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LONDON: Twenty years after its original release on the Nintendo GameCube, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door returns to delight a new generation of gamers on the Nintendo Switch.

This updated version features modern graphics, polished storylines, and many new features that improve accessibility, while retaining the charm that delighted fans two decades ago.

The trademarks of the Paper Mario series and the entire Mario franchise include the vibrant and bold color palette, the sleek interface, and the incredibly addictive background music that players have come to love.

The transition to the Nintendo Switch allows for a visually stunning rendition of the classic game, making it an easy win for Nintendo as they can reintroduce this beloved title to a loyal and supportive fanbase. Although the Paper Mario series occupies a niche in the larger Mario universe, it stands out for its creativity, humor, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

The plot of The Thousand-Year Door revolves around a mysterious treasure hidden behind the titular door. The original game was praised for its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and improved gameplay mechanics. These elements have been retained and refined in the Switch version. Players guide the 2D paper version of Mario through a detailed 3D world populated by familiar faces from the Mario universe. This mix of two-dimensional characters in a three-dimensional world creates a unique visual and gameplay experience that is just as captivating today as it was 20 years ago.

With around 30 hours of gameplay focused on the main objectives, The Thousand-Year Door isn’t the longest game by RPG standards. However, newcomers to the series should note that it features significantly more story and dialogue than the average Mario adventure. This RPG engine is what sets the game apart, offering a strategic and narrative depth not typically found in Mario’s classic platform games.

The game’s turn-based battle system is a central element, offering a more tactical approach to battles. Players must target opponents’ weaknesses and plan their moves carefully, a departure from the frantic, merciless action of traditional Mario games. This strategic element is further enhanced by collecting Star Points and Coins, which can be used to purchase items in shops, providing a level-up mechanism before facing the game’s larger bosses.

In addition to the tactical battle modes, the game introduces several quality of life improvements that make it more accessible to modern audiences. These include refined controls, updated user interfaces, and various tweaks to game mechanics that optimize the overall experience without sacrificing depth or complexity.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch is a superb blend of nostalgia and innovation. It successfully updates a beloved classic for a new platform and ensures that both returning fans and newcomers can enjoy the quirky world of Paper Mario.

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant graphics, gripping story, or strategic gameplay, this updated version promises a wonderful and unforgettable adventure in the always enchanting Mushroom Kingdom.