarching name)? Check. In fact, despite being a Recut, it's more a hybrid between that and a new creation.

Due to the late posting of this topic to this forum, I've had several assets prepared already. New model sheets, new takes on the story, and all that good stuff.

Two things to state, though. First, instead of reposting all 4 preceding fangame topics here again, I'll just post the links to them. If you've already seen them at reddit or read them when they came out, you can skip to the next section. Technically, I could do the same with this very topic as well- but where's the fun in that? Let's just say...some stuff from these topics might be pertinent to the upcoming Color Splash Recut...
STICKER STAR RECUT (2014)
GameFAQs (no pics)- http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/997828-paper-mario-sticker-star/70178398
Mario RPG Universe (doctored pics)- http://forum.mariorpguniverse.com/thread/462/paper-mario-sticker-recut-tyrodmz

WONDER JOURNEY (2016)
GameFAQs (new pics, model sheets)- http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/187636-paper-mario-color-splash/73882465
Mario RPG Universe (new pics, model sheets)- http://forum.mariorpguniverse.com/thread/514/paper-mario-wonder-journey

PAPER JAM RECUT (2015)
GameFAQs (doctored pics)- http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/168675-mario-and-luigi-paper-jam/72975161
Mario RPG Universe (doctored pics)- http://forum.mariorpguniverse.com/thread/464/mario-luigi-paper-recut-tyrorexdmz

RELIC HUNTER (2013, 2016)
GameFAQs (no pics)- http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/997828-paper-mario-sticker-star/67367224
Mario RPG Universe (a few pics)- http://forum.mariorpguniverse.com/thread/461/paper-hunter-special-boards-version

Second thing is clarifying just what that scary waiver is doing up there. Well, while I don't expect them to ever actually happen for various obvious reasons, it's still best/safer for everyone that I type it, than inadvertently letting these situations happen...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marion_Zimmer_Bradley#Literary_career (CTRL + F "For many years, Bradley")
skullgirls.wikia.com/wiki/Juju#Juju
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Penders#Lawsuits
www.mariowiki.com/geno#Trivia

Full topic quicklinks:
ACT 1: http://www.marioboards.com/index.php?topic=37688.0
ACT 2: http://www.marioboards.com/index.php?topic=37787.0
ACT 3+: http://www.marioboards.com/index.php?topic=37794.0

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

STORY/CHARACTER CHANGES
+The Koopalings and their Master are not the only ne'er-do-wells on the island. Another villain force local to the island, the Prism Musketeers, pose a problem to every local citizen.
+Rather than a generic Toad, Toadsworth accompanies Mario and Peach to the island.
+The Big Paint Stars are renamed the Grand Paint Stars.
+As said before, many Toads are dropped for more appropriate species.
++TOWN SQUARE: A boiling pot of species.
++STARTING AREA: Brustaches [DMZ veterans] Living paintbrushes. Come in two genders and various ages.
++BLOO BAY BEACH AND ASSOCIATED AREAS: Piantas.
++FOREST AREA: Retains most of Toad population, though still individualized for many members.
++Two other species- one reverse-engineered from an existing Paper Mario character, another completely new.

