Table of Contents
Nintendo’s iconic plumber brothers have set sail on a new RPG adventure in Mario & Luigi: Brothership, the sixth installment in the beloved series and the first new entry in nearly a decade. This maritime journey offers a blend of familiar charm and fresh ideas, but like the unpredictable ocean, it has its share of choppy waters.
A Vibrant New World
Brothership whisks Mario and Luigi away from the Mushroom Kingdom to the picturesque archipelago of Concordia. The game’s visual presentation is a standout feature, with cel-shaded graphics and bloom lighting effects reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD[3]. The sunlit, washed-out aesthetic perfectly captures the breezy, vacation-like atmosphere that has long been a hallmark of the Mario & Luigi series.
The brothers find themselves tasked with reconnecting the shattered islands of Concordia, piloting a ship that doubles as a mobile island. This premise sets the stage for a diverse array of environments to explore, from Middle Eastern-inspired marketplaces to arid dunes teeming with sand sharks[3].
Combat: The Series’ Saving Grace
The turn-based battle system remains the strongest aspect of Brothership, continuing the series’ tradition of engaging, rhythmic combat. Players must time button presses for attacks, jumps, hammer strikes, and counters, transforming what could be mundane encounters into a delightful dance of reflexes[3]. The combat animations are particularly praiseworthy, successfully translating the charm of the original sprite work into 3D[2].
As the game progresses, new skills and flashy attack enhancements are introduced, keeping battles fresh and exciting[3]. Boss encounters are especially noteworthy, taking place in shadowy dungeons that provide a stark contrast to the sun-soaked overworld[3].
Narrative and Character Missteps
While the Mario & Luigi series has always been known for its humor, Brothership’s attempts at comedy often fall flat. The game is filled with repetitive jokes and intentionally unfunny puns that wear thin long before the adventure concludes[2]. The new characters, particularly the anthropomorphic acorn residents of Concordia, fail to leave a lasting impression compared to memorable faces from past Mario RPGs[2].
The story, revolving around themes of friendship, connections, and the dangers of isolation, is admirable in concept but suffers from unoriginal execution and overly verbose dialogue[2]. The absence of voice acting further hampers the delivery of the narrative[3].
Technical Troubles and Design Decisions
Brothership is unfortunately plagued by performance issues, with frequent framerate dips that detract from the overall experience[2]. The game’s approach to controlling the brothers has also changed, with Luigi often feeling more like an NPC ally than a true second protagonist in the overworld sections[2].
A Mixed Bag of Nostalgia and Innovation
Despite its flaws, *Brothership* does offer numerous moments of genuine enjoyment that keep players engaged and invested in the experience. The game’s diverse island environments are a standout feature, immersing players in vibrant landscapes that range from lush, verdant jungles brimming with exotic flora to arid, sun-scorched deserts where enigmatic ruins whisper tales of ancient civilizations. Each environment is thoughtfully crafted, filled with intricate details that encourage exploration and invite curiosity. Players can easily lose themselves in the beauty of these islands while also discovering hidden treasures and secrets scattered throughout.
The game is replete with puzzle-laden islets, each offering unique challenges that test the players’ ingenuity and problem-solving skills. These puzzles are not merely obstacles to overcome; they are intricately designed to integrate seamlessly with the game’s narrative and environment. Players will find themselves manipulating intricate mechanisms, decoding cryptic messages, or even collaborating with cleverly designed NPCs that assist in navigating the complexities of each puzzle. This engaging gameplay mechanic not only stimulates critical thinking but also fosters a rewarding sense of accomplishment when players successfully unravel the mysteries of each islet.
Furthermore, the engaging boss battles are another highlight of *Brothership*, providing players with exhilarating confrontations that are both challenging and immensely satisfying. Each boss is uniquely designed, often reflecting the thematic elements of their respective environments. Players must employ strategy and skill, utilizing their mastery of the game mechanics and their understanding of the boss’s attack patterns. The adrenaline-pumping moments during these fights serve as thrilling climaxes, allowing players to unleash their creativity in devising clever strategies and executing daring maneuvers to claim victory.
In this game, Luigi finally receives some well-deserved recognition, stepping out of his brother Mario’s shadow and showcasing his own set of unique abilities. Players will relish the opportunity to control Luigi as he navigates these vibrant worlds, utilizing his distinctive skills to solve puzzles and overcome challenges in ways that differ from Mario’s approach. Luigi’s jump mechanics, for instance, might allow for more agile maneuvers in certain environments, while his cunning intellect empowers him to devise innovative strategies that can turn the tides in tricky situations. This emphasis on character development not only adds depth to the gameplay but also enriches the narrative, giving players a personal connection to Luigi’s journey.
The game’s soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a lively nautical score that perfectly complements the seafaring theme[3].
Conclusion
Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a game that will likely divide fans of the series. While it successfully captures the sun-drenched, vacation-like atmosphere of its predecessors and delivers engaging combat, it stumbles in areas like narrative, character development, and technical performance. For those craving a Mario RPG experience, it may be worth setting sail with the brothers on this new adventure, but be prepared for both smooth sailing and rough seas along the way.
Super Mario Party Jamboree Review
Citations:
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/04/arts/mario-luigi-brothership-review.html
[2] https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-and-luigi-brothership-review
[3] https://www.theguardian.com/games/2024/nov/04/mario-luigi-brothership-review-nintendo-switch
[4] https://www.thegamer.com/mario-luigi-brothership-review/
[5] https://famiboards.com/threads/mario-luigi-brothership-review-thread.11501/
[6] https://www.eurogamer.net/mario-and-luigi-brothership-review
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/1gjg24h/mario_luigi_brothership_review_megathread/
[8] https://www.neogaf.com/threads/mario-luigi-brothership-review-thread.1677006/
[9] https://www.godisageek.com/reviews/mario-luigi-brothership-review/
