Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Reviews

• A worthy sequel to one of the best N64 games

  
  By A24MUQNWPDWZIH on 2004-11-11
  I'm a 37-year-old husband and father; probably not the game's biggest target demographic, but more adults play these games than you may think!
  
  I played (and completed) the excellent Paper Mario for the Nintendo 64 a few years ago, along with my young son. It was very close to a perfect game: visually spectacular, original, engaging, moderately challenging, and filled with goofy cut scenes. The episode-based play worked perfectly to keep both of us from getting bored or frustrated; it was impossible to go too far down a dead end, or "lose" the game.
  
  I'm happy to say that this sequel is worthy of the original. There is again an elaborate plot and back-story, there are more engaging Mushroom Kingdom characters, and lots more great paper effects. The papery world can get peeled back like Post-It note, torn like a Kleenex, folded like origami, and spring out like the pictures in a pop-up book. The characters have more to say (sometimes more than you want them to say!) The game's designers paid a great deal of attention to user interface and playability, and it really shows.
  
  The Paper Mario games are not terribly difficult. That's a good thing, especially if the game-players in your household are young or less experienced. If you're an adult and at all good at figuring out strategy-based battles, you may rarely lose a fight. This may make the game seem to easy, but in that case there are still plenty of silly cut scenes, animations, mini-games, and side quests to keep you entertained.
  
  This is also the kind of video game that is enjoyable to watch someone else play: the beautiful color palettes, animations, and secret objects are enough to occupy two peoples' attention, so try trading off with your kids and showing off your stylin' moves (and don't bogart that joystick!)
  
  The original Paper Mario game had a few drawbacks. The large number of battles could occasionally become tedious. This game improves on the original in giving you an audience to distract you and cheer for you during fights. The menu of available moves, badges, and items is even more elaborate than in the original, so you can focus on clever strategies. In fact, you have to pay at least some attention to careful use of your party members and special attacks: some enemies are impervious to all standard attacks, and will require cleverness to beat, just as many of the worlds contain areas that will only open to you after you've gained additional special abilities.
  
  One last comment: these games are short. I think I finished the first one in about twenty hours of play, and I did not rush. Twenty hours may sound like a lot, but not when compared to a game like Donkey Kong 64, which might take a player ten times longer. If you are a hardcore gamer, you might want to look elsewhere, but if you have a life outside of video games, and don't have a lot of free time to spare, this is the game for you. You might find yourself, like me, wishing at the end that there were more secrets to uncover and more silly mini-games to play. I have not finished this new Paper Mario, but I've found most of the stars, so it will probably not be long. I'm looking forward to what I expect will be a spectacular ending!
  
  P.S.: Addendum to the above, added after posting the original.
  
  I may be mis-remembering how long it took me to finish the original Paper Mario for the N64; it may have been more like 40 or 50 hours; still, compared to some of the more elaborate platformers, it was a relatively short game. In any event, this game is proving to a bit longer than that.
  
  I've gotten past the thousand-year door, but decided to backtrack before confronting the final bosses so I could go rack up some additional levels, find all the shine sprites and boost my party members' levels to maximum, solve "troubles," and in general extend the playing experience. In other words, I'm not in a hurry for the game to be over.
  
  I've also decided I won't want to finish the game until I've beaten... (chilling music)... the Pit of 100 Trials. The Pit is a sadistic device designed especially to appeal to compulsive perfectionists like me. It is basically a one-way sequence of battle rooms. To finish, you must win consecutive battles of increasing difficulty. Every tenth room contains a treasure and the opportunity to bail out and return to the start. There is occasionally the chance to skip ahead a few levels or buy some items, but for the most part you just have to slog through; there are no save blocks available along the way, and if you give up, you will have to start again from the beginning.
  
  While you start out with low-level Goombas, by the time you reach the 80s you will be confronting black steel chain chomps and magical creatures who carry many special abilities and items. You'll find yourself and your partner paralyzed, confused, or frozen, and then attacked multiple times by creatures who can do ten or twenty points of damage with a single blow. By the time you reach the 90s, your foes will make the boss fights to date look easy. Also, you can't easily pump up your experience by bailing out and restarting the series; completing a battle you've already won will only give you a single star point.
  
  This challenge is in here just for those who, like me, want the fights to be a little bit harder, requiring a little more careful strategy and planning. But taking on the Pit is entirely optional, so as not to ruin the fun of those who don't enjoy the tougher fights. Yesterday I gave out at level 93, but I will prevail!
  
  

• A lightweight RPG best suited for younger gamers

  
  By A2DGSWAKU0VB4P on 2004-11-02
  If your goal in life is to play a deep RPG with superb gameplay, stunning music, lush visuals, and a compelling storyline, then you will not achieve it with Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. If you want a game that will fill a little time with fun mechanics, passable parody, and occasional flashes of inspiration, this is the one for you.
  
  GAMEPLAY: Excellent
  Paper Mario 2 utilizes a standard RPG model for gameplay; the party journeys through an overworld, dropping into combat when an enemy is encountered. Mario and one of his sidekicks appear onscreen at all times, and only one sidekick may accompany him in battle (though they may be swapped out at will). The combat takes place on a stage, with an audience; their reactions to your exploits will gain you "Star Power" which can be used to execute special moves.
  
