Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door – A Classic Remade

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2024)

Released: May 23, 2024

Developer(s): Intelligent Systems, Tose Co., Ltd.

Publisher(s): Nintendo

Completed on Nintendo Switch in Docked Mode.

HowLongToBeat Time: 30.5 Hours | My Clear Time: 33hours 59mins

Background

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Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a beloved entry in the Mario franchise, originally developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo GameCube. Thousand-Year Door builds on its predecessor, Paper Mario (also known as Paper Mario 64), retaining the distinctive art style and the turn-based battle system that emphasizes timing, a mechanic also featured in Super Mario RPG.

The remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door was announced during the Nintendo Direct presentation in September 2023. This new version, set to release on May 23, 2024, runs on the engine used for Paper Mario: The Origami King. It features redone graphics, animations, and soundtrack, along with a plethora of quality-of-life changes and new features. Notably, the script has been significantly updated to remove certain controversial elements, such as the Goombette catcalling and Bowser mocking a minion for their weight, while retaining much of the original tone and intent?.

Experience

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My experience with the Paper Mario series dates back to the original Paper Mario on the Nintendo 64. I’ve always appreciated the unique blend of RPG mechanics with the whimsical, paper-inspired art style. The charm of the characters and the engaging storylines have made the series a favorite of mine. I’ve also enjoyed Super Mario RPG, so the emphasis on timing in battles is a familiar and welcomed feature. The announcement of the remake immediately caught my attention, given my fond memories of the original game on the GameCube. I have also played some of Sticker Star, and have beaten many Mario games, and turn-based RPGs.

Impressions

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The enhanced graphics and updated soundtrack are the first things that stand out in the remake. The visual overhaul breathes new life into the colorful, paper-crafted world, making it more vibrant and engaging. The animations are smoother, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. The turn-based battle system remains a highlight, with the added depth of badges and special moves, providing a satisfying strategic element.

The new quality-of-life improvements significantly enhance the gameplay experience. These include:

• Quick-Travel Feature: A new “pipe room” beneath Rogueport allows players to quickly travel between key locations, reducing backtracking and making exploration more convenient.
• Improved Hint System: The updated hint system helps players navigate their quests more intuitively, reducing frustration and enhancing the flow of the game.
• Original Soundtrack Access: The original GameCube soundtrack can be obtained from the Badge shop in Rogueport and can be turned on at no cost, allowing players to enjoy the nostalgic tunes alongside the newly arranged soundtrack.
• Inventory Boost: The base amount of items you can carry in your inventory has been increased from the Gamecube’s limit of 10 items to 15 items.
• Try Again?: When you are sent to the Game Over screen, you can select ‘try again’ as an option, which puts you back to the position of the map you were at, not the most recent save.
• Coin Capacity: The maximum amount of coins you can carry has been increased from the Gamecube limit of 999 to 9999.

The game runs at a consistent 30fps in both docked and undocked modes on the Nintendo Switch. Despite the frame rate being lower than the original GameCube’s 60fps, it holds that 30fps consistently, which provides a smooth gameplay experience unlike the occasional frame rate dips seen in Paper Mario 64. The trade-off comes with significantly improved graphics, especially with the use of the Origami King engine. Locations like Twilight Town now look more stylish, with enhanced shadow quality and overall visual fidelity.

Verdict

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Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch successfully captures the essence of the original game while introducing modern enhancements that make it accessible and enjoyable for both new players and long-time fans. The combination of updated visuals, a rearranged soundtrack, and thoughtful quality-of-life improvements makes this remake a must-play. The engaging story, memorable characters, and strategic battle system ensure that it remains one of the standout titles in the Mario RPG series.

TLDR

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Pros

• Enhanced Graphics: Improved visuals and animations, especially in locations like Twilight Town.
• Updated Soundtrack: Access to the original GameCube soundtrack from the Badge shop.
• Quality-of-Life Improvements: Quick-travel feature and improved hint system, and many more.
• Consistent Performance: Holds a consistent 30fps in both docked and undocked modes.

Cons

• Lower Frame Rate: Frame rate is 30fps, down from the original 60fps.
• Script Changes: Some controversial elements have been removed, altering the original dialogue.
• Pacing: Some chapters feel like they drag, such as Chapter 5 with the back and forth platforming and the Don Piñata fetch quests.
• Difficulty: Some returning players might find the game easier than the original due to the quality-of-life changes made in the remake.

Rating: 9/10

In Summary: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch revitalizes a classic game with modern enhancements. Despite the contention with the script changes and some pacing issues, its charming visuals, engaging story, and strategic gameplay make it a memorable title in the Mario RPG series, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new players.