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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 brotherly themes and humor, earning praise for character development, especially for Luigi. However, critics point to an overly expansive and sometimes dull narrative, with excessive dialogue and predictability undermining its potential. While some celebrate its heartfelt moments, others find it lacking depth and engagement. The game's execution leaves a mixed reception, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses in storytelling.

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 mix of praise for its charm and thematic depth. Critics such as CGMagazine and Nintendojo highlight the narrative's focus on brotherly bonds and character development, particularly emphasizing Luigi's growth throughout the adventure. The game is noted for its humorous and lighthearted writing, with Multiplayer.it and My Nintendo News commending the well-crafted dialogues and comedic elements that are hallmarks of the Mario franchise. Additionally, Shacknews appreciates the heartfelt story and memorable characters, while Twinfinite points out the engaging narrative moments that elevate the experience beyond typical Mario games. The overarching theme of connection, as seen in the quest to reunite the floating islands of Concordia, resonates well with many reviewers. However, several critics express concerns regarding the execution of the story. Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected point out that while the premise is intriguing, the narrative feels overly expansive and sometimes dull, with excessive dialogue and unnecessary characters that detract from the core experience. God is a Geek echoes this sentiment, describing the narrative as over-explained and repetitive. Wccftech also criticizes the predictability of the plot, mentioning a stock villain and lacking captivating elements that could have made the story more engaging. This sentiment of a lack of depth in storytelling is echoed by several other reviewers, suggesting that while the premise is promising, it doesn't always translate into an engaging narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers a charming and family-friendly adventure, but it struggles with pacing and depth in its storytelling. While some reviewers, like My Nintendo News and Shacknews, find the narrative to be one of the stronger aspects of the game, others like COGconnected and Wccftech feel it falls short of its potential. The game successfully captures the essence of the Mario franchise with its humor and themes of connection, but the execution leaves room for improvement, indicating a divided reception among critics regarding the story's effectiveness.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership delights with its innovative blend of turn-based combat, exploration, and puzzles, earning praise for its engaging mechanics and cooperative gameplay. Critics highlight the fresh Battle Plugs system and brotherhood-themed moves, appealing to both hardcore fans and newcomers. However, some issues with pacing, clunky mechanics, and frustrating puzzles were noted, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the game successfully builds on the series' legacy, offering a satisfying mix of new and familiar elements that resonate with players.

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 largely positive feedback from critics, highlighting its engaging mechanics and innovative features. Reviewers from CGMagazine and Multiplayer.it praised the game for its blend of turn-based combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving elements, which create a rich and varied gameplay experience. The introduction of the Battle Plugs system and Luigi Logic adds depth to combat and exploration, allowing players to experiment with different strategies and enhancing the cooperative dynamic between Mario and Luigi. Critics like Inverse noted the "crunchy" combat and the attention-grabbing brotherhood-themed moves, while Daily Star and My Nintendo News emphasized the game’s appeal to both hardcore RPG fans and newcomers through its gradual difficulty progression and engaging mechanics. However, not all aspects of the gameplay received unqualified praise. Some reviewers pointed out issues with pacing and the execution of certain mechanics. Checkpoint Gaming mentioned that the Bros. Moves can feel clunky and contribute to slow pacing due to backtracking, which detracts from the overall flow of the game. COGconnected expressed frustration with the floaty traversal and some puzzles, indicating that they could be more intuitive. While the game is celebrated for its creativity, the occasional clunkiness in execution and the potential for frustrating moments were noted by critics like Shacknews and TheSixthAxis, who highlighted the need for strategic thinking in boss battles and mini-games. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership successfully builds on the beloved formula of the series while introducing fresh mechanics that enhance the gameplay experience. The majority of reviewers, including those from Vooks and Wccftech, found the game to be a satisfying mix of familiar and new elements, with a strong emphasis on cooperative gameplay and strategic depth. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing and puzzle design, the game's engaging combat system, exploration, and the unique bond between the titular brothers have resonated well with players, making it a noteworthy addition to the Mario RPG franchise.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with vibrant, creative visuals and charming character designs praised by many critics. However, some reviews highlight significant graphical shortcomings, such as basic textures and frame rate issues, suggesting that while the game shines in artistry, it stumbles in technical execution, potentially affecting the overall player experience.

