Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (cube: 2004): Reviews

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Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door


9.1

based on 55 reviews
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How did we calculate this?

based on 47 votes
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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]

PUBLISHER:	Nintendo
DEVELOPER:	Intelligent Systems
GENRE(S):	Role-Playing Game
PLAYERS:	1
ESRB RATING:	E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE:	October 11, 2004

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

GameZone

Side-scrolling, Goomba-stomping, RPG adventuring. Paper Mario isn't among the best GameCube RPGs; it is the best.

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.

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.

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]

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]

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.

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

An enchanting adventure in Mario's familiar world, with excellent fighting and a brilliant script. [GamesMaster]

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.

3DAvenue

One of the sparklier gems in the GameCube's small but meticulously crafted treasure chest.

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.

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.

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.

Just RPG

Emotional, delightful, amazing. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a work of art no Mario fan will want to miss.

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.

Kombo

It mixes together some very well-designed elements, such as its battle system, level design, puzzle design and its funny, charming storyline.

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.

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]

GameBiz

So much on offer in the game that you might pop!

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.

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.

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.

PALGN

Brilliant visual flair and charm that make Paper Mario a treat to watch. Almost like watching a Mario cartoon.

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.

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.

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.

Weekly Famitsu

9 / 8 / 8 / 8 - 33 gold [Vol 815; 30 July 2004]

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]

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!).

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gamer.tv

A uniquely-styled and enchanting RPG filled with clever touches. [JPN Import]

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.

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]

Game Informer

The art and combat are killed in their tracks by the game's downright shameful dialogue. [Nov 2004, p.158]

The average user rating for this game is 9.1 (out of 10) based on 47 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

John E. gave it a9:
The combination of an outstanding level design, (the train and the arena were awesome) great dialogue, a great atmosphere, and the innovative battle system produce a game that's definetely worth playing. If you own a Gamecube or a Wii, you owe it to yourself to pick this up and see what a casual, yet surprisingly deep game this can be.

Alex B. gave it a9:
Paper Mario 2 is a rare game: charming, witty and entertaining. Given the varied selection of tasks you're given, you'd expect the core of the game to be slightly shallow or rough. But no, throughout the game the presentation is top-notch and secrets abound. The core combat mechanic is still fun 40 hours in, and there's plenty to savour in a 2nd replaying.

Tony G. gave it a10:
we need more games like this ... this style, this direction, everything. defines the root of videogame. true 2d/3d style. imagine if they created the original super mario bros. in this style!!! it would sell millions! i would bet millions on that! the revolution is gonna be the best new system. i will be 1st on line. just keep this game style on paper mario 3 and all is gonna be perfect.

Shaun gave it a9:
A classic. Reasons? Well, you'll have to come back to it in ten years to see truly why, but this game gets its stuff from the fun factor, art design, and story. The dialogue itself is self-loathing and hilariously cynical enough to make the most serious person grin. Don't even get me started on the genius level design and wonderful presentation. All the chapters have something unique and fun in them. Some stand out as classics such as Chapter 3 and the one on the train (Chapter 6? I can't remember). In any case, you have to be mature enough to understand why this is such a great game, and also you must have played it all the way through (duh). Oh, and btw don't pay any attention to dood ajsj's review. The game is not easy if you play the whole thing through (and don't level up like a crazy coward for ten hours so you can blast your way through). The pacing is perfect so don't screw it up for yourself. OH, and the dialogue is long, but worth it. I think we're seeing the rantings of stupid kids who don't like to read coming out on here. OMG gUyz like, there'ss like, ffifty bILLion wordsSss here!!! I would give him credit if the dialogue was crap, however 95% of it is good and needed. That's all.

Joey K. gave it a9:
Players of the original will find a lot familiar, yet plenty of new tricks. They've rehashed many of the characters and levels from the old game, but they all still work! The only big criticism is that there isr too much backtracking, which I'm surprised wasn't mentioned more in othe rreviews. Nevertheless, it's an utterly fantastic game, just like the first one.

Vinicius F. gave it a10:
It's Mario made of paper. Needs more?

Josef W. gave it a10:
Hilarious! A joy to play.