  As with the original Mario games, Paper Mario relies heavily on timing. Moving through the overworld often requires you to precisely time jumps or movement. Additionally, effective combat depends on the player's ability to time "Action Commands" that enhance damage, Defense Actions that decrease damage, and "Stylish" moves that excite the audience and increase Star Power. Some of these action commands, and almost all of the special moves, are so intricate that they nearly qualify as minigames in and of themselves. Though this sounds like a lot of work, it also increases the fun by engaging the player in every moment of the combat turn (unlike RPGs where the success and power of the character's attacks are essentially out of the player's hands). On the downside, some of them are so frustratingly difficult to use or operationally opaque that you'll give up on them.
  
  Games that require precise timing also need precise controls so that you don't break your controller or TV by throwing one at the other. In this respect, Paper Mario delivers, providing a minimum of frustration. Also, the game is designed so that any control failures experienced do not result in anything more damaging than a loss of 1HP. The 2D 'paper' motif also means that the camera takes a fixed viewpoint at almost all times. This is occasionally annoying because Mario will sometimes be obscured by the scenery. Additionally, some enemies can strike you and attack from offscreen; the ability to zoom out to get a wider view would have been most welcome.
  
  Character growth for Mario depends on the acquisition of Star Points, which you get from defeating enemies. Unfortunately, as you get to higher levels, you'll almost never get more than one Star Point from any given battle, making improvement a long, tedious process. After you get 100, you'll increase a level, which allows you to increase your HP, FP (essentially mana), or Badge Points. Badges are special possessions that grant a special attack or ability, including changing Mario's appearance or the sound effects that accompany his attacks (this actually becomes important at one point). Some badges require more badge points than others, though this doesn't necessarily correlate with the usefulness of the badge. Power Smash, for instance, may be the best badge in the game (it heightens your attack and also enables several Stylish moves), and only requires 1 BP. Your sidekicks can be upgraded using Shine Sprites, which you generally acquire by ramming a floating box with Mario's head.
  
  Mario also uses his papery attributes to move through the overworld. Most of these were fun, though I didn't much like Mario's paper boat form, which I found to move awkwardly and be of limited use. Mario's partners have special skills too, and proper use of them will be essential in order to progress. The puzzles are generally easy to solve, however, and one of your sidekicks (Goombella) can give you hints as well.
  
  The only major hiccup in the gameplay comes from the inventory, which is too small. You will constantly be tossing away items that you want to pick up but can't because your inventory is full. You can store items for future use in the item shops, but because vendors are rarely found in the depths of dungeons this doesn't help much. Naturally, once your inventory starts running low, you'll encounter substantially fewer items to put in it. If you could carry 15 or 20 usable items instead of ten, this would probably have worked better. This is a minor complaint however, and causes only occasional frustration.
  
  There are a few minigames in cutscenes and the Pianta Parlor which are mildly diverting but not intrinsically worthwhile. You DO get to play as Bowser through several levels resembling (they may even actually be, it's been a long time) Super Mario World. This is both fun and hilarious.
  
  STORY: Average
  Appropriately enough, the plot is paper-thin. Princess Peach has been kidnapped (surprise, surprise), and Mario must formulate some plan for rescuing her while gathering up Crystal Stars so he can unlock an ancient treasure (or maybe it's something else). So you go into various dungeons, beating various bosses, to collect the various stars, blah blah blah etc. In short, nothing too much different from the very first Mario game way back when. The various sidekicks and incidentals say and do so little that is not connected to the quest that there's no sense of character development at all. The dialogue is only rarely witty and very few of the planned jokes are funny (except for Bowser's stuff); the several instances where characters break the "fourth wall" uniformly fall flat.
  
  That said, there are a few examples of reasonably clever parody, and an inspired send-up of professional wrestling (Feel the Rawk!). Also, the "stage" for combat is an interesting way of deconstructing RPG gameplay while simultaneously embracing its roots. Though overall the story falls squarely on the lowest end of RPG expectations, the above factors make it interesting enough to warrant at least one play-through for gamers of any age.
  
  AUDIO: Poor
  The music in the game did NOT make my ears fall off and writhe on the ground in agony, wailing about their pathetic, premature demise. However, the tinny, synthesizer-driven score grated on me at the best of times, and I often found myself reaching for the mute button on my remote. Granted, this approach fits in with the whole retro/2-D feel of the game, and the background music clearly mined older Mario games for inspiration. It is telling, however, that I sighed with real relief and enjoyment when the original Mario theme resurfaced in all its 8-bit glory. For all their efforts, the composers on this game produced nothing that was better, and much that was worse, than what we heard on the NES.
  
  There's no voice acting to speak of, save for a few isolated words and noises from Mario. However, almost all text appearances are accompanied by an annoying noise of some kind. Overall, this game is not an experience your ears will remember kindly.
  
  VISUALS: Excellent
  Granted, if you come to this game looking for rich, textured backgrounds and nuanced character models, you will be sorely disappointed. However, within the confines of what they're trying to do, the artists almost uniformly succeed. Though flat in appearance, the backgrounds are nicely detailed and convincingly portray the desired environment, from the seedy main square of Rogueport to the aristocratic refinement of the Shadow Palace. The visual touches emphasizing the "paper" motif all work very well. Some of the enemies, particularly Magnus von Grapple and Hooktail, have "folded paper" designs that look fantastic; on the downside, it appears that the game designers liked both of these so much they had to use them twice. Lack of variety among the other monsters is also a negative visual note... There are very few actual designs; most monsters are variations of earlier ones, just painted a different color, or having spikes or wings.
  
