Peach is enjoying a vacation with her loyal servant, Toadsworth, when a mysterious creature captures her. The one clue is a treasure map she had sent to Mario earlier. When our hero hears news of her capture, he follows the map's clues to the Star Crystals, strange artifacts of unknown power. Complicating the matter are three veiled figures plotting the return of the great shadow witch, an army of strange new enemies and one angry Bowser, who embarks on an adventure of his own to find out who's cutting into his villain business.

• Time passes, the pages turn...and a new chapter unfolds in an unfamiliar land! Get ready for a two-dimensional role-playing adventure for the ages, as Mario™ returns to paper form in pursuit of a threat unlike any he's ever faced.
• Take to the stage! Paper Mario 2 builds on the action-packed battle system of the original RPG with the addition of audience participation. Not only will timing Action Commands help you dodge or inflict damage, but impressing the crowd will help you build power for super attacks! Try not to disappoint the audience, though, or you'll pay!
• Don't fold under pressure! This time, Mario will have to make full use of his papery qualities to survive. Fold into a paper airplane and take to the air, turn sideways to slip through narrow passages and roll into a tube to bounce to safety.
• No need to go it alone! Many strange friends will join your party, and you'll have to rely on their skills to survive. Even former enemies may bail you out, so keep an open mind!