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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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TL;DR

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door impresses with its engaging narrative, rich character development, and clever humor, earning widespread acclaim from critics. The imaginative story, featuring diverse perspectives and layered subplots, keeps players invested. However, some note pacing issues from excessive dialogue and uneven chapter quality. Despite these drawbacks, the game's blend of light-heartedness with deeper themes solidifies its reputation as a standout title in the Mario franchise. Overall, it's celebrated for creativity and charm, making it a beloved classic.

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 story of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has garnered widespread acclaim from critics, who highlight its engaging narrative, rich character development, and clever writing. Many reviewers, such as App Trigger and But Why Tho?, commend the game for its diverse cast and the humorous, well-crafted dialogue that enhances the overall experience. Critics like Eurogamer Poland and Gfinity appreciate the light-hearted atmosphere and the surprising depth provided by the unique sub-stories within chapters. The narrative structure is often described as imaginative, with critics like Shacknews praising its creativity and character-driven storytelling. Additionally, the incorporation of Princess Peach and Bowser's perspectives adds layers to the plot, making it a multifaceted adventure that keeps players invested. Despite the overall positive reception, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks. For instance, both ComicBook and Jeuxvideo.com note that the pacing can suffer due to excessive dialogue, which may lead to moments of dragging in the narrative flow. Additionally, COGconnected mentions that while some chapters are strong, others, like the tournament arc, may feel less engaging. Critics like Twinfinite have also observed that the story can occasionally feel mechanical or predictable, particularly in its earlier segments. These criticisms suggest that while the narrative is generally well-received, it is not without its flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door features a compelling and humorous story that successfully blends light-heartedness with darker themes. The majority of reviewers, including those from IGN Portugal and Nintendojo, agree that the narrative is innovative and engaging, making it one of Nintendo's standout titles. While some pacing issues and repetitive elements are noted, they do not significantly detract from the game's charm and appeal. Ultimately, the story is celebrated for its creativity, character depth, and the unique experience it offers, solidifying its status as a beloved entry in the Mario franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door shines with its engaging turn-based combat, strategic depth, and unique features like fast travel and customizable badges, earning praise from critics. However, some argue combat can be sluggish and repetitive, hampering the experience, alongside issues with backtracking. Overall, it’s a charming RPG that successfully blends traditional and innovative elements, despite room for improvement.

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 gameplay of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has garnered a predominantly positive reception from critics, highlighting its engaging turn-based combat, strategic depth, and unique mechanics. Reviewers such as App Trigger praised the introduction of features like the fast travel system and partner ring, which enhance the overall gameplay experience. Critics like But Why Tho? and Cubed3 acknowledged the game's RPG mechanics, emphasizing the fun and strategic elements provided by customizable badges and unique character abilities. The blend of exploration, puzzles, and character interactions was noted by Eurogamer Poland and Metro GameCentral, who appreciated the variety and charm that these elements brought to the gameplay. However, several critics pointed out some drawbacks that detracted from the overall experience. Areajugones and IGN Portugal criticized the combat for being slow and lacking depth, with some encounters becoming tedious and repetitive, particularly in certain chapters. Critics like Dot Esports and GameSpew echoed these sentiments, noting that while the gameplay offers a mix of genres, the combat can feel monotonous at times. Additionally, some reviewers highlighted issues with backtracking and the need for modern features that could enhance the gameplay experience, as mentioned by Jeuxvideo.com and Gfinity. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door offers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience, despite some criticisms regarding pacing and depth. The majority of reviewers, including TechRadar Gaming and Shacknews, emphasized the game's strategic elements and engaging mechanics, suggesting that it successfully combines traditional RPG elements with innovative features. While some aspects, such as repetitive combat and backtracking, were noted as areas for improvement, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many critics celebrating the game's charm and the nostalgic appeal of its turn-based combat system.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics are raving about the remastered graphics of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, applauding the vibrant visuals, improved character designs, and captivating paper-craft aesthetics. However, some note drawbacks like reduced frame rate (now 30fps) and occasional perspective issues. Overall, the remaster enhances the game's charm, solidifying its appeal on the Nintendo Switch despite minor flaws.

