You know what just popped into my head not long ago. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. I would be absolutely beside myself if Square-Enix created a Super Mario RPG 2, whether it was in the same style as the first one or done in a Kingdom Hearts-style Action-RPG. Either way, it'd be great if they put in a Colosseum mode where you could fight characters from other Nintendo & Square-Enix titles, such as Link, Cloud, Samus, or even Sora, complete with fight music from their respective games.
Yes, Paper Mario went through plenty of name changes (I know just about everything about Mario as well). Paper Mario's first title was Super Mario RPG 2, the logo of which is actually on a floor in Debug mode. Its second title was Mario Story, which is its title in Japan, and its third title, for the English versions, was Paper Mario Story. Obviously they dropped the 'Story' part of the title shortly before release (although some rental places, like one I went, and stores still had it listed as Paper Mario Story). The reason the name was changed from SMRPG2 to Mario Story/Paper Mario was because Square-Enix wanted it changed, so there would be no confusion about it being a sequel to the game they had made.
From what I hear from my friend who knows like EVERYTHING of Mario. Said that Paper Mario was supposed to be the squeal to Mario RPG. in japan called Mario Story. Not paper mario till the 2nd game of Paper Mario.
But that would be a good idea Crystal.
I've done artwork of Nomura/Kingdom Hearts style takes on Mario, Luigi, & Peach before. If I ever find the old pics, I'll upload them.