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Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Item: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Trivia, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableMay 23, 2024

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperIntelligent Systems

Overview

What sleeps behind the door? Time passes, the pages turn… and a new chapter unfolds in an unfamiliar land! Get ready for a two-dimensional role-playing adventure for the ages as Mario returns to paper form to discover a mystery that sleeps behind an ancient, legendary portal called the Thousand-Year Door. The quest is long, the dangers many, and this time, Mario will have to make full use of his papery qualities just to survive.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of multiple reviewers provide a comprehensive overview of the story in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. The majority of critics praised the game for its engaging narrative, diverse cast of characters, and clever writing. App Trigger highlighted the game's "ridiculously diverse cast of characters and clever writing," while Areajugones appreciated the focus on the journey rather than the end goal. Additionally, Eurogamer Poland commended the "simple storyline with surprising plot twists and unique sub-stories within chapters," creating a light-hearted and humorous atmosphere with well-written dialogue that adds depth to the world and characters. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the storytelling of the game. ComicBook and Comicbook.com noted that there were moments where the pacing could drag due to excessive dialogue, while Jeuxvideo.com criticized the game for repetitive elements like excessive backtracking. Twinfinite mentioned that the narrative could feel mechanical and serialized, with predictable beats and pacing issues, although it becomes more engaging in the second half. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the story of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remains positive among the majority of critics. In conclusion, the general consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. The game is praised for its well-developed narrative, memorable characters, and humorous dialogues that keep players invested throughout the adventure. Critics like Vandal appreciated the well-written narrative with enjoyable characters and varied situations, while Player 2 found the story to be endearing, engaging, and filled with humorous moments. While there were some minor criticisms regarding pacing and repetitive elements, the overall sentiment leans towards the game's excellent storytelling, making it a standout title in the Paper Mario series and a beloved classic among fans and critics alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door's engaging narrative, diverse characters, and clever writing. While some mention pacing issues and repetitive elements, overall, the game is praised for its well-developed story, memorable characters, and humorous dialogue that keeps players hooked. It's considered a standout title in the Paper Mario series, loved by fans and critics alike for its endearing and engaging storytelling.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for its engaging and strategic turn-based combat system, unique character abilities, and RPG mechanics. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Pure Nintendo highlighted the tight and fast-paced combat system, with the former mentioning the addition of new gameplay features like optional hints and unlockable galleries that enhance the overall experience. The game offers a mix of exploration, puzzles, platforming, and combat, providing players with a variety of gameplay elements to enjoy. Partners with unique abilities, badges for upgrades, and strategic depth in choosing partners and badges were also appreciated by critics like Nintendojo and PlaySense, adding layers of complexity to the gameplay experience. However, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the gameplay of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Critics like Eurogamer Poland and Dot Esports mentioned issues such as tedious backtracking, repetitive combat, and exhausting puzzles that could detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. IGN Portugal criticized the battle system for being shallow and lacking depth, while NME highlighted the limited tactical depth in battles, which could make them feel simplistic and repetitive. These criticisms suggest that while the game excels in many areas, there are certain aspects that may not appeal to all players, particularly in terms of variety and depth in combat mechanics. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. The game is praised for its engaging combat system, strategic choices, unique abilities, and exploration mechanics that offer a fun and enjoyable RPG experience. Critics like TierraGamer appreciate the timeless gameplay mechanics that prioritize fun and entertainment, while VG247 commends the game for its traditional turn-based battle system without gimmicks. Despite some minor criticisms regarding backtracking and repetitive elements, the majority of critics found the gameplay to be immersive, challenging, and rewarding, making Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door a standout title in the RPG genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door's engaging turn-based combat, unique character abilities, and RPG mechanics. The game offers a mix of exploration, puzzles, and combat, with partners and badges adding depth. Some critics noted drawbacks like tedious backtracking and repetitive combat. Overall, the game is praised for its strategic choices, fun gameplay, and immersive experience, making it a standout RPG title despite minor flaws.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch remaster, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like COGconnected and GameSpew commended the game for its fabulous new visuals, vibrant character models, and subtle yet significant changes that bring the papery world to life. They appreciated the enhanced sprites, improved lighting, and the overall aesthetic appeal that the remaster brought to the game. Additionally, Eurogamer Poland and Pure Nintendo pointed out the enhanced graphics with clarity and papery aesthetic, beautiful environments, and colorful characters, showcasing the game's stunning visuals and attention to detail. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics did mention a few drawbacks regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch. GamingTrend noted that the game runs at 30fps instead of the original 60fps, which may impact the overall gameplay experience for some players. SpazioGames also highlighted the halved frame rate compared to the original version as a potential downside, despite the updated graphics and enhanced audiovisual elements contributing to a polished experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch. The remaster was praised for its refined visuals, character designs, creative level design, and enhanced graphics that make the game visually appealing, as noted by Areajugones and Comicbook.com. Critics appreciated the vibrant colors, paper-styled world emphasis, and improved lighting effects that brought the game to life, as mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming and Cubed3. Despite minor drawbacks like the lower frame rate, the majority of critics found the updated graphics, enhanced environments, and faithful remastering of the papercraft aesthetic to be highly impressive, making Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door a visually captivating experience on the Nintendo Switch.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about the stunning graphics in the Nintendo Switch remaster of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, praising its vibrant visuals, enhanced sprites, and paper-world charm. While some note the lower frame rate as a drawback, the majority applaud the remaster for its updated graphics, colorful characters, and attention to detail, making it a visually captivating experience on the Switch.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the captivating and exceptional soundtrack of the game, with unique themes for each location and battle. Critics like Areajugones, But Why Tho??, Eurogamer Poland, and SpazioGames highlighted the rich and varied soundtrack that adds to the charm and immersive atmosphere of the game. The newly created soundtrack was commended for enhancing the overall experience, with options to switch between the new and original soundtracks, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming, GameOver.gr, and RPG Site. The addition of character-specific sound bites and improved audio quality, as mentioned by COGconnected and Vandal, further contributed to the positive reception of the sound design. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the Sound Design and Music of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. App Trigger noted the lack of voice acting as a missed opportunity for immersion, which could have reduced text-heavy moments. GamingTrend mentioned that some tracks overuse overdriven guitars, impacting the overall quality of the soundtrack. Additionally, Nintendojo expressed disappointment in the updated soundtrack, considering it inferior to the original release, despite the introduction of unique voices for characters and NPCs. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door greatly enhance the gameplay experience. The remastered soundtrack was widely praised for adding excitement, variety, and depth to battles, as well as complementing the game's atmosphere. The option to switch between the new and original soundtracks was appreciated by many reviewers, offering players the flexibility to tailor their auditory experience to their preferences. Despite some minor criticisms regarding specific tracks or voice acting, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics like IGN Portugal and Pure Nintendo emphasizing the strong contribution of the music to the overall immersive experience of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise the captivating soundtrack of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, featuring unique themes for locations and battles. The rich and varied soundtrack adds charm and immersion, with options to switch between new and original tracks. While some critics mention drawbacks like lack of voice acting and overuse of guitars, overall, the sound design greatly enhances gameplay, offering excitement and depth to battles. Critics appreciate the remastered soundtrack for its positive impact on the game's atmosphere, despite minor criticisms.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the positives for the technical performance of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch, several critics highlighted stable performance and locked 30FPS, such as But Why Tho?? and Pure Nintendo. Additionally, quality-of-life improvements like new warp pipes for easier backtracking, streamlined saving, and faster swapping between partners were praised by critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Player 2. The enhanced visuals and faster loading times mentioned by GameOver.gr also contribute to a smoother gameplay experience on the Switch. On the negative side, some critics, like SpazioGames and GGRecon, pointed out the downgrade from 60 to 30 FPS, which may disappoint players accustomed to the original version. Issues with partner AI and long load times between screens, as noted by Metro GameCentral, also detract from the overall technical performance on the Nintendo Switch. PlaySense mentioned missing animations impacting gameplay, especially with action commands, while Jeuxvideo.com highlighted the lack of modern features affecting pacing. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch leans towards the positive side. The stable performance, quality-of-life improvements, and enhanced visuals were widely appreciated, with minor drawbacks like the lower frame rate and occasional technical issues mentioned by a few reviewers. The general sentiment is that while there are some areas for improvement, the remake on the Nintendo Switch offers a well-crafted and enjoyable experience for both new players and fans of the original game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Nintendo Switch for stable performance, quality-of-life improvements, enhanced visuals, and faster loading times. However, some mention the downgrade to 30 FPS and issues with partner AI and load times. Despite minor drawbacks, the consensus is positive, with reviewers appreciating the well-crafted and enjoyable gameplay experience for new players and fans alike.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of several critics highlight various positive aspects of the replay value of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch. Critics like App Trigger and GGRecon appreciate the new features and enhancements in the remaster that enhance the replay value of the game. They mention additions like collecting records of enemies, cooking recipes, and delving into the Pit of 100 Trials, which contribute to the depth of gameplay mechanics and provide additional content for players interested in further exploration. Additionally, the game offers side-quests, collectibles, and hidden areas, as noted by Cubed3, which can appeal to completionists and those looking for a medium-length gameplay experience with replay value. On the other hand, some critics point out potential drawbacks that may impact the replay value of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. IGN Portugal mentions the lack of depth in gameplay mechanics, leading to monotony and repetition that could deter players from revisiting the game. NME and Jeuxvideo.com highlight issues such as excessive backtracking, repetitive encounters, and repetitive gameplay elements that may make the experience less engaging for some players. These aspects could potentially limit the game's appeal for those seeking a more varied and dynamic replay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door's replay value on the Nintendo Switch. Critics like Player 2 and TierraGamer emphasize the engaging story, gameplay mechanics, charming characters, and quality of life improvements that make revisiting the game enjoyable for both new players and fans of the original. While some critics acknowledge certain limitations in terms of depth and variety, the majority appreciate the timeless adventure, humor, challenge, and entertainment that the game offers, as highlighted by GameOver.gr. The enhancements in the remake, strategic decisions impacting gameplay, and emotional depth contribute to the overall positive sentiment towards the replay value of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise the enhanced replay value of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Nintendo Switch, citing new features like enemy records, cooking recipes, and the Pit of 100 Trials. While some mention potential drawbacks like repetitive gameplay and backtracking, the majority applaud the engaging story, gameplay mechanics, and charming characters that make revisiting the game enjoyable for both new players and fans of the original. Overall, the consensus is positive, with critics appreciating the timeless adventure and quality of life improvements in the remaster.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics' opinions on Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch overwhelmingly highlight the game's positive aspects. App Trigger praises the remaster for enhancing the original game and making it a near-perfect title, while Checkpoint Gaming notes the various quality of life improvements, improved graphics, and rearranged soundtrack that contribute to it being the best version of the classic. Critics like Gfinity, Digital Trends, and Pure Nintendo commend the game for its engaging writing, charming visuals, and captivating RPG battle system. The game's narrative, characters, music, creative level design, and timeless charm are consistently praised by multiple reviewers, making it a highly recommended experience for both new and returning players. However, despite the overall positive reception, some critics do point out certain drawbacks of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Areajugones mentions shortcomings in combat dynamics, while Dot Esports notes periods of frustration and tedium, particularly in combat design. IGN Portugal highlights shallow gameplay mechanics that detract from the overall experience, and Games.cz suggests that the game may not offer much to modern gamers looking for a more contemporary experience. These criticisms mainly revolve around issues related to combat, pacing, and backtracking, which may hinder the overall enjoyment for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Nintendo Switch. With the majority of reviewers praising the game for its engaging story, charming visuals, captivating gameplay, and faithful remastering, it is considered a must-play title for fans of the series. Critics like GGRecon and RPG Site emphasize the game's epic story, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, enhanced music, and replay value, making it a gem for RPG and Mario game enthusiasts. Despite some minor drawbacks mentioned by a few critics, the general sentiment is that the game successfully captures the essence of the original while offering modern enhancements, ultimately delivering a delightful and memorable experience for players of all ages.

