Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door returns with a remake that enhances the beloved classic with modern features, quality-of-life improvements, and an uncensored narrative. Fans of the original will find the same charm, humor, and emotional depth that made the GameCube version a standout, while newcomers will experience one of the finest turn-based RPGs ever created. With updated graphics, orchestrated music, and thoughtful changes, this remake sets a new standard for the series and leaves fans eagerly awaiting a true sequel.

Switch is now home to the definitive version of The Thousand-Year Door, and anyone interested in RPGs or Mario games who might've missed it over the years should definitely check it out to see why so many Paper Mario fans long for a return to this style of game.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is still, after all these years, the prime example of Paper Mario at its very best. Its writing is still funny, its characters are quirky and fun in ways that they just aren’t in other Nintendo games, its combat is simple yet deep enough to stay interesting throughout and it’s a visual and aural treat thanks to all the enhancements made by Intelligent Systems. The improvements made both in and out of combat also go a long way towards making the game shine even more than it already did. Sure, the extra tutorials can be annoying for longtime fans, but otherwise, this new version does the original justice and makes it an even more worthy addition to any Switch owner’s library.

Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is a richly-deserved, lovingly-crafted redo of a classic. It takes one of Mario’s finest spin-offs and does just enough to refresh it while retaining everything that made it beloved in the first place. I only hope this leads to more Paper Mario games in this vein.

Whether you’re replaying for the new visuals, or a very lucky first-time player, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is one of the best RPGs ever to come out of Nintendo.

A wonderful title that deserves more love than it’s received here, but the test of time has been kind to Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. It was amazing then, and it is now.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is both the best Paper Mario entry and a Switch game everyone should own and play.

20 years after its original release, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remains a treasure. With a refreshingly un-Mario-like script, a memorable and lovable cast, engaging turn-based gameplay, and more variety than your average Taylor Swift concert, the GameCube title is regarded by many as a classic entry in the plumber’s RPG lineage.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch does an excellent job of letting the quirks of the original game shine, in a refreshed release that feels perfect for newcomers and Paper Mario veterans alike.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door accomplishes what it sets out to do: remake and revamp a beloved Nintendo classic for a new audience on the Nintendo Switch. If you were a fan of last year’s Super Mario RPG, this is undoubtedly the next step in your Mario role-playing journey, and it’s accessible to a wide variety of gamers. It’s a must-play adventure from start to finish, and one I couldn’t have been happier to embark on again.

Nintendo gives a sublime treatment to the remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Switch, adding and improving features to make the gameplay smoother than ever. The balanced combat system and brilliant exploration make it one of the best RPG games on Nintendo Switch.

Sometimes I get excited and say "this is not only the best Paper Mario game, but the best Mario game" for The Thousand-Year Door. I don't think I'm wrong.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a faithful and beautifully done remaster of the greatest entry in the Paper Mario series. From fixing the ancient wrong of the US release to the addition of new and incredibly convenient features like fast travel and the ability to switch partners on the fly, Nintendo has somehow taken something made of pure gold and added a pure gold plating.

Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door on Switch shows why the game is considered one of the best in the first place. It’s a magical, fun, and hilarious adventure with some dark turns that give a new perspective on Mario’s world. Additions and changes are sometimes small, yet very significant, but this remake doesn’t quite make the game a painless experience. Even so, it’s well worth playing again and again for a reminder of why we fell in love with Paper Mario in the first place.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a monument, and the Switch version a godsend. One that even brings improvements in the form of a new hint system, a partner wheel and unprecedented localization.

Paper Mario: The Thousand Year-Door is a masterful remake that improves on the original in practically every way while keeping everything that made it a mainstay in the Nintendo canon. While its timelessness is reflected in the strength of its humour, wit and story, a major visual overhaul and much needed quality of life improvements make The Thousand-Year Door an adventure that can't be skipped.

