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How Metascores Are Calculated
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 GAMES: 
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 in pursuit of a threat unlike any he's ever faced. Timing Action Commands help you dodge or inflict damage, and impress the crowd to give you power for super attacks. Fold into a paper airplane and take to the air, turn sideways to slip through narrow passages, and roll into a tube to bounce to safety. This time around, more emphasis is placed on the paper abilities of Mario and his friends. He can turn sideways to slip through cracks, fold into a paper airplane to fly, roll into a tube, and much more. He can also use tons of items like hammers and thunderbolts. [Nintendo]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
Nintendophiles
Plainly put, this is one of the best games available on the Gamecube to date. Though not quite as challenging as Superstar Saga (or most RPG’s in general), Paper Mario 2 manages to remain wholly engaging from beginning to end.
 100
Cheat Code Central
A RPG that captures the excitement and fun of the Super Mario Bros series and combines it with depth found only in top-shelf RPGs. It all adds up to what is sure to be consider another Mario classic.
95
Nintendojo
If you’re looking for a great long-lasting game that’s consistently fun from open to close, quit reading this stupid review and drive to the store.
95
eToychest
There is so much here that evokes what we know and love about Mario, as well as an equal share of what is genuinely new, and all of this is bundled together in such a wonderful package that this game is destined to be a fan favorite for a long time.
95
NintendoWorldReport
There’s simply so much to see and do in Paper Mario, with secrets galore. With its entertaining characters and script and absolutely fantastic gameplay, Paper Mario will be a gem for generations to come.
95
Jolt Online Gaming UK
Now that it has arrived however, we can safely say that it’s firmly up there as one of the best games released this year.
95
Da Gameboyz
Incredible replay value, with a lengthy main storyline and dozens of sidequests and things to collect in your spare time. It seems like there's always something to get in between quests, which makes the game long-lasting and very hard to put down.
94
Armchair Empire
Flaws are in short supply. It’s easy to save, the control is great, the presentation awesome, and the gameplay deep and addictive.
94
TotalGames.net
But what strikes us the most is how polished it feels. It's pointless going on about the gameplay because by now you know it's flawless. [JPN Import]
92
BonusStage
The game can last up to 40+ hours, depending on how in-depth you want to get with your exploration. Once you make if past the first 3 hours or so, things begin to pick up quickly, so don’t start thinking the game is as slow paced as the beginning stages.
92
Gaming Target
There are loads of savory things to do in this paper-made world that's funny, and original, and just solid by any and all means.
92
GameSpot
It's practically overflowing with wonderful, funny characters, memorable subplots, inventive gameplay, and beautiful visuals, and it's lengthy and quite challenging to boot.
92
Gamezilla!
Certainly one of the best new Mario games to come to market in recent years, blending the best of many of Nintendo’s game types into something that is a blast to play and varied enough to capture and keep your attention from beginning to end.
92
Nintendo Power
Hardcore RPG fans, wait for "Baten Kaitos;" everyone else, plan on following the most hee-haw-larious yarn spun in years. [Dec 2004, p.140]
92
GameZone
Side-scrolling, Goomba-stomping, RPG adventuring. Paper Mario isn't among the best GameCube RPGs; it is the best.
91
Next Level Gaming
Bottom line, this game is very, very good, but it is not a system seller. If you already own a GameCube, I highly recommend buying this game.
91
IGN
Get past the slow-moving first chapter and some clunky NPC path finding routines in chapter 2 and you'll be hooked. The story is funny, the gameplay varied, and the world so charming, you'll want to explore every last corner of it.
91
Play Magazine
In terms of sheer fun, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is the best RPG I've played in a long time. [Dec 2004, p.80]
90
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Seriously, random villagers in this game have more character than major players in other RPGs, and certain moments are literally laugh-out-loud funny. [Dec 2004, p.168]
90
GameCube Europe
The game starts rather slow (like most RPGs) and there are a few fetch quests that feel like they’re just there to make the game longer, but overall this has to be one of the best, if not the best RPG on the Cube.
90
Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
An enchanting adventure in Mario's familiar world, with excellent fighting and a brilliant script. [GamesMaster]
90
Yahoo! Games
While this isn't a hardcore title, the puzzles and numerous battles will keep serious gamers busy for some time. Paper Mario is easy to play, exceptional fun, and a thoroughly engaging title.
90
3DAvenue
One of the sparklier gems in the GameCube's small but meticulously crafted treasure chest.
90
AceGamez
A simplified RPG at its core, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is just too charming, funny and unique to dislike and you'll probably be smiling and feel good the whole way through.
90
netjak
The only negative thing that I can say about this game is that it is extremely addictive; players can expect to find themselves completely engrossed, blissfully unaware of how much time has passed since they picked up the controller.
90
EuroGamer
And it'll soak up far more of YOU than "Mario & Luigi" or the other Mario RPGs ever did, too. It's easy to believe you could spend as long with this as you could a decent-length Final Fantasy title.
90
Just RPG
Emotional, delightful, amazing. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a work of art no Mario fan will want to miss.
90
GameCritics
Its battles are strangely beautiful. Most of all, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is the most fun I've had spending 50 hours—and 50 dollars—in a long, long time.
