Paper Mario Color Splash Recut ACT 1 (SPOILERS FOR FIRST HALF OF ACTUAL GAME)

[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, the GameFAQs version of this topic/thread, and/or any further 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
---
WARNING! While this topic differs from the original game in many ways, at heart, it is still Paper Mario Color Splash. Therefore, DO NOT READ THIS TOPIC UNTIL YOU HAVE COLLECTED 4 OF THE BIG PAINT STARS IN THE ACTUAL GAME!

As many people know, early to bed, early to catch the worm. …Or, is it the bagel?
As many people also know, the people currently in charge of producing Paper Mario have a strange understanding of all the fundamentals of the RPG series. They seem enamored with weird thoughts as “puzzle-solving and humor is all that makes Paper Mario” (without considering other factors), “we don’t need two Mario RPG series”, and other details.

As you can see, I am not impressed on the producer and co- producer’s ideals. I don’t believe in limits that have nothing to do with technology or red tape, or “self-imposed” creative limits. If there’s nothing stopping one from doing something, and that something is a detail people want, there’s no reason to impose a fake roadblock.

So, to get into many people’s minds the full heart of Paper Mario, I am recutting another 8th gen Paper Mario. …or at least, half of it. This time, I’m going to split the topic into two acts. This is for easier readability, to give people content quicker, and because it’s taking longer than expected to complete. Act 1 will cover the first four Grand Paint Stars. Meanwhile, Act 2 (to be released later) will cover the second half of the game…and more. Basically, think Harry Potter 7 the movies, or the Hobbit “trilogy”.

As a reminder to the litigiously nervous (as well as Nintendo’s legal teams), here’s some links explaining just why that transfer waiver at the top (something rarely seen in fanworks) is even there. I hope neither side (but especially Nintendo) is subject to these various situations.
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

Keep in mind- this is only my take on how to do a limitless version of Color Splash. Others have their own ideas on how to more completely tie Color Splash into Paper Mario. Such a detail is even more pertinent in re-iterating this time, as 1) at least three others across the internet have done at least concepts for how they would re-envision Color Splash (one of them on GameFAQs), 2) there’s more of a personal touch with this particular recut, as will become evident as it continues, and 3) due to a misunderstanding near the end of the prelude topic on GameFAQs.

OK- got that all off my chest. Here’s the boxart to Paper Mario: Color Splash Recut.

And for another piece of assaugance …HEEEY, pizannos! It’s Paper Mario Color Splash RE-cut!

His name is Paper Mario! Adventuring’s his game!
Traveling the world to keep all the fame!
When Prism Island is in trouble, he’ll be there on the double!
It’s no longer duller, as Mario splashes out some color! OOMPH!

Splash out some color!

You’re in for a treat, so hang on to your seat!
Enjoy a wild story with sensational feats!
You’ll meet Huey Shy Guys Aace, Peach and the others!
It’s no longer duller, as Mario splashes out some color! To the BRIIIIG!

His name is Paper Mario! Adventuring’s his game!
Went to Prism Island, despite all the rain!
Lend the people a hand, in that colorless land
He’ll make it less duller, as he splashes out some color!

The Koopalings and their Master are still misbehavin’
The Musketeers are plannin’ somethin’, Prism Island needs savin’
Misleadin’ and confusin’ everyone they both discover
They’ll get what they deserve, when Mario splashes out some color

Splashin' out some COLOR! Some COLOR! Some color. Some color...

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

OVERALL CHANGES
+Color Splash Recut makes more of an effort to restore all the missing staples of the Paper Mario RPG series, while also refining Color Splash’s new ideas.

GENERAL GAMEPLAY
+Partners return. While they still have overworld moves for new/reworked puzzles, they provide passive perks in battle.
+Mario starts the game with 20 HP, rather than 50. Enemy attack is recalculated accordingly.
++In addition to Paint, HP can also be leveled up by EXP. After filling the EXP Bar, Mario can choose to level up just HP (+10), just Paint (+20 of all colors), or both (+5 HP, +10 of all colors). He cannot pick the same option twice in a row, though.
+Mario uses less Paint in the overworld, while using slightly more in battle.
+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 2 slots for equippable Artifacts. By the end, he'll have 8 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.

