Mario allies with eight partners in the original Paper Mario.
These partners join him at different points in the adventure and provide both battle abilities and overworld skills. The group includes Goombario, Kooper, Bombette, Parakarry, Lady Bow, Watt, Sushie, and Lakilester. Each represents a different type of Mario-world character and gives the player new ways to solve obstacles.
Their abilities are central to exploration. Bombette can blast cracked walls, Parakarry can help Mario cross wide gaps, Sushie enables swimming, and Lakilester carries him over hazards such as lava and spikes. In combat, partners have their own commands and attacks, making party choice meaningful.
The number is sometimes confused with the seven Star Spirits, who are rescued during the same quest but are not Mario’s regular partners. It is also distinct from later Paper Mario games, whose casts and partner systems differ.