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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 garners mixed reviews, praised for its heartwarming themes of brotherhood and witty characters, but criticized for a predictable and repetitive narrative. While it charms with family-friendly storytelling, some critics find the execution lacking depth and innovation.

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 overall sentiment regarding the story of Mario & Luigi: Brothership from various critics is mixed, with several positive aspects highlighted. Many reviewers appreciate the game's charming and family-friendly narrative, emphasizing themes of brotherhood and connection. CGMagazine notes the strong focus on the "brothership" theme, while My Nintendo News praises the well-written and comedic characters, suggesting that it offers one of the best narratives in the series. Critics like Shacknews and Twinfinite also commend the heartfelt story, memorable characters, and clever writing, indicating that the narrative has engaging moments that elevate it beyond typical Mario games. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected, express concerns about the story's execution, describing it as overly large for its basic premise and dull, respectively. God is a Geek points out that the narrative can feel repetitive and over-explained, while Wccftech mentions a lack of captivating elements and predictable twists. Critics like Inverse and Daily Star highlight the predictability of the story beats, suggesting that while the narrative has heart, it may not offer much in terms of surprise or innovation. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership presents a charming and humorous story that resonates with its themes of connection and brotherhood. While many appreciate the character development and lightheartedness, particularly in the context of a family-friendly RPG, there are notable concerns regarding the execution and predictability of the narrative. Ultimately, the game seems to strike a balance between engaging storytelling and familiar tropes, appealing to its target audience while leaving some critics wanting more depth and originality in its narrative structure.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with its innovative blend of turn-based combat and environmental puzzles, earning praise for the Battle Plugs system and Luigi Logic mechanic. Critics celebrate the engaging rhythm of teamwork, diverse content, and customization options. However, some drawbacks include clunky Bros. Moves and frustrating puzzles, which can disrupt pacing and challenge newcomers. Overall, it's a standout title on the Nintendo Switch that successfully expands the franchise, appealing to both veterans and newcomers despite a few rough edges.

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, with many praising its engaging and innovative mechanics. Reviewers like CGMagazine and Multiplayer.it highlighted the successful blend of turn-based combat and environmental puzzles, which create a dynamic gameplay experience. The introduction of the Battle Plugs system and the Luigi Logic mechanic received particular acclaim for adding depth and strategy to battles, as noted by Shacknews and Nintendojo. Critics also appreciated the variety of content, including side quests and the ability to customize gear, which enhances the overall experience. The combat system's focus on timing and cooperation between Mario and Luigi, as described by Inverse and Twinfinite, contributes to an enjoyable rhythm that keeps players engaged. However, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks that affected the overall gameplay experience. Checkpoint Gaming mentioned that while the Bros. Moves add variety, they can feel clunky and contribute to slow pacing due to backtracking. COGconnected echoed this sentiment, describing traversal as "floaty" and puzzles as frustrating at times. Additionally, while the turn-based combat was generally well-received, some critics felt that the complexity of the mechanics, such as the active elements and timing requirements, could be overwhelming for newcomers, as noted by My Nintendo News. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership delivers a satisfying and engaging gameplay experience that successfully builds on the series' legacy. While there are some criticisms regarding pacing and puzzle difficulty, the majority of reviewers, including those from God is a Geek and Vooks, found the game to be a worthy addition to the franchise. With its mix of familiar mechanics and fresh innovations, the game appeals to both hardcore RPG fans and newcomers alike, making it a standout title on the Nintendo Switch.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership dazzles with vibrant visuals and charming character designs, earning praise for its unique aesthetics and smooth performance. However, critics flag issues like poor texture quality and inconsistent frame rates, particularly in TV mode. Overall, it's largely celebrated for its lively style but leaves room for improvement in execution.

