Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a masterpiece of storytelling and turn-based strategy that finally made its way home to the Switch. It is the long-awaited remake of a GameCube masterpiece, and it delivered in every possible way. After playing the original GameCube version on my Wii back in 2019, I was desperately hoping this game would see a remake. It honestly feels way ahead of its time for a 2004 release, and seeing it modernized like this is a dream come true. This is arguably the peak of the Paper Mario franchise, combining a turn-based combat system that rewards rhythm and timing with a narrative that is actually funny, dark, and deeply engaging.
The game is a brilliant piece of art with incredible music, and while the new rearranged tracks are fantastic, I love that they even gave us the option to listen to the original 2004 score with a special badge. It takes the paper aesthetic to the next level with updated lighting and textures that make the world look like a real pop-up book. The writing here is just brilliant and actually funny. While it doesn't fold under the pressure of constant paper puns like later entries, the story still managed to stay crisp and keep me hooked from start to finish. You can even transform into things like a paper boat or a paper airplane to navigate the environment, and unlocking these new abilities feels almost like a Metroidvania as you return to previous areas to explore sections you couldn't reach before.
Deep RPG Mechanics and the Badge System
What truly sets this game apart is the depth of its RPG mechanics, particularly the Badge system. Badges allow you to customize Mario's abilities in almost infinite ways, whether you want to add powerful new attacks like Power Smash, boost your defense, or even change the sound effects of your hammer. This gives you total control over your playstyle and makes every level-up feel meaningful. The combat itself is a highlight thanks to the Action Commands. Instead of just picking a move from a menu, you have to stay engaged by timing button presses to deal extra damage or pull off a Superguard to negate an incoming attack entirely. This makes every turn feel active and rewarding.
But the "rhythm" of the battle extends even further than just button prompts. Every fight takes place on a literal stage in front of a live audience. If you perform well, the audience fills your Star Power, allowing you to pull off massive special moves. But be careful, because some audience members might try to throw rocks at you, or the stage equipment itself might fall and hurt you or your enemies. It adds this layer of unpredictable, theatrical chaos that you just don't see in other RPGs.
A Memorable Cast and Satisfying Loop
You aren't alone in this quest, either. You join Mario as he searches for the mysterious Crystal Stars, meeting a memorable cast of partners like Goombella, Admiral Bobbery, and the fan-favorite Vivian. Each partner has their own unique personal backstories and specific combat roles, and you can swap between them mid-battle to adapt to any situation. Vivian can hide Mario in the shadows to avoid attacks, while Bobbery can blast through heavy defenses. The game even lets you step away from Mario between chapters, giving you control over Princess Peach as she interacts with a mysterious AI, or a hilarious version of Bowser as he plays through side-scrolling levels that parody the original Super Mario Bros.
The gameplay loop is incredibly satisfying: you arrive in a new, bizarre location, use your partners' unique abilities to solve environmental puzzles, and engage in rhythmic battles that reward you with Star Points to grow stronger. This traditional RPG focus is why many fans prefer it over more recent entries like The Origami King. While that game was beautiful, its puzzle-based ring combat could feel a bit repetitive and lacked the rewarding character progression found here. In TTYD, every fight feels like it matters. If you have never played a Paper Mario game before, this is absolutely the one you should pick up first. It reminds us that when Nintendo leans into its weird side, the results are unforgettable and timeless.