BATTLE GAMEPLAY CHANGES
+Damage numbers and exact enemy HP are shown in battle (though the amount of HP each enemy has is also still visually represent by how much they're "filled").
+Enemies summoned by cards no longer run from bosses. Instead, a new "mark" mechanic is implemented.
++Each card has a visible "mark" on it, pertaining to whom the enemy serves- the Koopalings, the new villains, and possibly other marks related to other ideals. Some cards don't have a mark.
++Unmarked cards can be used on any enemy or boss. However, they're much weaker than marked cards (about x0.7)
++Marked cards, meanwhile, are much stronger and durable. However, for every enemy with the same mark on the other side, the summoned card loses x0.1 their ATK. Fighting against bosses, meanwhile, reduces their power further by x0.4.
EX1 A Slurp Guy fights 2 other Slurp Guys. The Slurp Guy on Mario's side has 7 ATK. All 3 are allied with the Koopalings. Therefore...
POWER= (ATK (1-(0.1ENEMY+0.4BOSS)))RNDUP
=(7 (1-(0.1(2)+0.4(0))))RNDUP
=(7 (1-(0.2)))RNDUP
=(7 (0.8 ))RNDUP
=(5.6)RNDUP
=6 ATK
EX2 A Dry Bones fights 2 Dry Bones, 1 Slurp Guy and 1 Musketeer boss. The Dry Bones on Mario's side has 8 ATK. All but the Slurp Guy are allied with the Musketeers. Therefore...
POWER= (ATK (1-(0.1ENEMY+0.4BOSS)))RNDUP
=(8 (1-(0.1(2)+0.4(1))))RNDUP
=(8 (1-(0.6)))RNDUP
=(8 (0.4))RNDUP
=(3.2)RNDUP
=4 ATK
+If non-card summoned enemies with opposing marks are in the same battle, they'll fight each other first. While this can be useful, enemies defeated by other non-card enemies do not drop EXP Paint. In other words, in example 2, the opponent Dry Bones and Musketeer boss would back and forth with the solo Slurp Guy before fighting Mario, and vice versa.
+HP levels up alongside the Paint Meter.
++Mario starts the game with 20 HP, rather than 50. Enemy attack is recalculated accordingly.
+Enemy super attacks, such as Morton's Flame Hammer, are nerfed heavily. While they still drop a lot of HP, it's not to the point of forcing a single solution.
++EX Morton's Flame Hammer inflicted 48 damage in the demo, even with blocking. Now, on top of other changes with Morton, the attack only inflicts 10 damage unblocked.
+Things are renamed "Artifacts".
++Artifacts are redesigned to look like Mario characters.
++While Artifacts are still used to unlock certain spots in the overworld, they're no longer cards. Instead, they're equippables.
+++Mario starts the game with 1 slot for equippable Artifacts. By the end, he'll have 5 slots. However, some stronger Things take up 2 slots.
++Due to the negativity it caused, the Fan Thing has been removed. Replacing it is the Fwoosh Propeller.
++All these changes mean bosses have new, extra weaknesses to fill in the difference (though some Artifacts can be equipped to still exploit them).
+Partners return. While they still have overworld moves for new/reworked puzzles, they provide passive perks in battle.
++Partners have a Partner Meter that can be filled using Paint-fuelled attacks. When the meter is full, the Partner unleashes their own power.
+++Some Partner's Meters can be fueled with all three paints, though it fills slower. Others can only be filled with two paints, yet it fills quicker.

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

PARTNERS

EDWIN (Slurple): Months ago, this youth came to Prism Island to learn under the Musketeers. It’s not to strengthen himself or protect others, though- he just wants to make lots and lots of money with their skills. Edwin believes he needs every coin he can get.
o PASSIVE ABILITY: Coin Pincher (gain x1.2 the coins after battle)
o PARTNER ATTACK (2 paints): Bag Bounce (inflict damage on 3 enemies)

MARIRANA D[EEPS] (Beepboxer): A singer known in circles of the Mushroom Kingdom, Marirana often pulls off obscene things during her acts, in the name of spreading her message. Though popular with many, these actions have lead for some movements to stop her concerts.
o PASSIVE ABILITY: Not for Everyone (healing item potency is increased by x1.5.)
o PARTNER ATTACK (all paints): Off-Color Lyrics (sound wave attack, inflicts more damage on aerial enemies)

FRIENDLY IMPORTANT CHARACTERS

SUEBELLE D[EEPS] (Beepboxer): Marirana’s goth twin sister. She’s a bit of a pessimist, never completely gelling with her sister. She also doesn’t care much about others. You’d have to do something truly special to earn Suebelle’s attention.

TOADSWORTH: Peach’s most trusted advisor, Toadsworth’s polite mannerisms are compromised by his tendency to be, for lack of a better term, a worrywart.