OVERWORLD GAMEPLAY
++OVERWORLD REWARDS: Coins, Normal Cards, Artifacts, Stat-Up Items
+Due to the heavier focus on battle gameplay, the damage most field obstacles inflict is dramatically decreased, usually to less than half their original strength.
+Partner abilities and obstacles are added, varying up the gameplay even more.

BATTLE GAMEPLAY
++BATTLE REWARDS: Coins (exact amount depends on enemy), Enemy Cards, Paint, EXP Hammers
+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").
+Like the first two Paper Mario games and Sticker Star Recut, Mario can pick his target with most cards. This is even if he uses only one single-target card, such as Jump.
+Partners have a Partner Meter that can be filled using attacks. When the meter is full, the Partner unleashes their own power.
+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 Musketeers, 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 without ATK penalty. 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 x0.3.
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+0.3BOSS)))RNDUP
=(7 (1-(0.1(2)+0.3(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+0.3BOSS)))RNDUP
=(8 (1-(0.1(2)+0.3(1))))RNDUP
=(8 (1-(0.5)))RNDUP
=(8 (0.5))RNDUP
=(4)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 Hammers. 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.
+Nevertheless, to prevent enemy card bodyguarding the whole fight, there’s two other changes
++All allied enemy max HP drops to 1/3 normally, or 1/6 if the marks match.
++Bosses (and some enemies) gain splash effects to some of their attacks, allowing them to hit both Mario and the allied enemy.
+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 damaged despite Mario blocking. Now, on top of other changes with Morton, the attack only inflicts 10 damage unblocked (assuming Mario has 25 HP at that point), and can be blocked.
++The change from Things to Artifacts means bosses have new, extra weaknesses to fill in the difference (though some Artifacts can be equipped to still exploit them). Alternatively, their battles are changed so they can be fought more fairly.

CHARACTERS
+Toads are not the only species on Prism Island. There are at least 4 others this time, many taking the place of the Toads. In addition, the NPC characters (including Toads) are further individualized by name, gender, age, and even clothing or apparel.
+PIANTAS (main series)- i.imgur.com/A9VFluo.png
+BRUSTACHES (DMZ veteran)- i.imgur.com/QsPbLvg.png
+MEMPHAWKS (new-ish)- i.imgur.com/WJ0EJWT.png
+VELLBEX (new)- i.imgur.com/2ZfoaNV.png
+TOADS (main series) (adults, kids, both genders)- i.imgur.com/7dtKGOd.png
+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.
+Morton Koopa’s personality is altered to more closely match how he acted in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam.
+Several characters return from the original 3 games. In addition, other familiar and not-so familiar faces make a reprise.

STORY
+Unlike the original game, Color Splash Recut has more of an overarching story.
+Like the original 3 games, no-one ever acknowledges the world is made of paper, implying the characters don’t see it that way, even when someone undergoes a paper effect. Those lines of dialogue are replaced with similar, more relatable concepts.
+Regarding continuity, the original three games are canon to this recut. Regarding what comes after, meanwhile, though readers can get by with just the original Sticker Star and Paper Jam, Color Splash Recut considers the following as “what really happened”: the Recuts of the aforementioned two games, as well as two fangame topics called Wonder Journey and Relic Hunter.
++Because of all this, there are massive deviations from the original Color Splash’s plot, far more than the previous Recuts. As can be guessed, just the addition of the Musketeers means the plot drastically alters almost from the onset.

 

[freakworld]

didn't you make this topic already

E: nevermind

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

didn't you make this topic already

Yes and no.

Yes- the previous topic was a prelude to prepare people for this topic. Also, to gauge their opinions on things including and beyond what other characters they'd like to see.
No- this topic covers stuff beyond the original promo material. That said, it will start out similar (due to most of the promo material being early levels).

Edit- it's cool.

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

Well what are we waiting for? Let's begin this shindig!

DAY TITLE
NIGHT TITLE- http://i.imgur.com/dj194ph.jpg

PROLOGUE
Toadsworth is with Peach, rather than a generic Toad. He looks oddly sad, though.

Instead of another generic Toad, a Brustache’s top is folded in a normal letter.

