In an exciting and very out-of-left-field revelation during the September 2023 Nintendo Direct, Nintendo announced the much-awaited comeback of the iconic Paper Mario with a remake of what’s easily the best Paper Mario game ever, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
This heartening news promises a dive back into the remarkable GameCube RPG that initially made the headlines all the way back in 2004, which, like the other recent revelations from Nintendo, was leaked months ahead of the official announcement.
The Paper Mario series is renowned for its unique blend of enthralling 3D animation coupled with standout 2D visuals that present a delightful paper origami-style experience.
The Thousand-Year Door, with its timeless art and design, continues this tradition, evoking memories of childhood for many gamers. The Switch version promises not just a faithful representation of this beloved title, but an elevated one. While the game’s original paper and cardboard art design already holds up impeccably, the new graphical upgrades on the Nintendo Switch hardware are evident and breathtaking.
At first glance, we wouldn’t blame you if you said that the characters genuinely look like cardboard cutouts springing to life, making the entire experience more immersive.
What’s even more fascinating is how the remake mirrors the original in its story and gameplay. The snippets from the trailer show an array of recognizable moments that many fondly recall from their GameCube days. These sequences are bound to strike a chord with long-time fans while introducing the charm of the game to a new audience.
This dedication to staying faithful is evident from the game’s strong RPG mechanics and the humorous and engrossing writing that made the original so captivating. The franchise itself, including recent titles like The Origami King, has been a fan favourite for a long time, yet none have seemed to encapsulate the magic of The Thousand-Year Door. The allure lies in its inventive minigames, genuine comedy, and the meticulous balance between traditional Mario elements and RPG components.
Interestingly, the announcement of this remake follows the recent unveiling of another classic, the Super Mario RPG, confirming that Nintendo is steering its attention towards reinvigorating its iconic RPGs. This trend is a testament to the lasting impact of these titles but also points towards a strategic move by Nintendo, especially given the success of the animated Super Mario movie earlier this year.
Fans of the Mario franchise are indeed in for a treat with multiple offerings such as Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Princess Peach: Showtime, Mario vs. Donkey Kong, and more on the horizon.
It’s clear that the Paper Mario art style, with its 3-dimensional charm, has aged gracefully over the years. This is evident from the visuals of the Switch remake, which elevates Mario’s world into a tangible, arts-and-crafts realm.
Nostalgia seems to be a driving factor for these remakes, as evident from fans’ long-standing demands for the return of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. This clamor is primarily because of the game’s enchanting world, engaging story, and its relative unavailability since its GameCube days. It’s a world where players would eagerly delve into every nook and cranny, uncovering humorous dialogues, engaging in strategic battles, and unraveling an expansive narrative.
In the words of many, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is the last pure Mario RPG that retained the series’ core: pure fun and joy.
Of course, it probably doesn’t hurt that Mario is as red hot as he’s ever been these days, with the incoming release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder and the billion-dollar outing that you might have heard of, The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Ultimately, for those who experienced the game almost two decades ago, the re-release of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a chance to relive cherished memories, while for others, it’s an opportunity to understand why this game holds such a special place in the hearts of many.
The wait might be until next year, but for many, the journey back in time has already begun.
