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Mario & Luigi: Brothership

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Item: Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Author: Critik 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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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Mario & Luigi: Brothership has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many reviewers appreciated the charming and family-friendly narrative that focuses on themes of friendship, connection, and brotherly bond. Critics like My Nintendo News and Vooks praised the well-written dialogues, captivating characters, and humorous moments that added depth to the overall storytelling. The inclusion of mini-stories within the main quest, as highlighted by CGMagazine, also contributed to the positive aspects of the narrative, making it engaging for players looking for a heartwarming Mario Bros. experience. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about certain aspects of the story in Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Checkpoint Gaming and God is a Geek criticized the narrative for being overly large for its basic premise, with too much dialogue and repetitive explanations. COGconnected found the execution of the story to be dull, while Wccftech mentioned the lack of captivating elements and predictable twists in the plot. These criticisms indicate a lack of originality and depth in the storytelling, which may have impacted the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of Mario & Luigi: Brothership leans towards a positive reception with a few reservations. While the narrative is praised for its charming characters, humor, and thematic material by reviewers like Twinfinite and The New York Times, the repetitive nature of the storytelling and predictable plot points, as highlighted by God is a Geek and Wccftech, detract from its overall impact. The focus on themes of friendship, connection, and brotherly bond resonated well with many critics, showcasing a heartwarming and engaging aspect of the game's narrative. Ultimately, the story of Mario & Luigi: Brothership seems to have succeeded in delivering a familiar yet enjoyable experience for fans of the Mario series, despite some shortcomings in its execution.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Mario & Luigi: Brothership's story receives mixed reviews, with critics praising its charming narrative focusing on friendship and brotherly bonds, but also criticizing its repetitive dialogue and lack of originality. While some appreciate the heartwarming themes and engaging characters, others find the storytelling lacking depth and predictability. Overall, the game offers a familiar yet enjoyable experience for Mario fans, blending humor and touching moments with some storytelling flaws.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Mario & Luigi: Brothership for its engaging and varied mechanics. CGMagazine highlighted the linear structure with Ship Shape Island exploration, Western RPG mechanics, and optional side-quests, emphasizing the unique Battle Plugs system and 'Luigi Logic' mechanic. Daily Star and Metro GameCentral appreciated the turn-based battles where Mario and Luigi combine their abilities for powerful attacks, along with platforming and puzzle sections reminiscent of Paper Mario games. Multiplayer.it commended the mix of turn-based combat, environmental puzzles, and platforming elements, especially noting the introduction of Brother Actions for added interaction and variety. TheSixthAxis and Twinfinite both found the brotherly duo battling together with new Bros. Moves and Battle Plugs mechanics to offer a satisfying rhythm of battle with strategic elements. Despite the overall positive reception, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the gameplay of Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Checkpoint Gaming mentioned that the Bros. Moves, while adding variety, can feel clunky and contribute to slow pacing due to backtracking, which might affect the overall flow of the game. COGconnected found combat to feel great with well-timed dodges and attacks but criticized traversal as floaty and puzzles as frustrating, indicating a potential inconsistency in the gameplay experience. PlaySense highlighted engaging 'bros. attacks' and 'plugs' mechanics but did not delve into any specific negatives, suggesting that the gameplay might lack significant flaws. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Mario & Luigi: Brothership. The game is praised for its engaging combat mechanics, diverse gameplay elements such as platforming, puzzles, and turn-based battles, as well as the introduction of new mechanics like Battle Plugs and Brother Actions. Critics like My Nintendo News and Vooks appreciated the mix of familiar Mario RPG mechanics with fresh elements, catering to both hardcore RPG fans and newcomers. Despite some minor criticisms regarding pacing and puzzle frustrations, the overall sentiment is that the gameplay offers a dynamic and enjoyable experience that stays true to the series while introducing innovative features, making it a highly recommended title for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Mario & Luigi: Brothership gameplay, praising engaging combat, diverse mechanics like platforming and puzzles, and innovative features like Battle Plugs. While some point out minor drawbacks like clunky Bros. Moves and pacing issues, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game offers a dynamic and enjoyable experience that caters to both hardcore RPG fans and newcomers, making it a highly recommended title in the genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Mario & Luigi: Brothership are overwhelmingly positive. CGMagazine praises the stunning aesthetic with a cartoonish, cel-shaded look and unique visual theming of Concordia based on electrical appliances. GamesHub also commends the game for its expressive character designs and