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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

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership charms with its emphasis on brotherly bonds and humor, winning praise for its engaging premise and character development, especially for Luigi. However, critics point out issues with pacing, excessive dialogue, and predictable twists, leading to a narrative that feels both delightful and flawed. While many enjoy its whimsical adventure, others warn that its execution may not fully resonate with all players.

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 predominantly positive reception from critics, highlighting its charming and family-friendly narrative. Many reviewers, such as CGMagazine and Nintendojo, appreciate the emphasis on brotherly bonds and character development, particularly for Luigi. The game’s premise of reconnecting floating islands in the fractured world of Concordia is seen as engaging and imaginative, with critics like Shacknews praising the heartfelt story and memorable characters. Humor and lightheartedness are also noted as strong points, with Multiplayer.it and Vooks emphasizing the well-written dialogues and comedic elements that are characteristic of the Mario franchise. However, not all reviewers are as enthusiastic about the narrative execution. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected express concerns about the story feeling overly large for its simple premise, with excessive dialogue and unnecessary characters diluting the experience. God is a Geek points out that the narrative can be repetitive and over-explained, while Wccftech criticizes the plot for lacking captivating elements and featuring predictable twists. This sentiment is echoed by several others who feel that despite the charming setup, the story does not reach its full potential. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers a delightful and whimsical adventure with themes of connection and brotherhood, its execution suffers from pacing issues and predictability. Reviewers like My Nintendo News and Twinfinite recognize the narrative's strengths, such as clever writing and engaging character moments, but many others caution that the story may not resonate with everyone due to its flaws. The game strikes a balance between charm and shortcomings, making it a pleasant yet imperfect addition to the Mario & Luigi series.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with its engaging gameplay, blending turn-based combat with real-time elements and introducing the innovative Battle Plugs and 'Luigi Logic' mechanics. Critics praise the dynamic battles and exploration, appealing to both RPG veterans and newcomers. However, some note pacing issues and clunky mechanics during backtracking. Overall, it’s a worthy addition to the franchise, combining classic charm with fresh ideas for a fun gaming experience.

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, who appreciate its engaging mechanics and innovative features. Many reviewers, including CGMagazine and Metro GameCentral, highlight the blend of turn-based combat with real-time elements, which adds a layer of excitement to battles. The introduction of the Battle Plugs system and the 'Luigi Logic' mechanic has been praised for enhancing the strategic depth of combat, allowing for varied and rewarding gameplay experiences. Critics like Twinfinite and Shacknews commend the dynamic nature of the turn-based system, noting the unique enemy patterns and the satisfying rhythm of battle that encourages player engagement. Additionally, the exploration and puzzle-solving elements have been positively received, with many critics, such as My Nintendo News and Multiplayer.it, noting that the game appeals to both hardcore RPG fans and newcomers alike. Despite the overall praise, some reviewers have pointed out certain drawbacks in the gameplay. Checkpoint Gaming mentioned that while the Bros. Moves add variety, they can sometimes feel clunky and contribute to slow pacing due to backtracking. COGconnected expressed frustration with the floaty traversal mechanics and found some puzzles to be challenging in a less enjoyable way. The sentiment of a few critics suggests that while the combat is engaging, the pacing may suffer from the need for backtracking and the complexity of certain mechanics, potentially hindering the overall flow of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience, successfully blending classic RPG elements with new mechanics. The majority of reviewers agree that the game retains the charm and fun of the series while introducing innovative features that enhance combat and exploration. Critics like Vooks and God is a Geek emphasize that the game strikes a balance between familiar mechanics and fresh ideas, making it a worthy addition to the Mario & Luigi franchise. While there are some concerns regarding pacing and puzzle difficulty, the positive aspects of the gameplay overwhelmingly dominate the discussion, indicating that players can expect a rich and entertaining experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with its vibrant, cel-shaded graphics and unique themes, earning praise for colorful aesthetics and expressive character designs. Critics celebrate its engaging visuals, but some note technical flaws like poor textures and frame rate issues that slightly diminish the experience. Overall, it merges classic charm with modern flair, making it a visually appealing entry in the franchise despite minor shortcomings.

