Two decades after its original release on the GameCube, the oft-overlooked gem that is Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door returns, this time on the Nintendo Switch. It features updated graphics, an enhanced soundtrack, and a few gameplay tweaks for additional polish. Even in 2024, it’s a well-crafted adventure that can stand the test of time, offering both nostalgia for returning players and a fresh experience for newcomers.
The narrative of The Thousand-Year Door is as charming as it ever was. Mario embarks on a quest to collect the Crystal Stars and thwart the X-Nauts’ plans, with a map from Princess Peach as his guide. The story unfolds in a vibrant, paper-crafted world filled with quirky characters and a healthy dose of humor. The plot’s combination of lightheartedness and intrigue keeps players engaged with ease, blending well with the game’s visually appealing aesthetic that has never looked better.
The turn-based combat system in The Thousand-Year Door is another area where the game shines. The mechanics are simple to grasp yet offer a surprising amount of depth and strategy, particularly with the inclusion of timing-based attacks that engage the player in a more interactive manner. The audience mechanic, which rewards stylish moves with bonuses, adds a unique twist to battles, making each encounter feel a bit like a performance for those watching. This system remains as engaging and rewarding as it was two decades ago, with new quality-of-life improvements enhancing the overall experience.
One of the interesting features of the game is the use of badges and “cursed” abilities. Badges allow players to customize Mario’s stats and abilities, providing a layer of strategic depth. The cursed abilities, which turn Mario into a plane, tube, or boat, among others, are not just the gimmicks they initially seem, but integral parts of puzzle-solving and exploration. These elements ensure that gameplay remains varied and interesting, encouraging players to think creatively about how to navigate the world and defeat enemies.
The updated visuals in the Switch version are wonderful to look at. The paper-craft art style, which was already charming in its original form, has clearly been enhanced. The environments are richly detailed, and the characters are more vibrant than ever, making the game world feel alive and immersive. The soundtrack has also been given an update, maintaining its catchy tunes while benefiting from higher audio quality.
Control-wise, The Thousand-Year Door handles smoothly on the Switch. The intuitive controls are easy to pick up, making the game’s platforming and combat accessible to players of all skill levels. The addition of updated quick-travel pipes and a Partner Ring to swap characters more efficiently are thoughtful enhancements that streamline the gameplay without changing up the experience too much.
However, despite these improvements, some aspects of the game feel a bit dated. The pacing can occasionally drag, particularly during dialogue-heavy sections, which might test the patience of modern gamers accustomed to faster-paced experiences. Additionally, while the charm and humor of the story are timeless, the plot itself is relatively straightforward and will certainly not surprise those familiar with the original.
In conclusion, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch is a great remake that successfully captures the essence of the original while making it more accessible and enjoyable for today’s audience. Its engaging combat system, charming narrative, and beautiful visual and audio updates make it a must-play for fans of the original and newcomers alike. Though it retains some of its quirks, these only add to its nostalgic appeal, ensuring that The Thousand-Year Door remains a timeless gem in the realm of RPGs.
Score: 8.7/10
Press Play Media 