"A re-definement and new direction for the Super Mario series."

Several years following the release of Paper Mario for the Nintendo 64, the developers decided that the time had come for a sequel. And without mincing words - what makes this game so great is how much it differs from any Mario game released before. Differs - as well as throws back, and expands.

Gameplay is, in a word, varied. Players can expect, for the most part, a gaming engine very similar to the original Paper Mario, but with certain twists and quirks that manage to improve on that of the first game without feeling gimmicky or tacked-on. But in regards to the game's variation: not one "world" of the game feels too similar to any other, and each have their unique spin. For example, one section of the game takes place almost entirely within a very refreshing fighting tournament, and another section actually puts dialogue and plot development entirely over action and adventure, instead of the other way around. It's only unfortunate that this section can't quite seem to capture the atmosphere and mood that other, more balanced areas provide through their dialogue, and so that one 'world' tends to drag at times (This is where the game loses its one point).

How does this all tie in? The gameplay is such a varied treat that the player will nary feel as if he or she's just doing the same thing over and over again. Simply put, this is an element that makes the game very fun to play, and to replay. After all, another crucial part of the game's enjoyment factor (For new-comers and first-timers, at least) will be the thrill of wondering what will happen next in the gameplay.

With the only downfall being that they're far too short, some of the most enjoyable parts of the game come from when the player takes control of the koopa king Bowser, and...well, you'll see. Excellent spoofing of Mario's first adventure. Suffice to say, it's good, semi-comical fun.

However, a major part of the gameplay is that of battles and the system used therein. Those who are familiar with Paper Mario will know what to expect for the most part, but the new-found interactivity with the observing crowds and even the environment itself during battles is an aspect that certainly keeps the battles lively and the player on his or her guard. This even manages to act as that sort of variable factor that keeps something from going stale, in this category. However, the player has a chance to put themselves at an advantage (Or disadvantage!) during these events, should they have a quick hand and reflexes; this eliminates the much of the randomness factor that can frustrate players in some RPGs. This, coupled with the banter that can occue within certain battles, makes for a rather tense situation at times.

More significant towards the gameplay, at any rate, is the fact that the boss battles and major conflicts won't be stacked too heavily against you or the other way around; instead, the battles can be difficult - but what the player needs is strategy, and figuring out the strategy that works best for the player can be one of the more rewarding aspects of the game. Again, this greatly decreases the infamous randomness factor in the hands of a truly skilled player.

Something must be said about the general and fundamental designs of the game, as well, since it directly ties into the gameplay. Without spoiling anything too severely, Mario is confronted by 'worlds' such as an ancient ruin that much resembles a very creepy, eerie cathedral and a melancholy, cursed rural town that would make Tim Burton blush. Needless to say, not your typical Mario fare, but it certainly works. However, many of the 'worlds' you encounter will in themselves be fundamental throwbacks/stylistic references to those of the first Paper Mario (The obvious similarities between Keehaul Key and the first game's Lavalava Island come to mind). However, this is done in a way that brings to mind the original, and yet still manages to feel fresh. An interesting note is the lack of prominence that Bowser plays in the story's grand scheme. He's there, as noted, but more or less as a comic relief character (Unlike the truly menacing fiend that the original PM made him out to be) with several moments where his nasty self from the previous game shows itself. An interesting and bold choice for the developers, but it works in allowing a new enemy variety to take the forefront.

The game's difficulty factor and pacing are both very competently laid in. Certain parts of the game have the potential to be exceedingly difficult, but the battles and puzzles in these areas will force the player to think outside the box and to apply all their knowledge. After all, rest assured that there's a solution to every problem presented, and often several ways around them. As per the usual in an RPG, a player's own dedication and determination will sometimes decide if they're leveled up enough to confront a certain situation or area. Pacing-wise, for any time the gameplay might begin to drag, the end result is typically worth the wait - the developers evidently knew very well how to correctly insert payoff to the gamer. However, waiting for said payoff might be the game's only (negligible) shortcoming - but players who fit their needs to go with the speed flow of each section of the game should find themselves doing well.