  The only really poor visual effect was the pigs in Chapter 4. Bizarrely, these were rendered in crude 3-D, an approach that added nothing and broke up the visual motif. These would have been much better if inserted with the same heavy-lined ink-drawing approach as everything else.
  
  REPLAYABILITY: Mediocre
  One advantage of this game is that you never really leave anything behind. Virtually any area can be revisited after it is ostensibly completed, allowing you to pick up every item on your first playthrough. The disadvantage to this is that there is nearly nothing to do when you play the game over. Because the game lacks an engaging story, and none of the cutscenes are scripted well enough to demand being revisited (except perhaps Bowser's replays of Super Mario World), there's really no reason to ever play it a second time.
  
  OVERALL: Worthwhile (68%)
  Mature gamers with an appreciation for deep RPGs will find Paper Mario a trifle, easily breezed through, easily discarded, and appreciated mainly because of nostalgia. The gameplay is engaging and occasionally demanding, but never terribly difficult, and has been paired with charming graphics. I recommend this game primarily for younger gamers (which is, after all, Nintendo's core audience). The plot is devoid of overt sexual references, and almost all romance is played for laughs. Like most RPGs, this has some violence, but since combat mostly revolves around a man jumping on turtles and whacking them with a giant mallet, it's unlikely to upset most parents. There are better titles on the market for teens and adults, but for children under 13 or so this is a worthy introduction to RPGs that offers little (besides the music) that will offend their caregiving adults.
  
  

• PM2

  
  By on 2004-09-30
  I believe that this game will be interesting and fun. Its predecesor, Paper Mario for Nintendo 64, was very fun and hilarious.
  
  Paper Mario is my most favorite of Nintendo 64 games. I replayed it about 7 times because it was cool.
  
  So the upcoming game, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, should be very fun.
  
  There will be new villains in the game and from what I was told, this game will be long also with sub quests, so this game should keep you busy and satisfied with a humorous story line. Also with some sad incidents.
  
  You will be confronted with puzzles, for an example, finding a switch and if you hit it, a gap to your path will have flip-page progress style making a bridge. Also I saw some streets created from bricks so it looks like something out of 18th century.
  
  Also you will recognize familiar characters from previous Mario games like Super Mario Sunshine.
  
  I saw an image which the ambience (environment) was all black and white except for Mario and his partner walking along a colorless tree.
  
  Mario can now transform into various shapes which can help you to complete tasks like flying, bouncing, and etc.
  
  And a new boss possibly in the beginning of the game, a huge red dragon looming over Mario and his companion.
  
  And what lies behind the Thousand-Year Door? Some say that if you open it, it will hold unimaginable riches, some omnipowerful object, or a being of incalculable evil.
  
  You can find out if you buy/rent Paper Mario I believe that this game will be interesting and fun. Its predecesor, Paper Mario for Nintendo 64, was very fun and hilarious.
  
  Paper Mario is my most favorite of Nintendo 64 games. I replayed it about 7 times because it was cool.
  
  So the upcoming game, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, should be very fun.
  
  There will be new villains in the game and from what I was told, this game will be long also with sub quests, so this game should keep you busy and satisfied with a humorous story line. Also with some sad incidents.
  
  You will be confronted with puzzles, for an example, finding a switch and if you hit it, a gap to your path will have flip-page progress style making a bridge. Also I saw some streets created from bricks so it looks like something out of 18th century.
  
  Also you will recognize familiar characters from previous Mario games like Super Mario Sunshine.
  
  I saw an image which the ambience (environment) was all black and white except for Mario and his partner walking along a colorless tree.
  
  Mario can now transform into various shapes which can help you to complete tasks like flying, bouncing, and etc.
  
  And a new boss possibly in the beginning of the game, a huge red dragon looming over Mario and his companion.
  
  And what lies behind the Thousand-Year Door? Some say that if you open it, it will hold unimaginable riches, some omnipowerful object, or a being of incalculable evil.
  
  You can find out if you buy/rent Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door which comes out on October 11th!!!
  
  

• A Fair Review

  
  By A23Y168ML3EUJ3 on 2004-11-01
  Let me start off saying that this is my first review. Also this is a review about the game: Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. That being said, this is not a biased opinion from one unrelated game to another (Cough-KarlMarxEmilioZapata-Cough).
  
  I have played the original Paper Mario for the N64 so I will start off with some general differences of the two games. Then I will get to the Thousand Year Door review itself.
  
