78
MONSTER
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!
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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78
Mario & Luigi: Brothership charms with its focus on brotherhood and strong character development, particularly for Luigi, while balancing humor and heartfelt moments. Critics praise its family-friendly appeal but slam the pacing, predictability, and excessive dialogue, making it feel bloated and dull at times. Overall, the game offers a delightful experience for younger players, though seasoned gamers might find its narrative execution lacking.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
78
Positive Reviews (80-100)
61%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
39%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Mario & Luigi: Brothership charms with its focus on brotherhood and strong character development, particularly for Luigi, while balancing humor and heartfelt moments. Critics praise its family-friendly appeal but slam the pacing, predictability, and excessive dialogue, making it feel bloated and dull at times. Overall, the game offers a delightful experience for younger players, though seasoned gamers might find its narrative execution lacking.
Gameplay Mechanics
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85
Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with its engaging turn-based combat, clever puzzles, and cooperative gameplay mechanics, earning praise from critics for depth and variety. However, some note issues like clunky Bros. Moves and frustrating puzzles that slow pacing. Overall, it’s a worthy addition to the series, appealing to both RPG veterans and newcomers, despite some areas needing refinement.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
85
Positive Reviews (80-100)
89%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
11%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with its engaging turn-based combat, clever puzzles, and cooperative gameplay mechanics, earning praise from critics for depth and variety. However, some note issues like clunky Bros. Moves and frustrating puzzles that slow pacing. Overall, it’s a worthy addition to the series, appealing to both RPG veterans and newcomers, despite some areas needing refinement.
Graphics and Visual Design
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80
Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses critics with its vibrant, cel-shaded graphics and charming character designs, earning praise for its colorful aesthetics and unique themes. However, it faces criticism for poor texture quality and frame rate issues, particularly on TV, which detracts from the overall experience. While the visuals are engaging and reminiscent of earlier titles, technical refinements are needed to elevate the game further.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
80
Positive Reviews (80-100)
76%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
24%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses critics with its vibrant, cel-shaded graphics and charming character designs, earning praise for its colorful aesthetics and unique themes. However, it faces criticism for poor texture quality and frame rate issues, particularly on TV, which detracts from the overall experience. While the visuals are engaging and reminiscent of earlier titles, technical refinements are needed to elevate the game further.
Music and Sound Design
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82
Mario & Luigi: Brothership boasts an acclaimed soundtrack, blending genres with a standout funky jazz battle theme that enhances gameplay. Critics hail its lively and uplifting score, which enriches emotional moments and narrative depth. However, some note sound mixing issues during combat and a disconnect in tone with certain pieces, suggesting room for improvement. Overall, the music and sound design are celebrated as key elements that elevate the game’s charm and player experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
82
Positive Reviews (80-100)
100%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
0%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Mario & Luigi: Brothership boasts an acclaimed soundtrack, blending genres with a standout funky jazz battle theme that enhances gameplay. Critics hail its lively and uplifting score, which enriches emotional moments and narrative depth. However, some note sound mixing issues during combat and a disconnect in tone with certain pieces, suggesting room for improvement. Overall, the music and sound design are celebrated as key elements that elevate the game’s charm and player experience.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
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65
"Mario & Luigi: Brothership" on the Nintendo Switch has received mixed reviews for its technical performance. While some critics praise its stable framerate and smooth gameplay, others point out significant issues like frequent loading screens, poor visuals, and sound mixing problems. The game's redeeming qualities are overshadowed by notable technical flaws, leaving players with a less polished experience than expected.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
65
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.
TL;DR
technical performance
"Mario & Luigi: Brothership" on the Nintendo Switch has received mixed reviews for its technical performance. While some critics praise its stable framerate and smooth gameplay, others point out significant issues like frequent loading screens, poor visuals, and sound mixing problems. The game's redeeming qualities are overshadowed by notable technical flaws, leaving players with a less polished experience than expected.
Replay Value
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73
Mario & Luigi: Brothership boasts engaging side quests, collectibles, and a deep combat system that enhance replay value, with playtime around 40 hours. However, critics warn of slow pacing, repetitive elements, and lackluster side content that could diminish long-term enjoyment. While it offers a solid replay foundation, some players may crave more variety in future playthroughs.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
43%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
57%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Mario & Luigi: Brothership boasts engaging side quests, collectibles, and a deep combat system that enhance replay value, with playtime around 40 hours. However, critics warn of slow pacing, repetitive elements, and lackluster side content that could diminish long-term enjoyment. While it offers a solid replay foundation, some players may crave more variety in future playthroughs.
Overall Verdict
78
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
78
Positive Reviews (80-100)
64%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
36%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
"Mario & Luigi: Brothership" earns widespread acclaim for its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and strong adherence to franchise legacy, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike. Critics praise its dynamic combat and heartfelt story, but some point out pacing issues, frustrating puzzles, and over-explanation as notable flaws. Overall, it’s a commendable RPG experience that delivers a captivating adventure, though not without its shortcomings.
78
MONSTER
Reviews
146 reviews found100
Nintendojo
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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90
Vooks
Nov 4, 2024
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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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90
My Nintendo News
Nov 4, 2024
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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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90
Shacknews
Nov 4, 2024
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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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90
Twinfinite
Nov 4, 2024
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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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90
GamesHub
Nov 4, 2024
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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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85
Multiplayer.it
Nov 4, 2024
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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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85
CGMagazine
Nov 4, 2024
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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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85
The New York Times
Nov 4, 2024
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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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85
PlaySense
Nov 4, 2024
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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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