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Mario & Luigi: Brothership

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Item: Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Comedy, Side View Perspective, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableNov 7, 2024

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperAcquire

Overview

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!

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised Mario & Luigi: Brothership for its heartfelt storytelling, thematic depth, and charming execution. Many highlighted the game’s focus on "brothership" as a central theme, with CGMagazine noting its emphasis on "the brotherly bond and connecting people in a new world," while My Nintendo News called it "one of the best narratives in a Mario & Luigi game to date." The narrative’s exploration of friendship, connection, and character growth resonated strongly, particularly with Nintendojo, which praised the "strong character development" for Luigi and the blend of comedic and serious moments. Critics like Twinfinite and Vooks lauded the "well-woven narrative" and "charming characters," emphasizing how the story elevated the Mario RPG formula beyond typical expectations. The game’s lighthearted humor and whimsical setting, such as the quirky parallel universe in Metro GameCentral’s review, further contributed to its appeal. However, several reviewers found the narrative lacking in originality or pacing. Checkpoint Gaming criticized the "overly large" story with "too much dialogue and unnecessary characters," while COGconnected called the execution "dull" despite a "fascinating premise." God is a Geek and Wccftech both noted issues with an "over-explained" plot, repetitive storytelling, and a "stock villain" with predictable twists. Some felt the game’s focus on reuniting floating islands, as described by Daily Star and TheSixthAxis, leaned too heavily on familiar Mario tropes without sufficient innovation. Additionally, Shacknews’ mention of "branching narrative paths" was tempered by others who found the story "not particularly special," suggesting that while the themes were endearing, the structure occasionally felt formulaic or underdeveloped. Overall, the critics largely agreed that Mario & Luigi: Brothership succeeds as a nostalgic yet heartfelt entry in the series, with its emotional core and thematic focus on connection being its strongest assets. While some critiques about pacing and originality held weight—particularly from Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected—the consensus leaned toward appreciation for the game’s charm, character moments, and creative world-building. Reviews like Nintendojo’s emphasis on "comedic and serious moments" and Twinfinite’s praise for "clever writing" underscored its appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. Despite mixed reactions to certain narrative elements, the game’s ability to balance humor, heart, and the Mario & Luigi dynamic ensured it was seen as a worthwhile, if not groundbreaking, addition to the franchise.

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story and narrative

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Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

89%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

11%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Mario & Luigi: Brothership is widely praised for its engaging blend of turn-based combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration, with critics highlighting its innovation while staying true to the series’ roots. CGMagazine emphasized the game’s 3D environments, Western RPG mechanics, and unique systems like "Battle Plugs" and "Luigi Logic," which add depth to cooperative play. Checkpoint Gaming and GamesHub both celebrated the dynamic combat, noting how real-time elements and strategic gear customization enhance battles, while Daily Star drew comparisons to Paper Mario with its top-down puzzle design. Nintendojo and Twinfinite praised the fresh take on combat mechanics, including "Bros. Moves" and enemy patterns that keep encounters varied and challenging. The game’s emphasis on brotherly teamwork—whether through synchronized attacks or shared puzzles—was frequently lauded as a standout feature, with Inverse highlighting its “crunchy” combat and focus on “brotherhood-themed moves.” Despite the overall enthusiasm, some critics pointed to minor flaws that slightly detract from the experience. COGconnected criticized the floaty traversal mechanics and frustrating puzzles, while Checkpoint Gaming noted that "Bros. Moves" could feel clunky and contribute to slow pacing due to backtracking. The linear structure of Ship Shape Island exploration, though praised by CGMagazine as a “linear structure with Ship Shape Island exploration,” might not appeal to players seeking open-world freedom. Additionally, the game’s reliance on turn-based mechanics occasionally led to repetitive moments, though most reviewers felt these were offset by the inclusion of unique systems like "Luigi Logic" and dynamic animations. While these issues are relatively minor, they reflect a few critics’ concerns about balancing innovation with accessibility. The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised Mario & Luigi: Brothership for its gameplay, calling it a strong entry in the series that successfully merges classic elements with fresh mechanics. My Nintendo News and Wccftech highlighted its appeal to both RPG fans and newcomers, while Metro GameCentral and Vooks emphasized its traditional RPG charm augmented by modern twists like gear customization and "Battle Plugs." Even critics who noted minor drawbacks, such as COGconnected’s frustration with puzzles or Checkpoint Gaming’s critique of pacing, acknowledged the game’s overall strengths. With its mix of cooperative combat, creative puzzles, and strategic depth, Brothership was seen as a satisfying evolution of the Mario & Luigi formula, earning high marks for innovation and execution. The consensus is clear: this is a gameplay experience that delivers fun, variety, and heart—perfect for fans and newcomers alike.