NEW VILLAINS
THE PRISM MUSKETEERS: Three strangely garbed characters who live on Prism Island. They have been trying to reach the bottom of the island for years, for some unknown reason.

o AACE (Sleepy Boo)- The leader of the Musketeers, Aace is most likely to come up with a solution to a problem. It seems something is on his mind, though- something that haunts him, of all people…

o CUCLEER (Coo Coo)- It’s not just Cuucleer’s hair that’s split- his own mind can never decide whether to engage what he believes is right, or what he knows is wicked.

o PITHOLL (Pianta)- Pitholl has been a total slave for fashion from the day he was born. Making fun of him for it is ill-advised, since…well, have you seen this guy?!

o PERRY (Goomba): Despite his walking problem, Perry is a persistent Goomba who will dog his enemies to the ends of the earth. Despite joining the Prism Musketeers' forces shortly after an interdimensional incident, Perry comes into conflict with Mario- someone he's had a history with...

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

ONE MORE PARTNER

LOUIS (Memphawk): A bird person with a strange way of talking, spouting words like “Pisano”. Louis really loves pasta of all kinds- well, except for spicy pasta. Ever since he heard Mario’s name and watched his victory in Glitzville, Lou has looked up to Mario as a role model. Hmm...something about this guy seems rather- ah, I'm probably imagining things.
o PASSIVE ABILITY: Memphawk in the Wind (increases the power of Mario’s jump attacks by x1.5)
o PARTNER ATTACK (2 paints): Memphawk Slam (slams on the middlemost enemy, unleashing a shockwave afterwards)

NPC SPECIES
PIANTAS (platformer veterans) [ http://i.imgur.com/A9VFluo.png ]
Pianta construction pieces: i.imgur.com/diHb9FA.png

MEMPHAWK (new-ish) [ http://i.imgur.com/WJ0EJWT.png ]: A species of humanoid bird people, these guys and girls love the art of physical combat. Their strongest fighter is well renowned in a famous fighting pit.

ENEMIES
+As they both got booted from the Recut of Paper Jam, Buzzy Beetle and Dry Bones both make it in for sure this time. However, they both receive some redesigns. Both mix their original Paper trilogy look with the main series, though it gravitates more in the former's favor.

BUZZY BEETLE [ http://i.imgur.com/vZqXPjf.png ]
MARK: None

DRY BONES [ http://i.imgur.com/B8Bm4NY.png ]
MARK: Musketeers
Fun Story: This redesign of Dry Bones was meant to show up in Wonder Journey. It was changed due to story reasons with the setting.

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

STORY DETAILS
+While visual paper jokes will still be kept, written paper jokes will be replaced with equivalent concepts in the actual world. This will be done in an attempt to better let the reader/"player" connect with the world of Prism Island.

NPC SPECIES

BRUSTACHES (DMZ veteran)- Living paintbrushes. As it turns out, Pastelora is not the only art-themed region these upper class folks live on- they make their home on Prism Island, too! Let's hope others from that continent are just as friendly here.

ENEMIES
KOOPA TROOPAS & KOOPA PARATROOPAS [ http://i.imgur.com/L1H2jEu.png ]- Even though Perry is the only Goomba currently on the island, the second-oldest Mario enemies and their flying counterparts still forage around. Not only do they come in different colors- they also come in different looks, indicating their allegiances.
+GREEN: Unmarked
+RED: Koopalings
+BLUE: Musketeers

OTHER ALLEGIANCE EXAMPLES
Several enemies have counterparts on both sides of the conflict, from exact to completely off the mark. Some even have unmarked counterparts.
*Enemy roster may change when actual Color Splash releases.
*Enemy roster will keep to the average size of 37 unique enemies & 37 palette swaps/model mods.
+Clubba (Koopalings), Spike (Musketeers)
+Koopatrol (Koopalings), Broozer (Musketeers)
+Dry Dry Pokey (Koopalings), Drybake Pokey (Musketeers), Green Pokey (unmarked)
+Lava Bubble (Koopalings), Phantom (Musketeers)
+Scuttlebug [Galaxy] (Koopalings), Arantula (Musketeers)
+Fuzzy (unmarked)
+Crazy Dayzee (unmarked)

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

NPC SPECIES

VELLBEX (completely new species)- Goats who live in the pale blue parts of Prism Island. These civilized animals like to chew on their own tail tips (which normally grow back), as well as other thin foods. Due to a conflict that occurred over 1000 years ago, there's not many of them left. Over this span of time, the Vellbex have relied on themselves and others to keep their race going. Modern Vellbex still resemble their ancestors- but only if one were to squint... after hitting their head... due to spinning around too fast.