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 the game's vibrant and colorful aesthetics. CGMagazine highlights the "stunning aesthetic" and "unique visual theming" based on electrical appliances, while COGconnected emphasizes the "intense, lush, and lovely colors" that bring the game to life. Critics like Daily Star and Nintendojo appreciate the cartoony character designs and the hand-drawn art style, which enhance character visibility and charm. GamesHub and Vooks also commend the expressive character designs and the smooth performance on the Switch, contributing to an engaging visual experience. The attention to detail in animations and the creative level design further solidify the game's appeal, with Metro GameCentral noting the comic animation style as a standout feature. However, there are some notable criticisms regarding the game's visual execution. Metro GameCentral points out issues with "poor texture work" and a "shaky frame rate," which detracts from the overall experience. Similarly, TheSixthAxis raises concerns about lower texture detail and visual quality when played on a TV compared to handheld mode. Checkpoint Gaming mentions that while the character designs are cute, the electrical theme can make them less distinguishable, and the overall theming can feel convoluted at times. Additionally, PlaySense notes that some assets may appear slightly blurry, indicating inconsistencies in visual fidelity. In summary, while the critics generally agree that Mario & Luigi: Brothership boasts a vibrant and charming visual style, there are mixed opinions regarding the execution of these graphics. The game's colorful aesthetics and unique designs are widely celebrated, as seen in reviews from CGMagazine and The New York Times, yet concerns about texture quality and performance issues are echoed by critics like Metro GameCentral and TheSixthAxis. Overall, the consensus leans towards a positive reception, with the game's visual design being a significant highlight, albeit with some areas needing improvement.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

"Mario & Luigi: Brothership" is celebrated for its vibrant soundtrack, with critics lauding its engaging themes and emotional depth, enhancing gameplay significantly. While minor critiques exist regarding sound mixing and voice acting quality, they don't detract from the overall positive reception. The music is a standout feature, adding charm and enjoyment to 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 garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's vibrant and engaging auditory experience. CGMagazine praises the "banging soundtrack" that varies by island theme, noting the funky jazz battle theme that injects intensity into gameplay. Similarly, Wccftech describes the soundtrack as "lively and enjoyable," which adds depth to the overall gaming experience. Critics like Twinfinite emphasize how the uplifting score enhances the narrative and emotional weight of key moments, particularly during flashback cutscenes. The incorporation of melodic piano music, as mentioned by Inverse, further enriches the game's atmosphere, creating a poetic tone that complements the gameplay. Overall, the music is seen as a significant contributor to the game's lighthearted and fun ambiance. Despite the largely favorable reviews, a few criticisms have been noted regarding the sound design. Shacknews points out some odd sound mixing during standard combat, which suggests that while the music is delightful, there may be inconsistencies in how sound effects are integrated during gameplay. Additionally, while Multiplayer.it finds the gibberish voice acting charming, it raises questions about the overall sound design quality during cutscenes. These minor critiques indicate that while the music is a strong point, there are areas where the sound design could be refined to enhance the overall experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that "Mario & Luigi: Brothership" excels in its sound design and music, with most reviewers praising the diverse and engaging soundtrack. The majority, including CGMagazine and Twinfinite, highlight how the music complements gameplay and enhances the emotional depth of the narrative. While a few critiques regarding sound mixing and voice acting exist, they do not overshadow the overall positive reception. Critics agree that the game’s auditory elements contribute significantly to its charm and enjoyment, making it a standout feature of the title.

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 the Nintendo Switch offers stable performance and smooth gameplay, but suffers from frequent loading screens, inconsistent frame rates, and basic visuals. Critics are divided: some praise its enjoyable experience, while others highlight significant technical flaws that may disappoint players seeking polish.

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.

In analyzing the technical performance of Mario & Luigi: Brothership on the Nintendo Switch, several reviewers noted positive aspects that contribute to an overall satisfactory experience. PlaySense highlighted that the game delivers a stable technical performance with a dynamic resolution and a generally smooth framerate, which is a significant plus for players. Vooks echoed this sentiment, stating that the game runs smoothly with minimal issues, aside from slight loading times when entering battles and warping between islands. Meanwhile, Multiplayer.it acknowledged that despite some minor inconveniences, the overall technical performance is considered good, suggesting that the game manages to maintain a level of quality that is commendable. However, the criticisms surrounding the technical performance of the game on the Nintendo Switch cannot be overlooked. COGconnected pointed out that frequent loading screens hinder the gameplay experience, a sentiment supported by Twinfinite, which mentioned slow loading times in and out of battles and stuttery framerates in populated areas. Metro GameCentral was particularly critical, citing basic visuals, poor texture work, and an unstable frame rate as significant drawbacks. Additionally, Shacknews noted sound mixing issues during combat, which detracted from the overall immersion. These negative aspects paint a picture of a game that, while enjoyable, has notable technical flaws that can disrupt gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Mario & Luigi: Brothership on the Nintendo Switch is mixed. While there are commendable elements such as stable performance and smooth gameplay highlighted by critics like PlaySense and Vooks, the recurring issues of loading times, framerate stability, and visual quality pointed out by Metro GameCentral and others indicate that the game is not without its faults. The combination of both positive and negative feedback suggests that while the game is playable and enjoyable, it may not meet the expectations of players seeking a polished technical experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership boasts high replay value with its diverse side quests, collectibles, and engaging combat mechanics, appealing to both newcomers and veterans. Critics praise its wealth of content, but note issues like slow pacing, backtracking, and repetitive encounters that could dampen long-term interest. While it offers enough to keep players coming back, concerns about monotony and execution suggest its replay allure may not be as strong as hoped. Overall, a solid but flawed experience.

