Review: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Developer – Nintendo

Publisher – Nintendo

Platforms –  Nintendo Switch (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Developer

It feels like I’ve been waiting a Thousand Years (No pun intended) for Thousand-Year Door to get remade from its Gamecube days. As a Young kid, when the GameCube powered on, with its familiar startup chime, it marked the beginning of countless journeys into fantastical realms where the weight of reality seemed to dissolve. For someone grappling with the isolation of having no real friends and the pervasive gloom of depression, these games were more than just pastimes; they were vital escapes. Titles like Pokémon and Mario offered not only engaging gameplay but also a sense of achievement and connection. Interacting with beloved characters and completing quests provided structure and a comforting routine. In these virtual worlds, loneliness faded, replaced by the thrill of discovery and the warmth of imagined friendships. One of those games I spent a lot of time playing over and over was Thousand-Year Door, so this game hits a little close to home.

However did Nintendo do enough to make the Switch version worth it, or should I pull my GameCube out of the closet and play this nostalgic feel-good game on the console it was originally meant for?

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for the Nintendo Switch brings a beloved classic back into the limelight. The game retains its signature blend of charming humor, engaging story, and unique paper-craft aesthetics, all while receiving enhancements that take full advantage of the Switch’s capabilities.

The narrative of the Switch version stays true to the original GameCube release, capturing the whimsical yet occasionally dark tone that defined the 2004 classic, The Thousand-Year Door, which is the second game in the Paper Mario series following Paper Mario.

For those who haven’t played this Gamecube Gem before, the game begins by introducing a coastal town that was obliterated by a cataclysm and subsequently sank into the earth. Rogueport was later constructed at this location, with legends claiming that the treasures of the lost kingdom lie behind the Thousand-Year Door, hidden in the ruins of the old town. Princess Peach sends Mario a magical treasure map she purchased in Rogueport, urging him to join her. However, before Mario arrives, she is captured by the X-Nauts, led by Grodus, who seek the map for themselves. With the assistance of Goombella and Professor Frankly, Mario discovers that the map reveals the locations of seven legendary Crystal Stars needed to unlock the Thousand-Year Door.

Meanwhile, Peach is held captive at the X-Nauts’ base on the Moon. She gradually uncovers their plan and communicates her findings to Mario via email. At the same time, Bowser attempts to steal the Crystal Stars to take over the world. The “treasure” turns out to be the dormant Shadow Queen, the demon behind the ancient cataclysm. Grodus plans to resurrect the Shadow Queen using Peach’s body as a vessel, believing he can control her and dominate the world. Peach is moved from their base before Mario arrives. Mario unlocks the Thousand-Year Door with the Crystal Stars but fails to stop the Shadow Queen from possessing Peach. With the help of the Crystal Stars, Mario defeats and exorcises the Shadow Queen, preventing her dark magic from consuming the world. Days after Mario returns home, Toadsworth informs him that Peach has discovered another treasure map and invites Mario to search for the treasure in Rogueport again, much to his dismay.

While the core story remains unchanged, the Switch Remake boasts revamped graphics, animations, and music, along with several new features and enhancements that include an updated fast travel system, as well as two additional secret bosses.

One minor upset is the game doesn’t run at 60 FPS, and instead 30 FPS, unlike the GameCube version once did. Although this doesn’t feel horrible, or take away from the game, it would be nice to play at the same FPS as the original on newer hardware, which should be capable of the 60 FPS.

Some other cool little things the Switch version added is the ability to switch to the original GameCube soundtrack, as well as a gallery for viewing art and music.

With the launch of the Switch Remake, the game has also received significant praise within the community for its updated English script. Notable changes include the removal of certain scenes, such as Goombella being catcalled by villainous Goombas and defending herself, and the restoration of elements like Vivian’s portrayal as a trans character.

In conclusion, the remake of the game successfully blends nostalgia with modern enhancements, offering a visually refreshed experience while maintaining the charm and essence of the original. Nintendo has managed to strike a delicate balance between paying homage to the beloved classic and introducing contemporary updates that appeal to both new players and long-time fans.

It’s challenging for me to make this comparison, given my deep affection for the GameCube version, which holds a special place in my gaming memories. The countless hours spent exploring its immersive world and the emotional connection formed with its characters are irreplaceable. However, I must admit that the Switch version not only meets but, in some aspects, exceeds the high standards set by its predecessor. While my nostalgia for the GameCube version remains strong, the Switch remake stands out as a remarkable achievement in its own right.