Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Walkthrough Chapter 5 + 6: Unveiling the Mysteries of Keelhaul Key
Introduction to Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a beloved RPG game developed by Intelligent Systems and released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2004. It follows the adventures of Mario as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the notorious X-Nauts. One of the most intriguing chapters of this game is Chapter 5, which takes place in the mysterious Keelhaul Key, followed by Chapter 6, where Mario ventures into the treacherous depths of the Excess Express. In this article, we will provide a detailed walkthrough of these chapters and share six interesting facts along the way.
Chapter 5: Keelhaul Key – A Tropical Paradise
Chapter 5 sees Mario and his companions arriving at Keelhaul Key, a beautiful tropical island shrouded in mystery. As you explore this chapter, make sure to keep an eye out for hidden items and upgrades that will aid you in your journey.
1. Find the Pirate’s Grotto: To progress in this chapter, Mario must find the entrance to the Pirate’s Grotto. Look for a cracked wall near the beach and use Flurrie’s Gale Force ability to reveal the entrance.
2. The Curse of Cortez: Within the Pirate’s Grotto, Mario encounters Cortez, a ghostly pirate captain. Defeating him requires strategy and careful timing, as Cortez can summon his skeletal crew and unleash devastating attacks.
3. Bobbery’s Bomb Squad: On Keelhaul Key, you’ll meet Bobbery, a retired Bob-omb sailor. Recruiting him into your party is essential, as his explosive abilities will be crucial in overcoming obstacles and defeating enemies.
4. The Crystal Star: After defeating Cortez, Mario obtains the Sapphire Crystal Star, a mystical artifact that grants him new abilities. Use it wisely to progress in the game.
Chapter 6: The Excess Express – A Mysterious Train Ride
In Chapter 6, Mario finds himself aboard the Excess Express, a luxurious train filled with colorful characters and hidden secrets. As you navigate through this chapter, be prepared for unexpected twists and turns.
5. The Poshley Heights Sticker: To gain access to the Excess Express, Mario needs a Poshley Heights sticker. You can obtain it by visiting the Poshley Sanctum in Poshley Heights.
6. Solve the Case of the Missing Briefcase: Onboard the train, a mystery unfolds when a passenger’s briefcase goes missing. Help Detective Pennington solve the case by gathering clues and interviewing suspects.
7. Duplighosts on the Train: Beware of Duplighosts, mischievous shapeshifting creatures that can mimic the appearance and abilities of Mario’s partners. Use Vivian’s Veil ability to reveal their true forms.
8. The Smorgasbord: Mario faces off against the Smorgasbord, a monstrous creature made up of countless Smorgs. Its attacks are fierce, so be sure to utilize your partner’s abilities to defeat it.
9. Express Yourself: As the journey progresses, you’ll encounter various characters with unique stories and quests. Take the time to interact with them and uncover hidden secrets.
10. The Crystal Star Revealed: After solving the mysteries aboard the Excess Express, Mario acquires the Emerald Crystal Star. This valuable artifact grants him new powers to aid in his adventure.
Six Interesting Facts about Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Now, let’s delve into six interesting facts about Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door that fans of the game will find fascinating:
1. The GameCube’s Swansong: The Thousand-Year Door was one of the final first-party titles released for the Nintendo GameCube before the company shifted its focus to the Wii console.
2. Interactive Audience: During battles in the Glitz Pit, Mario can interact with the audience by performing stylish moves that increase his star power and earn the crowd’s favor.
3. Playable Partners: In this installment of Paper Mario, Mario can recruit up to eight partners, each with unique abilities that aid in battles and puzzle-solving.
4. Audience Participation: In Chapter 3, “The Great Boggly Tree,” players can hear the audience laughing or booing during certain scenes, adding a layer of immersion to the game.
5. Hidden Badges: Throughout the game, players can find and equip badges that grant Mario various abilities and enhancements. Some badges are well-hidden and require thorough exploration to discover.
6. Tattle Ability: Mario’s partner, Goombella, has the Tattle ability, which allows her to provide information about enemies. This ability is not only helpful but also adds depth to the game’s lore.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Q: Can I play Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch?
A: Unfortunately, the game is only available on the GameCube platform.
2. Q: Are there any secret bosses in Chapter 5?
A: No, there are no secret bosses in Chapter 5, but Cortez serves as a challenging boss fight.
3. Q: How do I defeat the Smorgasbord in Chapter 6?
A: Use your partner’s abilities strategically to attack the multiple Smorgs comprising the Smorgasbord.
4. Q: Is it worth exploring Keelhaul Key thoroughly?
A: Yes, Keelhaul Key contains hidden items, upgrades, and important story elements that enhance the gameplay experience.
5. Q: Can I recruit all eight partners in one playthrough?
A: Yes, it is possible to recruit all eight partners in a single playthrough of the game.
6. Q: How long does it take to complete Chapter 5?
A: The duration of completing Chapter 5 varies depending on the player’s exploration and gameplay style, but it typically takes a few hours.
7. Q: Are there any side quests in Chapter 6?
A: Yes, there are several side quests on the Excess Express that players can undertake to uncover additional rewards and storylines.
8. Q: Can I revisit previous chapters after completing them?
A: Yes, once you complete a chapter, you can revisit it at any time to explore and complete any missed objectives or collectibles.
9. Q: Are there any mini-games in Chapter 6?
A: Yes, the Excess Express features several mini-games that offer unique challenges and rewards.
10. Q: Can I save my progress during a chapter?
A: Yes, you can save your progress at any time by finding a save block or by using the save option in the menu.
11. Q: Can I change partners during battles?
A: Yes, you can switch partners during battles to utilize their unique abilities and attacks.
12. Q: Are there any secret areas in Keelhaul Key?
A: Yes, Keelhaul Key hides secret areas that can be accessed by solving puzzles or using specific abilities.
13. Q: Can I level up my partners?
A: No, partners do not level up in the traditional sense, but they gain new abilities and upgrades as the story progresses.
14. Q: Can I obtain new badges in Chapter 5?
A: Yes, exploring Keelhaul Key may lead you to hidden badges that enhance Mario’s abilities and stats.
15. Q: Can I backtrack on the Excess Express?
A: No, once you progress to the next section of the train, you cannot backtrack. Make sure to explore thoroughly before moving forward.
Conclusion
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’s Chapter 5 and 6 offer thrilling adventures and intriguing mysteries that keep players engaged and entertained. With our walkthrough and interesting facts, you’re now equipped to unravel the secrets of Keelhaul Key and the Excess Express. Enjoy the journey and uncover the hidden treasures that await you in this beloved RPG game.
