Episode 566: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Patreon)

Nadia: Final Fantasy? Dragon Quest? That stuff's for chumps. We're talking about Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for the GameCube, one of the system's most celebrated games. Also, it might be the first RPG capable of giving you a paper cut.  

The September Nintendo Direct shocked the world when none other than a Thousand-Year Door remake was revealed and pegged for a 2024 release. The roar of approval was deafening; it's almost unbelievable how such an unassuming RPG has the power to make social media flop on its collective side and start speaking in tongues. ("Wahoo! Madame Flurrie supremacy! Wa-haaaa!".)  

What, exactly, is the source of energy that keeps Thousand-Year Door's fandom lit up? Nadia hauls her husband, David Oxford, onto the show to talk about their shared love for Thousand-Year Door. They're also joined by Retronauts veteran and Mario devotee Stuart Gipp. They put their heads together and talk about Thousand-Year Door's wonderful visuals, A-tier characters, unique battle system, and wickedly sharp script. Also, Princess Peach strips. For some weirdos, that counts for a lot. 

Ah, but The Thousand-Year Door isn't without its rusty hinges. Will the remake manage to impress today's cynical youth? Is Miyamoto really the boogeyman who, according to some Paper Mario fans, supposedly stripped the series of its charm? And is Paper Mario: Sticker Star for the Nintendo DS due for redemption?

Edits by Greg Leahy; Art by Amanda Neipris.

• 12:24 - Rogueport
• 24:41 - Ruins of the Thousand-Year Door
• 33:56 - Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions: Bowser's Castle | Main Theme
• 44:36 - Super Koopa Bros. World 1
• 54:24 - Super Paper Mario: Francis Battle
• 1:04:38 - Battle Theme
• Closing - Reunion