Guys I think the point of battling is to fulfill certain missions and get certain HP+/Attack+ stickers. Like NPC's will be like "kill 10 Goomba's, I'll give you a HP+ Sticker".

I think they know what they're doing. The only thing that's worrying me is the lack of an overworld (IT'S A FREAKING MAP!!!!!) and a mehish storyline. It just doesn't feel Paper Marioy to me.