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Mario & Luigi: Brothership

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Item: Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Author: Critik 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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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership charms with themes of brotherhood and friendship, earning praise for its witty dialogue and memorable characters. Critics celebrate its engaging storytelling, but many highlight issues with pacing, predictability, and excess dialogue that dilute its impact. While it caters well to younger players, it may not satisfy those looking for a deeper narrative. Ultimately, it's a delightful yet flawed experience, striking a balance between charm and execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

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

The story of Mario & Luigi: Brothership has garnered a range of positive remarks from various critics, highlighting its charm and thematic depth. CGMagazine appreciates the focus on brotherly bonds and the narrative's ability to connect players to a new world, while GamesHub emphasizes the minimalist plot that revolves around friendship and connection. Critics like My Nintendo News and Shacknews praise the game's well-written dialogues and memorable characters, suggesting that the narrative offers comedic elements and heartfelt moments that resonate with players. Additionally, Twinfinite points out the strong thematic material and clever writing that elevate the story beyond typical Mario fare, indicating a more engaging experience than previous installments. However, the narrative has also faced criticism for its execution and pacing. Checkpoint Gaming notes that the story feels overly large for its basic premise, with excessive dialogue and unnecessary characters diluting the impact. COGconnected finds the premise intriguing but describes the story as dull, while God is a Geek mentions that the narrative is repetitive and over-explained. Critics like Wccftech point out that the plot, although somewhat novel, lacks captivating elements and includes predictable twists, which may lead to a less engaging experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Mario & Luigi: Brothership presents a charming and family-friendly story that emphasizes themes of connection and brotherhood. While many appreciate the humor and character-driven moments, there are notable concerns regarding pacing, predictability, and narrative depth. The game appears to cater well to its target audience of younger players, as noted by Inverse, but may not fully satisfy those seeking a more intricate or compelling storyline. Ultimately, the game strikes a balance between its engaging elements and its shortcomings, making it a mixed bag for fans of the series.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership earns praise for its engaging cooperative combat and innovative mechanics like Battle Plugs and 'Luigi Logic'. Critics appreciate its blend of turn-based and real-time elements, appealing to both RPG veterans and newcomers. However, issues with pacing, clunky mechanics, and overwhelming complexity have been noted, with some mechanics slowing down gameplay. Despite these flaws, the consensus is that it delivers a fresh, enjoyable experience, making it a strong addition to the franchise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Mario & Luigi: Brothership has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, with many praising its engaging mechanics and innovative features. Reviewers from CGMagazine and Shacknews highlighted the cooperative nature of combat, emphasizing how Mario and Luigi's abilities can be combined for powerful attacks. The introduction of the Battle Plugs system and the 'Luigi Logic' mechanic received particular acclaim for adding depth and strategic elements to battles, as noted by critics such as Twinfinite and Vooks. Additionally, the game’s turn-based combat, combined with real-time elements and environmental puzzles, creates a dynamic experience that appeals to both RPG veterans and newcomers, as mentioned by My Nintendo News and Metro GameCentral. However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Some critics pointed out issues with pacing and mechanics that could feel clunky or frustrating. Checkpoint Gaming noted that while the Bros. Moves add variety, they can contribute to slow pacing due to backtracking, while COGconnected expressed frustration with the floaty traversal and challenging puzzles. Additionally, the complexity of certain mechanics, such as the Battle Plugs and the interactive elements, may overwhelm some players, as suggested by the mixed sentiments from Daily Star and GamesHub regarding the balance between exploration and combat. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership delivers a compelling gameplay experience that successfully blends traditional RPG elements with new mechanics, creating a fresh yet familiar adventure. The majority of reviewers found the gameplay to be engaging and enjoyable, with a notable emphasis on the cooperative dynamics and strategic depth provided by the new features. Critics like God is a Geek and Multiplayer.it encapsulated this sentiment by praising the varied gameplay that keeps players invested. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing and complexity, the game's strengths in combat and exploration have positioned it as a worthy addition to the Mario & Luigi franchise.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with vibrant visuals and creative design, earning praise for its stunning aesthetics and expressive characters. Critics like CGMagazine and The New York Times highlight its unique art style, particularly the Concordia setting. However, some issues arise with texture quality and performance, especially in TV mode, leading to minor criticisms about graphical clarity and loading times. Despite these flaws, the overall consensus is that the game's visuals enhance the gameplay, capturing Nintendo's signature charm.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Mario & Luigi: Brothership have received a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's vibrant and colorful aesthetics. CGMagazine praises the "stunning aesthetic" and "creative and modern design," while COGconnected notes the "intense, lush, and lovely colors" that bring the game to life. Critics from GamesHub and The New York Times emphasize the expressive character designs and the dazzling visuals, with the latter particularly appreciating the bright lights and the electric personalities of the inhabitants. The game's unique visual theming, especially the Concordia setting inspired by electrical appliances, is also noted by CGMagazine, contributing to a distinctive art style that many reviewers found appealing. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Metro GameCentral points out issues with "basic graphics" and poor texture work, while TheSixthAxis raises concerns about lower texture detail and visual quality when played on a TV compared to handheld mode. Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming mentions that the electrical theme can make character designs less distinguishable from one another, which may detract from the overall visual clarity. Some critics, like PlaySense, also noted that certain assets appeared slightly blurry, and Twinfinite highlighted minor issues with slow loading and stuttery framerates in populated areas, indicating that while the visuals are generally strong, there are areas that could benefit from refinement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership delivers a visually appealing experience that showcases Nintendo's signature charm and creativity. While there are some criticisms regarding texture quality and performance issues, the vibrant colors, unique art style, and expressive character designs have left a favorable impression on most reviewers. Critics like Wccftech and Vooks affirm that the game successfully captures the essence of earlier entries in the series, suggesting that despite its flaws, the visual design is a significant strength that enhances the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership receives rave reviews for its vibrant sound design and engaging soundtrack, featuring catchy themes that enhance gameplay and emotional moments. Critics praise the funky jazz battle music and uplifting scores, while noting some minor flaws like odd sound mixing and mixed feelings about gibberish voice acting. Overall, the audio landscape significantly enriches the gaming experience, overshadowing minor critiques.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Mario & Luigi: Brothership have garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's vibrant and engaging audio landscape. CGMagazine praises the "banging soundtrack" that varies by island theme, with a funky jazz battle theme that intensifies the gameplay experience. Similarly, Twinfinite notes the uplifting score, particularly enjoying the delightful ship theme and unique island motifs that enhance the narrative and emotional weight of flashback cutscenes. Critics like Wccftech echo this sentiment, commending the lively and enjoyable soundtrack that enriches the overall gaming experience. The music is described as catchy and complements the gameplay effectively, as noted by Multiplayer.it, while Inverse appreciates the melodic piano music that sets a poetic tone, demonstrating the game's ability to evoke emotion through sound. Despite the strong praise, some critics pointed out minor flaws in the sound design. Shacknews mentioned experiencing "odd sound mixing" during standard combat, which could detract from the immersive experience. While the gibberish voice acting during cutscenes was considered charming by Multiplayer.it, it may not resonate with all players, potentially leading to a mixed reception regarding character interactions. These critiques suggest that while the overall sound design is effective, there are areas where it could be refined to enhance the player's experience further. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership excels in its sound design and music, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere that enhances gameplay. The majority of reviewers, including CGMagazine and Wccftech, emphasize the soundtrack's ability to elevate the game's lighthearted fun and emotional depth. While there are some critiques regarding sound mixing and voice acting, they do not overshadow the positive reception of the music and sound design, which collectively contribute to a rich and enjoyable gaming experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Mario & Luigi: Brothership" on Nintendo Switch receives mixed reviews for technical performance. While some critics praise its stable framerate and dynamic resolution, others highlight significant issues like frequent loading screens, poor visuals, and frame rate instability. Overall, the game has strengths but suffers from notable technical shortcomings that may impact player enjoyment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (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 has garnered a mix of opinions from various critics. Notably, PlaySense praised the game for delivering a stable technical performance, highlighting its dynamic resolution and generally smooth framerate. Vooks echoed this sentiment, stating that the game runs smoothly with minimal issues, aside from slight loading times into battles and when warping between islands. Multiplayer.it also offered a somewhat positive take, acknowledging that while there are some issues with fluidity and loading times, the overall technical performance is considered good despite these minor inconveniences. On the flip side, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks in the game's technical performance. COGconnected noted the frequent loading screens that hinder gameplay, while Metro GameCentral criticized the game for its basic visuals, poor texture work, and an unstable frame rate. Twinfinite mentioned minor issues with slow loading times and stuttery framerates in populated areas, alongside unskippable animations for attacks, suggesting that better hardware and an option to skip animations could enhance the experience. Shacknews highlighted sound mixing issues during combat, adding to the list of technical concerns. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of "Mario & Luigi: Brothership" on the Nintendo Switch leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers like PlaySense and Vooks found the performance satisfactory with only minor issues, others such as Metro GameCentral and COGconnected pointed out more severe problems that detract from the experience. The criticisms around loading times, frame rate instability, and visual quality suggest that while the game has its strengths, it also suffers from notable technical shortcomings that could affect player enjoyment.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership shines with its rich content and diverse gameplay, boasting plenty of side quests and unique mechanics that enhance replay value. However, critics warn that slow pacing, backtracking, and repetitive elements could dampen the experience for some players. Overall, it's a mixed bag—great for those who love exploration but potentially tiresome for others.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Mario & Luigi: Brothership highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its appeal. Critics like CGMagazine and Inverse emphasize the game's abundance of optional side quests, mini-games, and unique exploration mechanics, which provide players with opportunities to engage beyond the main storyline. CGMagazine notes that missed plot information and optional quests enhance replayability, while Inverse points out that the significant amount of content available, including various activities, supports a robust replay experience. Additionally, Multiplayer.it highlights the depth of the combat system and Brother Actions, suggesting that these elements can keep players engaged in multiple playthroughs. Conversely, several reviewers express concerns that may limit the game's long-term replay value. Checkpoint Gaming mentions that while the game offers various systems catering to different player types, slow pacing and backtracking could detract from the replay experience. God is a Geek and TheSixthAxis both point out the repetitive nature of gameplay and suggest that replayability may diminish once the main story is completed. Critics like Twinfinite also note that while there are engaging combat setups, small annoyances such as slow loading times and unskippable animations could hinder the desire for a second playthrough. These critiques suggest that while the game offers replayable elements, they are not without their drawbacks. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Mario & Luigi: Brothership has a solid foundation for replay value through its diverse content and mechanics, yet it is marred by pacing issues and some repetitive gameplay elements. While critics like Shacknews and Multiplayer.it highlight the game's potential for replay through side quests and branching paths, others caution that the overall experience may not sustain long-term engagement due to its pacing and repetitiveness. Thus, while the game has much to offer, the replay value may vary significantly among players, depending on their tolerance for the identified shortcomings.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