  -- Differences for PM to PM:TYD --
  -Controls-
  A major change, but not like you think. In the first game, there would be some moves that would have you wearing your thumbs and fingers just trying to get through a boss battle. This happened because a lot of special moves called for repeatedly hitting the 'A' button over and over again. This got old fast. Other controls, like jumping and hammering are basically the same.
  In the new game, there is almost none of that repeatedly tapping a button. There are some cases where you have to tap the 'R' button a few times, but it's so much easier to do than the original. Holding down the 'A' button has replaced the constantly hitting of the poor 'A'. Overall the controls have greatly improved.
  -Graphics-
  A minor change. The graphics on the GC version are crisper and cleaner than the 64, but not much else has changed. I am fine with this as it usually means that it is a bigger game, which in this case is true. it took me around 50 hours to get through the game trying to do everything. This is a lot of time for someone who goes to college. (Gasp! I go to college, I'm 20 years old, and I like this game! I gasp again and perhaps a third time. Gasp!! Gasp!!!)
  -Battles-
  In the GC version you get an audience to please. At first, I thought that this would be stupid and more for atmosphere than anything else. Boy, was I wrong. If the audience is unhappy with you, they may start rooting for the enemy. Which that means they will start throwing rocks and garbage at you in an attempt to hurt you or break your concentration. If the audience likes you the will throw good items at you and may even drop sandbags on the enemy. Trying to get the favor of the audience and stopping any body from throwing rocks at you is like a mini-battle in the actual battle. Always keep an eye on the audience.
  
  Now, the review of the game itself.
  --Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door--
  -Story- 5/5
  Basically, this follows the old Mario Bros. storyline. Princess Peach calls for help, gets kidnapped, Mario comes and saves the day. Except, Bowser didn't do it. In each chapter you play mainly as Mario, but have a little time playing as Peach(like PM64) and Bowser. The Bowser levels are great and any true Mario fan will have a blast playing them. Even though the basic plot has been done time after time, Nintendo does a great job putting little tweaks here and there that make it fresh and enjoyable.
  -Graphics- 4/5
  There will be some out there that hate these graphics, but you have to remember: it's called PAPER Mario. Everything has to use a paper like quality. There is the occasional thing that I think could have been done a tad better, like when you come to a 'new' area it would open like a pop-up book, but that's just wishing. Like I said earlier, I would gladly sacrifice graphics for a longer game.
  -Gameplay- 5/5
  The controls are great and the battles are awesome. If you forgot what I said about those two, check above for a more detail. The badges and party system has remained relatively unchanged. That's fine, they worked well to begin with. Everything else has improved.
  -Sound- 4/5
  The music is vibrant, especially on a good stereo system. There is so many little background, side music stuff that you'll never hear without a good stereo. You can play witout them easily enough, but it just sounds so... crisp. The only reason I gave this a 4/5 was because of the sound effects. Some of them can get a little cheesy, but it really boils down to whether love them or hate them. The music is the shining star here, though. Very memorable classic gaming tempos.
  -Overall- 5/5
  I love this game, but I am not everyone so I won't say that you should buy it. You shouldn't just let this game pass you by either. I suggest renting it, see if it is your cup of tea, then buy it. If you happen to be me, though, I suggest buying it.
  
  I hope my review does this game justice.
  
  ---A little something I would like all Amazon reviewers to do though: Post the games that you like playing so the reader will get an idea of where the reviewer comes from and what kind of games he or she likes.
  
  My Games:
  -Mario Bros. series (most of them anyway)
  -Zelda series
  -Metroid series
  -Halo (Yes I like X-Box and Nintendo, gasp away if you like)
  -Rome: Total War
  -Megaman original series (not the exe or battle network stuff, just the original)
  -Warcraft series
  -Half-Life and their assorted mods (Natural-Selection mostly anymore)
  -Battlefield series
  -Fire Emblem
  -Pikmin series
  -Command and Conquer series (Tiberian Sun is still my favorite)
  -Gauntlet series
  -Neverwinter Nights series
  -Super Smash Bros. series
  
  There are more but you get the general idea of what games I enjoy and I hope that it gives you an understanding of why I find this game so appealing.
  
  

• You have to remember, it's an RPG...

  
  By A21NZNL4RWU0JK on 2004-10-19
  If you're looking for a new Mario 64, this is NOT the game for you. Of course, the fact that it features the world's most famous plumber has seemed to mislead many to think you're going to get the same "action" as a Mario platform game. Let me make this clear early on: You're NOT.
  
  This game is an RPG. It can be slow at times, with much dialogue. However, if you are sincerely engrossed in the story (which really just depends on if you're interested in it and aren't only out for action) this game WILL NOT bore you. Honestly, I don't believe this is a game for your average 7 year-old. Perhaps it was marketed as one, but it certainly requires a lot more thought than Mario 64, for example.
  
  The gameplay itself is excellent though. The battles are incredibly innovative, and Intelligent has taken the "paper" aspect to the next level. It's not ONLY that Mario is in a flat world now. The interactions and secrets and thought patterns of playing a "flat" game have greatly evolved since the original Paper Mario. This isn't to say that the game rides on this "paper concept," but it certainly helps make Paper Mario one of the most original Nintendo titles (even with respect to it's
  predecessor)
  
  The game does follow the basic "mission style" format, but as you get farther into it you do not have to stick to the linear style. There are enough badges and "tattles" and recipes and items to collect to REALLY keep you busy if that's what you're looking for.
  
  In closing, if you buy this game, you MUST remember it's an RPG. It's an incredibly original and deep RPG, but IT IS AN RPG! It shouldn't be judged on any other basis. You haven't played anything like it before--even if you played the N64 Paper Mario.
  
  
• Thousand Year Door is a worthy sequel
  By A2AFK6HMAEFO4N on 2004-10-17
  They've done it again, they've made another Paper Mario game, and it's great. The original Paper Mario came out near the end of the N64 era, so some people just passed it up, big mistake. The first game had great graphics then, and it had a unique battle system that has been carried over, and improved during the second game.
  
