A must-have for all Mario fans.
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. The 2nd in the series of Paper Mario, and definitely the best.
The story (not including the intro before you load a file) starts at the Mario Bros. House. They receive a letter from Princess Peach saying that she found a map to an ancient treasure and they must help her find it. Mario agrees and sets off to Rougeport, where our beloved princess awaits his arrival. He eventually gets there, but Peach is nowhere to be found! Searching for his princess, he finds a suspicious group threatening a goomba girl called Goombella. Goombella and Mario talk for a little whole about Princess Peach and the treasure, and they decide the best thing to do is to find the treasure themselves without Peach. In order to do that, they must collect the 7 Crystal Stars.
This game is great. It involves 2D characters in a 3D world, which is very unique. It's not only enjoyable for kids, adults will love it. Humor adds some spice and extra laughs to it. The sharp-thinking-required levels will sharpen your mind and force you to have an open mind. In some levels, you must search every single nook and cranny in order to move on. Also, when you learn a new move, as you progress through the game, it will never be forgotten. You will use all of your skills, old and new. An interesting battle style is also featured in this game.
Another interesting thing is Badges. In this game, badges are special items you equip for numerous effects, such as increase in attack, defense, and your partners. To equip badges, you'll need BP or Badge Points, in order to use them. You get more by leveling up. This pushes players to wanting to battle everything in their path just to level up.
Whenever you beat a chapter, you get to play as Peach and Bowser. With Peach, you get to see where she is and what she is currently doing. With Bowser, you'll go on hilarious and side-burning missions where sadly, things don't go his way. You'll love both.
You're not alone in this game. You will have a partner, who have different abilities and help you through tough obstacles and uncover secret passages. They also help you in battle. Crystal Stars (once you collect them) have different abilities, too, and can help you in battle with different attacks and effects.
Even if you do beat the game, you have much to do. The trial of 100 pits, and Zess T. , just to name a few. Trust me, this game is really good and will keep you occupied for weeks if not months.
If you're a fan of the Mario Bros. Series, get this game. You will love it.