37%

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment towards Mario & Luigi: Brothership is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and nostalgic elements that resonate with long-time fans of the franchise. CGMagazine highlights the game's modern gameplay while staying true to the series, calling it a "fantastic new adventure." Similarly, GamesHub commends the game for its strong themes and dynamic combat, noting that it lives up to the franchise's legacy. Critics like Shacknews and My Nintendo News further emphasize the heartfelt story and captivating narrative, making the game an enjoyable experience for players of all ages. The combination of engaging gameplay mechanics, vibrant visuals, and a fun atmosphere has led many reviewers to recommend the game for both newcomers and seasoned fans alike. However, the reviews also point out several shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Critics such as COGconnected and God is a Geek mention frustrating puzzles and over-explaining, which can lead to a repetitive gameplay experience. Checkpoint Gaming notes pacing issues that contribute to slow gameplay, while TheSixthAxis raises concerns about visual design and replay value. Additionally, some critics, like Wccftech, mention shortcomings in writing and pacing, indicating that while the game excels in many areas, there are still aspects that could be improved for a more polished experience. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a solid addition to the franchise, with most critics rating it highly. Daily Star's 4 out of 5 rating reflects the positive reception, while Multiplayer.it describes it as a must-play for fans of the series. The majority of critics agree that the game offers a delightful and engaging experience, with minor flaws that do not significantly detract from the enjoyment. This consensus suggests that Mario & Luigi: Brothership successfully revives the beloved franchise while introducing new elements that resonate well with players, making it a worthwhile adventure for all.

TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a hit with critics, praised for its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and nostalgic elements that delight longtime fans. While some note frustrating puzzles and pacing issues, the game is largely seen as a solid addition to the franchise. With high ratings and a recommendation for both newcomers and veterans, it successfully revives the series despite minor flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

144 reviews found

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Daily Star

Nintendo Switch

Nov 4, 2024

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

The game receives a verdict of 4 out of 5, indicating a positive reception overall.

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