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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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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership charms with its focus on brotherly bonds and humor, earning praise for character development, especially of Luigi. Critics highlight its delightful moments but note significant flaws, including excessive dialogue, predictability, and a lack of captivating twists. Overall, the narrative is a mixed bag—engaging yet flawed—striking a balance between charm and shortcomings that may leave some fans wanting more.

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 story of Mario & Luigi: Brothership has garnered a generally positive reception, with many critics highlighting its charming and family-friendly narrative. CGMagazine appreciates the focus on brotherly bonds and the theme of connection, which resonates throughout the adventure. Critics like Nintendojo and Shacknews commend the character development, particularly for Luigi, and note the heartfelt moments and memorable characters that contribute to an engaging experience. The humor and lightheartedness typical of the Mario franchise are also praised, with Multiplayer.it noting well-written dialogues that enhance the overall charm of the story. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Twinfinite, emphasize the strong thematic material and clever writing, suggesting that the narrative elevates the game beyond typical Mario titles. However, not all feedback is positive; several critics point out significant shortcomings in the story's execution. Checkpoint Gaming argues that the narrative feels overly expansive for its simple premise, leading to excessive dialogue and unnecessary characters. COGconnected finds the story dull, despite its interesting premise of drifting islands. God is a Geek criticizes the narrative for being repetitive and over-explained, while Wccftech mentions a lack of captivating elements, with predictable twists and a stock villain. This sentiment is echoed by other critics who feel that while the story has potential, it often falls flat in execution. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership presents a delightful yet flawed narrative. While many appreciate the thematic focus on connection and the charm of the characters, there is a recurring critique of the story's pacing and depth. Reviewers like My Nintendo News and The New York Times highlight the comedic and touching moments, suggesting that the game has its merits. However, the criticisms regarding predictability and excessive dialogue indicate that the narrative may not fully satisfy all players. Ultimately, the game appears to strike a balance between enjoyable storytelling and notable shortcomings, making it a mixed bag for fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with its engaging blend of turn-based and real-time gameplay, praised for its cooperative dynamics, innovative Battle Plugs system, and 'Luigi Logic' mechanic. Critics highlight enjoyable exploration, strategic depth, and a variety of content appealing to both fans and newcomers. However, some gameplay elements, like clunky Bros. Moves and floaty traversal, can hinder pacing and frustrate players. Despite these issues, the game is lauded for its creativity and strong character bond, solidifying its place as a worthy addition to the franchise.

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 has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting its engaging mechanics and innovative features. Many reviewers, such as CGMagazine and God is a Geek, praised the game's blend of turn-based combat and real-time elements, emphasizing the cooperative dynamics between Mario and Luigi. The introduction of the Battle Plugs system and 'Luigi Logic' mechanic adds depth to the gameplay, allowing for strategic choices and enhancing the overall experience. Critics like Daily Star and Metro GameCentral noted the enjoyable exploration and puzzle-solving aspects, which contribute to a well-rounded RPG experience. The variety of content, including side quests and unique enemy encounters, keeps the gameplay fresh and appealing to both hardcore fans and newcomers, as mentioned by My Nintendo News. However, some critiques have emerged regarding certain gameplay elements that may detract from the overall experience. Checkpoint Gaming pointed out that while the Bros. Moves add variety, they can feel clunky and slow down the pacing due to backtracking. COGconnected echoed this sentiment by describing the traversal as "floaty" and the puzzles as frustrating. Additionally, the complexity of the combat system, while praised for its depth, may pose a challenge for some players, as highlighted by critics like Shacknews, who noted the strategic nature of boss battles and mini-games that could potentially overwhelm newcomers to the series. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership successfully builds upon the established gameplay formula of its predecessors while introducing new and exciting mechanics. The majority of reviewers, including Vooks and Twinfinite, found the gameplay to be dynamic and engaging, with a satisfying rhythm in battles and a strong emphasis on the bond between the titular characters. While there are some criticisms regarding pacing and puzzle difficulty, the positive aspects of the gameplay, such as its creativity and depth, resonate strongly with the gaming community, indicating that Brothership is 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 dazzles with its vibrant cel-shaded graphics and charming character designs, earning praise for its unique visual theme centered on electrical appliances. However, critics note issues with basic textures, shaky frame rates, and indistinct character designs. While the game's creativity shines through, technical execution has room for improvement. Overall, it offers a colorful experience that resonates with players despite some polish flaws.