  The new updated battle system remains almost the same but now there is a crowd that watches the battle. Some will throw items at you that harm you while others will throw mushrooms and helpful items. You can choose to hit these people, but don't hit them until youre absolutely sure that it is a dangerous item. Another new feature is now the ally players have HP, which is, in my opinion, better than what they did in the original. In the original if your partner got hit, they would be disabled for a limited time. There's also a slot game called 'Bingo'. You get 2 cards when you attack, if they are the same, you get to spin the last reel. Getting a match can raise HP, FP, or Star points, but if you get 3 poison mushrooms, you are harmed.
  
  The sequel also carries a new storyline one that doesn't involve Peach getting captured by Bowser. In fact, there are times you get to play as the Great Koopa King himself. Some of his levels are designed like the original Mario Bros. with bizarre set ups. The power up system, which were the Star Spirits in the original, are back too. You use the magic map to use these spells. And as usual there's the characters who help along the way with special moves.
  
  If you enjoyed the first game, then this is a must have gamecube game. For the RPG fans out there, this isn't Final Fantasy, but it's still a great RPG. The only reason that you wouldn't like this game is if you have a extreme hatred towards RPG's. I think even the people who don't like RPG's might find something to enjoy in this game.
  
  
• I love this game!!!
  By AQMWZIH22R6LE on 2004-11-03
  If you played Paper Mario on the Nintendo 64, or the more recent Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga on the Game Boy Advance, you've probably been counting the days until the release of Nintendo's latest Mario role-playing game. The Thousand-Year Door contains the same simple and addictive mechanics, and is one of the best RPGs to ever hit the GameCube. The story of The Thousand-Year Door begins with a letter Mario receives from Princess Peach containing a mysterious map. Peach invites Mario on a treasure hunt, then manages to get herself kidnapped (again). As Mario, the player has to get her back (again). Using the treasure map to find clues on her location, players embark on a traveling quest, looking for special items, and unlocking new areas. At various points, you switch control of characters, playing as Peach herself, and even a certain large green chap with terribly bad breath. For those who haven't played either Paper Mario or Superstar Saga, this game will initially seem odd. It's an RPG, but incorporates plenty of simple arcade-like elements from the classic Super Mario series. The game takes full advantage of its flat-yet-3D paper theme, folding Mario on command; he can glide across gaps as a paper airplane, or turn sideways and fit through narrow openings. You occasionally bump into enemies that send you into turn-based battles; however, reflexes and timing play as critical a role as character's stats. By skillfully tapping the right buttons on cue, you can add damage to your attacks, execute special moves, and even dodge enemy strikes. With experience, players can learn to get through lengthy battles without taking a scratch. The venue for combat is rather different too, as all combat takes place on a stage. If you do well, fans come to see you compete. Win the audience over and they'll toss power-ups to you, and their cheers will recharge your energy. If you make slow decisions, perform badly, or are just unlucky, the audience will throw rocks at you. You can also add extra stylistic flairs to your attacks that don't inflict additional damage, but do get the crowd roaring... well, as much as a crowd full of Toads and Koopa Troopas can roar. There's a clean-cut, effective visual style used throughout the game that would be called "charming" in a children's novel. Characters are flat sprites; sometimes single sheets with no depth and other times multiple sprites connected together to create simple 3D shapes. Buildings and rooms unfold like a pop-up book. While the game doesn't exactly show off the GameCube's power, it looks brilliant, full of bright, well-drawn animated characters. Music is largely a blend of fresh tunes and remixed, retro Nintendo music -- they still work! The only real flaw is a number of conversations between characters that go on too long, dragging the usually fast-paced game to a screeching halt. But, those moments are far outshined by the greatness elsewhere. Though it's just an evolution of Superstar Saga and Paper Mario before it, The Thousand-Year Door feels 100 percent fresh and entertaining. The occasionally complicated button maneuvering that caused a little frustration on the GBA is replaced with much more approachable gameplay. While this isn't a hardcore title, the puzzles and numerous battles will keep serious gamers busy for some time. Paper Mario is easy to play, exceptional fun, and a thoroughly engaging title.
  
  
  
• Best Mario RPG ever!
  By AXWVJ7HYXFE50 on 2004-09-01
  This game is just plain cool! If you liked the first Paper Mario then you will like this game! This time Mario can transform into paper forms (my favorite is the paper airplane)! You also get a few party members such as a Goomba, a Koopa, and a Ghost! Besides that you will also see a lot of famlier faces from the Mario univirse like Toadsworth, Peach, and the Piranhas (just to name a few)! Oh but it gets better! You can play as Bowser in his own stages! Yup you heard me right! Bowser now has his own platformer-like stages! The first one actually mimics the first level of Super Mario Bros. Overall this game is cool! The controls are good and the story line is deeper than the orginal!
  It's also a very funny game.
  
  
• Paper Mario Rules
  By A1RT8TIRURV8AU on 2004-10-20
  I love Mario games. This one is no exception. This is a great RPG (Role Playing Game) that has extremly funny dialouge and a great battle system. I like the way you fight with a partner(Koops,Yoshi,Goombella,or Flurrie) and the extraordinary special moves. This game really gives you the sense of a 2-d game by letting you fold up into a paper airplane to fly across gaps or rolling up into a tube. I like the cinematics like a bridge being built as a flip book. This game has a few sub quests that you can do if you want. It is cool to see the crowd of people in the audience that gets bigger as you go along. (Watch out for the items that they throw at you sometimes!!) Also the stage sometimes collapses so be alert. This game is AWESOME!!!!!!!!
  