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 longevity. Critics like CGMagazine and Multiplayer.it emphasize the variety of optional side quests, collectibles, and unique mechanics that cater to both newcomers and veterans. CGMagazine points out that missed plot information in side quests encourages players to revisit the game, while Multiplayer.it appreciates the depth provided by the combat system and Brother Actions, suggesting that these elements enhance the overall replayability. Additionally, Inverse praises the significant amount of content, including mini-games and optional activities, which further solidifies the game's appeal for players looking for extended gameplay. However, there are notable criticisms that suggest potential drawbacks to replaying the game. Checkpoint Gaming mentions that while the game offers various systems, slow pacing and backtracking may hinder the overall replay value. Similarly, Nintendojo highlights the risk of monotony due to repetitive encounters with familiar enemies, which could deter players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Critics like God is a Geek and TheSixthAxis also express concerns about the repetitive nature of gameplay and the limited replayability once the main story is completed, indicating that while there are engaging elements, they may not be enough to sustain long-term interest. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with many acknowledging that Mario & Luigi: Brothership has a solid foundation for replay value through its side quests and varied gameplay mechanics. However, the game is also criticized for issues such as pacing, repetition, and a lack of innovative elements compared to previous entries in the series. Critics like Shacknews and Twinfinite note that while there are appealing aspects, such as branching story paths and engaging boss battles, the presence of padding and slow loading times could detract from the overall experience. This combination of strengths and weaknesses suggests that while the game has replayable content, its execution may limit how often players choose to revisit it.

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 praising the game for its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and strong thematic elements. CGMagazine describes it as a "fantastic new adventure" that successfully modernizes the series while remaining authentic to its roots. Critics like GamesHub and Shacknews highlight the game's delightful art direction and heartfelt story, emphasizing its ability to deliver an enjoyable experience for players of all ages. The game is also noted for its solid mechanics and captivating narrative, with My Nintendo News and Nintendojo both commending its ability to keep players engaged throughout its lengthy playtime. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers pointed out issues such as pacing problems, frustrating puzzles, and occasional technical glitches. COGconnected mentioned loading issues and repetitive boss fights, while Checkpoint Gaming noted that design choices can lead to slow gameplay. Additionally, God is a Geek and TheSixthAxis raised concerns about over-explaining and visual design, which may detract from the overall experience. These critiques suggest that while the game excels in many areas, there are aspects that could benefit from refinement. Despite these shortcomings, the overall consensus among critics is that "Mario & Luigi: Brothership" is a commendable addition to the franchise, with the majority expressing a very good verdict. Multiplayer.it and Vooks consider it a must-play for fans of the series, while Metro GameCentral acknowledges its solid gameplay experience, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessors. The game has been described as a joyous revival of the beloved franchise, with critics like Twinfinite emphasizing that minor complaints do little to detract from the overall enjoyment. In summary, "Mario & Luigi: Brothership" is celebrated for its engaging content and nostalgic charm, solidifying its place in the hearts of both new and longtime fans.

TL;DR

"Mario & Luigi: Brothership" is a largely praised game, celebrated for its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and strong themes, with critics calling it a fantastic modern revival. However, it faces critiques for pacing, frustrating puzzles, and technical glitches. Overall, it's seen as a commendable addition to the franchise, a must-play for fans, and a joyous experience despite some minor 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

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

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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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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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