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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: MonsterCritic 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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TL;DR

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is lauded for its engaging narrative, clever writing, and vibrant characters, offering a humorous yet complex adventure. While some critics point out pacing issues and occasional predictability, the story remains a standout feature, blending charm with depth. Overall, it’s a must-play for fans, despite minor flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

95%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising its engaging narrative and vibrant character development. Reviewers like App Trigger and But Why Tho? highlight the game's clever writing and diverse cast, noting that the dialogue is both humorous and well-crafted. The narrative is described as a delightful adventure filled with memorable moments, with critics like Eurogamer Poland and Nintendojo emphasizing the light-hearted atmosphere and surprising depth that keeps players invested throughout the journey. The incorporation of Princess Peach and Bowser's perspectives adds an additional layer of complexity, making the storytelling feel rich and multifaceted, as noted by ComicBook and Gfinity. Despite the overall positive reception, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks in the storytelling. For instance, Checkpoint Gaming and Jeuxvideo.com mention pacing issues, with excessive dialogue at times leading to moments where the narrative can feel drawn out. Additionally, while the overall plot is engaging, some reviewers like COGconnected and Twinfinite argue that certain chapters, such as the tournament arc, may lack the same level of excitement or originality, resulting in a somewhat predictable experience. This sentiment is echoed by critics who noted that while the story is charming, it occasionally veers into repetitive territory, as highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door features a captivating and humorous story that stands out in the Nintendo lineup. The majority of reviews reflect a strong appreciation for its character-driven narrative and witty dialogue, with critics such as GGRecon and Digital Trends emphasizing the game's ability to balance humor with darker themes. While some pacing and predictability issues were noted, they did not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. Ultimately, the critics agree that the story is a key strength of the game, making it a delightful experience for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door impresses with its engaging turn-based combat, strategic depth, and charming aesthetics, earning mostly positive reviews. Critics applaud features like the fast travel system and badge customization, enhancing gameplay variety. However, some highlight slow and repetitive combat and tedious backtracking as drawbacks. Overall, despite minor flaws, it’s celebrated as a solid RPG experience that appeals to both newcomers and series fans, solidifying its value on the Nintendo Switch.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has garnered a predominantly positive reception from critics, highlighting its engaging turn-based combat system, strategic depth, and innovative mechanics. Reviewers such as App Trigger praised the introduction of new features like the fast travel system and partner ring, which enhance the overall gameplay experience. Critics like But Why Tho? and Cubed3 emphasized the RPG mechanics, unique character abilities, and the badge system that allows players to customize their gameplay. The exploration elements and puzzles were also noted as enjoyable, with Eurogamer Poland mentioning the engaging mini-games and skill challenges that accompany the combat system. Overall, the blend of strategic decision-making, character upgrades, and the charming paper aesthetic has left a favorable impression on the majority of critics. However, some reviewers pointed out notable drawbacks within the gameplay. Areajugones criticized the combat for being slow and unengaging at times, while IGN Portugal echoed this sentiment by labeling the battle system as shallow and monotonous. Several critics, including Dot Esports and GameSpew, mentioned that the combat can become tedious and repetitive, especially in certain chapters, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com highlighted issues with tedious backtracking, indicating that while the combat system is effective, it is hindered by some outdated gameplay elements. These criticisms suggest that while the core mechanics are solid, there are aspects that could benefit from modern enhancements. Despite the criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door offers a very good gameplay experience, characterized by its charm and strategic elements. Many reviewers, including TechRadar Gaming and Shacknews, praised the depth and flexibility of the combat system, which remains engaging throughout the game. The combination of turn-based battles, exploration, and puzzle-solving creates a well-rounded experience that appeals to both new players and fans of the series. While some aspects may feel repetitive or lacking in depth, the majority of critics agree that the game successfully captures the essence of an enjoyable RPG, making it a worthwhile addition to the Nintendo Switch library.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remastered for Switch wows critics with stunning graphics and modernized visuals, featuring refined character designs and vibrant animations. However, some drawbacks include a lower frame rate of 30fps and occasional perspective issues. Despite minor shortcomings, the remaster is praised for its artistic direction and successfully revitalizes the original's charm, making it a standout title for both new and nostalgic players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, particularly in its remastered version for the Nintendo Switch. Many reviewers, such as App Trigger and Areajugones, noted that the enhancements have made the game visually appealing, with refined character designs and improved lighting effects. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected highlighted the modernized visual aesthetics, praising the thicker outlines and more detailed backgrounds that align with contemporary Paper Mario titles. The vibrant colors and charming animations were frequently mentioned, with GameSpew and Digital Trends emphasizing the game's beautiful visuals and clever paper-craft aesthetics that breathe life into its characters and environments. Despite the generally favorable reception, some reviewers pointed out certain drawbacks. While the remaster features impressive graphics, a few critics, such as Multiplayer.it and GamingTrend, noted that the game runs at a lower frame rate of 30fps compared to the original's 60fps, which may impact gameplay fluidity. Additionally, Dot Esports mentioned that the '2D in 3D' style could occasionally lead to perspective issues, and Player 2 felt that while the game retains its original aesthetic, it also shows signs of being somewhat dated in presentation. Gfinity pointed out that some areas, like Rogueport, might come off as overly colorful, which could detract from the overall visual balance. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door boasts a visually captivating and polished design that successfully enhances the original game's charm while incorporating modern visual elements. Reviewers like TechRadar Gaming and VG247 praised the jaw-dropping visual overhaul that maintains the essence of the original while competing effectively with contemporary titles. The remaster has been recognized for its attention to detail and artistic direction, with many critics agreeing that it stands out as a visually appealing experience on the Nintendo Switch. This collective sentiment underscores the game's successful transition into a modern visual landscape, making it a delightful experience for both new players and nostalgic fans alike.