The power of a brotherhood bond
By Paul Hunter
Mario & Luigi: Brothership marks a thrilling return for one of Nintendo's most beloved RPG franchises. Developed by Acquire and published by Nintendo, this game brings together the iconic plumbing duo for another joyful role-playing adventures. After a long nine-year hiatus, I've been eagerly awaiting this new chapter to dive back into the unique blend of humour, engaging storytelling, and dynamic combat mechanics this series is known for.
After the closure of AlphaDream, the original developer, many of us wondered if the charming escapades of Mario and Luigi would be lost to time. So it was a great surprise when Nintendo decided to hand the reins to Acquire to reignite this venerable series. With that said, let's take a trip to the Concordia archipelago and dive deeper into the game's story, mechanics, presentation and more!
The story of Mario & Luigi: Brothership unfolds in the vibrant and whimsical Mushroom Kingdom, where the familiar duo embarks on a new maritime adventure. The game begins with a seemingly ordinary day, as Mario and Luigi enjoy a peaceful stroll through the lush forests surrounding Princess Peach's castle. However, this tranquillity is soon disrupted when a mysterious event Mario, Luigi, and other inhabitants to the world of Concordia, a kingdom with islands that are drifting apart, creating chaos in the once-united realm.
As you dive into the narrative, you quickly discover that the islands are not just geographical locations; they are rich with unique cultures and characters. Each island introduces you to new friends and foes, adding depth to the story. The charming dialogue and humorous interactions keep the tone light-hearted, making it a fantastic game for the whole family.
One major highlight of the story is the introduction of a new antagonist, Zokket, who adds a fresh twist to the classic Mario villain roster. His quirky personality, including constantly forgetting people's names, and cunning plans create a compelling character that drives the narrative forward. I found myself laughing at his antics while also feeling the urgency to thwart his scheme to drown the world in solitude.
It's delightful to hop around to the various islands of Concordia to explore the rich lore and funny characters that inhabit each island. These island goers have their own stories and dilemas that you must solve, and great care has gone into weaving these tales into the main narrative. The quest to reunite the islands becomes not just a physical journey but also an emotional one, as you learn about the fragile bonds between the characters.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership gameplay stands out for its unique turn-based combat system, which requires your active participation, much like in previous games. In order to succeed in battle you must time your button presses to enhance your attack power or bolster your defensive capabilities against enemy strikes. This interactive approach to battling keeps the action fresh and exciting.
Bros. Attacks make their welcome return and are a big highlight of combat. These special moves allow Mario and Luigi to team up for powerful attacks, like kicking a red shell back and forth to timed button presses or both bros. tossing bombs and homing missiles at enemies for devastating effect. Mastering these timed button moves not only increases your effectiveness in battle but the satisfaction of pulling off a perfectly timed combo is immensely rewarding.
The game also features a variety of enemies, ranging from familiar Koopa Troopas and Goombas to a whole variety of new island critters, each requiring different strategies to defeat. Some foes may be weak to specific attacks, while others might have unique abilities that challenge your tactics. This variety keeps combat fresh and encourages you to experiment with different Bros. Attacks to find the most effective strategies against each enemy type.
Exploration is another key aspect of the gameplay. The game is set across various islands, each with its own unique environment and challenges. As you navigate through lush forests, sandy beaches, and mysterious caves, you encounter many puzzles to solve and hidden treasures everywhere.
Additionally, the humour and charm of the game shine through in its dialogue and character interactions. The witty writing adds personality to the characters, making each encounter humourous. I often find myself chuckling at the banter between Mario, Luigi, and their friends (or foes). This light-hearted tone is just what I was hoping for.
The game also includes mini-games and side quests that provide a break from the main storyline. These activities, which includes a hilarious Hammer-Rally where Mario and Luigi have to toss a ball between them using their Hammers, offer rewards and help you develop your characters further. Participating in these side quests adds a ton of fun to overall experience as you explore the world more deeply and discover more hidden secrets.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with its vibrant presentation and engaging sound design. The game’s visuals are a rich blend of colourful graphics and charming character designs. Each island environment is meticulously crafted, showcasing a variety of landscapes that range from lush forests to sandy beaches. The art style pays homage to the franchise’s roots while introducing a fresh look, successfully balancing nostalgia with modern aesthetics.
Mario and Luigi's character animations are fluid and expressive, bringing them and their friends to life. Each character leans into their iconic movements and gestures that reflect their personalities, like how Mario enthusiastically jumps while Luigi takes slightly more cautious approach.
Sound design is another standout feature of Brothership. The soundtrack, composed by Hideki Sakamoto and Takauya Seo, is a fantastic mix of catchy tunes and memorable melodies. Each island area has its own unique theme that brings the people and locales to life. Whether you are exploring a serene island or engaging in a heated battle, the music complements the action perfectly.
On the topic of combat, the battle themes are particularly engaging, with upbeat rhythms that kept my adrenaline pumping. The sound effects are equally impressive, with recognizable sounds for jumps, attacks, and item pickups. These elements combine to create an immersive audio experience that enhances gameplay.
Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Role-Playing
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Mario & Luigi: Brothership marks a thrilling return for one of Nintendo's most beloved RPG franchises. Developed by Acquire and published by Nintendo, this game brings together the iconic plumbing duo for another joyful role-playing adventures. After a long nine-year hiatus, I've been eagerly awaiting this new chapter to dive back into the unique blend of humour, engaging storytelling, and dynamic combat mechanics this series is known for.
