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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 earns praise for its heartfelt "brothership" themes and Luigi's emotional growth, with a whimsical, character-driven narrative. But critics call its plot predictable, over-explained, and reliant on Mario tropes, citing underdeveloped mechanics and stock villains. A nostalgic, family-friendly RPG, it delivers charm but lacks innovation, sticking to familiar formulas.

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 reviewers generally praise Mario & Luigi: Brothership for its heartfelt themes and creative storytelling, highlighting its focus on "brothership" and the emotional bond between the titular characters. CGMagazine and Nintendojo commend the narrative for emphasizing friendship, connection, and character development, particularly noting Luigi’s growth as a central figure. My Nintendo News and Twinfinite laud the game’s "captivating narrative" and "clever writing," calling it one of the strongest in the Mario & Luigi series. The story’s exploration of interconnectedness—whether through reuniting floating islands or fostering relationships—resonates with critics, with The New York Times appreciating its "humorous and touching moments" and Vooks celebrating its "charming characters and humor." The game’s whimsical setting, such as the parallel universe with anthropomorphic power sockets (per Metro GameCentral), and its lighthearted tone (as noted by Multiplayer.it) also contribute to its appeal, making it a family-friendly and nostalgic experience for fans of the franchise. However, several critics find the narrative lacking in originality and depth, with some pointing to over-explained or repetitive elements. Checkpoint Gaming criticizes the "overly large" story for the "basic premise," arguing that excessive dialogue and unnecessary characters dilute the experience. COGconnected and Wccftech describe the execution as "dull" and "predictable," respectively, with the latter noting a "stock villain" and "predictable twists." God is a Geek and Inverse echo this sentiment, calling the plot "over-explained" and "predictable but heartfelt," while also suggesting it leans too heavily on typical Mario tropes. Additionally, some reviewers, like Daily Star, feel the story’s mechanics—such as turn-based fighting against the Extension Corps—are underdeveloped compared to the world-building, and Shacknews’ mention of "branching narrative paths" is seen as a minor highlight rather than a standout feature. These critiques suggest that while the game’s themes are commendable, its storytelling occasionally falters in execution. Despite mixed feedback on narrative depth, the overall consensus leans positive, with many acknowledging it as a solid entry in the Mario & Luigi series that balances charm with familiar elements. Critics like CGMagazine, Nintendojo, and Twinfinite emphasize its emotional core and unique approach to storytelling, while others, such as PlaySense and The New York Times, note that the plot improves as it progresses, becoming more cohesive and engaging. However, the game’s reliance on predictable structures and its sometimes underwhelming execution (as highlighted by Checkpoint Gaming and Wccftech) prevents it from being a groundbreaking experience. The reviews collectively suggest that Brothership succeeds as a nostalgic, family-oriented RPG with a focus on connection and humor, even if it doesn’t fully innovate the formula. While not universally hailed as a masterpiece, it is seen as a worthwhile and enjoyable addition to the series, particularly for its thematic strengths and character-driven moments.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership crushes with dynamic turn-based combat, inventive Battle Plugs, and fresh Bros. Moves/Luigi Logic that blend nostalgia and innovation. Minor gripes about clunky mechanics and tricky puzzles are overshadowed by its strategic depth, cohesive design, and broad appeal, solidifying it as a bold, rewarding RPG that honors the franchise while breaking new ground.