Nostalgia goggles haven’t failed us: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is still a masterpiece. With vastly improved graphics, a great rearranged soundtrack, and a few tasteful gameplay touchups, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch is now the best version of this fan-favourite classic. The only thing missing is extra content for those who have already played it, but for everyone else, there’s no reason not to pick this one up.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is an unrepeatable adventure that we are glad to have played again on Nintendo Switch. Thanks to its improved graphics and the convenience of being able to play it on handheld, we have fallen in love again with a classic RPG full of charming characters and a spectacular story. It is one of the best Mario games.

A fantastic remake of a still unique game. There is no better Mario RPG!

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is one of the best RPGs you can play on Nintendo Switch. It is not the deepest or most challenging, but it is a very entertaining, hilarious adventure, full of diverse and memorable situations. No wonder it was a cult game... that millions of people will now play. Nintendo, don't waste this opportunity.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remains a timeless classic, beloved for its charming story, engaging gameplay, and unique art style. The game continues to captivate with its witty dialogue, inventive mechanics, and nostalgic appeal. Whether you’re revisiting it or playing for the first time, it’s an experience that stands the test of time, solidifying its status as one of the greatest RPGs in the Mario series.

Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door still stands as one of the most beloved Mario RPGs and this remake hits all the right notes when it comes to preserving its legacy and bringing it up to today’s standards. Its unique plot and characters are left untouched, while the combat system is as slick as ever and the updated visuals, soundtrack, and new fast travel possibilities make this a benchmark with regards to remakes - not to mention, it’s still one of the finest Mario RPGs.

This game was special and colorful 20 years ago and it is so now - Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a renewed candy that will easily draw you into a unique and exciting adventure that includes a very good plot, great graphics and soundtrack and a fun and rewarding battle system. Honestly, it's a little distressing to remember the fact that Nintendo is asking for a full price tag for this game, even though it's a remaster of an existing and quite old game (it's even more strange when the Metroid remake is priced at only $40), but with the amount of investment and nice additions that came to this version, the pill feels easier to swallow.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door brings visual and quality of life improvements, but its true purpose is simply to rescue a game that was trapped in the GameCube library.

Whether you’re new to the game or are simply relishing a return trip to Rogueport, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a fantastic way to experience one of Mario’s grandest and strangest adventures. Even as someone who has enjoyed the quirky charms of the last few Paper Mario games, I must admit that replaying the game via this version has made me pine for a new game with a similar sensibility to it. I don’t know if we’ll ever see that or not, but for now this superb remake more than satisfies.

"My first JRPG", with great sagacity and a charm that still stands out, but now weighed down by the years - and by mechanics that seemed easy to correct.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is everything it needs to be. The original game was such a delightful entry that it has overshadowed every Paper Mario game since, and the remake captures all of that charm without losing an iota of what made the original great. It's easily the definitive version of the game, and it's a fantastic experience for newcomers and nostalgic fans alike. It's a strong contender for the best Mario RPG of all time, and if you're looking for a fun adventure, it's one of the best experiences on the Switch.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door offers older gamers a fantastic opportunity to relive one of Mario's best classics. Meanwhile, younger gamers should not miss out on experiencing this timeless gem.

And after hours upon hours of playing Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door for the first time since the original GameCube release, that’s really the only flaw I could find. It’s brilliant, but a little slow-paced at times. The characters and areas are memorable, the combat is simple but satisfying, and this Nintendo Switch remake looks like a true papercraft world. This is the best Paper Mario game, and the best Mario RPG ever made.

Despite some of its shortcomings in pacing and lack of new content, Thousand-Year Door does a lot of things right and showcases how good this 20-year old game still is. From its classic turn-based system, complex yet lighthearted themes, and beautifully recreated worlds that make the most out of its papery aesthetic, there is plenty to love about this remake.

Everything that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door entails is everything that is desired in this series - turn-based timed button battles, completely original characters in familiar and new species, witty dialogue, and an emphasis on story and greater lore. This is a unique adventure full of fun and clever gameplay ideas, offering a medium-length RPG that will satisfy Mario fans eager to see more than stomping on koopas and - in the case of the more recent Paper Mario titles - repetitive battle systems and generic characters. If all goes well, fingers crossed that the success of this game can pave the way for a brand-new entry in the same vein as this one - ideally without a paper joke in sight.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is an amazing remake of an excellent game. While it isn’t perfect, it provides a highly entertaining experience in almost every way.

