Twenty years have passed since the fan-favorite “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” originally saw release on the Nintendo GameCube. Following up the Nintendo 64 cult classic “Paper Mario,” the game set the standard for quality in each subsequent entry in the role-playing game spinoff series. Now, both Nintendo and Intelligent Systems (“Fire Emblem”) have reunited for a full HD remake of the game on Nintendo Switch.
The game faithfully retains the original release’s story, which sees Mario encountering a unique array of friends and adversaries in order to find the seven Crystal Stars. The turn-based gameplay sports a unique approach to physical combat and magic, with bonuses being granted for making inputs at just the right moment. On top of character mainstays such as Bowser and Princess Peach, the game sees you form a party with a wide range of memorable allies. These range from the studious Goomba named Goombella, a timid Koopa named Koops and the fan-favorite witch Vivian.
While the game may only have a framerate of 30 frames per second, don’t be fooled- the game is full of visual wonder; with its paper craft art style being every bit as graphically creative now as it was in the year 2004. The audio is full of memorable takes on the “Mario” franchise’s music and sound effects. With this release, the soundscape has the best audio quality to date.
Building on the precedent set by the first “Paper Mario” on N64, the game has the ideal blend of humor and challenge for Mario fans of all ages. Following up the success of last year’s remake of “Super Mario RPG,” this latest remake is well worth your time and money.
Whether you’re re-experiencing the game or are playing it or the first time, this remake is highly recommended. Overall, “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” is a classic Gamecube title that has been successfully refolded for the Switch.
Publisher: Nintendo (Original/Remake)
Developer: Intelligent Systems (Original/Remake)
Platform: Nintendo Switch
ESRB Rating: E
My Rating: *****/5
