78
MONSTER
The brothers return for a brand new adventure on the high seas! Set sail with Mario and Luigi on Shipshape Island (part ship, part island) and journey through the vast world of Concordia. Launch out of Shipshape’s cannon to visit, explore, and quest your way through islands that range from tropical rainforests to bustling cities. Meet new friends along the way, like Connie and Snoutlet (who's definitely not a pig), and encounter familiar faces from the Mushroom Kingdom like Peach and Bowser, who may help you on your journey! You’ll have to rely on Mario and Luigi’s brotherly bond to succeed. Use Bros. Moves to get past obstacles while you explore, and powerful Bros. Attacks in a dynamic twist on turn-based combat. You’ll need every edge this 'brothership' will give you to save the day!
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
78
Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with its charming narrative centered on brotherhood and humor, appealing to both kids and nostalgic fans. However, critics note its overly expansive plot suffers from excessive dialogue, predictability, and pacing issues, leading to mixed reviews. While it’s a fun addition to the series, it may not satisfy those seeking deeper storytelling.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
78
Positive Reviews (80-100)
61%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
39%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with its charming narrative centered on brotherhood and humor, appealing to both kids and nostalgic fans. However, critics note its overly expansive plot suffers from excessive dialogue, predictability, and pacing issues, leading to mixed reviews. While it’s a fun addition to the series, it may not satisfy those seeking deeper storytelling.
Gameplay Mechanics
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85
Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with its engaging turn-based combat, innovative mechanics like Battle Plugs and 'Luigi Logic,' and deep strategic elements, appealing to both RPG veterans and newcomers. Critics praise its satisfying gameplay but note issues like clunky Bros. Moves, frustrating puzzles, and a linear structure that limits exploration. Overall, it’s a strong addition to the franchise, balancing familiar charm with fresh features.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
85
Positive Reviews (80-100)
89%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
11%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with its engaging turn-based combat, innovative mechanics like Battle Plugs and 'Luigi Logic,' and deep strategic elements, appealing to both RPG veterans and newcomers. Critics praise its satisfying gameplay but note issues like clunky Bros. Moves, frustrating puzzles, and a linear structure that limits exploration. Overall, it’s a strong addition to the franchise, balancing familiar charm with fresh features.
Graphics and Visual Design
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80
Mario & Luigi: Brothership dazzles with its vibrant visuals and charming art style, earning praise for its stunning aesthetics and lively colors. However, critics point out technical flaws like poor texture quality and frame rate issues that detract from the overall experience. While the game's artistic direction shines, its execution falls short of Nintendo's high standards, leaving room for improvement.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
80
Positive Reviews (80-100)
76%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
24%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Mario & Luigi: Brothership dazzles with its vibrant visuals and charming art style, earning praise for its stunning aesthetics and lively colors. However, critics point out technical flaws like poor texture quality and frame rate issues that detract from the overall experience. While the game's artistic direction shines, its execution falls short of Nintendo's high standards, leaving room for improvement.
Music and Sound Design
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82
Mario & Luigi: Brothership boasts a vibrant and diverse soundtrack that's been praised for enhancing gameplay and emotional depth. Critics rave about its catchy tunes and engaging themes, though some note occasional sound mixing issues during combat and tonal inconsistencies. Overall, the soundtrack is a standout feature that significantly elevates the gaming experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
82
Positive Reviews (80-100)
100%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
0%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Mario & Luigi: Brothership boasts a vibrant and diverse soundtrack that's been praised for enhancing gameplay and emotional depth. Critics rave about its catchy tunes and engaging themes, though some note occasional sound mixing issues during combat and tonal inconsistencies. Overall, the soundtrack is a standout feature that significantly elevates the gaming experience.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
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65
Mario & Luigi: Brothership on the Nintendo Switch has received mixed reviews for its technical performance. While some critics praise its stable frame rate and smooth gameplay, others highlight frequent loading screens, basic visuals, and frame rate issues, particularly in crowded areas. Overall, the game offers an enjoyable experience but is hindered by notable technical flaws, leaving room for improvement that could affect player satisfaction.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
65
Positive Reviews (80-100)
13%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
75%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
13%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Mario & Luigi: Brothership on the Nintendo Switch has received mixed reviews for its technical performance. While some critics praise its stable frame rate and smooth gameplay, others highlight frequent loading screens, basic visuals, and frame rate issues, particularly in crowded areas. Overall, the game offers an enjoyable experience but is hindered by notable technical flaws, leaving room for improvement that could affect player satisfaction.
