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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

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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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 majority of critics praised the story of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for its engaging narrative, diverse cast of characters, and clever writing. Critics like App Trigger, But Why Tho??, and Digital Trends highlighted the game's well-developed storyline, interesting characters, and humorous dialogue. The game was commended for its unique gameplay segments, such as Princess Peach's storyline, which added depth and variety to the overall storytelling experience. Additionally, critics appreciated the game's ability to expand the Mario universe in a creative and humorous way, as mentioned by Cubed3 and Pure Nintendo. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the story of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Jeuxvideo.com criticized the game for repetitive elements like excessive backtracking, which could potentially hinder the pacing and overall enjoyment of the narrative. ComicBook and Comicbook.com mentioned moments where the pacing could drag due to excessive dialogue, indicating a potential issue with the flow of the story. Twinfinite also noted that the narrative could feel mechanical and serialized at times, with predictable beats and pacing issues, particularly in the first half of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. The majority of reviewers found the narrative to be charming, humorous, and engaging, with memorable characters, unexpected plot twists, and well-written dialogue. Critics like Areajugones, GGRecon, and Nintendojo emphasized the game's heartfelt and well-written story that kept players invested from start to finish. Despite some minor criticisms regarding pacing and repetitive elements, the overall sentiment is that the story of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a standout feature of the game, contributing to its enduring appeal and positive reception among critics and players alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics laud Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for its engaging narrative, diverse characters, and clever writing, with unique gameplay segments and expansion of the Mario universe. While some critics noted drawbacks like repetitive backtracking and pacing issues, the overwhelming consensus is positive, praising the charming, humorous, and well-written story with memorable characters and unexpected twists that keep players invested throughout.

Gameplay Mechanics

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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 majority of critics praised the gameplay of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for its engaging and strategic turn-based combat system, unique character abilities, and RPG mechanics. Critics like But Why Tho?? and GameOver.gr highlighted the game's great RPG mechanics, badges for upgrades, and engaging puzzles. The inclusion of features like fast travel systems and partner rings, as noted by App Trigger, addressed common complaints and enhanced the overall gameplay experience. The game's mix of exploration, platforming, and strategic depth, as mentioned by GamingTrend and Pure Nintendo, added to the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. However, some critics, such as Areajugones and IGN Portugal, criticized the game for its slow and unengaging combat, lack of strategic depth, and repetitive nature. Areajugones specifically mentioned the slow combat as a drawback, while IGN Portugal highlighted the shallow and monotonous battle system that lacked variety and depth. COGconnected also noted that some encounters could become repetitive, especially with the puzzles, which could be exhausting for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. The game's engaging turn-based combat system, unique character abilities, and strategic depth were widely praised, with only a few critics pointing out minor issues such as repetitive combat and lack of modern features. The majority of critics, including Checkpoint Gaming and Shacknews, appreciated the game's tight and fast-paced combat system, with innovative features like optional hints and unlockable galleries enhancing the classic Mario RPG turn-based combat. The overall sentiment is that the gameplay offers a fun and enjoyable experience with a good balance of exploration, combat, and strategic decision-making, making it a standout title in the RPG genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics mostly loved Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door's engaging gameplay, praising its strategic combat, unique abilities, and RPG mechanics. Some critics criticized the slow combat and repetitive nature, but overall, the game was lauded for its mix of exploration, platforming, and strategic depth. In conclusion, the game offers a fun and well-balanced experience, with innovative features that enhance the classic Mario RPG turn-based combat, making it a standout title in the RPG genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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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 majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, highlighting various positive aspects of the remastered version. Critics such as App Trigger and Areajugones appreciated the refined visuals, character designs, and creative level design, with the remake enhancing the graphics and fixing issues from the original game. Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming noted the improved sprites for characters facing different directions, thicker paper cut-out outlines, and enhanced lighting and shading effects, making the game look shiny and new. The vibrant colors, cute character designs, and beautiful environments were also commended by critics like But Why Tho?? and Games.cz, with the updated artistic design, dynamic lighting effects, and crisp visuals in both docked and handheld modes being highlighted by Nintenduo. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of the game. GamingTrend mentioned that the game runs at 30fps instead of the original 60fps, which could impact the overall gameplay experience. SpazioGames highlighted the halved frame rate compared to the original version as a potential downside for some players, despite the updated graphics and enhanced audiovisual elements contributing to a polished experience. PlaySense also noted the impact of the 30fps frame rate on gameplay, especially in handheld mode, which may affect the overall presentation and smoothness of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. The remastered version was praised for its enhanced visuals, vibrant colors, paper-based aesthetic, and attention to detail, with many critics noting significant improvements that make the game visually appealing even compared to modern titles. The game's delightful art direction, unique and vibrant world, and captivating paper-crafted environments were highlighted as standout features that contribute to a visually stunning experience. Critics such as Pure Nintendo and TechRadar Gaming emphasized the jaw-dropping visual overhaul, faithful to the original Gamecube version, while VG247 mentioned that the significantly changed and improved visuals retained the accurate vibe of the original and can compete with modern peers. In conclusion, the Graphics and Visual Design of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door received high praise from critics, with the majority expressing admiration for the remastered visuals and artistic enhancements that elevate the overall aesthetic appeal of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about the stunning graphics and visual design of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remastered version, praising the refined visuals, character designs, and creative level design. While some mention the lower frame rate impacting gameplay, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the game's vibrant colors, charming characters, and beautiful environments standing out as visually stunning. Overall, critics laud the significant visual improvements that make the game a delight to experience.