If you’ve been waiting for a Thousand-Year Door remaster/remake for many years, let’s not pretend you’re not already getting this when possible. If you are still reading because you just want to be sure, you can relax; Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is still a great game. Paper Mario is not only still a great game but remains one of, if not the best, Paper Mario games. If you haven’t had the chance to play this game when it was first released, you’re in for a treat. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is not only a classic Mario RPG but a must-buy for the Switch.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door may not be anywhere near as ambitious as other modern remakes such as Final Fantasy 7 and Resident Evil 4, but it didn’t really need to be. This is a fantastic and faithful remake for the Nintendo Switch, with enhanced visuals and reworked music breathing new life into this GameCube classic.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a good re-release of a good game, and adjustments made only improve upon it in small but substantial ways. It's an easy recommendation for general audiences and RPG fans. Now, where's my Luigi in Waffle Kingdom RPG?

Rogueport is packed with fun and danger in equal parts and tons of personality, almost a character itself. And Mario of course holds it all together with some wonderful gameplay, comedy and an interesting storyline.

A great remake of the GameCube classic, with a few lingering flaws keeping it from being the perfect remake.

Paper Mario The Thousand-Year Door for Switch is practically the same classic that appeared 20 years ago on Gamecube, without alterations that feel great in terms of gameplay. However, that is not bad at all, in fact the phrase “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” applies very well here, as the magic that many of us experienced in our youth is preserved.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is an excellent remake of an excellent game with enough modern additions to make it feel fresh and new.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door might be ever so slightly dated in its first two chapters and its insistence on loading every area with too many enemies. Its bizarre cast, excellent writing, and inventive battles mean it earns its reputation as one of the best and most inventive RPGs, though, and it’s just as fresh and imaginative now as it ever was.

It’s rare for a game to be quite this timeless, and thank goodness it hasn’t been lost to the GameCube platform and now people can discover or rediscover it on modern hardware.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a classic RPG with a perfect blend of turn-based combat and adventuring complete with a rewarding unlockable abilities system that encourages you to explore every nook and cranny. Plus, its updated graphics, hilarious humour, and welcome gameplay improvements make it more accessible than ever.

A fantastic remake of a sorely underappreciated classic, that has easily Nintendo’s best script and whose pseudo-RPG combat and exploration still proves endlessly charming.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a lovingly crafted remake that brings all the fun of the original while including some helpful quality-of-life updates that do away with tedious traveling. There’s a reason this game is a fan favorite, and this enhanced version lives up to all the expectations.

With fourth-wall-breaking gags, a riotous storyline and a thrilling turn-based combat system, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has it all. This fan-favourite GameCube classic has long deserved a second chance to take to the stage, and this is the perfect opportunity to marvel at its quirky treasure hunt – whether you’re returning to Rogueport or searching for the Crystal Stars for the first time.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’s Nintendo Switch remake demonstrates that the 20-year-old Gamecube role-playing game has aged like a fine wine, barely touching its gameplay elements while offering a stunning glow-up in the visual department. Some may lament the 30fps cap and some rather antiquated backtracking, but it remains a thoroughly charming and engaging experience from start to finish.

Paper Mario has finally returned to its RPG roots with an amazingly loyal and visually dazzling remake of The Thousand-Year Door. Everything fans have been begging Nintendo to bring back is here, including a delightfully varied turn-based battle system with satisfying real-time elements and unique, lovable party members who are essential to both the story and gameplay.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a wonderful remake of a GameCube classic. Now in a modern game engine, but with all the quirkiness and charm of the original story and characters, and with a return to the original Paper Mario combat style, it's great for Mario RPG fans and newcomers alike.

This is the definitive way to play Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and, beyond that, the definitive Paper Mario game in a franchise spin-off that should look to the past to discover its future following this remake.

The Thousand-Year Door remake is a triumphant return for Paper Mario. It turns back to an earlier chapter in the series that knows exactly what it’s trying to achieve and does it masterfully.