Replay Value
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73
Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers decent replay value with side quests, collectibles, and a deep combat system, promising 30-40 hours of gameplay. However, critics point out slow pacing, repetitive gameplay, and lackluster side content as major drawbacks that may limit long-term appeal. Overall, it’s a mixed bag—great for some fun, but cautious players might find it hard to stay engaged after the first run.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
43%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
57%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers decent replay value with side quests, collectibles, and a deep combat system, promising 30-40 hours of gameplay. However, critics point out slow pacing, repetitive gameplay, and lackluster side content as major drawbacks that may limit long-term appeal. Overall, it’s a mixed bag—great for some fun, but cautious players might find it hard to stay engaged after the first run.
Overall Verdict
78
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
78
Positive Reviews (80-100)
64%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
36%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Mario & Luigi: Brothership has received mostly positive reviews for its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and nostalgic appeal, marking it as a worthy addition to the series. Critics praise its modernized approach and captivating narrative, though some note pacing issues, frustrating puzzles, and design flaws. Overall, it’s seen as a successful revival that offers "constant entertainment" and is recommended for both new and returning fans, despite some shortcomings.
78
MONSTER
Reviews
146 reviews found100
Nintendojo
Dec 19, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Mario & Luigi: Brothership is praised as a sensational RPG that builds on classic mechanics while introducing new elements, providing a captivating experience that keeps players engaged throughout its lengthy playtime.
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90
Vooks
Nov 4, 2024
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Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a joy to play and an excellent addition to the Mario & Luigi series, recommended for both newcomers and long-term fans of Mario RPGs.
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90
My Nintendo News
Nov 4, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Mario & Luigi: Brothership is praised as an exceptional adventure with captivating narrative, engaging gameplay, and a boatload of fun, recommended for both new and existing fans of the series.
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90
Shacknews
Nov 4, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Mario & Luigi: Brothership stands among the best Mario RPGs with its heartfelt story, lovable characters, and deeper combat system, offering a highly enjoyable experience.
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90
Twinfinite
Nov 4, 2024
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Mario & Luigi Brothership is a glorious return for the series, offering constant entertainment, engaging gameplay, and a well-crafted story with thematic depth. Small complaints like over-tutorialization do little to detract from the overall experience.
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90
GamesHub
Nov 4, 2024
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An absolute delight with strong themes, art direction, dynamic combat, and cohesive game design, living up to the franchise's legacy.
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85
Multiplayer.it
Nov 4, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Mario & Luigi: Brothership is praised as a standout RPG title with a brilliant gameplay mix, charming visuals, and engaging combat system. Despite some technical issues and minor flaws, it is considered a must-play for fans of the series and those who appreciate Nintendo's style.
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85
CGMagazine
Nov 4, 2024
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Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a fantastic new adventure for the beloved brothers, offering modern gameplay while staying true to the series. Memorable and authentic, though may not replace previous favorites in the series.
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85
The New York Times
Nov 4, 2024
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Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers a compelling gameplay experience with a unique story and vibrant visuals, making it an enjoyable adventure for players.
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85
PlaySense
Nov 4, 2024
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Mario & Luigi: Brothership revives a beloved franchise with engaging gameplay, a gradually unfolding story, and visually appealing designs, despite some initial pacing issues.
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