Announcement for next TRDMZ fan-game topic. PLUS a question!

Are these suppose to be fun-game liek one ones found innewgrouds or are they merely ideas and and fake shot of said ideas?

Ah I see, still neat ideas ya have going from what I read on the others.

PROGRESS REPORT (March 22nd, 2016)
+Character personality and general arc progression spots decided on.
+Opening narration written. Now working on prologue…
+Mario and first partner sprites partially complete. Some more poses to do…
+Battle abilities complete.
+Gear complete.
+Item effects and prices complete.
+Enemy stats complete.

Friday update number two, on the house!

BASIC
+One of the overall “messages” of Wonder Journey, permeating through many aspects of the topic, is “altered perception”.

BATTLING
+Battling is still turn-based- Mario’s side makes their moves, then the enemies. Repeat ad nauseum.
+Regarding stats, in addition to the three defensive stats (HP, GP and AP), the player can also level up 3 offensive ones. They are Jump/Fire, Weapon/Water, and Item/Electric.
++As evident, elemental moves play more of a role than before.
++Despite the name, Items pertains to a third type of move Mario and company can perform. Healing items (now called Goodies) can still be bought from stores and found in Question (?) Blocks, though.
+When leveling up, the choices alternate between defensive (even numbered levels) and offensive (odd numbered levels, not counting level 1).
++Starting stats, increases by levels, and max stats by level ups only are as follows:
HP: 20 HP; +10 when levelled up; naturally maxes out at 220
GP: 20 GP; +10 when levelled up; naturally maxes out at 220
AP: 6 AP; +2 when levelled up; naturally maxes out at 48
Jump/Fire: 2 JMP/FR; +2 when levelled up; naturally maxes out at 44
Weapon/Water: 2 WPN/WTR; +2 when levelled up; naturally maxes out at 44
Item/Electric: 2 ITM/ELEC; +2 when levelled up; naturally maxes out at 44
+These stats can be further bolstered with stat up items found across Mercadia. There are 16 of each, giving half the effect of a normal level up.
+Due to the addition of AP, Mario’s side can make several moves during their turn. Meanwhile, enemies only make 1-2 moves each. Usually, one for attacking, and the other for moving.
+That’s right- battles in Wonder Journey take place on a rectangular 8x3 board, going >V.
++Movement costs AP (1 to be exact), the distance traveled varying per character. For example, Mario can travel 2 spaces when Move is used, while some lighter characters travel 3 (though they can travel less if needed). Bigger characters, on the other hand, only travel 1 space max.
++To prevent giving players an easy win, several moves have limits on top of AP cost. Move, for example, can only be used twice a character per turn (so basically, 6 times max a turn).
++Several attacks have "sweet spots", increasing their power depending on how little or far the character travels.
++Because of all this, enemy and boss stats are higher than usual. Endgame enemies rival Bonetail in HP, while boss HP as early as midgame outlast Megasparkle Bowser.

OVERWORLD GAMEPLAY
+Partner abilities return, after being absent from the Nintendo version of Sticker Star.
+In addition to their intended use, there’s more lateral thinking emphasized with the partner abilities.
+Meanwhile, Mario receives a unique ability right at the start- Wonder Flip. This ability flips certain rooms around using magical power- and not just sideways, either (which Mario starts with). In exchange, the Hammer recieves no overworld upgrades.

STORY/SETTING
+At no point in the story is Peach kidnapped.
+There’s a MacGuffin quest again. This time, though, they’re based on the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. Therefore, they’re not all the same object a number of times.
+In addition to the above, there’re other unexpected twists to the Paper Mario MacGuffin quest formula…
+There’s not one, not two, but three bonus dungeons. Two of them are relatively small, though, while the third is a major part of the backstory…
+As the only chapter I’ll let slip on before the day arrives, Chapter 1: Dreamy Paradise is heavily based on one of the things that influenced the original Super Mario Bros.- Alice in Wonderland.