Music and Sound Design

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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 has received a plethora of positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the captivating and exceptional soundtrack that adds to the game's charm, with unique themes for each location and battle, as highlighted by Areajugones and Eurogamer Poland. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected appreciated the newly created soundtrack and the enhancements in sound design, such as character-specific sound bites and perfectly-crafted sounds for every action, which added more life and energy to the overall experience. The option to switch between the new and original soundtracks was also well-received by several critics, including GameOver.gr and RPG Site, providing players with a choice to tailor their auditory experience to their preferences. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the Sound Design and Music of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. App Trigger mentioned the lack of voice acting as a missed opportunity for immersion, which could have reduced text-heavy moments and enhanced the overall experience. Additionally, GamingTrend highlighted that while the redone soundtrack had mixed results, with some tracks overusing overdriven guitars, the dynamic tracks and the option to switch back to the original soundtrack were appreciated. Nintendojo expressed disappointment in the inferior updated soundtrack compared to the original, despite the introduction of unique voices for characters and NPCs. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. The majority of reviewers praised the remastered soundtrack, the addition of new sound elements, and the option to switch between the new and original soundtracks, which enhanced the gameplay experience. The improvements in audio quality, real-time stage composition during battles, and character-specific dialogue sounds were highlighted as significant enhancements by SpazioGames and Vandal. While there were some minor criticisms regarding specific tracks or the lack of voice acting, the general sentiment is that the sound design and music of the game successfully contributed to creating an immersive and enjoyable experience for players, as acknowledged by IGN Portugal and VG247.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics love the Sound Design and Music of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, praising its captivating soundtrack and unique themes. They appreciate the enhancements in sound design, like character-specific sounds and switchable soundtracks. Some critics noted the missed opportunity of voice acting and mixed results in the redone soundtrack. Overall, reviewers agree that the game's audio elements enhance the gameplay experience, with improvements in quality and immersive details.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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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 opinions of the critics regarding the Technical Performance of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch are mostly positive. Critics like But Why Tho?? and ComicBook praise the stable performance with a locked 30FPS, highlighting the absence of lagging, framerate dips, or glitches. Additionally, reviewers such as Checkpoint Gaming and GameOver.gr appreciate the quality-of-life improvements, faster loading times, and enhanced visuals that enhance the overall experience. The subtle upgrades like new warp pipes for easier backtracking and streamlined saving contribute positively to the gameplay experience, as noted by Comicbook.com and Multiplayer.it. These improvements, along with the stable performance, make the game enjoyable for most players, as mentioned by Player 2 and Nintenduo. On the downside, some critics express concerns about the downgrade from 60 to 30 FPS on the Nintendo Switch version of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Critics like Cubed3 and GGRecon acknowledge that while this change may disappoint purists, it is not a major issue for the majority of players. PlaySense highlights missing animations and the impact on gameplay, especially with action commands, as a drawback of the lower frame rate. Metro GameCentral also points out issues with partner AI and long load times between screens, affecting the overall experience negatively. Pure Nintendo emphasizes the lack of a save anywhere feature as an oversight, particularly for handheld mode, suggesting a potential improvement that could enhance the technical performance on the platform. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch offers a well-crafted and stable technical performance with subtle quality-of-life improvements. While the downgrade to 30 FPS may disappoint some players, the enhancements in visuals, faster loading times, and streamlined gameplay mechanics are generally well-received. Critics like RPG Site and Vandal appreciate the consistent performance at 30 FPS, while acknowledging the slight sacrifice compared to the original version. The general sentiment is that the technical performance of the game on the Nintendo Switch is solid, with minor nitpicks and room for potential improvements highlighted by various reviewers.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics mostly praise Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch for its stable performance, quality-of-life improvements, and enhanced visuals. While some express concerns about the downgrade to 30 FPS and minor issues like missing animations and partner AI, overall, the game offers an enjoyable experience with room for improvement.

