So yeah, it’s fair to say we rather like the new remake. But what have other stores made of it? Well, as is the norm with a major Switch release, we’ve compiled some opinions from around the interwebs to hopefully bring a little closer to the general consensus.
So without further ado, let’s dive right in…
First, VGC gave the game a full score 5/5 starsciting “still engaging RPG mechanics” and quality of life improvements, but noting that some levels feel slightly dated:
“Thousand-Year Door is an adventure that remains as memorable and captivating as any of Mario’s many spin-offs to date. It’s a consistently inventive and fun adventure that holds up well on Nintendo Switch and is truly unique among the mascot library. We’re grateful for the chance to experience it again.”
Gamespot gave the game a beautiful score 9/10she praises the visuals and the new fast travel system, while criticizing the lack of accessibility options, which she says could make some fast events difficult for some:
“The Switch version of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is the definitive way to play the best turn-based Mario-starring RPG. More of an enhanced HD remaster than a full-on remake, The Thousand-Year Door has small but meaningful quality-of-life features that alleviate the bloat from the original GameCube version The catchy remixed soundtrack perfectly complements the thoroughly entertaining and dynamic turn-based combat system Throw in a star-studded cast and consistently playful writing and The Thousand -Year Door has all the ingredients of an incredible turn-based RPG, it always has, but now they’re blended a little better .”
IGN said “hold my beer” with their own 9/10 review and highlight how faithful the remake is to the original while praising the various updates:
“Paper Mario has finally returned to its RPG roots with the stunningly faithful and visually stunning remake of The Thousand-Year Door. Everything Nintendo fans have been begging to bring back is here, including a wonderfully colorful turn-based battle system with satisfying real-time elements and unique, lovable party members that are essential to both the story and the gameplay, Rogueport and its surroundings are bursting with personality thanks to writing that is as sharp and witty today as it was in 2004. It also features a number of modern improvements that simplify (but don’t eliminate) problems with a flashback to the original, making it the ultimate way to experience Mario’s quest for crystal stars.There’s a reason why The Thousand-Year Door was considered one of Nintendo’s best games of the past 20 years, and this brilliant remake ensures that you it will maintain that reputation for at least a thousand more.”
Destructoid offered the score 8.5/10 and praised the game’s originality and how it differs from later titles, but also mentioned that the updated visuals have a “shiny” feel that some may find a bit odd:
“The weirdest thing is actually the graphics upgrades. A lot of the little details have been redone, which is nice. But for some reason it’s part of the overhaul to make everything a little reflective. Like, it’s still paper, but it’s glossy or laminated. To be fair, it looks that really good Paper Mario Aesthetically, it’s a collection of handmade dioramas. I don’t know anyone who does work with glossy paper.”
Finally TheGamer’s 8/10 review called Thousand-Year Door “the definitive way to play the classics”:
“Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door will likely be the last Mario game to be released (only) on the Switch. While Wonder will take the praise, bringing this cult classic over means a new generation of players will be able to experience it. New fans have a ball, laugh along with Mario & co., though their experience will be marred a bit by the backtracking and pacing Old fans will enjoy quality of life improvements and some new additions, whether you’re a Paper Mario veteran or this is your first foray into his world of origami, this is the definitive way to experience The Thousand-Year Door.”
So overall, it was pretty positive, and the game currently sits at a respectable 89 on Metacritic. It sounds like a must, whether you’re a fan of the original or not, and it might be one of the last major Mario titles for the Switch before the new hardware arrives.