
77
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
Expand for full analysis
75
Mixed reactions: While Mario & Luigi: Brothership shines with heartwarming themes, quirky humor, and nostalgic charm, its narrative falters with repetition, shallow plotlines, and a lack of originality. Though praised for engaging mechanics and character dynamics, it falls short of the series' storytelling depth, leaving fans split between nostalgia and disappointment.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
75
Positive Reviews (80-100)
42%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
55%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Mixed reactions: While Mario & Luigi: Brothership shines with heartwarming themes, quirky humor, and nostalgic charm, its narrative falters with repetition, shallow plotlines, and a lack of originality. Though praised for engaging mechanics and character dynamics, it falls short of the series' storytelling depth, leaving fans split between nostalgia and disappointment.
Gameplay Mechanics
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83
Praised for innovative combat mechanics, creative teamwork systems, and nostalgic charm, Mario & Luigi: Brothership shines with strategic depth and engaging exploration—yet repetitive pacing, sluggish movement, and tedious minigames undermine its potential, making it a flawed but rewarding experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
83
Positive Reviews (80-100)
72%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
28%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Praised for innovative combat mechanics, creative teamwork systems, and nostalgic charm, Mario & Luigi: Brothership shines with strategic depth and engaging exploration—yet repetitive pacing, sluggish movement, and tedious minigames undermine its potential, making it a flawed but rewarding experience.
Graphics and Visual Design
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83
Critics praised Mario & Luigi: Brothership's vibrant, imaginative cel-shaded visuals and creative island themes, but technical flaws like static backgrounds, blocky character models, and frame-rate issues slightly tarnished the experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
83
Positive Reviews (80-100)
70%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
30%
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
Critics praised Mario & Luigi: Brothership's vibrant, imaginative cel-shaded visuals and creative island themes, but technical flaws like static backgrounds, blocky character models, and frame-rate issues slightly tarnished the experience.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
83
Critics raved about Mario & Luigi: Brothership's vibrant, thematic soundtrack that immersive players in each island’s unique vibe, with standout jazz battle tracks, nostalgic yet fresh melodies, and Hideki Sakamoto’s catchy, emotionally resonant work—though some noted minor issues like repetitive themes and forgettable moments.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
83
Positive Reviews (80-100)
75%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
25%
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
Critics raved about Mario & Luigi: Brothership's vibrant, thematic soundtrack that immersive players in each island’s unique vibe, with standout jazz battle tracks, nostalgic yet fresh melodies, and Hideki Sakamoto’s catchy, emotionally resonant work—though some noted minor issues like repetitive themes and forgettable moments.
Voice Acting
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70
Mario & Luigi: Brothership’s voice acting dazzles with Kevin Afghani’s energetic, Martenet-esque performances for the brothers and whimsical "gibberish" cutscenes that nail nostalgia, but secondary characters falter with minimal dialogue and lackluster delivery, creating a mixed bag of charm and uneven execution.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
70
Positive Reviews (80-100)
43%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
29%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
29%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Mario & Luigi: Brothership’s voice acting dazzles with Kevin Afghani’s energetic, Martenet-esque performances for the brothers and whimsical "gibberish" cutscenes that nail nostalgia, but secondary characters falter with minimal dialogue and lackluster delivery, creating a mixed bag of charm and uneven execution.
Technical Performance
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69
Brothership shines with stable, polished gameplay on Switch but struggles with frame drops, loading hiccups, and clunky mechanics, proving the aging hardware can’t fully keep up—yet its charm keeps flaws from derailing the fun.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
69
Positive Reviews (80-100)
21%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
69%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
10%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Brothership shines with stable, polished gameplay on Switch but struggles with frame drops, loading hiccups, and clunky mechanics, proving the aging hardware can’t fully keep up—yet its charm keeps flaws from derailing the fun.
Replay Value
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73
Mario & Luigi: Brothership delivers robust replayability through side quests, multiple endings, and exploration, but repetitive mechanics, bloated pacing, and underwhelming optional content undermine its long-term appeal, offering a mixed experience for completionists.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
41%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
57%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Mario & Luigi: Brothership delivers robust replayability through side quests, multiple endings, and exploration, but repetitive mechanics, bloated pacing, and underwhelming optional content undermine its long-term appeal, offering a mixed experience for completionists.
Overall Verdict
77
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
77
Positive Reviews (80-100)
63%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
37%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Praise for gameplay, charm, clavijas, emotional storytelling; critics panned repetition, underdeveloped story, technical issues. Still hailed as a nostalgic revival with strong innovation despite flaws.
77
MONSTER
Reviews
148 reviews found100
The Enemy
Nov 4, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A fresh entry in the Mario & Luigi series that maintains its signature humor, challenging battles, and dynamic storytelling while introducing unique mechanics tied to Elétria's electrical theme. It serves as a strong conclusion for the Switch era.
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100
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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95
Stevivor
Nov 4, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A successful return for the Mario & Luigi series, blending nostalgic elements with innovative 3D mechanics, engaging storytelling, and a fresh take on the brothers' dynamic. Highly recommended for fans and newcomers alike.
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95
Areajugones
Nov 4, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is praised as one of the best Nintendo Switch titles of 2024, with a compelling story, engaging gameplay, and abundant content that appeals to RPG fans. It balances creativity, challenge, and nostalgia effectively.
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93
Vandal
Nov 4, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review calls it one of the best Mario & Luigi games, a must-have for Switch, and a significant evolution in the series. It praises the innovation, depth, and dedication to the Super Mario universe.
90
LevelUp
Nov 4, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Mario & Luigi: Brothership is hailed as the most ambitious entry in the series, successfully reviving the franchise with a compelling story, innovative gameplay, and nostalgic charm. It balances creativity with nostalgia, delivering a satisfying experience that exceeds expectations.
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90
Nintenderos
Nov 4, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is praised as a strong return for the franchise, combining beloved elements with improved graphics, characters, and addictive turn-based combat.
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90
Shacknews
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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90
Nintendo Life
Nov 4, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review concludes that Mario & Luigi: Brothership is the best entry in the series, praised for its combat, worldbuilding, creativity, and emotional storytelling. It's deemed a must-play with innovative mechanics and a richly designed world.
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90
My Nintendo News
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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