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door impresses with an engaging remixed soundtrack that enhances gameplay, earning praise for its layered instrumentation and nostalgic options. Critics appreciate the sound design improvements but note shortcomings like the lack of voice acting and mixed reception of certain tracks. Overall, the audio experience enriches the game, appealing to both new players and fans of the original, despite some dissenting opinions.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's captivating and immersive auditory experience. Many reviewers, such as Areajugones and IGN Portugal, praised the soundtrack as a strong point that enhances the gameplay atmosphere. The game features an entirely new, beautifully remixed soundtrack that includes unique battle themes for each chapter, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Cubed3. Critics like TechRadar Gaming emphasized the layers of instrumentation and percussion in the remixed tracks, while Eurogamer Poland and GameOver.gr appreciated the option to switch between the new and original soundtracks, catering to both new players and nostalgic fans. Overall, the sound design improvements, including character-specific sound bites and enhanced audio cues, have been recognized as significant additions that enrich the gameplay experience, as highlighted by COGconnected and SpazioGames. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics pointed out notable shortcomings. App Trigger expressed disappointment regarding the absence of voice acting, which could have further immersed players in the game's narrative. Additionally, GamingTrend mentioned mixed results with the updated music, citing overdriven guitars in some tracks that may not resonate with all players. Similarly, Nintendojo found the updated soundtrack to be inferior to the original, although they acknowledged the introduction of unique character voices. Player 2 also noted that while there were updates to the soundtrack and new sound bites, the overall sound design remained largely unchanged from the original release. These critiques suggest that while the new soundtrack has its merits, it may not fully satisfy all fans of the original game. The overall consensus among critics indicates that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door successfully enhances its sound design and music, creating an engaging and charming experience for players. Most reviewers, including GGRecon and Vandal, highlighted the positive impact of the remixed soundtrack and the variety it brings to battles and exploration. The ability to toggle between the new and original soundtracks has been a well-received feature, allowing players to choose their preferred auditory experience. While some criticisms exist regarding the lack of voice acting and the mixed reception of certain tracks, the general sentiment remains that the game's audio elements significantly contribute to its charm and immersion, making it a worthy addition to the beloved franchise.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Switch delivers a mostly positive experience with stable 30 FPS, improved visuals, and quality-of-life upgrades. Critics praise the smoother gameplay but express disappointment over the capped frame rate and occasional technical issues. While some modern features are missing, many agree the remaster successfully balances nostalgia with fresh enhancements, making it a worthwhile play for fans and newcomers alike.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch has garnered a largely positive reception from critics. Many reviewers, such as But Why Tho? and ComicBook, have praised the game's stable performance, highlighting its locked 30 frames per second (FPS) and the absence of significant lagging or glitches. Critics like GameOver.gr and Nintenduo noted improvements in loading times and visuals, enhancing the overall experience. Quality-of-life updates, such as new warp pipes for easier navigation and streamlined saving options, were positively received, with Checkpoint Gaming and RPG Site emphasizing how these changes contribute to a smoother gameplay experience. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the technical performance on the Switch. Several reviewers, including Digital Trends and Cubed3, pointed out the disappointment of the frame rate being capped at 30 FPS, especially for purists who may have expected the original's 60 FPS. Issues such as occasional frame rate drops in crowded scenes were also mentioned by critics like TechRadar Gaming and Metro GameCentral, who highlighted long loading times and partner AI problems as detractors from the overall experience. Additionally, some critics, like PlaySense and Jeuxvideo.com, lamented the absence of modern features like text acceleration and the "save anywhere" option, which could have improved the pacing and convenience of gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch has its share of technical shortcomings, particularly regarding frame rate and some minor issues, the game still manages to deliver a solid performance with enjoyable gameplay. Many reviewers, including Vandal and VG247, agree that the quality-of-life improvements and enhanced visuals compensate for the lower frame rate, making the experience more enjoyable for most players. Despite some frustrations noted by critics like GamingTrend and Pure Nintendo, the game is seen as a well-crafted remaster that respects the original while providing a fresh experience for both new and returning players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Switch gets a thumbs-up for replay value, thanks to new features and rich content like collectibles and mini-games. Critics praise its engaging story and strategic gameplay, making it appealing for newcomers and some veterans. However, many seasoned players find the remaster lacks enough new content and suffers from repetitive elements, limiting its replay appeal. While it's a beloved classic, returning players might feel left wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is largely positive, with many critics praising the enhancements made in the Nintendo Switch remaster. App Trigger highlights that the new features and improvements significantly boost the replay value, making it appealing for both newcomers and veterans of the original game. Critics like GGRecon and Pure Nintendo emphasize the depth of content available, such as collectibles, side quests, and mini-games, which provide ample opportunities for exploration and replay. The engaging story, memorable characters, and strategic gameplay choices mentioned by Nintendojo and Player 2 further contribute to the game's allure, suggesting that players will find new experiences even upon revisiting the title. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the replay value as well. Several reviewers, including Digital Trends and IGN Portugal, point out that the remaster does not introduce enough new content to entice seasoned players, which could limit their motivation to replay the game. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and NME express disappointment over missed opportunities for additional content that could have enhanced the experience for returning players. Furthermore, some reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com and SpazioGames, mention that repetitive gameplay elements and a lack of significant changes may deter players from revisiting the game, particularly if they are looking for a fresh experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door offers a charming and enjoyable experience with significant replay value for many, it falls short in appealing to those who have already completed the original game. The enhancements and additional content are appreciated, as noted by critics like TechRadar Gaming and GamingTrend, but the absence of substantial new features and the presence of repetitive gameplay elements, as highlighted by critics like GameOver.gr and Twinfinite, create a mixed sentiment regarding its replayability. Ultimately, the game remains a beloved classic that continues to resonate with both new players and fans of the original, albeit with some reservations about its replay value for returning players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