For those who didn't try the original game on the GameCube system, this enhanced version of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door represents an opportunity to experience an RPG classic. It is a game characterized by an experience that is full of enjoyable, well designed worlds, and distinct characters, with unique and varied gameplay.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door nails what a faithful remake should be. Some small improvements make the gameplay even better in this sharply written story that's charming until the very end.

Thousand Year Door is a remake done right. The new sound and visuals look terrific. The game's essential identity has been preserved. Plus, the original release is able to shine through with no distractions. It's exactly as wonderful as you remember it being. I'm still impressed with the writing, and the level design is mostly excellent. I still hate the tournament arc, though. And I wish some of the puzzles didn't involve scouring a dungeon until a forgotten button or door is dragged into the sunlight. Although the original release is amazing, it's also nearly impossible to play anymore. For new and old fans, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is an essential addition to the Nintendo Switch library.

All in all, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is an easy recommendation. For those that never got a chance to play the original game, there's no better time than the present, and the Nintendo Switch version is easily the best way to play it.

This isn’t a remake that completely redefines its predecessor, unlike Final Fantasy VII and Resident Evil 4. This is much more in line with Nintendo’s recent Super Mario RPG and Mario vs. Donkey Kong remakes that refurbish and update the visuals with some small quality-of-life tweaks. Those with a working GameCube and copy of The Thousand-Year Door don’t need to worry about picking this up. Still, anyone grabbing it for the first time ever or in a while on Nintendo Switch is in store for an off-kilter and memorable experience from the moment they see that first image of a gallows in Rogueport.

Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is a fantastic RPG that stands out as a unique gem of the genre. It's not afraid to be whimsical and strange, nor does it compromise on making the theme of a Paper Mario game come to life with its interesting abilities and mechanics.

The Switch version of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is the definitive way to play the best turn-based RPG starring Mario. More of an enhanced HD remaster than a full-fledged remake, The Thousand-Year Door has small yet meaningful quality-of-life features that ease some of the bloat from the original GameCube version. The catchy remixed soundtrack wonderfully complements the thoroughly entertaining and dynamic turn-based battle system. Throw in a stellar cast of characters and consistently playful writing, and The Thousand-Year Door has all the ingredients of an incredible turn-based RPG. Well, it always had them, but now they are blended a bit better.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a timeless RPG that older and newer fans should definitely check out. To this day, it’s still one of the best Mario RPGs available and is easily the best in Nintendo’s Paper Mario series. If fans want more quality Paper Mario games for the next Nintendo system, definitely pick this up.

After more than thirty hours with the Switch remake, I joined the group of people who have been saying for years that Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is the best Mario RPG. It lacks some quality of life aspects that I would have liked to see in a modern release, but this is just a small blemish on an otherwise great game. The memorable characters and moments in the story, combined with the large dose of dry humor, made the time fly by.

A GameCube classic, the remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door manages to be even more fun and colorful than the original. While remaining faithful to the 2004 title, the remake adds improvements that will help you in battles and throughout your journey, such as the Companion Ring. However, the game lacks localization for PT-BR and the absence of a fast travel system.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch improves upon the GameCube classic in almost every way; not just with its impressive graphical overhaul, but with plenty of quality-of-life changes and additional content too.

For 20 years, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has been held as the best Mario RPG of all time, and the Switch remake proves it has earned that title. This is a fantastic RPG adventure, whether you’re a Mario fan or not, with some best-in-class combat, brilliant writing, and a few little creases ironed out to make this the definitive way to play Thousand-Year Door. We wish there was a little more to do post-credits, but there’s no doubt about it, this is a beautiful-looking Switch remake and a must-play RPG.

From showtime ‘til curtain call, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is an unpredictable adventure that kept me hooked. If you’ve been interested in trying this game like I was, you’re probably not going to be disappointed. Wrinkles like the excessive backtracking and restrictive partner swapping in combat hold back the game from its true potential, but its witty writing and arresting art direction make this a singular entry in Nintendo’s RPG lineup. Hopefully, Nintendo’s taking note and course corrects for their next Paper Mario entry.