  
• PAPER MARIO IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  By on 2004-10-22
  I belive that ANYONE who even trys this game for even 5 seconds would love it! The graphic are just plain awesome! The paper effect is marvolous! ummm...OK I'm overacting a little bit but still...THIS GAME ROCKS!!!! I'm sure you won't mind if I just tell you a little more about it...right? So back to the game, Mario can transform into many sweet things like a paper airplane, a boat, and also he can slip into tight spaces by just turning a little bit.(bechause he's paper of course!) He also overcomes many cool sidekicks each with helpful, special powers! Games can't get much better than this I say! Overall, I think that this game is just FUN and SWEET and especially PAPERISH! wait a second...that doesn't make sense. OH WELL! PLAY THIS GAME!
  
  
• An all new adventure!
  By on 2004-07-18
  First, there was Paper Mario. It was a great game and it made people whine for a second Paper Mario. So, last year Nintendo came out with a similar game for the GBA- Mario and Luigi: The Superstar Saga. Now comes Paper Mario 2! In the game it will really emphasize how everything is made of paper. Mario will now be able to fold into different things to get past obstacles. I have seen one screenshot of Mario and his sidekick (in that picture it was a koopa) folding into a paper airplane to cross a large gap between his path. I did say sidekick too! You will love the hillarious new sidekicks that battle along Mario's side. Also, this game is supposed to be full of jokes and funny things. The only reason I gave it four out of five stars is because you now battle on a stage in front of an audience (the audience eventually grows based on your power) instead of out in the open.
  I will buy this game right when it comes out!
  
  
• More Mario Goodness from Nintendo
  By A1YAKU2J44B8MK on 2004-12-04
  Many people have been disappointed at Mario's exploitation - I mean, there's Mario tennis games, racing games, pinball games, party games, even a game where you play the conga drums now - the list goes on and on. What's so great about Paper Mario is that it's a return to Mario games at their best, but with new additions that make the game really fun.
  If I had to compare to old Mario games, I'd say Paper Mario was a unique mix between Super Mario World for Super Nintendo and Mario RPG. It moves like Super Mario World, the worlds are all fun with bright colors, and you make friends along the way that can help you to your goal. The fighting system is not just to jump on an any enemy that comes your way, however, and this is how it's like Mario RPG. The fight system is turn-based, or, in other words, your enemy attacks, and then Mario and his partner have as much time as they want to decide which moves they'll do to attack back.
  You also get to play as different characters for short amounts of time in this game, including Princess Peach and Bowser! The story is relatively simple - something is hidden behind a thousand year-old door and an evil force, the X-Nauts, wants whatever it is. Rumor has it that whoever possesses this thing behind the door can take over the world. The only problem? In order to do that, one needs the seven crystal stars that are scattered across the world. Of course, Mario is on a quest to get the crystal stars, save the princess from the X-Nauts that are holding her captive, and deal with any enemies as well as helping other friends that can join your party along the way.
  
  I'm about 75% done with the game, so I don't know how it ends. I've already been playing for 30 hours and could spend a lot longer if I wanted to (sidequests), so if you like a game that will last you a while, this one is definitely a good fit. I already have six other unique characters in my party who help and attack in all sorts of different ways. I can't recommend this game enough! It has all of the fun aspects of the Mario games without dying so easily, as well as all great RPG aspects without the boredom of leveling up. If I could give the game six stars, I would. :)
  
  
• Great game, not for everyone.
  By A1F73EFRH567R8 on 2004-10-28
  If you aren't an RPG fan, why on earth would you play an RPG?
  
  This game is not a standard beat-em-up action game, but despite that, it's still fun.
  
  If you liked playing these games:
  
  - Paper Mario
  - Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
  - Super Mario RPG
  
  You'll like PM2. Otherwise, you probably won't. It is an RPG - there's a lot of dialog because there's a good story! While the dialog is easy to understand, there's still plenty of humor and injokes for older fans of the series. There is a lot of exploring to do and secrets to find, without getting bogged down too much in an overvaunted world-travelling story. The game is relatively long (it took me 30 hours to beat it) and there's plenty of sidequests that I didn't do.
  
  Paper Mario 2 is a great game - if you like RPGs. Just because it's a Mario game doesn't mean that it'll play like one. It is fun in its own way, but it isn't for everyone. However, if you like RPGs, you should buy this game - you will not be disappointed.
  
  
• paper mario is going to be great!!
  By on 2004-10-08
  Paper mario two is going to be great.I have paper mario and it is cool.I have played paper mario at least 15 times becauce it is so great,in other words,PREORDER THIS GAME!!!
  
  
• ALL THAT TALK FOR NOTHING...
  By A2ZF3VR0CYUG0H on 2004-10-14
  We reserved the game a month ago, and were very excited when it finally came out. We had played the original for N64 and couldn't wait for the new Paper Mario... Unfortunately the first 20 MINUTES of the game were a struggle due to forced dialogue with other characters. My 7yr old lost interest soon after and I couldn't be bothered to continue playing it either. I found the game boring and disappointing. Kind of a waste of $50.
  