NEW ENEMY
CUTLAD [ http://i.imgur.com/yqnlWeD.png ]- A swordfish who grazes the kelp around it.
MARK: Musketeers
LOCATION: Bloo Bay Beach (replaces some Cheep Cheeps, who are unmarked)
Doctored screenshot of Cutlad in battle: http://i.imgur.com/I1nKwGS.jpg

GAMEPAD HUD
Altered screenshot: http://i.imgur.com/XDw4Mge.jpg
+As with Sticker Star Recut, the Battle Spinner is gone. Instead, Mario simply gets 3 card minimum every turn. Enemy stats are recalculated in light of this.
+The Partner Attack Meter can be seen, situated above where the EXP bar is in the actual game.
+2 slots for equipped Artifacts can be seen, near HP. I...haven't lowered the HP in this shot.

THING> ARTIFACT CONVERSIONS
Fan> Fwoosh Propeller
Battery> Amp Battery
Fire Extinguisher> Freezie Extinguisher
Cat-o-Luck> Super Bell-o-Luck

ARTIFACT EQUIP EFFECTS
+If two different artifacts give contradicting effects to the same type of attack, the first-most equipped Artifact wins out.
Fwoosh Propeller- All Jump attacks gain/change to a Wind attribute.
Amp Battery- All multi-enemy attacks gain/change to an Electric attribute.
Freezie Extinguisher- All Hammer attacks gain/change to a Water attribute.
Super Bell-o-Luck (2 slots)- Over-KO hits give 2 coins, rather than 1.

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

Doctored screenshot of Brustaches in Town Square, plus altered Toad sign

ENEMIES
POKEY [ http://i.imgur.com/H30zzRE.png ]- These living cacti aren't just a dream- they're your worst nightmare! As seen, Pokeys come in three varieties. No matter who they're allied with, however, one thing is certain- you gotta beat'em all!
DRY DRY YELLOW- Koopalings. The Koopalings and their Master actually "borrowed" (stole) these guys from Dry Dry Desert to Prism Island.
DRYBAKE YELLOW- Musketeers. Regardless of the distance, these Pokeys are said to descend from an ancient faraway Pokey population. How they got all the way here is a mystery...
DRYBAKE GREEN- Unmarked. The Green Pokeys of Prism Island descend from the batting team of the very first pharaoh of the Drybake Stadium- Tower Power Pokeyhotep.
Extra Model Sheet: 2 segments remaining ( i.imgur.com/P7WNMMS.png )
Extra Model Sheet: 1 segment remaining ( i.imgur.com/DUShRzS.png )
Extra Model Sheet: head only plus extra attack ( i.imgur.com/Dua9z1P.png )

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

SOME STORY AND CHARACTER CHANGES (PRELIMINARY INFO) PLUS A POSSIBLE SNEAK PEAK
+Morton gets his personality from Mario & Luigi Paper Jam (a tough guy who's more perceptive than he looks), rather than talking like a dumb brute. His lines are changed accordingly, in tune with the next change.
EX 1. BOASTING HIS STRENGTH
ORIGINAL
MORTON: BAD MARIO FIND PAIN STAR! BUT MORTON FIND IT MORE! MORE MORTON'S! MORE TONS! MORTON CRUSH MARIO!
RECUT
EDWIN: Out of the way, Morton! I might not be with Aace anymore, but I can still ruin your day!
MORTON: Zip it, pennybags! I want the Paint Star more! It’s mine more! It’s even in my name- Morton! Or More Tons! I'll crush you three right now!
EX 2. A BROKEN STOOL
ORIGINAL
MORTON: HIGH PLACE BROKE...LOW PLACE SCARY.
RECUT
MORTON: Uh, OK. This COULD be a problem.

+Morton is fought a few levels before Crimson Tower. As the game hasn't been released, it's of course yet to be decided where exactly. Instead, Pitholl and Cucleer are the chapter boss.
+Nevertheless, at least two different chapter boss battles for the Grand Paint Stars still involve the Koopalings.