Apart from the "30 fps" issue, which in no way detracts from the overall quality of the experience, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is, today as yesterday, an extremely enjoyable, fun, perfectly calibrated and absolutely unmissable title. Whether or not it's right to entrust a remake with Nintendo Switch's swan song is not our concern, play it without asking too many questions and you won't regret it.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Nintendo Switch fully achieves the goal of bringing back the best game in the Paper Mario series. Graphically, it looks refreshed, as if the years hadn't passed. Its localization for Latin America is also perfectly executed. Several quality-of-life adjustments make it a must-play experience for series fans. It's funny and still retains those key elements to be considered a timeless RPG.

The Thousand-Year Door is a beautiful remake of one of the best Mario RPGs. It isn’t particularly ambitious beyond its new graphics and a couple of nice surprises, but if you haven’t played the original or simply fancy rediscovering this GameCube classic, it is a fantastic choice for Switch players.

All things considered, what you find in front of you when you start the remake of Paper Mario - The Thousand-Year Portal is an even more refined and pleasant to look at version of the title that appeared on the GameCube two decades ago. Regardless of whether you played it or not at the time, if you are passionate about the world of Nintendo, Mario or role-playing games in general, this is the proverbial experience that cannot be missing from any gamer's baggage.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is still a great mixture of RPG and platformer with fine papercraft graphics and humorous story. But in terms of content, the visually advanced Switch version delivers nothing new for dye connoisseurs of the GameCube original, which makes it less interesting for them as for players who experience the remastered version for the first time.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door lives up to the hype as a “page-turning adventure.” It’s also a long adventure, so be sure to pencil in the time, especially if you’re a completionist. With memorable bosses, much to find, and plenty of extras, this game will keep Switch players busy.

My first contact with the Paper Mario series turned out to be very enjoyable. The Thousand-Year Door provided me with a great adventure full of discovery (both in terms of the world, and storyline). If you want to try something a bit different, this is a good way to go.

Directly from the GameCube's âge d'or emerges one of the best Mario-related RPGs, suitably revamped and still hugely entertaining. The game also shows how cutting-edge Intelligent Systems and Nintendo were 20 years ago; if all the latest Switch hits will be like this one, there's no complaining.

The fact that Paper Mario did diverge after The Thousand-Year Door makes this remaster even more effective.

The combination of humor, puzzles and strategic battles makes Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door a phenomenal game that everyone can enjoy. Although the game still suffers from excessive backtracking, just like its 2004 version, the complete visual upgrade and timeless gameplay ensure that the remake meets contemporary standards.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door aged impressively well. The game itself is still exquisitely crafted with brilliant characters and story arcs, fun battles and interesting puzzles. Nintendo mitigated a few issues as much as it was possible without changing the fundamental level design and added some new content for returning players: all in all, a very good remake for a masterpiece hard to find and in need of much more love.

It is not a full-blown remake with overhauled graphics or new episodes. But deep within lies truly one of the best parts of the series to be enjoyed even 20 years later with excellent gameplay, sharp-wit writing and funny dialogues for long evenings or short bursts.

We don't mince words: The new edition impresses in all aspects of the original and even goes one better thanks to its contemporary presentation and modernized music. However, the legacy problems in the form of tiny inventory and pacing problems due to too much running back and forth could have been avoided.

For all the annoyances of repeating areas and slow (but engaging) combat, Thousand-Year Door is now a series highlight. It marks the first instance of where I didn’t want a Mario RPG to go (I generally prefer the Mario & Luigi direction), but the constant fourth-wall breaking, myriad colorful and unique characters, and its willingness to just be weird all lead to a joyful journey. I am grateful that this shined-up version of the GameCube classic I missed is finally available on a contemporary platform.

The Switch version of Paper Mario and the Thousand-year door is a rare delight, just like the GameCube one before it: it's a funny and clever mix between a turn based RPG and a platform game, full of jokes and memorable characters. The price might be a little bit steep and the frame rate is halved if compared to the original, but it's still worth to dip your toes into it even twenty years later.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remakes the original in all the elementary ways, but also improves it in a few key aspects. It recreates the mechanics and the atmosphere of the first games with genuine precision, and injects simple ways for new players to immerse themselves into the paper world of Mario.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a good game, and has been given the revamp it deserves. Little has been tampered with the game's form and content, apart from slightly sharper graphics, a revamped soundtrack and some changes that make the experience of traveling between areas less frustrating.