  
• Looks Great!
  By AA0OCFQI6OGS4 on 2004-10-06
  I am a big fan of the first Paper Mario, an N64 game, and am looking forward to all this game has to offer. Mario has a ton of new abilities, such as becoming a paper airplane and squeezing through tight spaces. I hope it is as just as good as the first, if not better!
  
  
• Extremely over rated.
  By A1ZHJNR84QKVR3 on 2005-07-23
  I know I'm going to get a lot of unhelpful votes for this review. Why? Because people don't want to read a review that bashes the game they like. They just vote for the reviews that support their own views. So please, don't give me like 10,000 unhelpful votes just for expressing an opinion. I didn't like it but a lot of people did and that's ok.
  
  Having bought a used gamecube, I got Paper Mario as one of the games. I thought I was missing out before, but boy was I wrong. This game is horrifically boring in every way possible.
  Let's start with the graphics. They're good, and as you probably guessed, are 2D cel-shaded graphics for Mario and the rest of the world. Being a huge fan of Super Mario RPG for the SNES, I was extremely disappointed with this new appearance, giving it an extremely kiddy feel rather than the more mature feeling of Super Mario RPG. What a shame. It's comparable to the change in style between Windwaker and Ocarina of Time in the Zelda series, except that they were able to retain good elements and keep it excellent. Here they weren't. Still, the graphics are decent, and are part of the gameplay so I won't knock them down for it. 8/10
  
  The audio in Paper Mario is a mixed bag. It has sound effects down and everything, but the music just stinks. It doesn't alternate and quickly gets boring. The lack of voice acting seals the deal, especially considering there's a lot of dialogue. 6/10
  
  The gameplay is where it really shoots itself in the foot. The battle system is so boring, and you're confined to using Mario and a sidekick who is basically useless. There isn't even any equipment besides the badges you periodically get. Finding the Crystal Stars is both boring and mind-numbingly predictable. The only decent parts are the boss battles. Otherwise, there is just nothing fun about the gameplay. 5/10
  
  The story is even worse. Save Peach and the world. That's the story in a nutshell. Same one they used in Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario and every single Mario game. Characters are predictable and stereotypical, plot is predictable and boring, and it just feels like Nintendo once again milking the Mario franchise. I don't expect Shin Megami Tensei here or anything, but at least something respectable. 3/10
  
  Conclusion: Don't even waste your time or money on this horrible game. It's so incredibly over rated. I really wanted to like it, but frankly this is just another horrible cube RPG. I know there are a lack of them on this system, but rating this game high just to say you have a good RPG is just wrong. Once again, Mario is just being milked for all he's worth. Stay far far away. Overall: 4/10
  
  
• PAPER MARIO ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  By on 2004-10-22
  This game is totally AWESOME! I love the graphics, and it is very fun to play! Mario explores a whole world constructed from just plain paper, and he can do a lot more cool things when he's paper! He also overcomes many different sidekicks that have different powers that help him along the way! Mario can even fold into a paper airplane! overall this game is the most amazing, cool, out of this world game ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO PLAY IT NOW DUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  
• A REAL review from a BIG Mario fan
  By A1G7EFBPU0WR0F on 2004-10-22
  I think this is a great game!The first one was excellent and this one just builds on what the original did.The dialogue is hillarious,the partners are great,and everything else is awesome too!I definately recommend it!
  
  
• There really needs to be more games like this one
  By A3PC3LSYOKAQ3N on 2006-06-15
  This game is awesome. It's not too hard but requires some skill. The story line is interesting and easy to get into. There are a few side-missions in the game that are fun to play but are not required to complete the main goal.
  
  At first, it's strange walking around as a flat mario. But once you get further into the game you earn new moves - Turn into a paper airplane, roll up into a log, turn into a paper boat. These are critical to learn and master.
  
  The graphics in this game are good. And the ideas put into it are great. For example, you have to move from different towns, and sometimes you have to take a train or a hot-air-balloon ride. Well, instead of just "warping" to the new location, theres gameplay while riding the train.
  
  The story line is a lot of fun and thought provoking. It will suck you in pretty quickly which makes it hard to put the controller down when its dinner time or time for work. The different missions throughout the game are fairly simple, but sometimes they require a few tries before you can complete them. Great to keep the frustration down, but not boring.
  
  There really needs to be more games like this one.
  
  
  
• Mario Playing Granny
  By A3HTE0OEJGCT9A on 2006-08-20
  I am an old lady trying to play a kids' game. I aprreciate the fact that this game explains the moves to me very clearly. I have enjoyed playing it and so have my grandchildren. I am very glad I purchased it.
  
  
• Paper Mario 2 will be INCREDIBLE!!
  By on 2004-08-05
  I have played Paper Mario a lot, and when I was going to buy it, the Gamecube was released! Now, the sequel looks spectacular (see nintendo.com for a trailer and screenshots), with new badges, people, and ways to really show a Paper Mario. For example, he can now fold into a paper airplane and soar across gaps. The battles take place on a stage with an audience, who either cheer you on, or throw things at you, giving you damage. Paper Mario was my favorite video game of all time, and I have no doubt Paper Mario 2 can take its place. Also, I don't know if this is confirmed, but it is now called Paper Mario 2: Thousand Year Door.
  
