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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

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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 is widely celebrated for its creativity, humor, and character-driven narrative. Critics like App Trigger praised its "ridiculously diverse cast of characters" and "clever writing," particularly highlighting the unique Princess Peach segment as "masterfully told and wonderfully bizarre." Areajugones emphasized its focus on the journey over the destination, while But Why Tho? noted the "engaging narrative with fleshed-out story and great dialogue." The game’s whimsical tone and memorable scenarios were frequently lauded—Checkpoint Gaming called it a "fun, goofy adventure with tons of personality," and Cubed3 highlighted its expansion of the Mario universe through "humorous and creative" storytelling. IGN Portugal drew comparisons to One Piece, praising its "innovative narrative" and "intriguing plot points," while Nintendojo described it as "heartfelt, hilarious, and well-written" with "memorable characters." The game’s ability to balance lighthearted humor with unexpected depth—such as the "dark turns" noted by GamingTrend—further solidified its reputation as a standout entry in the series. Despite these accolades, some critics pointed to minor flaws. Jeuxvideo.com criticized repetitive elements like excessive backtracking, while ComicBook and Comicbook.com mentioned pacing issues caused by "excessive dialogue." Twinfinite noted that the narrative felt "mechanical and serialized" with predictable beats, though it improved in the second half. COGconnected acknowledged that certain chapters, like the tournament arc, might be skipped, and PC Games observed that the game’s darker tone—featuring kidnapping and world domination—could feel at odds with typical Nintendo fare. Additionally, Metro GameCentral suggested the story itself was "inconsequential" but compensated with "laugh-out-loud scenarios" and sharp dialogue. While these critiques highlight occasional shortcomings, they were generally overshadowed by the game’s strengths, with many reviewers emphasizing that its charm and creativity made such flaws forgivable. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with The Thousand-Year Door being regarded as a standout narrative in the Paper Mario series. The majority of reviews—such as those from GGRecon, who called it "epic" with "fantastic writing and humor," and Vooks, who praised its "charm, humor, and touching moments"—underscored its ability to blend whimsy with emotional depth. Even critics who noted flaws acknowledged the game’s enduring appeal, with TechRadar Gaming noting its "charming and engaging story" and VG247 highlighting its "darker and more profound elements." While some found pacing or structural issues, the collective praise for its unique characters, clever writing, and inventive storytelling cemented its status as a beloved adventure. As Shacknews put it, the game offers "imaginative and fresh storytelling," reflecting a shared belief that The Thousand-Year Door remains a triumph in narrative design.

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story and narrative

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Gameplay Mechanics

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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 is widely praised for its strategic depth, creative mechanics, and engaging systems. Critics highlight the turn-based combat as a standout feature, with many noting its balance of tactical decision-making and real-time elements. Checkpoint Gaming and Gfinity commend the tight, fast-paced battles that blend timed button presses with badge customization, while Nintendojo and GGRecon emphasize the strategic depth of partner selection and ability synergies. The game’s exploration and puzzle-solving are also frequently lauded, with Eurogamer Poland and SpazioGames praising the variety of challenges, unique chapter-specific mechanics, and the charm of Mario’s paper-based abilities. Additionally, quality-of-life improvements like fast travel and the partner ring system (noted by App Trigger) enhance accessibility without compromising the game’s core appeal. The mix of RPG, platforming, and puzzle elements creates a cohesive and immersive experience that feels both nostalgic and innovative. However, several critics point to repetitive or uneven aspects of the gameplay. IGN Portugal and NME criticize the combat for feeling shallow, with limited tactical options and monotonous attack variety, while Dot Esports and GameSpew note that backtracking and mini-games can become tedious. The Pit of 100 Trials, though praised for its challenge by GGRecon, is seen as an outlier in an otherwise repetitive structure. Some reviewers, like COGconnected and Digital Trends, mention that the combat’s simplicity—while accessible—can grow stale over time, particularly in later chapters. Additionally, the game’s reliance on traditional RPG mechanics, while nostalgic, occasionally feels outdated compared to modern standards, with Jeuxvideo.com and TechRadar Gaming noting the lack of modern features despite its engaging systems. Despite these critiques, the majority of critics agree that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door delivers a highly enjoyable gameplay experience. The strategic combat, creative puzzles, and charming exploration mechanics outweigh the repetitive elements for most reviewers. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Shacknews highlight the game’s ability to balance depth with accessibility, while others, such as Vooks and RPG Site, appreciate its enduring appeal despite its age. While some flaws—like backtracking and occasional repetition—are acknowledged, they are generally seen as minor drawbacks in an otherwise polished and inventive RPG. The consensus underscores the game’s strengths as a timeless title that successfully modernizes classic Mario gameplay while retaining its unique identity.