PORT PRISMA- PROLOGUE
NEW ENEMIES
Shy Guy (all colors) i.imgur.com/Ke89BJ4.png
HP: 9
ATK: 3
DEF: 0
MARK: Koopaling

Slurp Guy (all colors) i.imgur.com/C5fvSdE.png
HP: 11
ATK: 5
DEF: 0
MARK: Koopaling

Boosketeer (RECUT ENEMY) i.imgur.com/pOYkonM.png
HP: 12
ATK: 3
+The Boosketeer will cover his face. The direction of his saber determines his attack.
++DOWNWARD: The Boosketeer reappears after half a second. He then dashes at Mario.
++UPWARD: The Boosketeer reappears immediately. He then swipes at Mario.
DEF: 0
MARK: Musketeer
QUOTE 1: My blade is eternal, even if my life was not!
QUOTE 2: Contrary to your naivety, the saber is mightier than the brush!
QUOTE 3: How DO you groom that forest of hair?!
QUOTE 4 (little HP left): This Musketeer shall…never fade…

CHARACTER CHANGES
Toadmaster> Postmaster Peshi i.imgur.com/lr2aawd.png

STORY
+Upon making port…
TOADSWORTH [ i.imgur.com/TSWmWmG.png ]: My dear fellows! We’re here!
NEWCOMER! Toadsworth
Toadsworth looks around.
TOADSWORTH: So this is the renowned Port Prisma. So peaceful. And…quiet. Eerily quiet… I must say, where is everyone?
Peach exits the boat with her umbrella.
NEWCOMER! Princess Peach
PEACH [ i.imgur.com/EMan8LW.png ]: Ah…it’s nice to be on dry land again. We…have come to right place, haven’t we? Port Prisma? I thought this was supposed to be a tourist destination, like our old friend said. It seems a little…quiet, don’t you think?
TOADSWORTH: It IS most peculiar. I even let them know we were coming. Quite rude, actually- I’d think a warmer welcome would more befit you, Princess Peach, as well as…
PEACH: Mario! We’re here! Come on out!
Mario rolls out in a ball.
PEACH: Oh! That WAS quite a storm last night, wasn’t it? You poor thing.
TOADSWORTH: Egad! Get yourself together, Master Mario! Show a little class, man!
Mario frees himself.
NEWCOMER! Mario [ i.imgur.com/z36aSzT.png ]
PEACH: There’s my Mario! Much better.
Peach looks at the letter.
PEACH: All right, let me just take another look at this…letter. Oh, I just can’t bear to think about what I’m really holding- the body of a colorless Brustache! The only clue we have is that he was postmarked here in Port Prisma.
TOADSWORTH: Don’t worry yourself, Princess. I’ve perused the Port Prisma guidebook, cover to cover. We’ll want to head to Prisma Fountain in the center of town. It’s a grand tourist attraction! From there, perhaps we’ll run into some locals who can help us.
PEACH: Sounds like a plan. But I’ve got a bad feeling about this place. Let’s proceed with caution.
+Upon finding the hammer…
TOADSWORTH: Finally, a stroke of good luck! There seems to be something up on that box. Master Mario, if you would, could you jump up there and check it out?
After doing so…
MARIO GOT THE HAMMER!
TOADSWORTH: Most excellent! This should make up for me…foolishly throwing your hammer overboard during the voyage. …Right? It should work like your old one. Try pressing B to swing it.

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

+Mario, Peach and Toadsworth enter Town Square. It’s completely quiet.
PEACH: Wow, this is a real ghost town. This can’t be right. Are we sure this is Prisma Fountain?
TOADSWORTH: If memory serves me right, dear Princess, the fountain is...coughcough... “a glorious rainbow of happiness and joy.” But...yes, something is amiss. Perhaps there’s a Brustache or two in hiding I could question.

Toadsworth runs off.
PEACH: I hope Toadsworth is careful. There’s no mistaking the postmark on this poor Brustache’s letter...it was definitely mailed from Port Prisma. But who could have done such a thing?
Mario and Peach think.
PEACH: Maybe I forgot something the one who recommended this island to me said. You know- G-

