Well, it felt like it took a thousand years to get to Today's Topic Talk.
I find coming back after a while, with my mind stuck on Star Wars hype and getting back to writing Sonic Supreme again, it's hard to think about this legendary game. It's a game that deserves attention, even if Nintendo has seemed less inclined to give the series that attention.
For a lot of people, this was the peak of the Paper Mario series, and I can see why. It takes all the great things from the first Paper Mario game, and builds it to being even better. The story is way more engaging, the graphics way better, the music more interesting, and the challenge...oh yeah, that's definitely going to appeal to some people.
So actually, let's start with that. Challenge...doesn't normally appeal to me. I like to have any easy time with games, just because there are so many, and they're so long. If a game is easier, I can get through it quicker, and enjoy all the good it gave. This game though, it makes me really see how that thirst for challenge can be appealing.
In fairness, it's not that big of a challenge, we're not getting Crash Bandicoot hard or something, but it is a game you should really try to understand before just running at any enemy, and I think why that appeals to me here is because it reminds me of another game that can throw you for a spin.
For a lot of people, this was the peak of the Paper Mario series, and I can see why. It takes all the great things from the first Paper Mario game, and builds it to being even better. The story is way more engaging, the graphics way better, the music more interesting, and the challenge...oh yeah, that's definitely going to appeal to some people.
So actually, let's start with that. Challenge...doesn't normally appeal to me. I like to have any easy time with games, just because there are so many, and they're so long. If a game is easier, I can get through it quicker, and enjoy all the good it gave. This game though, it makes me really see how that thirst for challenge can be appealing.
In fairness, it's not that big of a challenge, we're not getting Crash Bandicoot hard or something, but it is a game you should really try to understand before just running at any enemy, and I think why that appeals to me here is because it reminds me of another game that can throw you for a spin.
Xenoblade Chronicles is a game that isn't really that hard, but when it is you'll be surprised, and that feels appealing, rather than just getting thrown into challenge after challenge. Plus, like Xenoblade, it's kind of justified in story. Mario is in a new region, so it makes sense he'd have some challenges along the way.
Now, it's not quite like Xenoblade Chronicles, as far as I remember there's no Territorial Rotbart waltzing around, but you shouldn't lean on laurels in this game, is what I'm saying. That was a problem that comes up in plenty of games, and this game does well to fall for that trap.
I think the other main factor I want to talk about is story related, as just praising music and graphics and gameplay amounts to, "Yeah, it's all good." Though I will say the one downside to the game is the amount of loading and a need for more skip travel options. It wasn't enough to keep me from completing the game to 100%, but it is a flaw I'd like to see an enhanced port fix.
In any case, if I'm going to talk story, I'm going to talk spoilers, so...like before, a random Lucario to spare you from getting spoiled...
Now, it's not quite like Xenoblade Chronicles, as far as I remember there's no Territorial Rotbart waltzing around, but you shouldn't lean on laurels in this game, is what I'm saying. That was a problem that comes up in plenty of games, and this game does well to fall for that trap.
I think the other main factor I want to talk about is story related, as just praising music and graphics and gameplay amounts to, "Yeah, it's all good." Though I will say the one downside to the game is the amount of loading and a need for more skip travel options. It wasn't enough to keep me from completing the game to 100%, but it is a flaw I'd like to see an enhanced port fix.
In any case, if I'm going to talk story, I'm going to talk spoilers, so...like before, a random Lucario to spare you from getting spoiled...
Thanks for the warning, random Lucario...now, to spoilers.
And hopefully you aren't spoiling yourself, because this story...is amazing. To the point that it can be argued as the best Mario story of all time (which may be tied with Super Paper Mario, but maybe we'll talk about that in another zillion years).
Considering that it keeps the fun Mario attitude while adding shades of grim, dark, and mature moments...it's so surprising and refreshing for Mario. It's not all dark, it's still really fun and funny, but the way they balance it all together makes every moment feel special, and each location memorable. You get to see all these locations that are visually great, for sure, but I find more marvelous because they visually tell a story, and make it feel like this is a varied and unique world, at least compared to all the other Mario games out there.
And hopefully you aren't spoiling yourself, because this story...is amazing. To the point that it can be argued as the best Mario story of all time (which may be tied with Super Paper Mario, but maybe we'll talk about that in another zillion years).
Considering that it keeps the fun Mario attitude while adding shades of grim, dark, and mature moments...it's so surprising and refreshing for Mario. It's not all dark, it's still really fun and funny, but the way they balance it all together makes every moment feel special, and each location memorable. You get to see all these locations that are visually great, for sure, but I find more marvelous because they visually tell a story, and make it feel like this is a varied and unique world, at least compared to all the other Mario games out there.
I appreciate all that effort, and I wish we saw it more often.
Speaking of appreciation, another thing to love...the final boss...is not Bowser!
Speaking of appreciation, another thing to love...the final boss...is not Bowser!
I don't know why it's so hard to have someone other than Bowser, but this (and Super Paper Mario) are great examples of breaking away from that restriction, and instead makes for a better time when Bowser is in the game.
Again, there's a lot to like about this game, and I'm glad I finally got to play it. Back when I was younger, still in my state of mind to support Sonic over Mario, I turned away from anything Mario related. And while I'll still stand by Sonic being my preference of the two series, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is a game that I will probably consider one of my all time favorites.
Sincerely,
Lan Prower Kopaka
Again, there's a lot to like about this game, and I'm glad I finally got to play it. Back when I was younger, still in my state of mind to support Sonic over Mario, I turned away from anything Mario related. And while I'll still stand by Sonic being my preference of the two series, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is a game that I will probably consider one of my all time favorites.
Sincerely,
Lan Prower Kopaka