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 is widely praised for its engaging blend of turn-based combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving, with many critics highlighting its evolution of classic Mario RPG mechanics. CGMagazine and GamesHub both commend the "strong turn-based combat with real-time elements" and the "creative puzzles," while Inverse and Twinfinite laud the "dynamic and exciting battle system" and the "unique enemy attack patterns" that add depth. The introduction of the Battle Plugs system, described as "rewarding experimentation" by Checkpoint Gaming and "crunchy and attention-grabbing" by Inverse, is a standout feature, offering passive effects that enhance strategy. Additionally, the Bros. Moves and Luigi Logic mechanics, noted by Nintendojo and Vooks, provide fresh interactions that enrich exploration and combat, with Multiplayer.it emphasizing how "Brother Actions add a new layer of interaction." The game’s structure, including side quests, gear customization, and a "traditional RPG experience" (as per Metro GameCentral), is seen as a success in balancing nostalgia with innovation, appealing to both RPG enthusiasts and newcomers. While the majority of reviews celebrate the gameplay, some critics point to minor flaws that slightly detract from the experience. COGconnected criticizes the "floaty traversal" and "frustrating puzzles," while Checkpoint Gaming notes that the Bros. Moves "can feel clunky" and contribute to "slow pacing due to backtracking." These issues, though, are presented as isolated concerns rather than systemic problems, with most reviewers framing them as trade-offs for the game’s ambitious design. The "mazelike puzzles" and "gradual difficulty progression" (as mentioned by My Nintendo News) are seen as challenges that test patience, but not deal-breakers. Similarly, the "QTE-style button presses" in Metro GameCentral’s review are noted as a unique touch, even if they occasionally disrupt the flow. These critiques, while valid, are overshadowed by the game’s overall strengths, suggesting they are more about personal preference than critical shortcomings. The overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the gameplay of Mario & Luigi: Brothership being celebrated as a compelling and innovative entry in the series. The integration of Battle Plugs and Luigi Logic is frequently cited as a highlight, offering "strategic options" (Nintendojo) and "brotherhood-themed moves" (Inverse) that feel both fresh and true to the franchise’s spirit. While a few reviewers mention specific issues like clunky mechanics or frustrating puzzles, these are exceptions rather than the norm, and the game’s "satisfying rhythm of battle" (TheSixthAxis) and "varied exploration" (God is a Geek) are seen as its defining strengths. The balance between familiar elements—such as the top-down puzzle perspective reminiscent of Paper Mario (Daily Star)—and new systems like the power grid mechanic (The New York Times) ensures a broad appeal. As a result, the gameplay is widely regarded as a strong, cohesive experience that honors the series’ legacy while pushing its boundaries.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership dazzles with its vibrant, hand-drawn cel-shaded art and quirky electrical theming, but technical flaws like blurry textures, stuttery framerates, and character clarity issues in crowded scenes drag its polish. Still, its bold, imaginative visuals and dynamic charm outshine the hiccups, making it a standout, if imperfect, entry in the series.

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 are widely praised for their vibrant, creative, and distinctive aesthetic. Critics like CGMagazine and God is a Geek highlight the "stunning aesthetic" and "beautiful painterly cel-shaded style," emphasizing the attention to detail and the game’s unique theming of Concordia, which revolves around electrical appliances. Checkpoint Gaming and GamesHub commend the "vibrant and colorful visuals" and "expressive character designs," noting how the game’s charm and lively cutscenes enhance its adventurous feel. Daily Star and Nintendojo appreciate the "cartoony" look and hand-drawn art style, which they argue improves character visibility and sets it apart from other Mario titles. Multiplayer.it and The New York Times also laud the dynamic camera angles and dazzling color schemes, with the latter drawing comparisons to the Animal Crossing series for its lively, personality-packed environments. These reviews collectively celebrate the game’s imaginative approach to visual storytelling and its departure from traditional Mario aesthetics. However, several critics point out technical and design limitations. Metro GameCentral and TheSixthAxis criticize the "basic graphics," "poor texture work," and "lower texture detail," noting that visual quality on TV modes appears less refined than on handheld. PlaySense mentions some assets "slightly blurry," while Twinfinite highlights "slow loading" and "stuttery framerate in populated areas." Checkpoint Gaming also critiques the electrical theme for making characters "less distinguishable," and TheNew York Times’s mention of "dazzlingly colorful visuals" is tempered by the observation that some elements may feel overwhelming. These concerns suggest that while the art style is innovative, its execution occasionally falters in terms of polish and performance, particularly on larger screens or during complex scenes. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus among reviewers leans strongly positive, with most acknowledging the game’s visual creativity and charm as its defining strengths. While Metro GameCentral and TheSixthAxis note technical shortcomings, they are often overshadowed by the praise for the "unique hand-drawn art style" (Nintendojo) and "premium Nintendo game visuals" (Twinfinite). The mixed reactions to the electrical theme and character design reflect a divide between those who embrace its novelty and others who find it occasionally confusing, but this is a minor point in the broader context of the game’s visual appeal. Ultimately, the majority of critics view Brothership as a visually engaging and stylistically bold entry in the Mario series, with its colorful, dynamic environments and expressive animations standing out as its most compelling features.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics raved about Mario & Luigi: Brothership’s vibrant, genre-hopping soundtrack and immersive sound design, calling it a "standout" that elevates the game’s charm, storytelling, and lighthearted fun—despite minor tweaks needed in combat audio. The music’s emotional depth, quirky themes, and seamless integration made it a fan favorite, cementing it as a key reason to play.