Just thought I'd post a mini pose update ahead of time. The subject is the current leader of the 6 Mercadian Knights (not counted among the 6, though), King Argulus.
On top of being a pose showcase, there's a bit of a size comparison to demonstrate just how big this not-so-swinging cat is. Yeah- he edges out Bowser, even on all fours.

FRIDAY UPDATE NUMBER 3
+One of Paper Mario's past characters is returning for Wonder Journey...





As her Smash Bros. trophy says across languages, Kersti's heart runs deep, and an indispensable ally. Therefore, this makes her the Paper Mario series' most logical and beloved-







.....nah, just fooling with ya. Kersti isn't even getting namedropped in Wonder Journey. APRIL FOOLS!






Oh yeah, that's right. The REAL update.
BATTLING
+In battle, attacks have different targeting types.
++Single (targets a single square)
++Rectangle (targets an uneven length of squares- 1x2, 2x1, 2x3, 3x2, that sort of stuff)
++Box (targets an even length and width of squares- 2x2 or 3x3)
++Line (the ability continues down a single line)
++Radius (targets around the character using the ability)
+As 4 examples of the kind of attacks Mario and co. can use…
JUMP
Character: Mario
Available: Start
AP Used: 2
Damage Inflicted: Jump Base, 2 Jumps
Range: 4 squares
Target: 1 enemy
Targeting: Single
Sweet Spot: End (3, 4) (ie Jump does more damage if the target is 3 or 4 squares from Mario)

FIRE FLOWER
Character: Mario
Available: Equip this gear.
AP Used: 3
Damage Inflicted: Jump Base x1.6, Fire attribute
Range: 4 squares
Target: 1 enemy
Targeting: Single
Sweet Spot: Start (1, 2)

PECK
Character: Jaykan
Available: Start
AP Used: 2
Damage Inflicted: Jump Base x0.8, 2 attacks
Range: 4 squares
Target: 1 enemy
Targeting: Single
Sweet Spot: End (3, 4)

GLIDE
Character: Jaykan
Available: Start
AP Used: 4
Effect: Allows Jaykan to lift another ally into the air for 1 turn.
Range: 2 squares
Target: Ally, Jaykan
Targeting: Radius
Sweet Spot: NA


STORY
+When it comes to the “Paper” part of Paper Mario, Wonder Journey takes the same approach the N64 game did. IE Various characters and objects appear, distort, bend and do other paper things…but it’s never actually referred to in Paper terms, implying the characters aren’t seeing what the viewer is, OR it’s just the equivalent of comparatively mundane stuff that normally happens.
++For example, when a character is creasing backwards, they’re not “bent like paper” or “creased”- rather, their “back is dislocated” or “they need to go lie down”.

Kind of. The name looks Arthurian, and many details about Argulus (as well as certain other elements in Wonder Journey) will draw from Arthurian myth, closely or loosely.
Admittedly, though, his name etymology kind of has a less-than-reputable origin. Argus (the Greek multi-eyed giant) + Regulus (a Latin word often associated with lions, yet which means "little king"...kind of ironic). I almost called him Rargulus, but I found the name too punny and straightforward for one of the story's bigger characters.

PROGRESS REPORT (April 5th, 2016)
+1 more playable character spriteset complete.
+3 more enemy spritesets complete.
+2 more important NPC spritesets complete.
+1 more boss spriteset complete.

Another Sunday, another sprite set release. You know what? We're just gonna make Sundays in this topic dedicated to sprite sets.

He doesn't go clubbing around at night- he does it 24/7, every week, every month, every year. He feels he has to- he's 1 of King Argulus' 6 Mercadian Knights, so he should live up to his own belief of using might to make right. He's usually laid back, too- unless someone is really acting out of line.
People of Mario RPG Universe, may I present... Sir Clubbablot.


Yeah- this guy's huge. He's so huge, in fact, his disassembled pieces had to be placed on a separate image. (And there may be even bigger characters, too...)
i.imgur.com/lJWLXWZ.png

FRIDAY UPDATE NUMBER 5
Today's update is just going to be a blitzkreig of character model images. Also, the content cut-off point has been pushed back to a degree.

