After two decades of holding a beloved place in the hearts of gamers, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door returns with a highly anticipated remake on the Nintendo Switch. This definitive version breathes new life into what many consider the pinnacle of Mario RPGs, offering both longtime fans and new players a chance to experience the magic, humor, and charm of this classic adventure.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door set the standard for Mario RPGs with its original release on the GameCube, expanding upon the foundations laid by its N64 predecessor. With its mix of silly humor, epic adventures, and innovative combat, it captured what fans wanted from their turn-based, plumber-starring escapades. Now, this critically acclaimed game is more accessible than ever, celebrating its legacy with a meticulously crafted Switch remake.
The remake faithfully preserves the elements that made the original a standout, from the dynamic combat system to the engaging story. Players will find themselves in the seedy town of Rogueport, embarking on a quest to find the Crystal Stars and unlock the mysteries of the titular Thousand-Year Door. The updated localization ensures the story’s charm and humor resonate more than ever, while new features like the Partner Wheel streamline gameplay, making exploration smoother and more intuitive.
The Switch version boasts beautifully redone visuals that enhance every beloved locale, from Boggly Woods to Pirate’s Cove. Even at 30fps, the game delivers a smooth and visually stunning experience, with only minor frame drops during crowded cutscenes. Complementing the visual overhaul is a completely rearranged soundtrack that brings a fresh twist to the original themes, adding new layers of immersion to the game’s diverse environments.
The stage-based combat system remains a highlight, offering turn-based battles that require strategic use of timing-based mechanics. Mario’s customizability through badges and the variety of partner characters add depth to the combat, making each encounter engaging and rewarding. The crowd mechanics, where audience members interact with the battle, add an extra layer of fun and unpredictability.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Switch reaffirms why it has been hailed as the best Mario RPG of all time. With its blend of captivating storytelling, exceptional combat, and delightful characters, this remake stands as the definitive way to experience the classic. While we hoped for a bit more post-credits content, the game’s stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and polished updates make it a must-play for any RPG enthusiast or Mario fan.