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 majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Mario & Luigi: Brothership as a standout element that enriches the game’s charm and atmosphere. CGMagazine highlighted the “banging soundtrack with various genres depending on island theme,” noting the “funky jazz” battle music and its role in amplifying the game’s lighthearted fun. God is a Geek described the music as “gorgeous,” emphasizing its seamless integration with gameplay, while Inverse praised the “melodic piano music” that creates a “poetic and solemn tone.” Multiplayer.it celebrated the “catchy” music and “fitting” sound design, even pointing to the “gibberish voice acting” during cutscenes as a “charming detail.” Twinfinite lauded the “uplifting score” and unique island themes, which “enhance the narrative and emotional weight of flashback cutscenes,” and Wccftech called the soundtrack “lively and enjoyable,” further reinforcing its positive impact on the overall experience. These reviews collectively underscore the soundtrack’s diversity, emotional depth, and ability to complement the game’s whimsical tone. While the consensus was overwhelmingly positive, some critics noted minor flaws. Shacknews pointed out “odd sound mixing” during standard combat, which slightly detracted from the immersive experience. This critique, though specific, was an exception in an otherwise glowing reception. The other reviews focused on the music’s strengths, suggesting that any technical issues were either minor or overshadowed by the soundtrack’s overall quality. The occasional criticism did not diminish the general acclaim, as most reviewers emphasized that the music and sound design were integral to the game’s appeal. The overall consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership features exceptional sound design and music that elevate its gameplay and narrative. Despite the rare mention of technical hiccups, the majority of reviewers—包括 CGMagazine, God is a Geek, and Twinfinite—agreed that the soundtrack’s variety, emotional resonance, and thematic cohesion made it a memorable aspect of the game. The music not only enhanced the lighthearted and adventurous spirit of the title but also added depth to its storytelling, ensuring that the audio elements were as beloved as the gameplay itself. This strong critical reception highlights the soundtrack’s role as a key contributor to the game’s success.

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 runs smoothly and stably on Switch with minimal hiccups, but frequent loading screens, shaky frame rates, and subpar visuals expose technical flaws. Despite these issues, it’s a solid, enjoyable title that balances polish with imperfections.

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 receives mixed but largely positive feedback, with several critics highlighting its stability and smoothness. PlaySense and Vooks both praise the game’s “stable technical performance” and “minimal issues,” noting a dynamic resolution and generally smooth frame rate. Wccftech acknowledges minor performance hiccups but emphasizes that they are “not affecting combat,” while Multiplayer.it acknowledges “minor inconveniences” but still deems the overall technical performance “good.” These positives suggest that the game functions well on the Switch, with most reviewers agreeing that it delivers a solid experience despite some technical imperfections. However, several critics point to specific technical flaws that detract from the experience. COGconnected criticizes the “frequent loading screens” that “hinder the gameplay experience,” while Metro GameCentral highlights “basic visuals,” “poor texture work,” and a “shaky frame rate.” Twinfinite notes “slow loading in and out of battles” and “stuttery framerate in populated areas,” alongside unskippable attack animations, which they argue could be improved with better hardware or options. Shacknews also mentions “weird sound mixing issues” during combat, adding to the list of technical inconsistencies. These critiques reveal that while the game is mostly functional, certain aspects—particularly performance in busy environments and loading times—remain problematic. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership performs adequately on the Nintendo Switch, with most acknowledging its stability and polish despite minor flaws. While some critics like PlaySense and Vooks emphasize the game’s smoothness, others such as Twinfinite and Metro GameCentral highlight areas needing improvement. The majority of reviews, including those from Multiplayer.it and Wccftech, suggest that the technical issues are not severe enough to overshadow the game’s strengths. This balance of praise and critique reflects a game that, while not flawless, delivers a competent and enjoyable experience on the platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership has strong replay value thanks to side quests, branching stories, and RPG depth, but repetitive mechanics, slow pacing, and underwhelming side content drag it down, making it a decent but not groundbreaking sequel for returning players.