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gameplay mechanics

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Graphics and Visual Design

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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 majority of critics overwhelmingly praise the graphics and visual design of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch, emphasizing its successful remastering and artistic upgrades. Reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming highlight the "thicker paper cut-out outlines," "improved lighting and shading effects," and "shiny" presentation, while COGconnected and Comicbook.com note the "fabulous new visuals" and "vibrant character models." The game’s signature paper-craft aesthetic is consistently celebrated, with Digital Trends calling it "gorgeous" and Dot Esports praising its "fantastic art direction" that aligns perfectly with the paper-themed concept. Cubed3 and Games.cz commend the "vibrant colors," "intricate world design," and "beautiful environments," while GGRecon and VG247 highlight how the remaster retains the original’s charm while elevating its visual fidelity. Many critics, including TechRadar Gaming and Twinfinite, describe the visuals as "jaw-dropping" and "timeless," with a "pop-up storybook" quality that enhances immersion. The consensus is clear: the updated graphics not only modernize the game but also reinforce its unique identity as a handcrafted, paper-based world. However, some critics point to technical limitations and minor drawbacks. GamingTrend and PlaySense note the drop from 60fps to 30fps, which affects gameplay fluidity, while SpazioGames mentions the "halved frame rate" as a downside. Dot Esports critiques the "2D in 3D" style for causing occasional perspective issues, and Gfinity observes that areas like Rogueport "may look overly colorful." Additionally, Metro GameCentral points to long load times and partner AI flaws, while Player 2 acknowledges the original aesthetic feels "a bit dated" despite improvements. These critiques are relatively minor compared to the praise, but they underscore that the remaster prioritizes visual polish over technical performance, which may not satisfy all players. Overall, the critical reception of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’s visuals is overwhelmingly positive, with critics agreeing that the remaster successfully elevates the game’s paper-themed art style while preserving its nostalgic charm. App Trigger and Areajugones highlight the "enhanced graphics" and "refined visuals," while NME and Pure Nintendo celebrate the "irresistible papery charm" and "lively locations." Though some reviewers, like Vandal and RPG Site, note minor trade-offs such as frame rate drops or occasional over-coloring, these are largely overshadowed by the consensus that the game’s visual design is a standout achievement. The remaster not only modernizes the original but also cements Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door as a visually distinctive title in Nintendo’s library, proving that its paper-craft aesthetic remains as captivating today as it was over a decade ago.

