Super Paper Mario - Plot

Plot

Super Paper Mario opens with Luigi, Bowser, and Princess Peach being kidnapped by Count Bleck, the game's main villain, who possesses a prophetic tome called the "Dark Prognosticus." arranges a wedding between Peach and Bowser and, utilizing the hypnotic powers of his ally Nastasia, forces the two to marry. As foretold in the Dark Prognosticus, their marriage summons the Chaos Heart, which Count Bleck uses to open a black hole known as "The Void" which will eventually grow large enough to engulf the entire universe. Mario is found and greeted by Tippi, a butterfly-like Pixl, who transports him to the inter-dimensional town of Flipside. There, Mario meets the wizard Merlon, who tells Mario that he matches the description of the Hero described in the "Light Prognosticus," another prophetical tome. According to the Light Prognosticus, the Hero will travel to various dimensions to collect the eight Pure Hearts, which together can be used to banish the Chaos Heart and reverse the destruction. The tome also mentions that the Hero will ally with three other Heroes. Shortly after Mario and Tippi set off to collect the Pure Hearts and stop Count Bleck's plan, Mario is bestowed with the power to "flip" between dimensions as a means of easier travel. Count Bleck periodically sends out his minions: O'Chunks, a warrior; Mimi, a shapeshifter; and Dimentio, a magician, who oppose Mario as he progresses.

Mario and Tippi reunite with both Peach and Bowser, who agree to help Mario find the Pure Hearts. Luigi however is brainwashed into a gentleman thief alter ego named Mr. L, who also antagonizes Mario and company as they progress. Luigi eventually regains his memories and also accompanies Mario. The group manages to collect all eight Pure Hearts; at this point The Void has grown large enough that it has already consumed one inter-dimensional world and begins to consume several others.

A series of flashbacks dispersed throughout the game tell the story of a romantic relationship between two people, Blumiere and Timpani, that was ended by Blumiere's disdainful father, who banished Timpani to wander between dimensions and left to die. The identity of these characters and their relationship to the story are initially unknown, but it is gradually revealed that Tippi is Timpani and "Count Bleck" is the pseudonym of Blumiere, who—unknowing of Timpani's rescue and transformation into a Pixl by Merlon—was driven insane by the loss of Timpani. Blumiere sought to bring existence to ruin and turned to the Dark Prognosticus. Over the course of the game, Blumiere and Timpani begin to realize the other's true identities, and Blumiere begins to regret his actions; nevertheless, Blumiere continues with his plans, knowing that he has gone too far to stop.

Mario, Timpani, and company open a portal to the final dimension where Castle Bleck resides. They fight and defeat O'Chunks and Mimi, losing contact with Bowser and Peach in the process. Mario, Luigi, and Timpani confront Dimentio, who reveals his true intentions to betray Blumiere. Dimentio reveals he had anonymously helped the group along, including rescuing Peach and Bowser from Castle Bleck. Dimentio offers alliance with Mario, who refuses. Luigi fights and defeats Dimentio, who commits suicide, bringing Luigi with him. Mario and Timpani continue their journey through Castle Bleck.

Mario and Timpani confront Blumiere but are unable to attack due to the power of the Chaos Heart. Peach, Bowser, and Luigi reappear and use the Pure Hearts to destroy Blumiere's defenses. They then proceed to defeat Blumiere, but fail to halt The Void's destruction. Dimentio appears and takes the Chaos Heart from Blumiere's possession. Dimentio reveals that he has studied the Dark Prognosticus extensively and that he wishes to use the Chaos Heart and the Void in conjunction to create an entirely new universe in his image. Dimentio takes control of Luigi once more, saying that the Dark Prognosticus revealed him as the ideal host for the Chaos Heart. Dimentio fuses the Chaos Heart, Luigi, and himself into one entity called Super Dimentio, who has complete control over The Void; Super Dimentio uses this power to shatter the Pure Hearts, and begins making his new universe. However, Blumiere and Timpani's renewed love for one another, as well as the feelings of loyalty felt towards Blumiere by his remaining minions, restore the Pure Hearts. Mario uses their power to battle Super Dimentio, who upon defeat splits back into Luigi, the Chaos Heart, and Dimentio. Dimentio dies, but his lasting influence on the Chaos Heart causes The Void to expand uncontrollably.

Blumiere and Timpani enter the wedding chapel used to wed Bowser and Peach, where they exchange their vows. The Pure Hearts then unify and banish the Chaos Heart, sealing The Void and restoring order in the universe, effectively nullifying the prediction in the Dark Prognosticus. Mario, Peach, Bowser, Luigi, and Blumiere's minions awaken in Flipside. However, Timpani and Blumiere have disappeared and it is assumed that they did not survive. Merlon states that they are likely in a better place, and everyone leaves to celebrate their victory with a meal. Blumiere and a human Timpani are then shown together in a place resembling a paradise.