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 opinions of various critics on the graphics and visual design of Mario & Luigi: Brothership largely highlight the game’s vibrant and colorful aesthetic. CGMagazine praises the stunning cel-shaded look and unique visual theming based on electrical appliances, which adds a modern twist to the series. Many reviewers, including COGconnected and Nintendojo, emphasize the game's use of lively color schemes that pop and enhance character visibility. GamesHub and Vooks commend the expressive character designs and detailed animations, while The New York Times notes the dazzling visuals and dynamic environments that contribute to an engaging atmosphere. Overall, the game is recognized for its charming and visually appealing presentation, with critics appreciating the creativity behind the character and level designs. However, not all feedback is positive. Metro GameCentral points out that the graphics can be basic at times, with issues related to poor texture work and a shaky frame rate. Critics like TheSixthAxis and PlaySense echo these concerns, mentioning lower texture detail and some assets appearing blurry. Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming raises the issue of character designs being less distinguishable due to the electrical theme, suggesting that while the visuals are charming, they can also feel convoluted. These critiques indicate that while the game excels in certain areas, it also suffers from technical shortcomings that detract from the overall visual experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership boasts a vibrant and creative visual style that captures the charm of the franchise. Reviewers like Wccftech and Twinfinite appreciate the bright colors and diverse island designs, while acknowledging minor polish issues that could affect the experience. Despite some criticisms regarding texture quality and character distinction, the overall sentiment is positive, with many finding the game’s artistic direction both refreshing and appealing. The blend of modern aesthetics with classic elements appears to resonate well with players, establishing Brothership as a visually captivating addition to the Mario franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

"Mario & Luigi: Brothership" boasts a vibrant and engaging soundtrack that critics rave about, highlighting its funky jazz themes and emotional piano melodies. While some sound mixing issues during combat were noted, the overall music enhances gameplay and storytelling, making it a standout feature of the game.

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 received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, who highlight the game's diverse and engaging soundtrack. CGMagazine praises the "banging soundtrack" that varies by island theme, particularly noting the funky jazz battle theme that enhances the game's lighthearted atmosphere. Similarly, God is a Geek describes the music as "gorgeous," complementing the gameplay experience effectively. Critics like Twinfinite and Wccftech echo this sentiment, emphasizing the uplifting score and lively soundtrack that contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment of the game. The melodic piano music mentioned by Inverse adds a poetic touch, enhancing the emotional depth of certain moments, while Multiplayer.it appreciates the catchy tunes and charming gibberish voice acting that enrich the experience. Despite the overall acclaim, there are some criticisms regarding the sound design. Shacknews points out issues with sound mixing during standard combat, suggesting that while the music is delightful, technical aspects of sound could be improved. This indicates that while the music is generally well-received, there are moments where the execution may fall short, detracting slightly from the immersive experience. However, this seems to be a minor concern in the grand scheme of the game's audio presentation. In summary, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of "Mario & Luigi: Brothership" are significant strengths of the game. The majority of reviewers, including CGMagazine, God is a Geek, and Wccftech, celebrate the vibrant and varied soundtrack that enhances gameplay and emotional storytelling. While some minor technical issues were noted, such as the sound mixing during combat, these do not overshadow the overall positive reception. The game’s music is seen as a vital component that adds to its charm and enjoyment, reinforcing the notion that audio elements play a crucial role in the 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 offers a generally solid performance with smooth gameplay but suffers from frequent loading screens, basic visuals, and frame rate issues. Critics like PlaySense and Vooks praise the stable experience, while others highlight frustrations with slow loading and stuttering in busy areas. Overall, it's a mixed bag—enjoyable for fans but in need of polish and improvements for a better experience.

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 garnered a mix of positive feedback from various critics. PlaySense noted that the game delivers a stable performance with a dynamic resolution and a generally smooth framerate, suggesting that the core gameplay experience is solid. Vooks echoed this sentiment, stating that the game runs smoothly with minimal issues, indicating that the overall experience is enjoyable despite some minor setbacks. Multiplayer.it also recognized the technical performance as good, despite acknowledging some drawbacks, which suggests that the game manages to provide a satisfactory experience for players. However, several critics pointed out notable negatives that detract from the overall experience. COGconnected highlighted the frequent loading screens as a significant hindrance to gameplay, while Metro GameCentral criticized the basic visuals, poor texture work, and an unstable frame rate. Twinfinite mentioned issues with slow loading times and stuttery framerates in populated areas, along with unskippable animations for attacks, which could frustrate players. Shacknews pointed out sound mixing issues during combat, adding to the list of technical concerns that players may encounter while enjoying the game. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed but generally favorable view of the technical performance of "Mario & Luigi: Brothership" on the Nintendo Switch. While there are several criticisms regarding loading times, frame rate stability, and visual quality, many reviewers, such as PlaySense and Vooks, found that the game still manages to deliver a solid experience. The presence of minor performance hiccups, as noted by Wccftech, suggests that while there is room for improvement, the game is still enjoyable for fans of the franchise. Critics agree that enhancements in hardware and options for skipping animations could significantly improve the experience, highlighting a desire for a more polished product in future iterations.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership has mixed reviews on replay value. Critics praise its optional quests, rich content, and varied collectibles that encourage multiple playthroughs. However, concerns about slow pacing, repetitive battles, and limited exploration may dampen replay interest. While there are strengths, the game might not offer the compelling replayability seen in earlier series entries. Proceed with caution!

