This might be great for Mario, but it certainly changes the role of his travelling companions.
When the combat was turn-based, members of Mario’s battle party would get their turn at attacking enemies or aiding Mario with items and abilities. They also used their special attributes to help Mario solve puzzles outside of battle. The change in direction of the Paper Mario franchise, however, means that things play out a little differently now…
Although they no longer have their own turn in battle, Mario’s other travelling companions, now called Pixls, still play a huge role in the game. Mario has one constant companion: a Pixl named Tippi, whose power is identification. If you use the Wii Remote to point at an enemy, Tippi will give you an insight into that enemy’s strengths and weaknesses, like the “Tattle” ability of Mario’s former RPG companions.
Tippi’s greatest power, however, comes in the form of revealing hidden items. Pointing the Wii Remote at the screen brings up Tippi’s spotlight, which can reveal such things as hidden doors and blocks. Once Tippi identifies one of these hidden items, Mario can use them. It’s a neat trick that will lead you to some of the game’s best-hidden secrets…-Nintendo
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