Review: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Released in 2004 for the Nintendo GameCube, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door quickly became a beloved title among fans of the Paper Mario series. With its distinctive art style, engaging story, and inventive gameplay, it set a high standard for RPGs of its time. Now, the game has been beautifully ported to the Nintendo Switch, allowing both long-time fans and newcomers to experience this classic in a new light.

Graphics: A Masterpiece of the 2000s

At its original release, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door wowed players with its unique visual style. The game’s graphics, while not as advanced as those of some contemporary titles, used a charming paper-themed aesthetic that was both innovative and endearing. The combination of 2D characters and 3D environments created a visually distinct world that felt like a living pop-up book.

On the Nintendo Switch, the game’s graphics have been faithfully preserved, with no major changes to the art style but some subtle enhancements that make the visuals shine on modern hardware. The vibrant colors and imaginative designs remain just as captivating as they were in 2004, and the port ensures that the game’s visual appeal is not lost on newer screens. The Switch version maintains the original’s charm while making sure that it looks great whether you’re playing in handheld mode or on a larger screen.

Story: A Classic Tale of Adventure

The story of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is widely regarded as one of the best in the Paper Mario franchise. It follows Mario as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Peach and recover the Crystal Stars, ancient artifacts needed to stop an evil force from emerging. The narrative is filled with humor, intriguing characters, and a series of well-crafted plot twists that keep players invested from start to finish.

The story’s depth and character development are standout features, and the Switch port allows new players to experience this engaging tale for the first time. For those who missed the game on the GameCube, the Switch version provides an excellent opportunity to dive into one of the most celebrated stories in the RPG genre.

Gameplay: Engaging and Entertaining

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door excels in its gameplay, offering a blend of turn-based combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration. The combat system is notable for its creative use of paper-based mechanics, where players can perform timed attacks and defend with precise timing. This system adds a layer of strategy to battles, making them both challenging and rewarding.

The game’s map is expansive and meticulously designed, with various environments that offer different challenges and secrets to discover. The addition of fast travel in the Switch port is a welcome improvement, allowing players to move quickly between key locations and streamline their exploration. This quality-of-life feature helps reduce backtracking and keeps the pace of the game moving smoothly.

However, the game’s age does show in some aspects, particularly in its occasional lack of clear hints or guidance. Certain puzzles and tasks can be challenging, and players may find themselves stuck without knowing where to go next. Fortunately, Goombella, one of Mario’s companions, provides helpful insights and reflections that can aid in overcoming these obstacles.

Characters and Environments: Rich and Diverse

The characters in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door are one of its greatest strengths. Each character, from Mario’s trusty allies to the quirky enemies he faces, is well-developed and memorable. The diverse cast brings a sense of personality and humor to the game, contributing to its overall charm.

The game’s environments are equally impressive, with each chapter introducing a new setting that is both visually distinct and rich in detail. The creativity in level design keeps the game fresh and engaging, offering a variety of challenges and experiences throughout Mario’s journey.