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 overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is overwhelmingly positive among critics. Many reviewers, including App Trigger and ComicBook, praised the remaster for enhancing the graphics and making the game visually appealing, even in comparison to modern titles. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected highlighted the improvements in character designs, lighting, and shading effects, which have brought the visual aesthetic in line with more recent entries in the Paper Mario series. The vibrant colors and attention to detail in character animations were also frequently noted, with Digital Trends and GGRecon emphasizing the game's clever paper-craft aesthetics and the overall stunning environments that contribute to a captivating gameplay experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding the visual design that should be acknowledged. A few reviewers, such as Multiplayer.it and GamingTrend, pointed out that while the graphics have been improved, the game runs at a lower frame rate of 30fps compared to the original's 60fps, which could impact gameplay fluidity. Additionally, Dot Esports mentioned that the "2D in 3D" style occasionally leads to perspective issues, which may detract from the overall experience. Some critics, like Player 2, noted that despite the enhancements, certain aspects of the visual presentation still feel somewhat dated, suggesting that the remaster, while visually appealing, may not fully escape the shadow of its original release. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has received a significant visual upgrade that enhances its charm and appeal while retaining the essence of the original game. The majority of reviewers, including those from Cubed3 and TechRadar Gaming, agree that the remastered graphics are impressive and effectively capture the playful, paper-themed aesthetic that defines the series. While there are minor drawbacks, such as frame rate issues and occasional perspective challenges, the overall reception reflects a strong appreciation for the visual design, making it a standout title on the Nintendo Switch.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door impresses with its captivating sound design and remastered soundtrack, enhancing gameplay and immersing players. Critics praise the new arrangements and the option to toggle between old and new tracks, though some lament the lack of voice acting and inconsistencies in track quality. Overall, the audio experience is a standout feature, revitalizing the game's charm despite a few missed opportunities.

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 sound design and music of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door have received largely positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's captivating and immersive audio experience. Reviewers such as Areajugones and IGN Portugal praised the soundtrack for its charm and ability to enhance the overall gameplay atmosphere. The new arrangements, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Cubed3, feature unique battle themes for each chapter, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic gaming experience. Critics like TechRadar Gaming and Vandal emphasized the quality of the remixed soundtrack, describing it as fantastic and beautifully remixed, which adds layers of instrumentation and enhances the gameplay. The option to switch between the new and original soundtracks, appreciated by several critics including GameOver.gr and GGRecon, has also been highlighted as a significant improvement, catering to both new players and nostalgic fans alike. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics did voice concerns regarding certain aspects of the sound design. App Trigger pointed out the absence of voice acting, which he felt was a missed opportunity for greater immersion and could have reduced text-heavy moments. Additionally, GamingTrend noted mixed results with the updated music, mentioning an overuse of overdriven guitars in some tracks. Nintendojo echoed this sentiment, arguing that while the updated soundtrack introduced unique voices for characters, it was inferior to the original. Player 2 also mentioned that while there were updates to the soundtrack and new sound bites, the overall sound design remained largely unchanged from the original release, indicating a desire for more substantial improvements. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door successfully revitalizes its sound design and music, providing an engaging auditory experience that complements the gameplay. While there are criticisms regarding the lack of voice acting and some inconsistencies in the quality of the new tracks, the majority of reviewers, including those from Eurogamer Poland and SpazioGames, agree that the remastered soundtrack significantly enhances the game. The combination of new and original soundtracks, along with character-specific sound bites, has been particularly well-received, making the audio experience a notable highlight of the game.

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 impresses with stable 30 FPS and quality-of-life upgrades like faster loading and enhanced visuals, earning positive reviews. Critics note streamlined gameplay features and overall smooth performance but highlight occasional frame rate drops and the shift from 60 to 30 FPS as potential drawbacks. While some criticize long load times and missing modern features, the consensus is that the game remains enjoyable and charming, appealing to both newcomers and fans, despite its technical flaws.

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.