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 overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Mario & Luigi: Brothership is mixed, with several critics highlighting positive aspects that contribute to replayability. CGMagazine emphasizes the presence of optional side quests and missed plot information, which encourage players to revisit the game for a more comprehensive experience. Similarly, Inverse points out the significant amount of content, including mini-games and side quests, that provides ample opportunities for players to engage with the game beyond the main story. Critics like Multiplayer.it also appreciate the variety of collectibles and alternative paths, suggesting that the depth of the combat system and Brother Actions can make multiple playthroughs appealing. On the flip side, several reviewers express concerns that may detract from the game's overall replay value. Checkpoint Gaming notes that while there are systems that cater to both new and veteran players, slow pacing and backtracking could hinder the desire to replay the game. God is a Geek and Nintendojo both mention the potential for monotony, particularly due to the repetitive nature of encounters with familiar enemies, which may lead to a lack of motivation for a second playthrough. Additionally, TheSixthAxis suggests that once the main story is completed, the replayability may be limited, indicating that the game could struggle to maintain player interest over time. In summary, while there are notable strengths in Mario & Luigi: Brothership that provide replay value, such as diverse gameplay mechanics and engaging side content, the criticisms regarding pacing, repetition, and limited exploration of decision impacts suggest a more cautious approach to replayability. Critics like Shacknews and Vooks recognize the potential for replay value through side quests and decision-making but also highlight the limitations that may arise from the game's design choices. Overall, the consensus indicates that while there is replay value to be found, it may not be as robust or compelling as in previous entries in the series.

TL;DR

replay value

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 sentiment surrounding Mario & Luigi: Brothership is predominantly positive, with many critics celebrating its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and heartfelt storytelling. For instance, CGMagazine describes the game as a "fantastic new adventure" that successfully modernizes the classic series while maintaining its core essence. Similarly, GamesHub highlights the "strong themes, art direction, dynamic combat, and cohesive game design," indicating that the game lives up to the franchise's legacy. Critics like Shacknews and My Nintendo News also commend the game for its enjoyable combat system and captivating narrative, suggesting that it offers a delightful experience for both new players and longtime fans of the series. However, the game is not without its flaws. Several reviewers have pointed out issues such as pacing problems and technical shortcomings. Checkpoint Gaming mentions "pacing issues and design choices leading to slow gameplay," while COGconnected notes "frustrating puzzles" and "loading issues" that detract from the experience. Furthermore, God is a Geek and Twinfinite both address concerns regarding over-explanation and repetition, which can hinder the overall enjoyment. These critiques indicate that while the game excels in many areas, it does have some elements that could potentially frustrate players. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among reviewers is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a commendable addition to the franchise, with most critics rating it positively. Daily Star's score of 4 out of 5 reflects the general approval, and critics like Multiplayer.it and Nintendojo emphasize its status as a "must-play" and "sensational RPG" respectively. The majority of reviewers agree that the game successfully revives the beloved series and offers a rich, entertaining experience, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessors. Overall, the game is regarded as a solid entry that balances nostalgia with modern gameplay elements, making it a worthwhile adventure for fans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a mostly triumphant return for the beloved franchise, praised for its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and heartfelt storytelling, with critics lauding its modern twist on classic elements. While some issues like pacing problems, frustrating puzzles, and over-explanation are noted, the consensus remains positive, with many calling it a "must-play" and a "sensational RPG." Overall, it successfully blends nostalgia with fresh mechanics, making it a worthy adventure for both long-time fans and newcomers.

MONSTER

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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