PARTY MEMBER

TWEEMER THE BEE- One of the Queen's guards, Tweemer has done nothing but watch over Her Majesty since he emerged from the hive. Literally, all he thinks about is defending the Queen.
Field Ability: Hover (Hovers over dangerous obstacles for a short time.)
Starting Move 1: Sting- 3 AP; Jump Base x1.4 (Poison); 4 square range; 1 enemy; Single square; First square is sweet spot
Starting Move 2: Pollinate- 6 AP (2 uses per turn); heals Tweemer and a single ally by 6 HP;  2 square range; Tweemer and 1 ally; Radius; no sweet spot

NPC SPECIES


QUEEN BEE- Hey look! It's Queen Bee, here in Mercadia's Dreamy Paradise! Hmm...why does she seem so grouchy, though? And what's with the heart get-up? Eh...I'm pretty sure it means nothing. i.imgur.com/bB4q8vc.png
BEES- Guards of the Queen, they defend her from some of Dreamy Paradise's more dangerous inhabitants. Despite their professionalism, they can't help but be put off by Tweemer's fanaticism.
CATKNAVES- As the Buzzy Beetle is to the Koopa Troopa, the Catknave is to the Lyrar. These cats tendto lurk in the dark forests of Dreamy Paradise, as well as several other places in Mercadia where light doesn't shine.
CATGURU- This dapper Catknave is quite mysterious in the way he speaks and thinks. Even if he does help Mario unlock his various Perspective Changes, I...don't know about the way this guy smiles. This cat freaks me right the fffffffffFliprus out. i.imgur.com/tD6alLU.png
MISTUNES- It's amazing how different even the simplest creatures become in the Round Dimension! Case in point- the Mistunes, equivalent to the Cheep Cheep. More limbs equals more to work with!


ENEMIES

GOOMBA- Mario encounters these legendarily common enemies before his adventure even begins...and only then. Whether or not the Goombas know this, they're still out for Mario!
KOOPA- Another legendary foe...relegated to the very beginning of the quest. But at least they're sporting some nice shades!
COBRAT- Yet another old-school foe...and unlike the above two, these snakes are around in Mercadia as well. Unlike their subconscious brethren, these Cobrats wear jars for armor, due to following Sir Mordrat.

LYRAR KNIGHT- The main bulk of King Argulus' forces, Lyrar Knights are thought to be ferocious in battle. Thankfully (...or maybe not thankfully), the other knights haven't had time to thoroughly train these cats.

PROGRESS REPORT (April 20th, 2016)
+General rundown of Chapters 1 and 2 complete. Now working on Chapter 3...
+1 more playable character.
+2 more partners.
+1 more enemy.

What to show on this, a wonderful Sprite Sunday?

I don't know. For some reason, though, I feel like really stealing the show. I want to conquer kingdoms wherever I go. I want to belt out some funny lines. I want to get that Ukiki off my back. And I want a princess.

While I get my thoughts together, here's Mario's longtime nemesis and most prominent adversary- King Bowser Morton Koopa, or Bowser for short.

FRIDAY UPDATE NUMBER 7
This update is going to be a mix of topic/"game" details, some characters, model sheets for said characters, and one other thing.

PARTY MEMBERS

MOE THE SLEDGE BRO- Around Elecspire Rock, Moe is known as an exceptionally skilled blacksmith. Lately, though, he’s been feeling like he could do better, especially as the Mercadian Knights conscripted some of his co-workers...
Field Ability: Hammer Throw (Throws a sledge hammer in a high, curved, fast arc)
Starting Move 1: Hammer Throw- 4 AP; Weapon Base x2.8; 3 square range; 1 enemy; Single square; Last square is sweet spot
Starting Move 2: Temper- 4 AP (2 uses per turn); adds a Fire attribute to an ally's next attack; 2 square range; ally; Radius; no sweet spot