The technical performance of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch has garnered a largely positive reception among critics. Reviewers such as But Why Tho? and Nintenduo praised the game for its stable performance, consistently running at 30 frames per second (FPS) without significant lagging or glitches. Critics like ComicBook and GameOver.gr highlighted the quality-of-life improvements, such as faster loading times and enhanced visuals, which contribute to a smoother overall experience. Additionally, many reviewers acknowledged the game’s streamlined features, including new warp pipes and improved partner management, which enhance gameplay and make navigation more efficient. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the technical performance on the Switch. Several reviewers, including Digital Trends and GamingTrend, pointed out occasional frame rate drops during crowded scenes, which could disrupt the gaming experience. Critics like Cubed3 and GGRecon mentioned that the downgrade from 60 FPS to 30 FPS might disappoint purists, although they noted that this change does not significantly hinder gameplay. Furthermore, some reviews, such as those from Metro GameCentral and Jeuxvideo.com, highlighted issues like long load times and the absence of modern features, which could detract from the overall pacing and enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch leans towards a favorable view, despite some drawbacks. While many reviewers, including Vandal and TechRadar Gaming, acknowledged the reduced frame rate and occasional technical issues, they also emphasized that the game runs smoothly and retains its charm through quality-of-life enhancements. The general sentiment suggests that while the technical performance may not be flawless, it is sufficiently polished to deliver an enjoyable experience, especially for both new players and fans of the original game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch impresses with new features that enhance its replay value, appealing to both newcomers and veterans. Critics praise its content-rich gameplay, including collectibles, side quests, and unlockable extras. However, concerns linger over repetitive elements and a lack of significant upgrades for veterans, leaving some players wanting more. Overall, it's a charming experience worth revisiting, but may not fully satisfy those craving new content.

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 overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is largely positive, with many critics praising the enhancements introduced in the Nintendo Switch remaster. App Trigger highlights that the new features and improvements significantly boost the game's replay value, making it appealing for both newcomers and returning players. Critics like GGRecon and Pure Nintendo emphasize the abundance of content available, such as collectibles, side quests, and the engaging gameplay mechanics that encourage exploration and experimentation. The inclusion of unlockable galleries, optional hints, and the ability to retry battles after a Game Over, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming, further enhances the experience, making it a worthwhile endeavor for players seeking depth and variety. However, several critics have pointed out notable drawbacks that may hinder the game's replay value. Digital Trends and IGN Portugal mention that the remaster does not significantly enhance the original content, leaving some players feeling that the replay value is limited. Critics like NME and Jeuxvideo.com express concerns about repetitive gameplay elements and the linearity of the game, which could deter players from revisiting it. Additionally, GameOver.gr and SpazioGames note that while the game remains a timeless adventure, the lack of new content for those familiar with the original may leave them wanting more, indicating a missed opportunity for deeper engagement. In conclusion, the consensus among critics suggests that while Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door offers a charming and engaging experience with substantial replay value due to its content and gameplay mechanics, there are significant concerns regarding repetition and a lack of new features for veteran players. Critics like Player 2 and TechRadar Gaming affirm that the game's narrative and character depth make it enjoyable enough to warrant replaying, yet the critiques from Digital Trends and IGN Portugal highlight that the remaster could have done more to elevate the experience for returning fans. Overall, the game is recommended for both new players and those nostalgic for the original, but it may not fully satisfy those seeking extensive new content.

TL;DR

replay value

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 overall sentiment towards Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its remastering on the Nintendo Switch. Reviewers like App Trigger and GGRecon highlight the game's faithful adaptation and enhancements, declaring it a must-play for both new and returning fans. The remaster is celebrated for its engaging narrative, charming characters, and improved visuals, with critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected emphasizing the quality of life improvements and the rearranged soundtrack that breathe new life into this classic. The game’s humor, engaging RPG mechanics, and imaginative storytelling are consistently noted as standout features, making it a delightful experience for players of all ages, as mentioned by TierraGamer. Despite the general acclaim, some critics pointed out notable shortcomings. Issues such as pacing problems due to excessive dialogue and a lack of new content for returning players were mentioned by reviewers like ComicBook and Gfinity. Additionally, while the combat system is appreciated, some critics, including Dot Esports and IGN Portugal, found it lacking depth and noted that it could detract from long-term engagement. There are also mentions of technical issues like frame rate drops and backtracking, which some players may find frustrating, as highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com and TechRadar Gaming. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a successful remaster that retains the charm and essence of the original while offering enough enhancements to warrant a new playthrough. The majority of reviewers, including Cubed3 and Digital Trends, recommend it as an essential addition to the Nintendo Switch library, despite some minor drawbacks. The game is viewed as a celebration of a beloved classic, with many critics agreeing that it stands the test of time and remains a must-experience title for fans of the genre and the Mario franchise.

TL;DR

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Nintendo Switch receives rave reviews for its faithful remastering, engaging story, and quality-of-life enhancements. While some critics note issues like pacing, lack of new content, and minor technical glitches, the overall sentiment is that it’s a must-play for both newcomers and fans, solidifying its status as a timeless classic in the Nintendo 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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