diverse island themes, with standout animation work. Additionally, God is a Geek highlights the beautiful painterly cel-shaded style with attention to detail, making character design and animations stand out. On the other hand, there are some criticisms regarding the visual aspects of the game. Metro GameCentral mentions basic graphics with some nice comic animation but points out poor texture work and a shaky frame rate. TheSixthAxis raises concerns about lower texture detail and visual quality on TV compared to handheld play, despite praising the new art style and character animation. Shacknews notes issues with sound mixing during standard combat, detracting from the overall visual and auditory experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership excels in its vibrant and colorful visuals, creative character designs, and diverse island themes. The game's animations, level design, and attention to detail are widely appreciated, as seen in the comments from COGconnected, Daily Star, and Multiplayer.it. While there are some minor issues with texture detail, frame rate, and sound mixing, the majority of critics agree that the visuals of the game contribute positively to the overall experience, making it a visually appealing and engaging title for players on the Nintendo Switch platform.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Mario & Luigi: Brothership's stunning visuals, creative character designs, and diverse island themes, praising the vibrant aesthetic and standout animation. However, some reviewers note issues like poor texture work, shaky frame rates, and sound mixing problems during combat. Despite these minor flaws, the game's overall visual appeal and attention to detail make it an engaging experience for Nintendo Switch players.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Mario & Luigi: Brothership, highlighting various positive aspects. CGMagazine commended the game for its "banging soundtrack with various genres depending on island theme," noting the funky jazz battle theme that added intensity and enhanced the lighthearted fun atmosphere. God is a Geek described the music as "gorgeous," emphasizing how it complemented the gameplay experience. Twinfinite appreciated the uplifting score, delightful ship theme, and unique island themes that enhanced the narrative and emotional weight of flashback cutscenes. Wccftech also praised the soundtrack for being lively and enjoyable, adding to the overall experience of the game. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there were a few criticisms mentioned by some reviewers regarding the Sound Design and Music of Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Shacknews pointed out some odd sound mixing during standard combat, which detracted slightly from the overall experience. While the majority of the critics found the music to be catchy and fitting, Multiplayer.it highlighted the gibberish voice acting during cutscenes as a charming detail, but this may not appeal to all players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Mario & Luigi: Brothership are top-notch and greatly enhance the gaming experience. Inverse appreciated the melodic piano music that set a poetic and solemn tone, while also praising the sound design for enhancing the game's atmosphere. The positive comments from CGMagazine, God is a Geek, Twinfinite, and Wccftech further reinforce the general sentiment that the soundtrack and sound design of the game are exceptional. Despite minor issues mentioned by Shacknews and Multiplayer.it, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, making Mario & Luigi: Brothership a standout title in terms of its Sound Design and Music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the top-notch Sound Design and Music in Mario & Luigi: Brothership, praising its banging soundtrack with various genres and uplifting score. While some reviewers noted minor criticisms like odd sound mixing and gibberish voice acting, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the music enhancing the gaming experience and setting a poetic tone.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positives for the Nintendo Switch version of Mario & Luigi: Brothership, critics like PlaySense and Vooks commend the stable technical performance, smooth framerate, and minimal issues during gameplay. Vooks specifically highlights that the game runs smoothly with only slight loading times into battles and when warping between islands. This indicates that the game generally provides a good experience in terms of performance on the Nintendo Switch. On the flip side, there are several negatives pointed out by critics regarding the technical performance of Mario & Luigi: Brothership on the Nintendo Switch. Metro GameCentral and Twinfinite criticize the game for issues such as poor texture work, a shaky frame rate, slow loading in and out of battles, stuttery framerate in populated areas, and unskippable animations for attacks. COGconnected and Twinfinite also mention frequent loading screens that hinder the gameplay experience. These technical drawbacks can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game for players on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Mario & Luigi: Brothership on the Nintendo Switch is mixed. While some reviewers like Multiplayer.it and Wccftech find the overall technical performance to be good despite minor inconveniences such as long loading times before and after battles or occasional framerate stutters during exploration, others like Metro GameCentral and Twinfinite highlight significant issues like poor texture work, stuttery framerate, and unskippable animations that impact the gameplay experience. The general sentiment leans towards acknowledging the game's stable performance with minor hiccups rather than a flawless technical execution across the board.