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 overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Mario & Luigi: Brothership is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its vibrant and colorful aesthetics. CGMagazine highlights the "stunning aesthetic" and "unique visual theming" of Concordia, while COGconnected emphasizes the "intense, lush, and lovely colors" that bring the game to life. Critics like Daily Star and Nintendojo appreciate the game’s cartoony style and character designs, noting that these elements enhance character visibility and charm. Additionally, GamesHub and Multiplayer.it commend the expressive character designs and detailed animations, with the latter also pointing out the successful implementation of dynamic camera angles that enhance the player's experience. Overall, the game seems to successfully evoke a sense of whimsy and creativity, reminiscent of earlier entries in the Mario franchise. However, not all reviews are entirely favorable, as some critics point out notable shortcomings in the graphics. Metro GameCentral describes the graphics as "basic" with issues in texture work and frame rate, indicating that the visual experience may not meet the expectations set by modern gaming standards. Similarly, TheSixthAxis mentions concerns about lower texture detail when played on TV compared to handheld mode. PlaySense also notes that while the island designs are visually appealing, some assets can appear "slightly blurry." Moreover, Twinfinite mentions minor issues with slow loading and stuttery frame rates in populated areas, suggesting that technical performance could detract from the overall visual experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership boasts a visually appealing and colorful design that captures the charm of the franchise while introducing a unique art style. Critics like Wccftech and The New York Times echo this sentiment, highlighting the game's bright and personality-packed visuals. However, the mixed feedback regarding texture quality, frame rate, and some visual inconsistencies indicates that while the game excels in creativity and vibrancy, it may fall short in technical execution. Overall, the game is celebrated for its artistic direction, but it also faces scrutiny regarding performance and graphical fidelity, which could impact the player experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the vibrant sound design and diverse soundtrack of Mario & Luigi: Brothership, praising its catchy tunes and engaging themes that enhance gameplay and storytelling. While some minor sound mixing issues were noted, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the music as a key element that elevates the game's joyful atmosphere.

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 shifts through various genres based on island themes, noting the funky jazz battle theme that injects intensity into gameplay. Similarly, God is a Geek emphasizes the "gorgeous music" that complements the overall gameplay experience, while Twinfinite describes the uplifting score and unique island themes that enhance the narrative and emotional weight of flashback cutscenes. Multiplayer.it adds to this sentiment by noting the catchy music and fitting sound design, with the charming gibberish voice acting during cutscenes adding a delightful touch to the experience. Overall, the music is seen as a significant contributor to the game's lighthearted and enjoyable atmosphere. Despite the largely favorable reviews, a few critics pointed out some minor shortcomings in the sound design. Shacknews mentioned experiencing "odd sound mixing" during standard combat, suggesting that while the music is delightful, there are moments where the audio could have been better balanced. This indicates that while the overall sound design is effective, there are instances where it may not meet the high standards set by the rest of the game's audio experience. Inverse, while praising the melodic piano music, also notes that it sets a "poetic and solemn tone," which may not resonate with all players seeking a more upbeat experience throughout the game. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership excels in its sound design and music, with the majority praising the lively, catchy, and genre-diverse soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. Critics like Wccftech and CGMagazine highlight how the music contributes to the game's overall enjoyment, while others like Shacknews and Inverse provide constructive feedback on specific aspects of the sound mixing and thematic consistency. Nevertheless, the positive sentiment prevails, indicating that the game's auditory elements are a standout feature that significantly enriches the player's journey.

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 garners mixed reviews: praised for stable performance and smooth gameplay, but criticized for frequent loading screens, basic visuals, and frame rate issues. While fans may enjoy it, technical flaws detract from the overall experience, leaving room for improvement in future updates.

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 mix of opinions from various critics. On the positive side, some reviewers, like PlaySense, noted that the game delivers a stable performance with a dynamic resolution and a generally smooth framerate. Vooks echoed this sentiment, stating that the game runs smoothly with minimal issues, aside from slight loading times. Multiplayer.it also acknowledged that, despite some minor inconveniences, the overall technical performance is considered good. This indicates that while there are certain areas for improvement, the game manages to maintain a satisfactory level of performance for the majority of gameplay. However, there are notable negatives that critics have highlighted regarding the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch. COGconnected pointed out the frequent loading screens that hinder the gameplay experience, while Metro GameCentral criticized the game for its basic visuals, poor texture work, and an unstable frame rate. Twinfinite mentioned issues with slow loading in and out of battles, stuttery framerate in populated areas, and unskippable animations for attacks, suggesting that better hardware and an animation skip option could enhance the experience. Shacknews also noted sound mixing issues during combat, which adds to the list of technical shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Mario & Luigi: Brothership has some solid technical aspects, particularly in terms of stable performance, there are significant issues that detract from the experience. Critics like Wccftech and Twinfinite highlighted performance hiccups and loading times that can disrupt gameplay, indicating that while the game is enjoyable, it does suffer from technical flaws that could be addressed in future updates or iterations. The mixed reviews suggest that the game may appeal to fans of the franchise but may leave some players wanting a more polished experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership boasts solid replay value with engaging side quests and unique mechanics, but suffers from slow pacing and repetitive gameplay, which may dampen enthusiasm for multiple playthroughs. Critics are divided: many praise its content and exploration, while others caution that monotony could limit long-term engagement. Overall, it offers fun but may not fully satisfy players seeking deep replayability.