Replay Value

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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 opinions of several critics highlight various positive aspects of the replay value of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Critics like App Trigger and GGRecon appreciate the enhancements and additional features in the remaster that enhance the overall experience for both new and returning players. They mention the inclusion of new content like collecting records of enemies, cooking recipes, and delving into the Pit of 100 Trials as contributing factors to the game's replayability. Additionally, Nintenduo notes the extensive gameplay time of 30 to 40 hours for the main story, catering to completionists with rewards for achievements and sketches showing the development process, which adds depth to the replay value. On the other hand, some critics point out potential drawbacks that may impact the replay value of the game. IGN Portugal and NME highlight concerns about the lack of depth in gameplay mechanics, potential monotony, and repetitive encounters that could deter players from revisiting the experience. Critics like Digital Trends and Twinfinite mention the absence of significant changes and side content outside of the main quest, which may limit the variety of challenges available for players looking to engage with the game beyond the main story. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the replay value of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Critics appreciate the engaging story, charming characters, and strategic gameplay mechanics that make revisiting the game enjoyable for Mario and RPG fans, as noted by Player 2. While some acknowledge the game's shortcomings in terms of repetitive elements and lack of additional content for older players, the majority of critics emphasize the timeless adventure, humor, challenge, and entertainment value that continue to captivate players, as highlighted by GameOver.gr. The enhancements in the remake, along with the depth of gameplay mechanics, contribute to the overall positive sentiment towards the game's replay value, making it a recommended experience for both newcomers and fans of the original title.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for its enhanced replay value in the remaster, with new features like enemy records and cooking recipes adding depth. Some critics mention concerns about gameplay depth and repetitive encounters, but overall, the game's engaging story, charming characters, and strategic gameplay mechanics make it a recommended experience for new and returning players alike.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The opinions of the critics on Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for the Nintendo Switch overwhelmingly highlight its positive aspects. Critics like App Trigger, Checkpoint Gaming, and Pure Nintendo praise the faithful remaster that enhances the original game, with improved graphics, rearranged soundtrack, and various quality of life improvements. The game is commended for its engaging story, charming visuals, and timeless humor, making it a highly recommended experience for fans of the genre. Additionally, the game's creative level design, memorable bosses, and immersive gameplay are lauded by critics such as Player 2 and Shacknews. The visual style, engaging writing, and fun combat are also highlighted as standout features by critics like GameSpew and Gfinity. On the flip side, some critics point out certain drawbacks of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch. Critics like Dot Esports and IGN Portugal mention issues with combat design, pacing problems, and excessive backtracking that can lead to periods of frustration and tedium. Some critics, such as Games.cz, note that while the game is well-crafted and entertaining for fans of the genre and the Mario franchise, it may not offer much to modern gamers looking for a more contemporary experience. Additionally, concerns about lack of new content for returning players are raised by critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Gfinity, suggesting that the game could benefit from additional updates to enhance replay value. Overall, the consensus among the majority of critics is highly positive, with many considering Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on the Nintendo Switch as a must-play title. The game is praised for its faithful remake that preserves the essential identity of the original while introducing modern enhancements, appealing to both new and old fans of the series. Critics like COGconnected and TierraGamer emphasize the delightful and engaging experience the game offers, catering to players of all ages and capturing the essence of the Mario RPG universe. Despite some minor criticisms, the game is celebrated for its humor, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and memorable characters, solidifying its status as a standout title in the RPG genre. The overall sentiment reflects a consensus that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a classic and beloved game that continues to shine on the Nintendo Switch, making it a definitive version worth experiencing for RPG and Mario game enthusiasts alike.

TL;DR

Critics rave about Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Nintendo Switch for its faithful remaster, engaging story, charming visuals, and immersive gameplay. While some mention drawbacks like combat issues and lack of new content, overall consensus is highly positive, with the game hailed as a must-play title that captures the essence of the Mario RPG universe and offers a delightful experience for players of all ages.

CRITIK

Reviews

141 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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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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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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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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Metro GameCentral

Nintendo Switch

May 21, 2024

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

A fantastic remake of a sorely underappreciated classic, with a wonderful script, enjoyable combat, and rewarding exploration, despite some technical issues.