94%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its faithful remastering for the Nintendo Switch. Reviewers like App Trigger and GGRecon highlight the game's stunning visuals, engaging story, and improved gameplay mechanics, marking it as a must-play for both new and returning fans. Critics such as COGconnected and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize the quality of life improvements and enhanced graphics that breathe new life into the classic title, while maintaining its core identity. The remaster is celebrated for its charming characters, inventive level design, and a soundtrack that resonates with nostalgia, making it a delightful experience for players of all ages, as noted by TierraGamer and Cubed3. Despite the numerous accolades, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks that could affect player enjoyment. Issues such as pacing problems, excessive dialogue, and repetitive combat were mentioned by reviewers like Dot Esports and GameSpew. Critics like IGN Portugal and Jeuxvideo.com expressed concerns about the game's shallow gameplay mechanics and forced backtracking, which may detract from the overall experience for some players. Additionally, while many enjoyed the remaster, some noted the lack of new content for returning players, as highlighted by Gfinity and Checkpoint Gaming, suggesting that the game could have benefited from additional features to enhance replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a remarkable remaster that successfully captures the essence of the original while providing modern enhancements. The majority of reviewers, including Digital Trends and NME, recommend the game highly, asserting that it stands as a definitive version of a beloved classic. While there are minor criticisms regarding pacing and content for veterans, the game's charm, engaging storytelling, and visual appeal resonate strongly with both nostalgic gamers and newcomers alike. The remaster is seen as a significant addition to the Nintendo Switch library, solidifying its place as a standout title in the RPG genre.

TL;DR

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remaster for Nintendo Switch is a hit, earning rave reviews for its stunning visuals, engaging story, and gameplay improvements. Critics celebrate its nostalgic charm and quality enhancements, though some point out pacing issues, excessive dialogue, and limited new content for veterans. Overall, it's a must-play for fans old and new, standing out as a top RPG addition to the Switch library.

MONSTER

Reviews

149 reviews found

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

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

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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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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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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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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GameOver.gr

Nintendo Switch

Jun 3, 2024

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

A classic game that impresses players even two decades after its release, offering a delightful and engaging experience for both new and returning players.

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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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