Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Game Overview

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door continues the paper-crafted RPG style of its Nintendo 64 predecessor. Mario arrives in the port town of Rogueport after receiving a treasure map from Princess Peach, only to learn that she has been kidnapped by the X-Nauts. His quest centers on locating seven Crystal Stars that will unlock the Thousand-Year Door and reveal the treasure sealed behind it. Battles take place on a stage in front of a living audience whose reactions affect Star Power and can throw helpful or harmful items. Mario and his partners use Action Commands—timed button presses—to increase damage or defend against attacks, including the precise Superguard that negates all damage. On the overworld, Mario can fold into paper forms such as a plane, tube, or thin sheet to solve puzzles and reach new areas. Partners join the party throughout the adventure, each offering unique field and battle abilities. Between chapters, players also control Peach and Bowser in short interlude sequences. The game is structured across eight chapters plus a prologue, culminating in a confrontation with the ancient Shadow Queen.

Quick Specifications

• Platform: Nintendo GameCube
  
• Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
  
• Developer: Intelligent Systems
  
• Publisher: Nintendo
  
• Director: Ryota Kawade
  
• Release Dates: Japan – July 22, 2004; North America – October 11, 2004; Europe – November 12, 2004; Australia – November 18, 2004
  
• Players: 1
  
• Rating: ESRB E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence; PEGI 3
  
• Media: GameCube Optical Disc
  
• Features: Progressive scan support
  
• Serial Code: DOL-G8MJ-JPN (Japanese)

Key Features

• Theatrical turn-based battle system with audience participation and Stylish moves
  
• Action Commands and Superguards that reward precise timing
  
• Seven Crystal Stars that unlock special moves and open the Thousand-Year Door
  
• Paper-folding abilities (plane, tube, sideways) for exploration and puzzle-solving
  
• Multiple partners with unique field and battle skills that can be ranked up with Shine Sprites
  
• Badge system that customizes Mario’s attacks and abilities
  
• Interlude chapters that let players control Princess Peach and Bowser
  
• Optional content including the Pit of 100 Trials
  

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

What are the Crystal Stars?

The Crystal Stars are seven magical artifacts Mario must collect. Each one grants a special move that consumes Star Power. Gathering all seven opens the Thousand-Year Door beneath Rogueport.

How does the audience affect battles?

Battles take place on a stage watched by an audience. Performing well (successful Action Commands and Stylish moves) fills the Star Power gauge faster and can prompt the crowd to throw helpful items. Performing poorly can cause the audience to throw damaging objects.

What is a Superguard?

A Superguard is a perfectly timed defensive Action Command performed by pressing B at the exact moment of an enemy attack. It completely negates the damage and can damage the attacker.

Who are the partners?

Mario is joined by several partners, including Goombella, Koops, Madame Flurrie, Yoshi Kid, Vivian, Admiral Bobbery, and the optional Ms. Mowz. Only one partner can be active at a time. Partners can be ranked up using Shine Sprites.

What are paper abilities?

Mario can fold his paper body into different forms, such as a paper airplane for gliding, a tube for rolling, or a thin sheet for slipping through narrow gaps. These abilities are used for both exploration and puzzle-solving.

Is there multiplayer?

No. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a single-player game.

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