The iconic 2004 role-playing game (RPG) is back, and Nintendo has released Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, a remake of the classic adventure game. The game has a similar plot, as Princess Peach has been kidnapped and taken to a prison cell by the X-Nauts, who are seeking rare artifacts, the Crystal Stars, that can open the titular Thousand-Year Door and reveal hidden mysteries. Players have two tasks in this game, rescue Peach and find the Crystal Stars before the X-Nauts do.
The game stands out due to its witty, hilarious, and irreverent writing, with every character getting a chance to be in the spotlight. Even series villain Bowser is given a humorous dialogue, and Mario can participate in the fun with RPG-style dialogue choices. Sadly, Mario cannot talk his way out of problems, although he does quite a bit of Goomba-stomping. The game features theatrical stage fights that offer real-time elements. There are a few twists, like hitting buttons at the right time to increase damage or block incoming attacks. However, the game is not exciting enough, with repetitive enemies and limited moves, and most battles feel like a chore.
Nevertheless, the game has many other aspects to enjoy, with the central town of Rogueport having a delightfully seedy character. Having areas open up as one unlocks new abilities makes re-tracing old areas worthwhile, and the Glitz Pit offers an exciting venue where Mario dishes out pain under the pseudonym “The Great Gonzales.” There are many locations to visit, with arresting origami visuals that add to the game’s charm.
Although there is still too much backtracking in the remake, players will love the game despite its warts. With laugh-out-loud writing and papery visual charm, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is still irresistible after two decades. Princess Peach is still being kidnapped, Bowser’s still being Bowser, and this is still Mario’s liveliest adventure to date. This game is ideal for nostalgic gamers, as well as newcomers to the Mushroom Kingdom. The game was launched on May 23 for the Nintendo Switch
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