Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a turn-based role-playing game and the second entry in the Paper Mario series, set in a world styled to look like paper. Players guide Mario through themed locations, solving puzzles and battling enemies in a timing-based combat system where well-timed button presses strengthen attacks and defense. Battles play out on a stage before an audience whose reactions can help or hinder the player, and Mario recruits a party of companions with unique skills while equipping badges that grant new abilities. Brief segments also let the player control Princess Peach and Bowser between chapters.