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 graphics and visual design of Mario & Luigi: Brothership have received a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's vibrant and colorful aesthetic. CGMagazine praises the stunning cel-shaded look and unique visual theming based on electrical appliances, while COGconnected emphasizes the game's lush color schemes that bring the world to life. Many reviewers, such as Daily Star and Nintendojo, appreciate the cute character designs and the overall cartoony style, which adds charm to the game. The expressive character designs and detailed animations noted by GamesHub further contribute to the game's appeal, and Vooks mentions that the visuals run smoothly on the Switch, showcasing a successful transition to a non-handheld platform. However, not all feedback is positive, as some critics have pointed out various shortcomings in the visual design. Metro GameCentral describes the graphics as basic, citing issues with poor texture work and a shaky frame rate. The character designs, while cute, can sometimes be less distinguishable from one another due to the electrical theme, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming. Additionally, TheSixthAxis mentions concerns about lower texture detail when viewed on a TV compared to handheld play, and PlaySense points out that some assets may appear slightly blurry. These critiques suggest that while the game excels in creativity and vibrancy, it struggles with technical execution in certain areas. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership presents a visually engaging experience with a unique art style and vibrant colors that resonate well with players. While there are notable criticisms regarding texture quality and character distinguishability, the game's charm and creativity largely overshadow these issues. Critics like Twinfinite and Wccftech reinforce the idea that despite minor polish problems, the visuals are bright and packed with personality, reminiscent of earlier entries in the series. This blend of positive and negative feedback indicates that while the game shines in its artistic direction, there is room for improvement in technical aspects.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership shines with its vibrant sound design and engaging soundtrack, praised for its diverse island themes and whimsical voice acting. Critics highlight the uplifting music that enhances gameplay and narrative depth, although some note minor flaws like odd sound mixing and tonal inconsistencies. Overall, the game's audio is celebrated as a standout feature, significantly enriching the player experience.

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 sound design and music of Mario & Luigi: Brothership have garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's vibrant and engaging auditory experience. CGMagazine praises the "banging soundtrack" that varies by island theme, noting the funky jazz battle theme that enhances the game's lighthearted atmosphere. Similarly, God is a Geek describes the music as "gorgeous," emphasizing how it complements the gameplay experience. Critics like Twinfinite echo this sentiment, pointing out the uplifting score and unique island themes that not only entertain but also enhance the narrative and emotional weight of pivotal moments in the game. The charming gibberish voice acting, highlighted by Multiplayer.it, adds a whimsical touch that further enriches the overall sound design. Despite the largely favorable reviews, some critics have pointed out minor flaws in the sound design. Shacknews mentions experiencing "odd sound mixing" during standard combat, suggesting that while the music is delightful, there are moments where the audio could be better balanced. This indicates that while the soundtrack is generally well-received, there are areas where the sound design may not consistently meet the high standards set by the music. Inverse also presents a more somber perspective, noting that the melodic piano music sets a "poetic and solemn tone," which may not align with every player's expectations for a Mario game, hinting at a potential disconnect between the game's lighthearted visuals and its musical themes. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership excels in its sound design and music, with the majority praising it as a significant enhancement to the gameplay experience. The lively and enjoyable soundtrack, as noted by Wccftech, contributes to a rich auditory landscape that resonates well with players. While there are some criticisms regarding sound mixing and tonal consistency, the positive aspects far outweigh the negatives, establishing the game's music as a standout feature that effectively supports its whimsical charm and narrative depth. Critics unanimously agree that the sound design and music are integral to the game's appeal, creating a delightful and immersive experience for players.

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

TL;DR: Mario & Luigi: Brothership on Nintendo Switch offers a mixed bag of performance. Some reviewers praise its stability and smooth framerate, while others slam it for frequent loading screens, unstable visuals, and sound issues. Despite some commendable aspects, significant technical shortcomings overshadow the experience, suggesting the game needs optimization to satisfy players.

