Common Sense Media Review
By Chad Sapieha
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic RPG remake is more inclusive and more fun.
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Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
What’s It About?
PAPER MARIO: THE THOUSAND-YEAR DOOR is a more or less screen-for-screen remake of the 2004 classic for GameCube, heralded by many critics and fans as the best game in Nintendo's paper-themed RPG series. It begins with a tale of a city that was lost to the ages, and how a new town—called Rogueport—now stands in its place. While exploring Rogueport on vacation, Princess Peach finds a mysterious map. She sends word to Mario that she'd like him to help her follow it wherever it leads. He answers her call, leading to an adventure that finds Peach kidnapped, an ancient evil rediscovered, and the start of a quest for seven ancient crystal stars. Outside of story scenes, players spend their time running around the world, solving puzzles, and getting into turn-based battles with aggressive creatures, including both classic Mario enemies such as goombas and koopa troopas, as well as new enemies who are part of a mysterious group called the X-Nauts. Players control Mario (and the handful of allies he recruits along the way) by choosing attacks—such as a hammer blow or a jump and stomp —and then making well-timed button presses as the move is carried out. As the game goes on, Mario learns several special attacks and levels up in health and strength, better preparing him for challenging boss battles.
Is It Any Good?
It's wonderful that Nintendo has given a whole new generation of gamers a chance to play this timeless classic. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is one of Mario's very best adventures, and like a fine wine, it's aged quite well. Aside from some simple but pretty graphical updates and a rerecorded score, Nintendo has added some great quality-of-life features, such as the ability to fast-travel in order to get around without backtracking, and a "partner ring" that makes it quicker and easier to switch out Mario's current ally. What's most heartening is seeing Vivian—the long beloved trans character whose identity was previously hidden in the original Western release—allowed to fully express herself in the remake.
While the changes are welcome, what makes this game truly great is what hasn't changed: the story. It's filled with unlikely allies and unexpected twists, and is compelling from start to finish, with turn-based combat that hits just right. It blends the sort of take-your-time strategy that old-school role-playing games are famous for with timed button taps that help keep players focused while ensuring battle outcomes aren't determined solely by math. Whether they're playing for the first, fifth, or fiftieth time, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is bound to prove a treat for any RPG-loving Nintendo gamer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a remake of an older game. What were some elements that were different? What was the same? Did this remake make sense to you? Why, or why not?
Families can talk about the transgender character, Vivian. Why do you think references to her transgenderism were removed from the original Western release? Why were they restored here? What has changed in our culture and in gaming in the decades since the original game came out?
Themes of curiosity and compassion are present throughout the game. Why are these important character strengths?
Game Details
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Pricing structure: Paid ($59.99)
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release date: May 23, 2024
- Genre: Role-Playing
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Adventures
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Curiosity
- ESRB rating: E for Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: June 5, 2024
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