CRIMSON TOWER BOSS DIALOGUE
The following assumes the Red Area is first, and that Mario doesn't go anywhere else.
PRE BATTLE EXCHANGE
Mario and Huey walk into the boss room, to see Pitholl and Cucleer.
PITHOLL: Isn’t it MAR-vel-OUSSS?! We found the Crimson Paint Star!

HUEY: Look! It’s the Crimson Paint Star!
EDWIN: Uh, yeah. We can see that, Huey! But…it’s just like Aace said. It’s asleep.
CUCLEER: Pitholl! Look- it’s that Mario guy! SHOULD WE JAB HIS FACE!? Or…do we just let him off with a warning? Come on, what do you SAAAAY!?
PITHOLL: This ruffian? He should know- we found this drab thing first! If he wants it, Cucleer, he’ll have to survive our SPEC-tacle of moves!

POST BATTLE EXCHANGE
PITHOLL: The au-DACity! The everlasting SHAME! A mere recruit bested a COMMANDER in the Prism Musketeers!? A REAL tragedy today!
EDWIN: I’m no recruit! I could be a better Musketeer than you two!
CUCLEER: Why did you three do it? WE WERE GOING TO STAMP YOU INTO THE GROUND! Then, we were going to throw a great big party! Now, Aace isn’t going to like this! HE’LL ANNIHALATE YOU! And that won't be right for anyone!
PITHOLL: Until next time, penny pinching vagaBOND! Cucleer- awAAAAAAAAAAAY!
Cucleer picks up Pitholl. The two fly out the window.
EDWIN: Oh no- if Aace gets involved, we’ll stand no chance!
HUEY: Whoever this guy is, he’s really turning my paint. But hey- at least we found the Crimson Paint Star!
Huey flies up to the Crimson Paint Star.
HUEY: Looks like it’s fainted from being so dried out…
Huey turns around.
HUEY: OK, Mario and Edwin! Jump into it and wake it up!

After the cutscene of the Crimson Paint Star restoring the gate…
Pitholl and Cucleer walk up to a Boo with a Musketeer hat and a blue mustache with red tinges (Mario and Huey haven't met Aace personally yet).
AACE: So, mah faithful Musketeers? How did the mission go?
PITHOLL: It was GREAAT at first! We made an INCREDIBLE headway in the Crimson Tower! The Crimson Paint Star was within our GRASP!
CUCLEER: But then something bad happened, Aace. THIS SNOTTY RED MAN STOLE THE STAR FROM UNDER US!
AACE: A red man, ya say? That sounds mighty peculiar. Did he have a big 'ol mustache on him, by chance?
PITHOLL: That sounds INCREDIBLY like the crook who DECIMATED us! How did you KNOW?
AACE: Let's just say… ah have friends in all sorts 'a places.

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

NEW (ISH) CHARACTER

MERLON- After mysteriously being absent from the Decal Lands, some swindling bird taking the moniker in a round dimension, and reuniting with the very first in one possible version of an interdimensional escapade, Mario finally meets another actual Merlon. This time, the Prism Island shaman with this name bequeaths powerful charms that can make or break a battle. When not granting magic, Merlon assists in teaching local Brustaches how to steady themselves.

OLD CHARACTERS
O'CHUNKS (unknown Flipflopper subspecies) [ http://i.imgur.com/fpfTele.png ]- Former minion of Count Bleck. O'Chunks decided to cross dimensions and bring Nastasia somewhere to relax and enjoy the sites. However, he couldn't have picked a worse time to come, due to the whole "Koopaling vs Musketeer" thing. Now, this huge brute may have to dish out a chunking.

KERSTI(Sticker Fairy)(Recut version) [ http://i.imgur.com/mKG6TuZ.png ]- A self-professed Sticker Fairy. Though Kersti was a huge obnoxious jerk at first, the efforts of Mario's friends- plus a sacrifice- got her to completely change her ways. She returns again to Prism Island, as something has drawn the Sticker Comet there...
...Now that I think abou