TL;DR

Critics rave about Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Nintendo Switch, praising its enhanced graphics, engaging story, and captivating RPG battles. While some mention drawbacks like combat issues and pacing problems, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive, making it a must-play for fans of the series and RPG enthusiasts alike.

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Reviews

143 reviews found

100

Player 2

Nintendo Switch

May 21, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remains a masterpiece in 2024, with its endearing characters, immersive gameplay, and engaging story standing the test of time. Despite its dated presentation, it continues to be a must-play JRPG.

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100

VG247

Nintendo Switch

May 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is a richly-deserved, lovingly-crafted redo of a classic, a victory lap for a classic from generations past.

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100

GGRecon

Nintendo Switch

May 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Switch is considered the definitive version of the game, offering an amazing experience from start to finish. The game's epic story, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, enhanced music, and replay value make it a gem for RPG and Mario game enthusiasts.

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100

Nintendojo

Nintendo Switch

Sep 20, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Switch preserves the core of the original game with quality of life improvements, but suffers from some changes to the script and soundtrack. Despite this, it remains a highly enjoyable and memorable experience.

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Nintenduo

Nintendo Switch

May 21, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Considered one of the best RPGs on the platform, appealing to both new and old players, successful combination of modern and traditional gameplay elements

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Checkpoint Gaming

Nintendo Switch

May 21, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch is praised for keeping everything loved about the original game, various quality of life improvements, improved graphics, and a rearranged soundtrack. It is considered the best version of this fan-favorite classic, although it lacks additional content for returning players.

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App Trigger

Nintendo Switch

Jun 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a faithful and beautifully done remaster that enhances the original game, making it a near perfect title and a must-play for fans of the series.

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GamingTrend

Nintendo Switch

Jun 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A well worth playing game that captures the essence of why fans fell in love with Paper Mario in the first place, despite some minor drawbacks.

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Gfinity

Nintendo Switch

May 21, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for its amazing visuals, fun combat, and sharp writing, with minor criticism about lack of new content for returning fans.

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Metro GameCentral

Nintendo Switch

May 21, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A fantastic remake of a sorely underappreciated classic, with a wonderful script, enjoyable combat, and rewarding exploration, despite some technical issues.