Thousand-Year Door folds in more depth than Super Mario RPG, that is certain. The gameplay deals with additional layers – bits of Pikmin, bits of Metroidvania, for instance – and there’s an attempt to add value with extras such as concept art. Its offbeat comedy also carries an edgy vibe that strains at the Nintendo leash. This Paper Mario may be thinly spread but hidden dimensions give it space to become its own thing.

Paper Mario The Thousand-Year Door brings back a forgotten GameCube classic, new players as well as veterans will enjoy it. Among the visual improvements we have new playable elements and a new soundtrack, the game maintained its fidelity to the original but it is not a big deal.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, recognized as one of the great GameCube classics, is back, this time on the Nintendo Switch. The improvements are clear to see in a remake that highlights the original's greatest qualities, without ever losing the charm of the GameCube's unique atmosphere. The sublime art direction and delightful soundtrack are still present and make this the best way to experience what will go down as the biggest and best Super Mario epic to date.

The remake of the beloved Paper Mario sequel brings completely new, stunning graphics and a few minor tweaks to the already tried-and-true, acclaimed Nintendo RPG classic. The biggest downside is that the new version runs at half the frame rate of the two-decade-old original, but despite this, it's hard not to recommend the new and improved Thousand-Year Door to all Switch players.

By fixing what needed improvement and keeping what was already good intact, Nintendo gave the Switch the definitive version of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. It's a small miracle, especially if we remember that this game probably wouldn't get this treatment if the Japanese manufacturer wasn't experiencing a moment of absolute confidence with its current console.

A fun and beautiful remake of a stylish, two-decade-old JRPG with all its strengths and flaws. It could benefit from more significant design changes and additional features, but while it may pose some questions for modern players, nostalgia lovers will feel right at home.

For all of these reasons, plus a good remastering job, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door for the Nintendo Switch ends up leaving you with a remarkable taste in your mouth. If you decide to experience this adventure for the first time, you'll never forget the members of your party or the stories of Peach, Bowser and some of the sidekicks. Your companions may play a minor role statistically, but their performances in combat are as original as the use of the controller in this game. If you're however aiming to revive the classic, it's a very decent remaster, and while it's not loaded with new features, it does add a few and the audio/visual package is well worth the wait.

Paper Mario is certainly a very good game. It's sure to delight fans of the license, as well as old hands who've already played the original game 20 years ago on Gamecube. Newcomers, meanwhile, will discover one of the best spin-offs of the famous moustachio. Gripping, fun, funny and charming to the eye, the game has it all. Our only complaint is that the difficulty is still not quite up to scratch, even if those unfamiliar with the genre may find it a little hard to get going at first. On the plus side, this Mario Paper is, like all the games in the license, archi-accessible and well thought-out. It's an ideal entry point for young players who want to discover the basics of turn-based RPGs. In any case, whatever your profile, unless you're totally allergic to the license or hermetic to the genre, Paper Mario is an excellent game that would be a shame to miss on Nintendo Switch.

The Nintendo Switch remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a fantastic Mario RPG that's every bit as good now as it was on the GameCube.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’s is irresistible for nostalgic gamers and Mushroom Kingdom newcomers alike. Though its combat and recycled areas leave something to be desired, two decades have done little to dull this game’s charisma.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door was always a game built on solid foundations, but that doesn't mean a remake wasn't needed. While this new edition doesn't fix all the problems, it is undoubtedly the best option for catching up with the iconic RPG and getting to know its unique crew of characters.

The last Paper Mario with an RPG twist, charmingly reworked and brought into shape for a new generation, unfortunately only marginally streamlined.

Nintendo continues to play it cool on the Switch's end-of-life, offering a solid remake of a Paper Mario episode considered one of the saga's best. A game that is bound to resonate in the hearts of many Gamecube gamers, thanks to its impeccable graphical restoration and welcome comfort options. The Thousand Year Door, however, retains the shortcomings of the original, with incessant back-and-forth that highlights the weaknesses of the level-design (excluding dungeons) and chapters that are often too long.

