Paper Mario

Core Gameplay

 * Super Paper Mario gameplay, but with more RPG elements and less platforming.
 * 2D only.
 * Partners actively fight alongside you, and you're capable of deciding which abilities they use.
 * Badges return and are used out in the field, replacing the use of items with offensive effects and Pixls.
 * Chapters are structured more like the first two games, with one large area instead of four segmented 'levels'.
 * Little to no references to Sticker Star and Color Splash's gameplay.
 * Mario and Bowser have their own stories, with Bowser having more combat-focused gameplay and Mario having more exploration/puzzle-based gameplay. A final set of chapters is available when both stories are complete.

Artstyle

 * The same as Color Splash's artstyle.
 * Characters don't acknowledge that they're made of paper.

Characterization

 * No Kersti/Huey figure.
 * NPCs aren't just Toads, and Toads actually have different designs as opposed to simple color swaps.
 * More obscure Mario enemies, species, and characters.
 * Odyssey is a big inspiration when it comes to characters.

Story

 * On the level of Super Paper Mario.
 * An AU Daisy is the main villain, having gone insane after Mario saved her in Super Mario Land and then departed.

Partners

 * Mario has partners of species that have never been partners before, while Bowser's are recruited in a similar vein to Luigi's in TTYD.

Mario
Mario can utilize his hammer.
 * Shy Guy partner
 * The Tattle partner.
 * Sherm partner
 * Capable of destroying rubble and wreckage by shooting it.
 * Monty Mole partner
 * Can dig through specially marked holes.
 * Chain Chomp partner
 * Can be flung upwards to hit switches, like a yo-yo.
 * Buster Beetle partner
 * Essentially Thoreau.

Bowser
Bowser can utilize his fire breath.
 * Toad partner
 * The Tattle partner.
 * Shiverian partner
 * Can be thrown forward like a ball, and can be used in pinball-esque puzzles.
 * Klepto partner
 * Can pick up Bowser and fly him upwards, similarily to Tails in the 2D Sonic games.
 * Tropical Wiggler partner
 * Allows Bowser to stretch over gaps.
 * Virus partner
 * Can manipulate the cold.