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gameplay mechanics

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Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

76%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of reviewers praised Mario & Luigi: Brothership for its vibrant, creative, and visually engaging design. Critics consistently highlighted the game’s cartoonish, cel-shaded aesthetic and bold color schemes, with CGMagazine calling it a “stunning aesthetic” and COGconnected noting “intense, lush, and lovely colors.” The unique electrical appliance-themed world of Concordia was celebrated for its imaginative visual theming, as noted by CGMagazine and The New York Times, which compared the “dazzlingly colorful visuals” to Animal Crossing. Nintendojo praised the hand-drawn art style and how it enhanced character visibility, while GamesHub and Inverse commended the expressive animations and creative level design. Multiplayer.it specifically highlighted the “dynamic camera angles” as a standout feature, and Vooks noted the game’s smooth performance on the Switch, emphasizing its visual appeal despite technical limitations. However, several critics pointed out technical and design shortcomings that detracted from the experience. Metro GameCentral criticized the “basic graphics,” citing poor texture work and a “shaky frame rate,” while TheSixthAxis noted concerns about lower texture detail on TV compared to handheld play. PlaySense mentioned some assets appearing “slightly blurry,” and Twinfinite pointed to slow loading times and stuttery framerates in populated areas. Checkpoint Gaming also raised an issue with the electrical theme making characters less distinguishable, and Shacknews noted sound mixing problems during combat, which, while not purely visual, impacted overall immersion. These critiques suggest that while the game’s art direction is ambitious, its technical execution on the Switch faced some challenges. Overall, the critics’ opinions reflect a strong consensus on the game’s artistic vision despite its technical flaws. The vibrant, creative visuals and unique theming were widely celebrated, with many reviewers—such as CGMagazine, GamesHub, and Nintendojo—highlighting how the art style elevated the gameplay experience. However, issues like texture quality, frame rate inconsistencies, and character distinguishability were recurring concerns, particularly from Metro GameCentral, TheSixthAxis, and Twinfinite. While these drawbacks prevented the game from achieving a flawless visual presentation, the majority of critics agreed that Brothership’s artistic choices and energetic design made it a standout entry in the Mario & Luigi series.

