System: Gamecube
Genre: RPG
Players: 1

This is a Review for the Nintendo GameCube RPG, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, sequel to Paper Mario and the fourth RPG in the Mario series. This review will be split into six parts: Graphics, Sound and Music, Fun Factor, Replay Value, Story, and Length and Difficulty. Categories will be given a mark out of seven, for the number of Crystal Stars you need to collect.

Graphics: 7

There is a lot of debate over the graphics of this game and its predecessor, but I like the fact that Nintendo has tried to add something new to the Mario series. Every character is paper-thin, houses open up like pop-up books, and pages turn to show a bridge being built. In comparison to the prequel, the graphics have improved immensely. There is excruciating detail, from the dirty streets of Rougeport, to the beautiful fields in Petal Meadows, and the eternal sunset in Twilight Town.

Sound and Music: 6

The music in this game is almost perfect the whole way through! The music always fits the scene, although some of those annoying tunes (Twilight Town XD) can’t leave your head. As for sound, there are no real voices in the game, but that could be good since there is a lot of text. Mario now makes a noise when he jumps instead of a beep.

Fun Factor!: 7

PM: TTYD is great fun! There’s always something to do, whether it’s finding a key, making a health-restoring dessert, or just checking your Email. Even if you don’t like any of the things listed above, you can’t help but laugh at the hilarious dialogue. My favorite quote in the whole game is, “I am Bowser, Businessman of Legend! Fear my accounting!” and there’s also, “Oh, great! Now I’m the Great and feared King of… GUYS WHO TALK TO POSTERS!!!”

Replay Value: 5

This game actually has a pretty good replay value. Even after you’ve defeated the final boss and beaten the game, you can still explore the Mushroom Kingdom freely. There is the Trouble Center (where people publish their troubles and wait for other people to help), the Pit of 100 Trials, recipes, helpful badges, and lots more to collect. After that, though, the game’s pace stops entirely.

Story: 5.5

I like the fact that Nintendo has changed the story a little bit. Peach still gets kidnapped, but for this kidnapper the Mushroom Kingdom is not enough. He wants to be in control of the entire world! Grodus, leader of the evil X-Nauts, has kidnapped the princess to- OW! Who threw that?! Oh well. Since the story has been changed, the score increases a bit.

Length and Difficulty: 5

PM: TTYD is quite long, but pretty easy as well. The puzzles are simple, the field has few enemies, and most enemies move quite slowly. The battle system is quite unique, though, which boosts this score a bit. Every battle takes place on a stage, and various oddities could occur, such as a giant boulder rolling onscreen, the audience going berserk and throwing hammers at you, even stage lights falling on your head! But, the actual adventure is too easy.

Overall Score: 6

Overall, PM: TTYD is a fantastic game that I would recommend to everyone who liked the first one. If you don’t like the gameplay, you’ll still love the story! There are familiar characters and new ones as well. As I’ve said before, the dialogue is great! This game is wonderful in almost every way. If you haven’t bought it already, buy it! You’ll love it!

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