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 has received a mixed reception from critics, with some positive aspects noted across various reviews. PlaySense commended 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 when entering battles and warping between islands. Multiplayer.it also recognized the overall technical performance as good, despite mentioning minor inconveniences such as loading times. These observations suggest that while there are some performance strengths, particularly in terms of stability and smoothness, they are often shadowed by the issues noted by other critics. On the downside, multiple reviewers pointed out significant technical shortcomings. COGconnected criticized the game for frequent loading screens that disrupt gameplay, while Metro GameCentral highlighted basic visuals, poor texture work, and an unstable framerate as major concerns. Twinfinite also mentioned slow loading times and stuttery framerate in populated areas, along with unskippable animations during attacks, indicating that these issues could detract from the overall experience. Shacknews added to the critique by noting sound mixing problems during combat, which further illustrates the technical inconsistencies present in the game. Wccftech mentioned performance hiccups and occasional framerate stutters during exploration, emphasizing that while the combat remains unaffected, the exploration aspect suffers. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Mario & Luigi: Brothership on the Nintendo Switch is one of cautious optimism mixed with notable concerns. While some reviewers like PlaySense and Vooks found the game to be relatively stable and smooth, others like Metro GameCentral and COGconnected highlighted significant issues that could hinder the gameplay experience. The presence of frequent loading screens, framerate instability, and sound mixing problems suggests that while the game has potential, it may require further optimization to meet the expectations of players. Thus, while there are commendable aspects of the technical performance, the criticisms indicate that the game falls short in several key areas that could impact player enjoyment.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on Mario & Luigi: Brothership's replay value. Positive notes highlight abundant side quests, collectibles, and a varied combat system that encourages exploration and strategic play. However, concerns about slow pacing, repetitive gameplay, and backtracking may frustrate players on repeat runs. While there's engaging content, critics warn that these drawbacks could dampen long-term enjoyment. Overall, the game offers a mix of appeal and limitations, making its replayability a nuanced debate.

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 opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Mario & Luigi: Brothership highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its appeal. Many reviewers, such as CGMagazine and Multiplayer.it, emphasize the game's optional side quests and collectibles, which provide players with opportunities for exploration and engagement beyond the main storyline. Inverse also notes the significant amount of content, including mini-games and side activities, which further enhances replayability. The combat system and unique mechanics, as mentioned by Twinfinite, offer depth and variety that can make subsequent playthroughs enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate experimenting with different strategies. However, the critics also point out notable drawbacks that may hinder the game's replay value. Checkpoint Gaming raises concerns about the slow pacing and backtracking, which could frustrate players during repeated playthroughs. Similarly, Nintendojo mentions the potential monotony of retreading familiar paths and battling the same enemies, which could detract from the overall experience. Critics like God is a Geek and TheSixthAxis echo these sentiments, suggesting that while there are engaging elements, the repetitive nature of certain gameplay aspects may limit long-term replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed. While there is a recognition of the game's substantial content and engaging mechanics that provide some replay value, many reviewers caution against the limitations posed by pacing issues and repetitiveness. Critics such as Metro GameCentral and Wccftech highlight that despite the enjoyable gameplay, certain design choices may detract from the overall replay experience. Ultimately, Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers a blend of engaging elements and potential pitfalls, leading to a nuanced view of its replay value among reviewers.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding Mario & Luigi: Brothership is predominantly positive, with many critics highlighting its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and nostalgic appeal. CGMagazine describes it as a "fantastic new adventure," emphasizing its modern gameplay while remaining true to the series' roots. Critics like GamesHub and Shacknews echo this sentiment, praising the game for its strong themes, dynamic combat, and heartfelt story. The game is characterized as an endearing RPG with solid mechanics, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming, while Multiplayer.it calls it a standout title that is a must-play for fans. The vibrant visuals and captivating narrative are consistently lauded, making it an enjoyable experience for both new and returning players, as highlighted by My Nintendo News. Despite the overwhelming praise, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. COGconnected mentions frustrating puzzles and loading issues, while God is a Geek notes the presence of over-explaining and repetition that can frustrate players. Additionally, some reviewers, such as PlaySense and TheSixthAxis, raised concerns about pacing issues and the visual design, suggesting that these elements may hinder the game's flow. Critics like Inverse acknowledged that while the game offers plenty of content, certain aspects may feel predictable, indicating a lack of innovation in some areas. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a highly enjoyable and well-crafted addition to the franchise, with many praising its engaging gameplay and charming aesthetics. The majority of reviews lean towards a very good overall verdict, with Daily Star even awarding it a 4 out of 5. While there are criticisms regarding pacing, repetition, and some technical issues, these do not significantly overshadow the game's strengths. Overall, the game is seen as a successful revival of the beloved series, inviting both new players and longtime fans to embark on this delightful adventure.

TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a hit, celebrated for its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and nostalgic charm. Critics praise its dynamic combat and heartfelt story, calling it a must-play for fans. However, issues like frustrating puzzles, pacing problems, and technical glitches temper the experience. Overall, it's a well-crafted revival that invites both newcomers and veterans to enjoy the adventure, with most reviews leaning towards a strong positive verdict.

MONSTER

Reviews

146 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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