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graphics and visual design

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Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Mario & Luigi: Brothership as a standout element that enriches the game’s charm and immersion. CGMagazine highlighted the “banging soundtrack” with its genre diversity, noting how the battle themes blend funky jazz with intensity, perfectly matching the game’s lighthearted tone. God is a Geek commended the “gorgeous music” that complements gameplay, while Inverse celebrated the melodic piano pieces that evoke a poetic and solemn atmosphere. Twinfinite emphasized the “uplifting score” and unique island themes, which enhance the narrative and emotional weight of flashback cutscenes. Multiplayer.it appreciated the catchy music and fitting sound design, even calling the gibberish voice acting in cutscenes a “charming detail.” These reviews collectively underscore how the soundtrack effectively mirrors the game’s whimsical and adventurous spirit, with varied musical styles that align with each island’s personality. While most critiques were overwhelmingly positive, some minor concerns emerged. Shacknews noted “odd sound mixing” during standard combat, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in audio balance. This issue, however, was not widespread and seemed to be a technical quirk rather than a major flaw. Additionally, while Multiplayer.it acknowledged the gibberish voice acting as charming, this point pertains more to dialogue than music or sound design. Overall, these critiques were overshadowed by the general acclaim for the soundtrack’s creativity and cohesion, with only one reviewer flagging a specific technical issue. The consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership’s sound design and music are exceptional, contributing significantly to its appeal. CGMagazine, God is a Geek, Inverse, Twinfinite, and Wccftech all highlighted the soundtrack’s liveliness, emotional depth, and thematic variety, reinforcing its role in elevating the game’s atmosphere. While Shacknews’ observation about sound mixing during combat points to a minor flaw, it does not detract from the overall praise. The majority of reviewers agreed that the music and sound design are integral to the game’s identity, blending fun, nostalgia, and innovation in a way that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers. This collective enthusiasm underscores the soundtrack’s success in enhancing the gameplay experience without overshadowing the core mechanics.

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music and sound design

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Voice Acting

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voice acting

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Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

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.

The technical performance of Mario & Luigi: Brothership on the Nintendo Switch receives mixed but largely favorable reviews, with several critics highlighting its stability and optimization. PlaySense praises the game’s "stable technical performance" and "dynamic resolution," noting a generally smooth framerate despite minor issues. Vooks acknowledges that the game runs "smoothly with minimal issues," while Multiplayer.it describes the overall technical performance as "good despite these minor inconveniences." These positives suggest that, for most players, the Switch version maintains a consistent experience, even if it occasionally struggles with specific mechanics like loading times or resolution adjustments. The game’s ability to handle its 2D/3D hybrid combat and exploration without major crashes or glitches is frequently cited as a strength. However, several critics point to notable technical shortcomings that detract from the experience. COGconnected criticizes "frequent loading screens" that disrupt gameplay flow, while Metro GameCentral highlights "basic visuals," "poor texture work," and an "unstable frame rate." Twinfinite notes "slow loading in and out of battles" and a "stuttery framerate in populated areas," alongside unskippable attack animations. Shacknews mentions "weird sound mixing issues during standard combat," and Wccftech observes "performance hiccups" with occasional stutters during exploration. These issues, though not catastrophic, create friction for players, particularly in high-action sequences or when navigating dense environments. The combination of these flaws suggests that while the game is technically competent, it falls short of delivering a seamless experience on the Switch. Despite the critiques, the overall consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for Brothership’s technical foundation, with most acknowledging its strengths as a Nintendo-published title. While PlaySense and Vooks emphasize smooth performance and minimal issues, others like Multiplayer.it and Wccftech concede that minor hiccups are forgivable given the game’s charm and design. The recurring complaints about loading times, frame rate inconsistencies, and audio glitches indicate areas for improvement, but they do not overshadow the game’s broader appeal. Critics like Twinfinite and Metro GameCentral, while critical of specific flaws, still recognize the title as a solid entry in the series, suggesting that its technical performance is adequate for casual and core fans alike on the Nintendo Switch.

