NBrid

The original Paper Mario was often overlooked during N64's last days. Hopefully the same won't be said of Paper Mario 2, or the GameCube. Based on initial impressions; Nintendo fans, RPG fans, and adventure game fans alike would do well to play this game.

Describing Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door can be summed up in two words: Paper Mario. Meaning if you've played the first, you know exactly what to expect again this time around. I know what you're thinking, "Rehash!", and sadly, I really can't dispute that. This game is very, very similar to the original in so many ways. The difference though between this and say the Double Dash rehash is that this game still feels fresh and is a blast to play.

To save time, and (some) typing, I'm going to assume you played the original. If not, I lost any respect I may of had of you as a gamer. How dare you come here if you missed out on such a great game. It's an insult to me and everyone else here. Well, okay, it did come out late in N64's life, well after anyone cared. So just make sure you read my review of Paper Mario (N64) since most of it applies here.

The control of the game is the pretty much the same as before. It may have been nice if they added the ability to switch partners on the "fly" with the c-stick, but oh well. The addition of new abilities for Mario (like turning into a paper airplane) is one nice new change though.

My old review applies so well because it's more than just the game mechanics that are the same, you'll recognize many parts of the game itself. Remember that area under the main town with the pipes leading to other areas of the world? Yup, that's back. Letters to keep you informed? They're back in email form. Even remember what happened inbetween chapters? Again, that returns too. Albiet even more so...

Sadly, even the graphics are pretty much the same. They aren't bad or anything, but this is the GC! The characters are bold and colorful, but the enviroments are "blah". They should of been able to do much more with this cool 'paper' style. Maybe toon/cel-shaded? Instead it's just like N64's, but with more characters on screen at once (200+ at times) and in a higher resolution so it looks "crisper". Oh, it's 60fps too but the paper animation is nothing special either.

The sound is also very similar. It's what you would expect from a Mario game, bright and upbeat. The problem with the sound is that there are no voices! Which is a damn shame because with all the dialog in this game (and there is a ton), the game could of been so much more immersive. Plus then people from Alabama could of enjoyed the game...

Speaking of dialog, while once again the basis of the story is very generic (Princess captured... must collect 7 crystals... blah, blah, blah...), the story is very well told. The best part is that the dialog can be down right hilarious at times. It can be very subtle, but the witty, "smart ass"-esque dialog is guaranteed to put a smile on even the most hardened face. This is a Mario game, and hence it can get VERY cutesy at times, so this sense of humor is very much appreciated. "Yeah,  great story..."

So what makes this game so good? While it is a turn based RPG, the battle engine might be the best ever for this type of game. It's simple, but oh so fun. All the timing mechanisms to increase your attack or defense are back. Plus there are a few new extras. Including Super Guards that can hurt the attacker when you defend, and an audience! If the crowd likes what they see, they'll help you out, if they don't, they'll leave in disgust and might even throw rocks. It's the biggest addition to the battle system, and a nice one at that. And oh yeah, your teammate now has their own energy meter giving you just one more thing to deal with.

Then there's the game itself. There are some "most excellent" chapters, areas, moments in this game that are a big reason why this game still feels 'fresh'. (I don't want to ruin any, but of course they do include referances to classic Mario games.) Add to that a very interactive "overworld" that is really more what you'd expect a Mario adventure to be like, and you have a game that is a blast to play.

Protip: They like to hide 'things' behind things so walk behind everything.

The first Paper Mario wasn't very hard due to all the Inns being free and blocks to refill your life meter being plentiful. Well, they are both still in this game, except they are no longer free! So expect a greater challenge this time, but nothing any RPG vet can't handle.

This is an RPG, but it's an RPG that even people who arn't fans of the genre can enjoy. This is due to the fact it is really more of an adventure game, just with simple turn based battles. The bottom line is that it's classic Nintendo. It may be the same basic game as the original, and it may still not be anything revolutionary, but it's so well done and so much fun to play that you won't care. Just get this game and enjoy it now while you wait for Echoes... If you don't get it, I'll just assume you don't like to play great games. "Assuming will make an... well you know the saying."

Stay tuned for a full review (ie any updates) once I finish the game... maybe.