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 critics generally highlight several positive aspects of Mario & Luigi: Brothership that contribute to its replay value. CGMagazine emphasizes the inclusion of optional side-quests and missed plot details, which encourage players to revisit the game to uncover hidden stories. Checkpoint Gaming and Multiplayer.it praise the game’s systems and mechanics, noting that choices with lasting consequences and alternative paths add depth for multiple playthroughs. Inverse and My Nintendo News commend the substantial content, including mini-games, side quests, and resource management, which provide a lengthy experience (around 30-40 hours) and justify repeated engagement. Nintendojo and Shacknews also point to varied quests, boss battles, and branching storylines as elements that make the game appealing for replaying, while Twinfinite highlights the diversity in combat setups and build options as a draw for returning players. These reviews collectively suggest that the game’s design offers meaningful incentives for exploring its world beyond the main story. However, several critics express concerns that could diminish its long-term replayability. Checkpoint Gaming and God is a Geek note that slow pacing and repetitive mechanics might frustrate players during extended playthroughs, while COGconnected and Metro GameCentral criticize the side content (like fishing minigames or optional activities) as underwhelming or lacking the charm of previous entries. TheSixthAxis and Twinfinite mention limitations in replayability after completing the main story, with the former pointing to a lack of new paths post-credits and the latter citing annoyances like slow loading times and unskippable animations. Additionally, Wccftech warns that some "unnecessary padding" could make the experience feel bloated, reducing the incentive to revisit. These critiques suggest that while the game has enough content to warrant a second playthrough, its execution and design choices may not fully satisfy players seeking deeper or more varied experiences on subsequent runs. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers a solid foundation for replay value, particularly through its side quests, branching narratives, and RPG mechanics, but it falls short of exceptional due to repetitive elements and pacing issues. While outlets like Inverse, Multiplayer.it, and Shacknews celebrate its breadth of content and engagement factors, others such as COGconnected, God is a Geek, and TheSixthAxis caution that the game’s appeal may wane after the initial playthrough. The balance of praise and criticism reflects a game that delivers a satisfying, if somewhat formulaic, experience for fans of the series, with its replayability hinging on players’ tolerance for its slower moments and reliance on familiar structures. Despite these drawbacks, the variety of systems and the presence of multiple endings or collectibles keep it from being entirely one-dimensional.

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 majority of critics praised Mario & Luigi: Brothership for its engaging and nostalgic gameplay, strong character development, and faithful return to the series' roots. CGMagazine highlighted it as a "fantastic new adventure" that balances modern mechanics with the authentic charm of the franchise. GamesHub described it as an "absolute delight" with "strong themes, art direction, dynamic combat, and cohesive game design," while Nintendojo called it a "sensational RPG" that builds on classic mechanics and keeps players immersed. Inverse noted the "heartwarming story meant for kids" and "engaging gameplay," and Twinfinite commended the "well-crafted story with thematic depth." Many reviewers, including My Nintendo News and Vooks, emphasized that the game is a "captivating experience" and an "excellent addition" to the Mario & Luigi series, making it a must-play for fans. Despite the overall positive reception, several critics pointed out notable flaws. COGconnected mentioned "frustrating puzzles" and "loading issues," while God is a Geek noted that the game "suffers from over-explaining, repetition, and occasional frustrating moments." TheSixthAxis raised concerns about "visual design and replay value," and Wccftech pointed out shortcomings in "writing and pacing." Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming and Metro GameCentral both mentioned "pacing issues" and "slow gameplay" as drawbacks, though they still considered the game fun and accessible. These critiques suggest that while the game is enjoyable, it may not be without its technical or design hiccups that could detract from the experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a very good entry in the series, with many considering it a standout RPG that honors the franchise's legacy. The New York Times called it a "compelling gameplay experience," and Daily Star gave it a 4 out of 5 rating, reflecting a generally positive verdict. While some reviewers, like Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected, noted specific issues, the overwhelming majority—such as GamesHub, Nintendojo, and Twinfinite—celebrated its charm, gameplay, and storytelling. The game is seen as a solid, enjoyable adventure that, while not perfect, delivers a satisfying experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a nostalgic, engaging RPG praised for its charming gameplay, strong storytelling, and faithful return to series roots, but plagued by frustrating puzzles, pacing issues, and technical hiccups—earning high marks from critics despite its flaws.

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

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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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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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