So yes, it’s fair to say we like the new remake quite a bit. But what did other outlets think of it? Well, as is customary with major Switch releases, we’ve compiled a handful of opinions from around the internet to hopefully give a small sense of the general consensus.
So without further ado, let’s get straight into it…
First of all, VGC gave the game full marks 5/5 starsciting the “consistently addictive RPG mechanics” and quality of life improvements, but notes that some levels feel a bit dated:
“Thousand-Year Door is an adventure that remains as memorable and compelling as any of Mario’s many spin-offs to date. It’s a thoroughly inventive and entertaining adventure that holds up brilliantly on Nintendo Switch and feels truly unique in the mascot’s library. We are grateful for the opportunity to experience it again.”
Gamespot gave the game a nice score of 9/10praises the graphics and the new fast travel system, while criticizing the lack of accessibility options that may make some of the fast time events difficult for some:
“The Switch version of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is the definitive way to play the best turn-based RPG starring Mario. More of an enhanced HD remaster than a full-fledged remake, The Thousand-Year Door has small but meaningful quality of life features that tone down some of the bloat of the original GameCube version. The catchy remixed soundtrack beautifully complements the thoroughly fun and dynamic turn-based battle system. The Thousand-Year Door has all the ingredients of an incredible turn-based RPG. Well, it’s always had them, but now they’re a little better combined.
IGN said “Hold my beer” with his own 9/10 Review and emphasized how faithful the remake is to the original while praising the various updates:
“Paper Mario has finally returned to its RPG roots with an incredibly faithful and visually stunning remake of The Thousand-Year Door. Everything fans have been begging Nintendo to bring back is here, including a wonderfully varied turn-based combat system with satisfying real-world time elements and unique, lovable party members that are integral to both the story and gameplay personality, thanks to writing that’s just as sharp and witty today as it was in 2004. It also introduces a host of modern improvements that streamline (but don’t eliminate) the original’s backtracking issues, making this the best way to go about Mario’s Quest to experience the crystal stars. There’s a reason The Thousand-Year Door is considered one of the best Nintendo games ever over the past 20 years, and this brilliant remake ensures it will maintain that reputation for at least a thousand more years.
Destructoid offered a score of 8/10 and praised the game’s originality and how it stands out from the later titles, but also mentioned that the updated graphics have a “glossy” feel that some may find a bit strange:
“The strangest thing is actually the graphical improvements. A lot of little details have been reworked, which is nice. But for some reason part of the rework is to make everything slightly reflective. It’s still paper, but it’s glossy or laminated.” For some reason I have to say that it was very pleasant for my brain to see these gentle reflections on every surface Paper Mario The aesthetic aspect is that it is a collection of handmade dioramas. I don’t know anyone who does crafts with glossy paper.”
Finally TheGamer’s 8/10 Review titled “Thousand-Year Door” as “the definitive way to play a classic”:
“Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door will likely be the last Mario game to release (exclusively) on the Switch. While Wonder will receive the acclaim, the port of this cult classic means a new generation of gamers can experience it. New fans will.” Have fun and laugh with Mario and Co., even if your experience is somewhat marred by the backtracking and pacing. Old fans will enjoy the quality of life improvements and some new additions. Entering its origami world for the first time is the definitive way to experience the Thousand Year Gate.
So all in all, it’s been pretty positive throughout and the game currently sits at a respectable 89 on Metacritic. It sounds like a must-have whether you’re a fan of the original or not, and it could well be one of the last important Mario titles for the Switch will be ahead of the upcoming new hardware.