This remake of the originally Nintendo GameCube game is a must play if you don't have or haven't played the original game. The charm of the story and visual style will have you enjoying it, the soundtrack is on point and the story is engaging. However, it is noticeable that some animations have disappeared and in addition, it is a bit weird to play the game at a lower fps count compared to the original one. A missed opportunity. But don't let that stop you from considering getting this game.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door will probably be the last Mario game to release (solely) on the Switch. While I’d have loved a new Mario game, porting this cult classic means that a new generation of players can experience it. New fans will have a ball, laughing along with Mario & co., even if their experience will be slightly marred by the backtracking and pacing. Old fans will enjoy the quality of life improvements and some new additions. Whether you’re a Paper Mario veteran or this is your first time entering his origami world, this is the definitive way to experience The Thousand-Year Door.

While I wasn’t there for the original, I now completely get just why Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is so revered among Mario fans, and why demands for a remaster were practically ceaseless. It’s the absolute pinnacle of Mario RPGs, and if it was a bit more focused as an overall narrative experience, in the discussion as one of the plumber’s best-ever games.

While the new Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door preserves the gonzo charm that made the original game a cult classic, not a lot has been done to deal with its padding and other design quirks. If you’re a hardcore Thousand-Year Door fan, worry not, you’re going to love this spiffy new version. If you’re new to the game or weren’t entirely sold the first time around, you’re still likely to find plenty to enjoy here, but you may also notice a few tattered edges.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a great remake when it comes to the visual aspects, but not so much regarding the gameplay elements. Since the original gameplay has mostly been left untouched, the battle system doesn't shine as much as it used to, and it feels like it is lacking in dynamism. Nevertheless, the original game wasn't a hit because of the fights; it was its story that made it special, and an artistic design that still looks great 20 years later. And last but not least, it must not be forgotten that it features some of the most charismatic characters ever seen in the Mario-verse.

Maybe The Paper Mario series is not the most bankable or popular in the Mario universe, but it has a visual and gameplay approach that is no less interesting. If we were able to discover a new episode in 2020 on Switch, Nintendo is today offering us the opportunity to rediscover a major episode, that of the GameCube which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. If the gameplay has not changed one iota and remains as enjoyable as ever, even if we deplore a certain redundancy in the progression with a lot of comings and goings.

I have no doubt that if you loved Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door the first time around there’s nothing here that will detract from your memories – and if you’re looking to check the game out for the first time, it’s probably aged better than most of its contemporaries, the occasionally slow pacing aside. But throughout my time with Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, I found my attention wandering and my interest waning far too much to be able to say I have the same amount of love for it as others do.

As expected, Paper Mario: The Millennium Door HD follows the same path as the original 2004 version. This remastered version maintains the excellence of its pen with a cast of characters each as striking as the next with a combat system that has already proven itself. The modernized artistic direction works wonders, both visually and aurally. But form is not everything. The structure of the game can quickly weigh on anyone who is allergic to the multiple forced back and forth, especially since the features to relieve this archaic architecture are too little impactful to relieve its heaviness. In short, Paper Mario: The Millennium Door HD remains the best way to discover the best of Mario RPGs when it is released on May 23, 2024 on Nintendo Switch. But we must keep in mind that it also risks tarnishing the wonderful memories that some people have of it.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door looks great on Switch, making it exciting to move from one location to the next, each interesting in its own way. Its writing is brilliant, too, with some genuinely funny jokes that will have you grinning as you play. It's just a shame that its turn-based combat gets old quite fast, and is devoid of challenge.

As a whole, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has a lot of top-quality entertainment to offer, but you will have to accept periods of frustration and tedium along the way.

Where most Mario games will leave a smiling impression between bouts of frustration, this Paper Mario entry wants you to be laughing out loud as well. I’m just worried that the humour might not carry everyone to the finish line in light of repetition, laborious backtracking and uninteresting combat. But there’s no denying that this remake is polished to the smoothest presentable sheen, leaving a first impression I still love, even though it burned me out long before the credits.