As far as graphics are concerned, veterans of Paper Mario will know just what to expect: flat-sided "cut-out" character models and environments in a three-dimensional space. Naturally, the textures and edges are much smoother than the original as accompanied by other expected graphical improvements, but other than that - nothing too much has changed. It's a positive aspect in this category: the graphical design sticks to its guns, and yet improves on the original at the same time.

Sound and music are both fairly standard; nothing too much a cut above, but nothing that will tamper with your enjoyment of the game either. It's well-done background music that works in the context of the locations, at least. The sounds are crispy clear, as well; though unfortunately, nothing quite matches some of the catchy tunes from the first Mario RPG.

Veterans of the first Paper Mario will recognize the return of the badge system; however, here it plays a more varied role, to the extent of creating all sorts of quirks and advantages for the player who plays their badge hand skillfully. The entire badge system does heap another element on the already-weighted gameplay, but somehow the designers have managed to take all of these factors and make them all seem very lightweight - which is a good thing for new players, because it makes the interface cause very little confusion to learn to navigate (And for veteran players, it naturally becomes very easy).

Furthermore for the story: Just to compare and contrast, the Mario games of old tended, for the most part, to have fairly linear and streamlined storylines that served more as a backing for the gameplay foundation, rather than the story being heavily mixed in. However, the plot has become an increasingly-important element in each successive Mario RPG - one could say that the plot has become a crucial factor instead of just a ground-laying device. With the meshing of TTYD as the latest canon entry in the series, the plot is safely at its most refined, refreshing and matured. In the original Paper Mario, the foundations were there and ready to be utilized; here, those foundations are built upon and so much more. Countless sub-plots seamlessly intertwine their way through and into the main story, each with their own atmospheric quirk. The main plot also offers up multiple twists and turns within itself that only enhance the game's atmosphere further as it progresses and grows deeper. In all, the story of The Thousand Year Door is by far the most matured and refreshing that has been attempted in a Mario game. Kudos.

This serves as an appropriate seque into the next topic: the dialogue. To be blunt, I commend the writers of this game: chances are, not once will you feel that your intelligence is being insulted while listening (Well, reading) to what the cast has to say. The more serious points of interest (Many of the TEC-related scenes, to spoil nothing, for example) are handled very professionally, and there's no shortage of intelligent and clever, but surprisingly down-to-earth comic relief with the potential to pull a genuine chuckle from the player. This normally would not be a significant element of a game; however, the reasoning behind it will be discussed below.

The replay value of the game is second to none. Naturally, the main storyline is there for those who wish to start up a new file and replay things from scratch, but one of the elements that really makes replay a large factor is the amount of features that seem almost tailored to fit gamers who wish to play again and again, and to progress in their skills (The Trial Pit comes to mind). Therefore, purchasing this game could lead to a very long-time investment.

This review has been written around a year and a half after the game's release: as I type this, TTYD still contains all the elements that kept my attention that time ago, as I'm sure it will hold a spot in the hearts of Mario fans for years to come.

In conclusion, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door serves up superb, fun, memorable and varied gameplay the likes of which is to be expected from a game such as this; but what truly sets it apart from the pack is to the extent the characters become personalities, and how the various quirks and nuances of the weaving, darkly intruiging plot are taken to levels that bring the game to the height of an enthralling, immersive experience. All this causes the game's areas to blur the line between 'level' and 'atmosphere', a feat that says a lot when the graphics look like a pop-up book. Despite its similarities, what's here is something quite unlike anything else in the Mario series. This game had a lasting effect for these reasons and certainly more.

And that's what makes The Thousand-Year Door such a landmark game in the Mario canon: it's a video game, yes. But more to the point: it's an experience.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/30/06