Suddenly, a hatch in the middle of the circle-cornered hexagon rises.
PEACH: Look at that! Some kind of…plot device…just rose out of the fountain! Maybe you should take a closer look at it…
+After solving the puzzle, the hatch opens. It reveals Huey, sleeping.
After waking Huey…
NEWCOMER! Huey
HUEY [ i.imgur.com/GsGFp1j.png ]: OW! What was that for? How would you like it if I whacked you with a hammer while you were sleeping?
PEACH: We're so sorry! It's just that...We thought you were a paint can. So we tried to open you up...
Huey stops shuddering around. However, he still looks miffed.
HUEY: Just- check what you two whack next time. Seriously- OWCH.
PEACH: Is there anything we can do to make things right?
Huey thinks about it.
HUEY:...Actually, now that I’m awake, you wanna grab a burger or something? Now THERE's something I wouldn't mind you hammering into my hole!
PEACH: Oh, um…We’re actually here to investigate a strange letter we received from your town. Only…it’s not an ordinary letter. It’s a Brustache…drained of color and postmarked from Port Prisma!
[After Peach and Mario introduce themselves…]
PEACH: And I also have a very wise and loyal retainer around here somewhere..Toadsworth-
Suddenly, Toadsworth screams.
TOADSWORTH: I SAY!!
PEACH: Toadsworth!?
TOADSWORTH: HALT! Away with you!
Huey hurries to the east exit.
HUEY: That didn’t sound good!
PEACH: That sounded like Toadsworth! He might be hurt or in trouble! We’re coming, Toadsworth!

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

BATTLE CARDS (EARLY GAME PART A)
Worn-Out Jump
Target: One
Damage: 3 > 1 > 1 > 1 > 1

Jump
Target: One
Damage: 7 > 1 > 1 > 1 > 1

Worn-Out Hammer
Target: One (no shockwave)
Damage: 9

Hammer
Target: One (no shockwave)
Damage: 14

Eekhammer
Target: One ground enemy
Damage: 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 5

POW Block
Target: All ground enemies
Damage: 6, can stun

Mushroom
Target: Mario
Heals 15 HP.

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

(After the battle...)
HUEY: Color me impressed! You’re a natural, kid!
PEACH: Oh, poor Toadsworth... Everyone, a moment of silence, please...
A moment of silence.
Suddenly, someone’s stomach rumbles...
HUEY: OH, WOW. I guess I’m hungrier than I thought. My bad.
Huey and Mario travel to Toadsworth’s side.
HUEY: You can do it, bud! Hmmm... Well, maybe that weird creature roughed him up worse than I thought. But no worries- he just needs a fresh coat of paint, and he’ll be as good as new.
PEACH: Really? You can revive him with paint? That would be a miracle! He...won’t come back as some kind of freaky zombie Toad, right?
HUEY: No, ma’am- he’ll be flowing with life, like you and me. That’s the power of paint! You see..paint isn’t just for regenerating Battle Cards... Paint adds beauty and life to this island, our neighbours, and even the world! So I’ve taken the liberty of loading up your hammer with all the colors of the rainbow. Go on- press X to give it a swing. Aim for your pasty friend here.
Mario revives Toadsworth.
TOADSWORTH: In a few moments, Toadette...huh. Bwah?
Toadsworth gets up.
TOADSWORTH: GREAT BOGMIRE’S GHOST! I’M ALIVE!
Toadsworth jumps for joy.
TOADSWORTH: And I can feel my trousers! HuzzAAAAH!
PEACH: Oh, Toadsworth. I’m so glad you’re OK! Without your colors, you just weren’t the same.
HUEY: See? That’s the power of paint! Now, I’ve got to warn you. I gave you everything I’ve got, but it won’t last forever. If you want to keep on painting the world around you, you’re going to have to resupply from time to time.
TOADSWORTH: So...this shining lad here saved my life. I knew all my recycling would pay off one day. But, just in case we get ambushed by any more rapscallions with straws...where exactly are we supposed to find this magical life-giving paint you speak of?
HUEY: Easy. Remember that fountain... [...] ...all of Prism Island! We’ve got six Grand Paint Stars hooked up to the thing, and they’ll put out as much paint as you like. Plus, I mean... [...]
(Later in the conversation...)
TOADSWORTH: Quite right, Princess! So I suppose we just needed to jigger it back on, right? It was most dry when we got there.
HUEY: Bahaha! Dry?! Good one, Toadsworth! Mario, you might wanna ... [rest of the cutscene plays as usual]