90
Kombo
It mixes together some very well-designed elements, such as its battle system, level design, puzzle design and its funny, charming storyline.
90
Inside Gamer Online
Every single element to the game is polished to such a high degree that virtually everything you do in the game is highly entertaining.
90
GMR Magazine
The mix of 2D characters on a 3D plane not only looks appealing, the gameplay that's designed around the concept (Mario's transformation skills in particular) is a creative fusion of art and design. [Nov 2004, p.105]
89
GameBiz
So much on offer in the game that you might pop!
89
Worth Playing
Simple enough for kids to enjoy, while challenging and funny enough that adults will get a kick out of it. It's great for newbies to the Mario games, while it's got plenty of nostalgic humor for older gamers.
86
My Gamer
It isn’t exactly revolutionary, but there are some key moments in the game that just had me grinning from ear to ear.
86
Nintendo Insider
Retains so much of the original that anyone who loved the first one will still love this one, and anyone who hated the first one will likewise hate this one.
85
PALGN
Brilliant visual flair and charm that make Paper Mario a treat to watch. Almost like watching a Mario cartoon.
85
1UP
It's a testament to the diversity of the medium that in a season marked by realistic, violent and often grim video games like "GTA," "Halo 2" and "Def Jam: FFNY," a game like Paper Mario can be so willfully charming, harmless and child-friendly in appearance and still make for a compelling, sophisticated experience.
83
Gaming Age
Some of the story is a bit contrived and the game may give players a bit of “been there, done that”, but it’s a very fun game to play through. There are enough twists in the story and surprises to be seen to keep Mario fans playing until the very end.
83
Game Revolution
Despite its lack of serious innovation, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is another fun, high-quality RPG. Its humor, gameplay and delivery combine to create an excellent romp through familiar terrain.
83
Weekly Famitsu
9 / 8 / 8 / 8 - 33 gold [Vol 815; 30 July 2004]
80
games(TM)
Yes the story has weak spots – having to actually play through some of the cut-scenes can be annoying when all you want to do is get back to the action – but much of it is as absorbing as you’d expect from an RPG... More than worthy of the Nintendo name. [Christmas 2004, p.108]
80
GamePro
Classic RPG elements (like turn-based battles, item stores, and a rich plotline) flesh out classic Mario elements (like star/coin collecting, pipe travel, and jumping on things' heads as a means of violent retribution) to create a thoroughly enjoyable gaming experience (as long as you can tolerate the cuuute!).
80
GamerFeed
The RPG for those of us that dislike RPGs. It's easy to play, funny, absolutely gorgeous, and filled with plenty of good old fashioned Nintendo fun. Also, the soundtrack is amazing.
80
G4 TV
Firmly establishes Mario as an RPG force. The game is a stylish, accessible game for RPG veterans and newcomers of all ages, and shouldn’t be missed by fans of Mario, RPGs, or just great games.
80
Sydney Morning Herald
Battles can become repetitive and backtracking is frequently required, but it is a lengthy journey filled with entertaining scenes and a clever, self-referential script.
80
Edge Magazine
The strength of the Mario RPG series has always been the convincing lunacy with which it depicts the 'ordinary' life of the mushroom kingdom. You may have steered Mario through some strange odd-jobs in your time, but Paper Mario 2 is your best chance to actually be him. [Christmas 2004, p.86]
80
WHAM! Gaming
The story is very rich by Mario standards, and the game can be surprisingly challenging, yet accessible, making it a truly great game for gamers of all ages.
80
Gamestyle
The learning curve is well judged, and, due to its charm, should appeal to a wide variety of Nintendo gamers, but in the world of video games at the moment that is, sadly, a minority.
80
GamerArchive
Paper Mario 2 is full to the brim with that classic magical gameplay that only Nintendo can produce. It’s witty; it’s fun, and highly original in terms of both visual style and gameplay. Even if you hate RPGs, you can’t go wrong with this little gem.
80
Electric Playground
One of the great strengths of Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is that although everything is pretty simple, none of it is so simple as to be boring.
80
GameSpy
It makes fun of itself relentlessly, yet still manages to be earnest when it matters, and the gameplay around which it's built takes the best elements of the Mario games' trademark simplicity, and constructs out of them a compelling, engrossing RPG.
80
Gamer.tv
A uniquely-styled and enchanting RPG filled with clever touches. [JPN Import]
75
Detroit Free Press
The battles are turn-based, with a number of different physical and magical attacks available depending on the abilities of the fighter and what tricks you've picked up. Impress the crowd and you draw more spectators and rewards.
70
NTSC-uk
The shortcomings of the RPG exploration is made up for by the endearing characterisation, and splendid battle system. It is curious, then, that Mario himself is the least charismatic character in the game; his black, empty, beady little eyes betray his empty in-game personality. [JPN Import]
68
Game Informer
The art and combat are killed in their tracks by the game's downright shameful dialogue. [Nov 2004, p.158]
John E. gave it a9: Alex B. gave it a9: Tony G. gave it a10: Shaun gave it a9: Joey K. gave it a9: Vinicius F. gave it a10: Josef W. gave it a10: |
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