Nintendo’s latest Mario game proves that the series is a timeless classic

NINTENDO is known for the quality of its first-party games, waiting months if not years after a game is complete before it’s released.

Save a few notable exceptions, Nintendo’s exclusive library is full of high quality games and as such many have stood the test of time.

Aside from the kooky artstyle there are many things about Paper Mario that are unexpected[/caption]

This is what Nintendo’s subscription service relies on; offering players a huge library of free games from the N64 era or earlier.

The company has also been focusing on remaking some of its older popular games, in particular a number from the Mario series.

In the last few years we have seen Super Mario 3D All Stars, Super Mario RPG, and this month we’ll see Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD.

However, the current focus of Switch owners is Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, a remake of arguably the most popular game in the Mario RPG series.

What makes Paper Mario TTYD stand out from the series is its quirky sense of humour.

The world is filled with the series’ most popular characters, and each NPC has its own name, back story, and witty banter to discover.

Some characters talk to stereotypical New York gangster lingo, others talk about their mobs and crimes, TTYD is very different from your typical Mario game.

This is what makes it one of the most unique and memorable Mario games, as you are wrapped up in the world and the kooky characters.

It always surprises you. NPCs will react to things you do, and this also feeds into the battle system.

The more you learn about the world, the easier you will find battling.

One of the first bosses requires you to change the sound effects you use, something you only find out by talking to others.

As an RPG, Paper Mario has a battle system which is very different to any turn-based RPG you have played in the past.

Starting out with 10HP, each attack you deal just one damage, and playing with these lower numbers makes battles all the more tense.

You can increase this through the badges you equip, which allow you to either use special attacks or gain passive buffs, and are the key to taking out tough enemies.

These can be purchased or found via side quests, encouraging you to explore more of the world, but it’s not always straightforward.

The best rewards are found in the most discreet places, and you’ll have to stray far from the beaten path if you want to find them all.

There are some quality of life aspects which haven’t been updated and will likely not gel well with modern audiences.

Fast travel is almost nonexistent, and you can only pick up one side quest at a time, meaning that you will often walk across the world and all the way back, only to return once more.

It’s slow-paced at times, another holdover from when it was initially released on GameCube, but it is still a unique entry in the genre that holds up after all these years.

Those who go in with expectations from typical RPGs then you’ll be surprised, and for the laughs you have along the way it’s all worth it.

If you want to read more gaming reviews, check out our XDefiant review.