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graphics and visual design

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Music and Sound Design

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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 majority of critics praise the sound design and music of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door as a standout element, highlighting its charm, creativity, and immersive qualities. Reviewers like Areajugones and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize the captivating and dynamic soundtrack, with the latter noting unique battle themes for each chapter and character-specific sound bites that add life to dialogue. Cubed3 and Eurogamer Poland commend the "rich and varied" score, which features location-specific themes and a nostalgic option to revert to the original soundtrack. IGN Portugal and Jeuxvideo.com laud the remastered audio for enhancing immersion, while TechRadar Gaming praises the added layers of instrumentation and percussion in the remixes. The inclusion of character-specific sound effects and rhythmic cues (as noted by COGconnected) further enriches the experience, making the music feel integral to the game’s identity. However, some critics point out notable drawbacks in the audio design. App Trigger criticizes the absence of voice acting, calling it a missed opportunity that detracts from immersion. Nintendojo and GamingTrend express mixed feelings about the updated soundtrack, with the former stating it feels "inferior" to the original and the latter noting overdriven guitars in some tracks. RPG Site and Pure Nintendo mention specific issues, such as reduced impact of certain battle themes (e.g., Twilight Town) and technical hiccups when switching between soundtracks. Additionally, Player 2 notes that while there are updates to the soundtrack, the overall sound design remains largely unchanged from the original release, suggesting a lack of significant innovation in this area. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that the remastered soundtrack and sound design elevate the game’s charm and replayability. While some reviewers, like GGRecon and SpazioGames, acknowledge minor flaws, they emphasize the value of the new battle themes, character-specific audio cues, and the flexibility to toggle between old and new soundtracks. The balance between nostalgia and modernization—highlighted by Vandal and VG247—resonates strongly, even as a few critics (e.g., Nintendojo) express personal preferences for the original. Ultimately, the soundtrack is seen as a critical success, with its creativity and attention to detail earning widespread acclaim despite occasional imperfections.

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music and sound design

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Voice Acting

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voice acting

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Technical Performance

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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 is largely praised for its stability and quality-of-life improvements. Critics like But Why Tho? highlight the game’s locked 30FPS with no lag or glitches, ensuring a smooth experience. Checkpoint Gaming and Comicbook.com commend the remaster’s streamlined mechanics, such as new warp pipes, faster partner swapping, and updated translations, which enhance accessibility without compromising the original charm. GameOver.gr notes improved loading times and visuals, while Player 2 emphasizes the efficiency of the partner ring and pipe room for travel. These upgrades collectively create a polished experience that respects the game’s legacy while modernizing it for Switch players. However, some technical drawbacks are acknowledged. The most consistent criticism is the 30FPS cap, a downgrade from the original’s 60FPS, which disappoints purists like Cubed3 and GGRecon but is deemed acceptable due to the game’s turn-based nature. Digital Trends and TechRadar Gaming mention occasional frame drops during crowded scenes, while Metro GameCentral points to long load times and partner AI issues. Jeuxvideo.com criticizes the lack of text acceleration and cutscene skipping, which disrupts pacing, and Pure Nintendo highlights the absence of a “save anywhere” feature in handheld mode. Additionally, PlaySense notes that reduced animations and frame rate impact action command timing, though these are minor concerns compared to the game’s overall stability. The consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that the Switch version balances nostalgia and modernization effectively. While the 30FPS trade-off is a point of contention, it rarely detracts from gameplay, as noted by Vandal and SpazioGames, who argue that enhanced visuals and quality-of-life updates compensate for the technical compromise. RPG Site and VG247 praise the game’s smooth performance despite minor nitpicks, while Cubed3 and GGRecon acknowledge that the changes improve accessibility without harming core mechanics. Overall, the Switch version is seen as a well-crafted remaster that prioritizes stability and player convenience, making it a worthwhile experience for both newcomers and longtime fans.