(At the fountain...)
HUEY: AAAAAAAUGHUGGH! The Grand Paint Stars! They’re gone... All gone!
Toadsworth hops up on the pedestal. He then hops down.
TOADSWORTH: I say- his tears are dreadful.
PEACH: Um...don’t cry...paint can. Maybe we could help you find the, uh...what were they called? Grand Paint Stars?
HUEY: It’s no use... They’re gone...All gone! Port Prisma without the King’s Grand Paint Stars is like...like...a tuna-fish sandwich without ketchup! *sob*
TOADSWORTH: First off, I don’t quite understand that analogy. Second off, gross... But thirdly, those Grand Paint Stars seem quite important to you, and you DID give my life a new kick in the trousers.
HUEY: WAAAAAAAAAH! *sniff* *sniff*
Suddenly, Huey gets up.
HUEY: Wait a second...what’s that smell? It smells like... a Paint Star!
Everyone looks up.
HUEY: I knew it! Guys, look up there! It’s one of our Grand Paint Stars! Oh, isn’t it glorious! OK! Princess...Mario...Toadsworth...you guys CAN help me after all! Help me recover that Grand Paint Star! I mean, I basically taught you the ropes on color to get you out of that pickle back there...
PEACH: He’s right. We definitely owe him a favor. And besides... I have a feeling that this is related to OUR mystery: the poor Brustache who was mailed to us! What do you say, Mario? Will you help Mr. Can?
HUEY: Mr. Can’s my nickname. You can call me Huey! Thanks for the help, guys. It means a lot. All right. Let’s go get that Big Paint Star, shall we? Don’t mind me. I’ll just tuck myself into your pocket!
Huey enters momentarily. He then exits.
HUEY: If you wanna chat, just press Up on the D-Pad to summon me. It’s easier and less painful than hitting me with a hammer! I know this town like the back of my can, so don’t hesitate to ask me for advice if you get lost.
Huey re-enters Mario’s pocket.
HUEY: Oooh- spacey.
TOADSWORTH: We’ll take a rest for a while, Master Mario. Go paint the town red! ...And hopefully other colors too...
PEACH: May you stay brisk in the face of great adversity.
Peach heals Mario.
PEACH: Come see me anytime you’re feeling a little pale. I can help pep you up and restore your HP.

 

[TyrorexDMZ]

When Mario opens the green door in the west part of town, he meets not a Goomba- but a Boo in refined swordsman garb.
BOO SWORDSMAN: HALT! What’s your business, colored knave?! Wait…your mustache is almost as bushy as my instructor’s. Hmm…FACE ME!

FORCED ENCOUNTER! BOOSKETEER
http://i.imgur.com/OTy2N3r.jpg
After the battle…
BOOSKETEER: Well now! Things around this island will get interesting for the others…
The Boosketeer is defeated, dropping an EXP Hammer (now the official rename for Hammer Scraps).
HUEY: That guy was just weird. Like those straw creeps we beat.
Mario nods.

HUEY: But it’s not all bad news. Look- he was nice enough to leave an EXP Hammer! If you collect enough of these, you’ll be able to store more paint in your paint hammer! And it gets better- your HP will increase, allowing you to survive stronger attacks! Enemies sometimes drop them after battle, so pick them up before they disappear.

The Shy Guy’s last line is a little different.
SHY GUY: HAHAHA! Did you hear that squeaky, annoying voice? I totally CRUSHED that Toadette impression!

+Inside the house, the purple Toad is now female.
After the purple Toadette explains her house would have been guest quarters, Peach and Toadsworth arrive.
PEACH: How’s it going so far, Mario? Have you recovered that Paint Star for Huey yet?
PURPLE TOADETTE: Ah, Princess Peach! I offer you a belated welcome to our ancient, yet humble town. I’m sure you must be tired from your long voyage, so please feel free to rest in these quarters anytime.
The purple Toadette opens the door.
PEACH: Oh, thank you, Tali T. We are a bit tired after all of this excitement, so we will take you up on that offer.
Toadsworth enters the guest room. The rest of the cutscene with Peach and Tali T continues as usual.

After Huey finishes explaining the difference between Mini and Grand Paint Stars…
The wind starts picking up.
HUEY: Whoa! What’s going on?!
Mario and Huey turn around. They see a Bowser airship fly into the sky with a bucket of red paint. Hanging onto the bucket is…a Slurple wearing the same strange garb as the Boosketeer.
HUEY: Well, that’s not good. That airship is making off with a huge bucket of paint! Did they steal all of that from Port Prisma?! And…was that kid wearing the same clothes as that ghost? Grab this red Mini Paint Star, and let’s get moving!