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Mario & Luigi: Brothership on the Nintendo Switch for stable performance and smooth framerate, but point out issues like poor textures, stuttering framerate, and long loading times that affect gameplay enjoyment. Overall, opinions on the game's technical performance are mixed, with some minor inconveniences noted alongside more significant drawbacks.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The critics generally agree that Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers a variety of positive aspects that contribute to its replay value. CGMagazine appreciates the optional side-quests and unique exploration and combat mechanics that enhance replayability. Multiplayer.it also highlights the variety of collectibles, side missions, and alternative paths that add depth and engagement for multiple playthroughs. Additionally, Metro GameCentral notes the substantial amount of content, fun boss battles, and varied quests that provide around 40 hours of gameplay, appealing to players looking for a lengthy experience. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about factors that may hinder the game's replay value. Checkpoint Gaming mentions the slow pacing and backtracking as potential drawbacks that could impact the desire to replay the game. God is a Geek points out the repetitive nature of the gameplay as a factor that could limit long-term replayability. Twinfinite also notes annoyances like slow loading times and unskippable animations that may detract from the overall replay value of the game. Overall, while there are mixed opinions on certain aspects affecting the replay value of Mario & Luigi: Brothership, the consensus among the critics leans towards the game offering a substantial amount of content, engaging mechanics, and varied gameplay elements that provide replay value for players. Critics like Inverse and My Nintendo News appreciate the significant amount of content, mini-games, side quests, and engaging mechanics that contribute to the game's replayability. Despite some concerns raised by critics like Wccftech regarding unnecessary padding and limited exploration of decisions impacting the story, the general sentiment suggests that Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers enough positive elements to make it worth revisiting for players looking for an immersive and engaging experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses with engaging gameplay, fun boss battles, and a wealth of content for around 40 hours of gameplay. Despite concerns about slow pacing and repetitive elements, the game's unique mechanics and variety of quests enhance its replay value. Critics agree that while not perfect, Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers a rewarding and immersive experience worth revisiting.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of Mario & Luigi: Brothership, it is evident that there are numerous positive aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Critics such as GamesHub and Vooks praise the game for its strong themes, art direction, engaging combat system, and overall cohesive game design, living up to the franchise's legacy. The game is commended for its endearing RPG elements, charming characterizations, and solid gameplay mechanics, offering a fun and accessible experience for players of all ages, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming. Additionally, critics like My Nintendo News and Twinfinite appreciate the captivating narrative, well-crafted story, and thematic depth, making it an exceptional adventure recommended for both new and existing fans of the series. On the other hand, there are some criticisms raised by certain reviewers regarding Mario & Luigi: Brothership. COGconnected mentions frustrating puzzles, loading issues, and repetitive boss fights, which detract from the overall experience. God is a Geek points out over-explaining, repetition, and occasional frustrating moments as drawbacks in an otherwise lovely and fun game. Wccftech notes shortcomings in writing and pacing, despite praising the visual charm, engaging gameplay, and creative level design. These criticisms highlight areas where the game could have been improved to offer a more seamless and enjoyable gameplay experience. Overall, the majority of critics express a very positive reception towards Mario & Luigi: Brothership, acknowledging it as a fantastic addition to the Mario & Luigi series. The game is lauded for its modern gameplay elements while staying true to the series, offering a delightful experience with stunning visuals, great music, and a superb battle system, as highlighted by God is a Geek. Despite some minor flaws and technical issues, the game is considered a standout RPG title with a brilliant gameplay mix, engaging combat system, and charming visuals, appealing to both fans of the series and those who appreciate Nintendo's style, as emphasized by Multiplayer.it. The consensus among the critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership successfully delivers an enjoyable and memorable adventure for players, solidifying its position as a must-play title within the franchise.

TL;DR

Critics rave about Mario & Luigi: Brothership for its strong themes, engaging combat, and charming characters, living up to the franchise's legacy. While some reviewers criticize the game for frustrating puzzles and repetitive boss fights, the majority praise its captivating narrative and delightful gameplay. Overall, Mario & Luigi: Brothership is hailed as a fantastic addition to the series, combining modern elements with Nintendo's classic style for an enjoyable and memorable RPG experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

135 reviews found

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Inverse

Nintendo Switch

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a meaty feast for the eyes with engaging gameplay, creative level design, and a heartwarming story meant for kids. While some elements may feel predictable, the game offers plenty of content and entertainment for Mario and Luigi fans of all ages.

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