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technical performance

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Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics highlight the game’s strong replay value through its diverse content and mechanics. CGMagazine emphasizes that optional side-quests and missed plot details encourage multiple playthroughs, while Checkpoint Gaming notes systems catering to both newcomers and veterans with lasting consequences. Inverse and Metro GameCentral praise the substantial 40-hour experience, citing mini-games, varied quests, and side missions as key contributors. Multiplayer.it and Shacknews further commend the game’s collectibles, branching story paths, and alternative routes, which add depth for repeated engagement. Twinfinite and Vooks also point to combat variety and decision-making as incentives for replaying, with Twinfinite highlighting engaging boss battles and build options. These reviews collectively suggest that the game’s layered systems and content create a compelling reason to revisit its world. However, several critics express concerns about factors that may diminish long-term replayability. Checkpoint Gaming warns of slow pacing and backtracking, which could frustrate players, while COGconnected finds side content like fishing minigames unremarkable. God is a Geek and Nintendojo both note the repetitive nature of gameplay and monotony from revisiting familiar enemies, respectively. TheSixthAxis argues that replayability feels limited after completing the main story, and Twinfinite mentions technical annoyances like slow loading times. Wccftech adds that unnecessary padding in the design might dilute the experience. These critiques suggest that while the game offers a lot, its repetitive elements and pacing issues could deter players from returning for extended periods. Overall, the consensus leans toward moderate replay value, with most critics acknowledging the game’s content-rich design but recognizing its limitations. Positive reviews from Inverse, Metro GameCentral, and Multiplayer.it underscore the appeal of side quests, combat diversity, and branching paths, while negative feedback from Checkpoint Gaming, COGconnected, and TheSixthAxis highlights pacing and repetition as drawbacks. Though some critics like Shacknews and Twinfinite find enough depth to justify multiple playthroughs, others feel the game’s flaws—such as unengaging side content or technical hiccups—temporarily undermine its replayability. Ultimately, Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers a solid foundation for revisiting but may not fully satisfy players seeking enduring long-term engagement.

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replay value

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Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of Mario & Luigi: Brothership is overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its nostalgic yet modernized approach to the series. Many highlight its engaging gameplay mechanics, vibrant art direction, and heartfelt storytelling. CGMagazine lauds it as a “fantastic new adventure” that balances innovation with tradition, while GamesHub calls it an “absolute delight” with dynamic combat and cohesive design. Inverse emphasizes its “heartwarming story” and creative level design, noting it’s “meaty for the eyes,” and Nintendojo applauds its ability to build on classic mechanics while introducing fresh elements. The game’s charm is further underscored by its accessible nature, as Checkpoint Gaming describes it as a “fun and accessible experience for players of all ages,” and Twinfinite calls it a “glorious return” that delivers constant entertainment. These critiques collectively paint a picture of a game that successfully revitalizes the franchise while maintaining its core appeal. Despite its strengths, several critics point to notable flaws that slightly detract from the experience. COGconnected criticizes the “frustrating puzzles” and “loading issues,” while God is a Geek notes problems with “over-explaining” and repetitive elements. TheSixthAxis raises concerns about “visual design” and “replay value,” and Wccftech points to shortcomings in “writing and pacing.” Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming mentions “pacing issues” and “slow gameplay,” while Multiplayer.it acknowledges “technical issues and minor flaws.” These criticisms suggest that while the game is enjoyable, it occasionally struggles with consistency in design and execution. However, many reviewers argue these drawbacks are minor compared to the game’s broader strengths, with some like Vooks calling it an “excellent addition” despite its imperfections. The consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a strong entry in the series, earning high praise for its creativity and charm. Daily Star’s 4/5 rating reflects this optimism, and most reviewers agree it delivers a satisfying experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. While some, like CGMagazine, note it may not surpass earlier favorites, the game’s “memorable and authentic” nature (as described by CGMagazine) and its ability to “live up to the franchise’s legacy” (GamesHub) solidify its status as a standout title. Even critics with reservations, such as Shacknews, acknowledge its “heartfelt story” and “deeper combat system,” reinforcing the idea that Brothership is a worthwhile adventure. Ultimately, the majority of reviews highlight its ability to balance nostalgia with innovation, making it a recommended pick for fans of the series and RPG enthusiasts alike.

TL;DR

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Reviews

148 reviews found

100

Nintendojo

Nintendo Switch

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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My Nintendo News

Nintendo Switch

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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GamesHub

Nintendo Switch

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

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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Twinfinite

Nintendo Switch

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

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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Shacknews

Nintendo Switch

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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Vooks

Nintendo Switch

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

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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CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

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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Multiplayer.it

Nintendo Switch

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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PlaySense

Nintendo Switch

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

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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The New York Times

Nintendo Switch

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

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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