After the closure of AlphaDream, the original developer, many of us wondered if the charming escapades of Mario and Luigi would be lost to time. So it was a great surprise when Nintendo decided to hand the reins to Acquire to reignite this venerable series. With that said, let's take a trip to the Concordia archipelago and dive deeper into the game's story, mechanics, presentation and more!
The story of Mario & Luigi: Brothership unfolds in the vibrant and whimsical Mushroom Kingdom, where the familiar duo embarks on a new maritime adventure. The game begins with a seemingly ordinary day, as Mario and Luigi enjoy a peaceful stroll through the lush forests surrounding Princess Peach's castle. However, this tranquillity is soon disrupted when a mysterious event Mario, Luigi, and other inhabitants to the world of Concordia, a kingdom with islands that are drifting apart, creating chaos in the once-united realm.
As you dive into the narrative, you quickly discover that the islands are not just geographical locations; they are rich with unique cultures and characters. Each island introduces you to new friends and foes, adding depth to the story. The charming dialogue and humorous interactions keep the tone light-hearted, making it a fantastic game for the whole family.
One major highlight of the story is the introduction of a new antagonist, Zokket, who adds a fresh twist to the classic Mario villain roster. His quirky personality, including constantly forgetting people's names, and cunning plans create a compelling character that drives the narrative forward. I found myself laughing at his antics while also feeling the urgency to thwart his scheme to drown the world in solitude.
It's delightful to hop around to the various islands of Concordia to explore the rich lore and funny characters that inhabit each island. These island goers have their own stories and dilemas that you must solve, and great care has gone into weaving these tales into the main narrative. The quest to reunite the islands becomes not just a physical journey but also an emotional one, as you learn about the fragile bonds between the characters.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership gameplay stands out for its unique turn-based combat system, which requires your active participation, much like in previous games. In order to succeed in battle you must time your button presses to enhance your attack power or bolster your defensive capabilities against enemy strikes. This interactive approach to battling keeps the action fresh and exciting.
Bros. Attacks make their welcome return and are a big highlight of combat. These special moves allow Mario and Luigi to team up for powerful attacks, like kicking a red shell back and forth to timed button presses or both bros. tossing bombs and homing missiles at enemies for devastating effect. Mastering these timed button moves not only increases your effectiveness in battle but the satisfaction of pulling off a perfectly timed combo is immensely rewarding.
The game also features a variety of enemies, ranging from familiar Koopa Troopas and Goombas to a whole variety of new island critters, each requiring different strategies to defeat. Some foes may be weak to specific attacks, while others might have unique abilities that challenge your tactics. This variety keeps combat fresh and encourages you to experiment with different Bros. Attacks to find the most effective strategies against each enemy type.
Exploration is another key aspect of the gameplay. The game is set across various islands, each with its own unique environment and challenges. As you navigate through lush forests, sandy beaches, and mysterious caves, you encounter many puzzles to solve and hidden treasures everywhere.
Additionally, the humour and charm of the game shine through in its dialogue and character interactions. The witty writing adds personality to the characters, making each encounter humourous. I often find myself chuckling at the banter between Mario, Luigi, and their friends (or foes). This light-hearted tone is just what I was hoping for.
The game also includes mini-games and side quests that provide a break from the main storyline. These activities, which includes a hilarious Hammer-Rally where Mario and Luigi have to toss a ball between them using their Hammers, offer rewards and help you develop your characters further. Participating in these side quests adds a ton of fun to overall experience as you explore the world more deeply and discover more hidden secrets.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with its vibrant presentation and engaging sound design. The game’s visuals are a rich blend of colourful graphics and charming character designs. Each island environment is meticulously crafted, showcasing a variety of landscapes that range from lush forests to sandy beaches. The art style pays homage to the franchise’s roots while introducing a fresh look, successfully balancing nostalgia with modern aesthetics.
Mario and Luigi's character animations are fluid and expressive, bringing them and their friends to life. Each character leans into their iconic movements and gestures that reflect their personalities, like how Mario enthusiastically jumps while Luigi takes slightly more cautious approach.
Sound design is another standout feature of Brothership. The soundtrack, composed by Hideki Sakamoto and Takauya Seo, is a fantastic mix of catchy tunes and memorable melodies. Each island area has its own unique theme that brings the people and locales to life. Whether you are exploring a serene island or engaging in a heated battle, the music complements the action perfectly.
On the topic of combat, the battle themes are particularly engaging, with upbeat rhythms that kept my adrenaline pumping. The sound effects are equally impressive, with recognizable sounds for jumps, attacks, and item pickups. These elements combine to create an immersive audio experience that enhances gameplay.
The Verdict
Mario & Luigi: Brothership marks a triumphant return for the popular franchise. The vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay create an inviting experience that appeals to both new players and long-time fans. The colourful art style captures the whimsical essence of the Mario universe, making every environment a joy to explore. Whether you are a returning fan or a newcomer, this game offers a charming and entertaining role-playing adventure you won't want to miss.Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Mario & Luigi: Brothership details
Platform: Nintendo SwitchDeveloper: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Role-Playing
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
A key was provided by the publisher.