A thousand-year door sleeps at the end of a paper world, and Mario slips through it like a page being turned.

First signal, when the community picks on gut feel: this game lands ahead of 85% of titles, on few votes but that is high. And the detail confirms it almost everywhere. Attachment runs ahead of 92% of games, art direction ahead of 95%, and the soundtrack hits the very top, ahead of 98% of titles, to confirm on a handful of duels but dazzling. Desert island and rediscovery follow, very high. One false note, and it surprises: fun, that game you cannot put down at 3am, drops to the bottom, ahead of just 10% of titles. Strange for such a beloved RPG. On few votes, so take it gently, but the tension is real: adored, gorgeous, memorable, and yet not seen as the game that devours your nights.

Against the paper RPGs and Nintendo adventures of its time, it shines on charm and style more than on frenzy.

So who is it for? For you if you love a tender, funny world with a unique touch, a soundtrack that lingers. Much less if you are chasing the adrenaline of a session that stretches on against your will.