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technical performance

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Replay Value

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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 majority of reviewers highlight positive aspects of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’s replay value, emphasizing its accessibility and enhancements for both new and returning players. App Trigger praises the remaster’s added features and improvements, calling it “a worthwhile experience” for all audiences. Checkpoint Gaming notes optional hints, unlockable galleries, and collectibles like shine sprites, which provide incentives for exploration. GGRecon highlights the depth of gameplay mechanics, including enemy records, cooking recipes, and the Pit of 100 Trials, while Cubed3 and Pure Nintendo commend the side-quests, hidden areas, and completionist-focused content. Additionally, Nintendojo and RPG Site point to strategic diversity through badge choices and post-game challenges, suggesting that replayability is bolstered by varied player decisions and emotional engagement with characters. These elements collectively create a compelling case for revisiting the game, especially for fans of the series or newcomers drawn to its charm. However, several critics identify limitations in the game’s replay value. Digital Trends and IGN Portugal argue that the remake lacks significant new content beyond minor additions, leaving returning players with little incentive to revisit the same mechanics. NME and Jeuxvideo.com criticize repetitive gameplay elements, such as lengthy battles and backtracking, which can diminish enjoyment on subsequent playthroughs. Games.cz mentions that while mini-games and imaginative tasks are entertaining, some may find the core combat formula monotonous. Additionally, Twinfinite points out a lack of substantial side content outside the main quest, and Vandal notes that the game’s charm alone might not be enough to justify repeated playthroughs for all players. These critiques suggest that while the game is enjoyable, its replayability hinges on personal tolerance for repetition and reliance on optional features. The overall consensus among critics is cautiously optimistic, acknowledging both the strengths and shortcomings of the game’s replay value. While some reviewers, like TechRadar Gaming and VG247, praise the remaster’s accessibility, visual upgrades, and nostalgic appeal as reasons to revisit the title, others, such as IGN Portugal and NME, feel it falls short of offering transformative new content for veterans. Nonetheless, many agree that the game’s engaging story, charming characters, and strategic depth—highlighted by Nintendojo and RPG Site—make it a worthwhile experience, even if its replay value is more limited than some might hope. Ultimately, the consensus leans toward recommending The Thousand-Year Door as a must-play for fans of the series or RPG enthusiasts, with its replayability depending on individual preferences for exploration and challenge.

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replay value

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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 majority of critics overwhelmingly praised Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door as a near-perfect remaster that captures the essence of the original while enhancing its appeal for modern audiences. Reviewers like App Trigger and Checkpoint Gaming highlighted the game’s faithful preservation of its core mechanics, coupled with quality-of-life improvements such as updated graphics, rearranged soundtracks, and refined controls. COGconnected emphasized its “fresh look” while maintaining the original’s identity, calling it an essential addition to the Nintendo Switch library. The narrative, character development, and creative level design were frequently lauded—Areajugones and Cubed3 noted the game’s intelligent writing, humor, and engaging gameplay, which they argued successfully revitalize the Mario universe. TechRadar Gaming and VG247 praised its “stunning visuals,” “fantastic soundtrack,” and “richly-deserved” status as a classic, while Vooks called it a “must-buy for the Switch.” These accolades underscore the game’s ability to balance nostalgia with modern polish, making it a standout entry in the Paper Mario series. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws that detract from its otherwise stellar reputation. Dot Esports and IGN Portugal criticized the combat system for being repetitive and occasionally frustrating, with IGN Portugal noting “shallow gameplay mechanics” that limit long-term engagement. Games.cz and GameSpew highlighted issues like forced backtracking and a lack of modern design updates, suggesting the game might feel dated to some players. Eurogamer Poland and Twinfinite mentioned pacing problems, with excessive dialogue and minimal side content for returning fans. Additionally, PlaySense noted that changes to the script and soundtrack, while minor, could disappoint purists. These critiques often centered on the game’s reliance on older RPG tropes, such as repetitive combat loops and limited innovation in gameplay mechanics, which some felt hindered its potential as a modern experience. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with many declaring it the definitive version of a beloved classic. GGRecon called it a “gem for RPG and Mario game enthusiasts,” while Player 2 hailed it as a “masterpiece in 2024” that “stands the test of time.” Even reviewers who acknowledged its flaws, like TechRadar Gaming and Digital Trends, emphasized that its charm, storytelling, and nostalgic appeal outweigh its shortcomings. The game’s ability to attract both new players and long-time fans—cited by Nintendojo and Multiplayer.it—further solidifies its status as a must-play. While not without imperfections, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is widely regarded as a triumph of remastering, celebrating the original’s legacy while offering a rewarding experience for contemporary audiences.

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Reviews

151 reviews found

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

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

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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Comicbook.com

Nintendo Switch

May 21, 2024

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

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is highly recommended, with the remastered version on Nintendo Switch being considered the definitive way to experience this classic game. Despite some pacing issues with excessive dialogue, the game's charm and gameplay make it a worthwhile experience.

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PC Games

Nintendo Switch

May 21, 2024

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

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is praised for its engaging story, fun gameplay mechanics, and charming visuals, making it a highly recommended experience for fans of the genre.

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