Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Paper Mario 2: Thousand Year Door is another one of those Ninentdo sequels that was put on a higher console than the original. But, like most of the 'higher console' sequels, I can't review the original, simple because I have not played it in a long time, or have not played it at all. For this one...I have not played it at all.

Anyways, Paper Mario 2 is an awesome game. Why? Well, most importantly, it has very simplified game play. No need for Final Fantasy like stats, and advanced customization. No. This one keeps the numbers of the stats small and tidy. For example, you only have a set of stats to manage: Health, Badge Power and Flower Power. Your health is obviously what keeps you alive. Any video game fan would know that. Badge Power tells you how many badges to equip. These badges can help you in battle, and the more badge power you have, the more badges you can equip. Simple. Flower Power lets you use special attacks. The more Flower Power you have, the more special attacks you can use. Simple as that.

The game is presented in 2-D, where the characters are paper-thin and can do things such as slip sideways into cracks in the wall.

The levels are top-notch. You will be given puzzles and challenges of all sorts. You will also be finding keys, fighting enemies, and using your allies help to advance further.

There are plenty of boss fights too. Each one is slightly different than the next. The fights are heck of fun too.

However, it does seem to have a few flaws. The coins are pretty hard to get. Things are priced pretty highly, and it takes a lot of times to gather the necessary amount of money. I'm sure it has other flaws, but I can't put my finger on them. I think I was expecting something on the same lever as Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, and I was disappointed.

Well, it is a great game, just not as great as I'd like it to be.

8.5/10

Good: Simple game play, and level variation

Bad: I am kind of biased, because I was expecting something like Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. Plus, the money system isn't that great.

10 out of 10 - A Timeless RPG Masterpiece

There are games that define a console. Then there are games that define a genre. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door does both-elevating the RPG format with bold storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a combat system that feels as fresh today as it did when it first dropped on the Nintendo GameCube.

Storytelling with Style and Heart

This isn't just Mario on another "save the princess" quest. This is a full-blown adventure drenched in mystery, charm, and emotional depth. The tale of the Thousand-Year Door is layered with ancient legends, corrupt organizations, and a villainous threat that's genuinely ominous. Every chapter introduces a new location with its own unique sub-story-whether you're solving a mystery on a train in Chapter 6, fighting in an underground wrestling league in Glitzville, or uncovering the secrets of a haunted island.

The pacing is phenomenal. The game never drags, because it constantly reinvents itself.

Combat That Demands Presence

The turn-based battle system strikes that perfect balance between strategy and engagement. The action commands keep you actively involved-timing your jumps, perfectly guarding attacks, or pulling off stylish moves that reward you with crowd cheers and bonus effects. The inclusion of a stage and audience for battles? Brilliant. It's not just flavor-it becomes a part of the mechanics. The audience can help, hinder, or turn the tide of battle entirely.

No battle ever feels like a chore. That's rare in any RPG.

A Cast of Characters That Feels Like Family

This game nails its companions better than any Mario RPG before or after: Goombella: Smart, sassy, and essential for lore. She's your in-world encyclopedia and comic relief.

Koops: The underdog with a shell full of heart.

Vivian: A former enemy turned close ally, her story of redemption and courage hits hard-and she's one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.

Bobbery: A grizzled war veteran with a tragic backstory and unwavering loyalty.

Ms. Mowz, Flurrie, and the rest bring color and dimension to every scene.

Each partner isn't just a tool for puzzles-they feel like real characters with growth, agency, and bonds that strengthen with time.

A Visual and Tonal Triumph

The paper aesthetic is at its absolute peak here. Every fold, tear, and scribble is used to deliver clever puzzles, engaging set pieces, and a storybook feel that's both nostalgic and forward-thinking. It's whimsical without being childish, emotional without being melodramatic.

And the humor? Top-tier. This game knows how to make you laugh with sharp writing, fourth-wall breaks, and dialogue that respects your intelligence.

Why It's a 10/10 Story: Deep, creative, and far more engaging than expected.

Combat: Innovative, interactive, and satisfying from start to finish.

Characters: A cast that you'll remember long after the credits roll.

Visuals and Music: A world bursting with personality, backed by a soundtrack that hits every mood.

Replay Value: Secrets, side quests, and lore that make you want to come back.

Final Verdict: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is not just the best Paper Mario game-it's one of the best RPGs Nintendo has ever made. A masterpiece of humor, heart, and design that still holds up decades later. With the remake on the horizon, it's only fitting that a new generation will get to see what made this game legendary.

As a player of Mario games since I was a teenager, I was soooo horribly disappointed by Super Mario Sunshine and was doubtful the Mario writers could ever pull off another great Mario game...Well they proved me wrong, thank God. My five year old and I LOVE this game-it's not too hard for him with my help and still engaging enough to keep me in front of it for hours. I have never played the original on N64 so I can't compare them, but this version is a great RPG with a decent storyline, combining elements and characters from all of the previous games. We bought the book with it, but I don't think it's entirely necessary for this one. Every die hard Mario should at least rent it and give it a try.

Considering these days of the 50 plus hour role playing game, it was a nice change of pace to play this quirky game. Granted it wasn't exactly short topping 30 hours, but that is still a far cry from the games out today that take over 50 without doing all the side quests. However, it being a Mario game it is going to be more kid friendly and funny rather than dramatic and epic. The fighting is turned based, however you get to push buttons to strengthen your attacks. You have two people in your party, one always being Mario and the other one of the many funny characters Mario meets during his journey through a place called Rougeport. Princess Peach sent Mario a map said to have the location of a hidden treasure on it and she wants him to meet her in Rougeport. Well Mario can't refuse, but by the time he arrives, gasp, the princess has been kidnapped. Well this time Bowser is not responsible, though he does make many humorous appearances in the game...no this time it is a mysterious group called the X-nauts. So Mario must join forces with many in the town of Rougeport and surrounding lands to obtain the crystal stars. You have your basic levels and your not so basic as you have train mystery's to solve and you must fight your way to the top in an arena type setting. So the game gives you differing things to do so all in all it is rather fun.

The story is Peach sends Mario a letter and a map saying to meet her in a town called Rouge Port. Mario goes and finds out she is gone. He thinks if he follows the map he will find her. The map shows the location of the seven crystal stars to open the-thousand-year-door which is said to have a massive treasure behind it. Some bad guys called the X-Neuts or something captured Peach and wanted the map. So you have to save Peach and collect the crystal stars. I recommend this game to Mario and RPG lovers. It also has a touch of comedy it won't leave you laughing but it has a few funny parts. It has colorful and clear graphics. I give this game a 9 out of 10.