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 regarding the replay value of Mario & Luigi: Brothership highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its appeal for players. Critics such as CGMagazine and Inverse commend the game for its optional side quests and mini-games, which provide opportunities for exploration and engagement beyond the main storyline. CGMagazine notes that the unique exploration and combat mechanics enhance replayability, while Inverse emphasizes the significant amount of content available, including various activities that can entice players to revisit the game. Additionally, Multiplayer.it highlights the variety of collectibles and alternative paths, which further enrich the experience and encourage multiple playthroughs. However, several reviewers also point out notable drawbacks that may limit the game's replay value. Checkpoint Gaming raises concerns about slow pacing and backtracking, suggesting that these elements could hinder players' desire to replay the game. Similarly, Nintendojo mentions the potential for monotony due to retreading familiar steps against known enemies, which could detract from the overall experience. Critics like God is a Geek and TheSixthAxis also express that while there are opportunities for replay, the repetitive nature of some gameplay elements may diminish long-term engagement, potentially leading to a less compelling experience after the main story is completed. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a balance of positive and negative sentiments regarding replay value. While many reviewers, such as Shacknews and Twinfinite, recognize the presence of side quests and branching paths that enhance replayability, they also acknowledge the limitations posed by pacing issues and repetitive gameplay. The game appears to offer a substantial amount of content and engaging mechanics, but the concerns raised about monotony and unnecessary padding suggest that players may find their enthusiasm for replaying the game waning over time. Thus, while Mario & Luigi: Brothership has the potential for replay value, it may not fully satisfy all players looking for a deeply engaging experience across multiple playthroughs.

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 surrounding "Mario & Luigi: Brothership" is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and nostalgic appeal. CGMagazine describes the game as a "fantastic new adventure" that modernizes the series while remaining true to its roots. Similarly, GamesHub highlights the game's strong themes, art direction, and dynamic combat, emphasizing that it lives up to the franchise's legacy. Critics like Shacknews and My Nintendo News also laud the heartfelt story and captivating narrative, making it clear that the game resonates well with both new players and long-time fans. The vibrant visuals and engaging gameplay mechanics are frequently noted, with Multiplayer.it calling it a "standout RPG title" that is a must-play for fans of Nintendo's style. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few critics pointed out some notable drawbacks. Checkpoint Gaming mentioned pacing issues and design choices that could lead to slower gameplay, while COGconnected highlighted frustrating puzzles and repetitive boss fights as areas that detracted from the experience. God is a Geek echoed this sentiment by noting moments of over-explaining and repetition, which could hinder immersion. Additionally, several reviewers, including Wccftech, pointed out shortcomings in writing and pacing, suggesting that while the game excels in many areas, it is not without its flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Mario & Luigi: Brothership" is a strong addition to the franchise, delivering a delightful experience that captures the essence of what fans love about the series. The majority of reviews reflect a very good reception, with critics like Twinfinite and Vooks emphasizing the game's ability to entertain and engage players throughout its playtime. While minor issues such as pacing and repetition exist, they do little to overshadow the game's charm and appeal. As a result, "Mario & Luigi: Brothership" stands out as a well-crafted RPG that successfully revives the beloved franchise for a new generation.

TL;DR

"Mario & Luigi: Brothership" earns high praise for its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and nostalgic appeal, making it a standout RPG that modernizes the franchise. Critics laud its heartfelt story and dynamic combat, though some note pacing issues and repetitive elements that could detract from immersion. Overall, it’s a delightful addition that captivates both new players and long-time fans, showcasing Nintendo's signature style despite minor flaws.

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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