PUUM THE LYRAR- The star attraction of the Spiral Festival…yet she really hates it. In fact, with one exception, she prefers to be alone. Her adoptive bosses (because calling them parents would imply they were nice) don't help the situation. Puum's only real friend is Berruhs the Poochie.
Field Ability: Here, Boy! and There, Boy!- Puum and the other party members ride Berruhs over otherwise impassable surfaces. Puum can also send Berruhs solo to lend the party one extra angle in puzzles.
Starting Move 1: Go, Boy!- 3 AP (cannot be used if Berruhs hasn’t been called back); Item Base (sends Berruhs to a chosen square); 5 squares; enemies between start and end; Path; Last square is sweet spot
Starting Move 2: Fetch!- 3 AP (cannot be used if Puum is riding Berruhs); Weapon Base x2 (calls Berruhs back to Puum, drags enemy 1 square in front of Puum); 5 squares; enemies between start and end; Path; NA


BERRUHS THE POOCHIE- Puum's adopted Poochie pet. From the day he was but a puppy, Berruhs and Puum have been friends. In fact, unless Puum says otherwise, Puum is Berruhs' only friend- he'll rip apart anyone who harms or even belittles his master/
+Unlike most partners, Berruhs is half of a duo with Puum.

BOSSES AND ENEMIES
i.imgur.com/SuioyHx.png (HUGE image!)
JABBIS- Yes- Boggly Woods isn't the only place where these weird mosquitos live. But unlike there, the Jabbis of Dreamy Paradise don't have any treaty with the Bees.
JABBI WOCKEY- The leader of all Jabbis in Dreamy Paradise. True, Jabbis in the Mushroom World have no dragon ancestry. However, those in the Round Dimension do, along with their insect biology. Though the Queen Bee and her hive have done all they can to quell the problem, they apparently missed this dark joker. His arms are super thick!

GEAR (MAIN PARTY)
MARIO
Kuribo Shoe- 3 GP (Gear Points); 3 AP; Jump Base, 2 jumps; 3 squares; 2 enemies; 2x1 Rectangle; Last 2 squares are sweet spot
Spin Drill- 3 GP; 5 AP; Weapon Base x2 (pierces Defense); 3 squares; 1 enemy; Single; First square is sweet spot
Shooting Star- 3 GP; 4 AP; Item Base x0.6; 2 squares; 6 enemies; 3x2 Rectangle; Front squares are sweet spot

LUIGI
Star Launcher- 4 GP; 4 AP; Jump Base x1.5>x1>x0.5; 5 squares; 3 enemies; Line (stops after hitting 3 enemies); Every 2 squares is sweet spot
Chillhammer- 2 GP; 3 AP; Weapon Base x1.2 (Water attribute); 2 squares; 1 enemy; Single; First square is sweet spot
Boo Shroom- 3 GP; 7 AP (must wait 3 turns to use again); Makes nearby allies invisible for 1 turn (light attacks cancel effect on targeted character); 2 squares; allies; Radius; Luigi invisible for 2 turns

PEACH
Raccoon Leaf- 2 GP; 3 AP (2 uses per turn); Adds 1 square of range to a character's Jump attacks for 1 turn; 2 squares; Allies; Radius; Peach gets effect for 1 extra turn
Super Horn- 3 GP; 4 AP; Weapon Base x0.7; 1 square; many enemies; Radius; NA
Lightning Bolt- 4 GP; 4 AP; Item Base x2.2 (Electric attribute); 3 squares; 1 enemy; Radius; 2 squares away is sweet spot


With all that out of the way, may I present- the "box-art"?

You know, something's familiar about this image, but I just have absolutely no clue what it could be...

PROGRESS REPORT (April 26th, 2016)
+All Chapter 2 and 3 normal enemies complete.
+All palette swaps related to these enemies complete.
+All Chapter 2 and 3 bosses complete.
+Major plothole talked about last week resolved.