  
• Best Paper Mario Game ever
  By on 2004-10-14
  I feel that this is afun toy. It is very educational, durable and it is rated overall five stars. I feel it is a must have for the Christmas season. Can't do with out it if you own a gamecube.
  
  
• pretty hard but good to play
  By A3GUWVZY1VR7PG on 2004-11-08
  I have to say that this game is pretty hard. I rent it once and man, theres a lot of words to read for old tony. I like the part with the princess though and I hope she gets help by the end. The part I like the worst are the reading parts but it is still mostly a good game. Thats why I say 5 stars! so i think you should BUY IT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
  
  tony
  
  
• This is why I love Nintendo
  By AGKJU4CBYSY1Y on 2004-11-19
  I've always had a penchant for Nintendo over other video game companies, and playing Paper Mario, I figured out why.
  
  Games made by Nintendo have a very strong sense of nostalgia that really appeals to me, since I've been playing video games since the Atari 2600 days. Nintendo has been working with these characters (Mario, the Princess, Bowser) for 20 years now, and each new game manages to reference all the other games in clever ways.
  
  For example, in Paper Mario, much of the music is from older games -- not just the famous Mario theme, but a lot of other, more obscure stuff, too. The dialogue constantly parodies older games. When we first meet Bowser in this game, he climbs in his clown-faced ship and zooms toward the screen, then away into the distance, just like he did in Super Mario World (SNES), back when scaling and rotation were amazing new tricks.
  
  But the nostalgia is just a small part of the fun here. Paper Mario features turn-based battles, where you must strategize in using different items and attacks and defending yourself against enemies. I've played only two other games of this style -- Super Mario RPG and Chrono Trigger -- but I'm told those are two of the best example. Paper Mario equals if not tops the great battles of those games.
  
  The gameplay outside of battle is innovative, with lots of challenges to figure out -- but none so hard that you'll ever be stuck for long. I really liked how you play as different characters at different times (including Bowser and the Princess), and the romantic subplot between the Princess and a HAL-like computer is hilarious. You even get to "dance" with a computer-generated Princess clone (and take a shower afterwards if you like).
  
  There's a lot of innovative touches in the graphics, too. I love how the walls of houses collapse when you step through the door, allowing you to see inside. The spiraling stairs of the first castle look amazing, and I like how, at times, pipes will take Mario into the distant background of a level. I'm surprised there's no slowdown in some scenes, such as when you're mobbed by hundreds of Skeleton Koopas, or are being followed by 101 Punies (the giant tree level is the most clever level in any recent game I can think of).
  
  Some might complain that the graphics are too "cartoony," but to me, they're perfect. If I want "realistic" graphics, I'll watch TV or see a movie. Games that create new worlds and new ideas my eyes have never seen before are much better than those that just re-create stuff I see every day.
  
  Paper Mario is another triumph from Nintendo, and once again strengthens my loyalty. Nintendo may be losing the video-game wars, but they still know how to make a good game better than anyone else.
  
  
• Excellent sequel!
  By A3K55SCX8LY1O7 on 2005-09-02
  I didn't think it was possible, but I enjoyed Thousand Year Door even more than the original Paper Mario. There are more badges, more recipes, all new characters and the defensive moves are very fun to use. Oh yeah, the storyline is pretty interesting, too! One of my all-time favorite games!
  
  
• Only Lazy People Hate It!
  By A16BGN07JEN0TE on 2006-06-03
  I Loved this game! I have played it number of times and it doesn't get boring! This game is just as good as Paper Mario 64! The story, characters, and even the action is all new! I recommend this game to any Mario fans.
  
  For the complainers:
  I like to read the one star reviews just for fun. But they all had something in common. All of them were stupid! One thing that got me was how they hated the graphics! The point is paper! How much 3-D do you want with paper? Another thing was absolutely sad... They didn't like to read the words! Are they going to complain about a book because it has words? (At least I don't have to worry about them reading this!) It just shows how lazy they are. Another guy gave up on the game because he couldn't pass Chapter 7. I know that I'm not a game master so at least try buddy! You were so far to give up!
  
  Anyway I hope everyone else likes the game because I had a great time playing it. I also can't to play Super Paper Mario when it comes out!
  
  
• My God(dess)!
  By A346ZIZZGOA68Q on 2004-07-28
  I have played Paper Mario, and I must say that it is my favorite Mario game. I am not a big fan of turn-based RPGs, but Paper Mario involves you in the action with the action command. I like this much better than just watching the characters do something. What I am really excited about is the fact that you will have an audience as you battle. They can throw power-ups if they like you, but help your enemy if they don't like you. The fact that your partner has HP and FP too, just adds to the fantastic gameplay. I couldn't put the first one down for 15 hours, and I am hoping that PM2 has even more gameplay hours than the first.
  
  
• THIS GAME IS GONNA BE GREAT!!!!!!!!!
  By on 2004-09-26
  THIS IS AWSOME A SEQUEL TO PAPER MARIO!!!!! THE FIRST PAPER MARIO WAS THE BEST !!!!CANT WAIT TILL THIS COMES OUT IT WILL BE GREAT!!! GETTING THIS THE FIRST DAY IT COMES OUT!!!!
  
  
• THIS GAME IS GOING TO ROCK!!!!!!
  By on 2004-09-27
  I CAN'T wait for this game I put the nintendo power with this game on the cover in a plastic case. That is how much this game is goingto ROCK!!!
  
  

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