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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 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

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 is a blend of charm and thematic depth, with many critics appreciating the focus on brotherhood and connection. CGMagazine highlights the "brothership" theme as a central element, while Nintendojo emphasizes strong character development, particularly for Luigi, and the balance of comedic and serious moments. Critics like Shacknews and Twinfinite commend the heartfelt nature of the story and its engaging character moments, suggesting that the narrative offers a refreshing take on the typical Mario formula. The humor and lightheartedness, as noted by Multiplayer.it and Vooks, contribute to the family-friendly appeal of the game, making it enjoyable for players of all ages. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the execution of the story. Checkpoint Gaming mentions that the narrative feels overly expansive for its basic premise, with excessive dialogue and unnecessary characters that detract from the experience. COGconnected finds the story dull despite its intriguing premise, while Wccftech points out the lack of captivating elements and predictable twists, including a stock villain. God is a Geek also criticizes the narrative for being over-explained and repetitive, indicating that while the story has potential, it may not fully realize it. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers a charming and thematically rich narrative, its execution leaves room for improvement. Many reviewers appreciate the humor, character development, and heartfelt moments, but they also note issues with pacing, predictability, and excessive dialogue. As a result, the game is seen as a standard Mario experience that may entertain younger audiences but could frustrate more seasoned players looking for a more cohesive and engaging storyline. The mixed reviews indicate a game that is enjoyable yet flawed, balancing its whimsical charm with narrative shortcomings.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

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

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, highlighting its engaging turn-based combat, creative puzzles, and exploration mechanics. Reviewers from CGMagazine and Multiplayer.it praised the game for its blend of turn-based battles and environmental puzzles, emphasizing the cooperative gameplay between Mario and Luigi through unique mechanics like the 'Luigi Logic' and 'Battle Plugs' systems. Critics such as Inverse and Shacknews noted the satisfying rhythm of combat, with well-timed dodges and attacks enhancing the overall experience. The introduction of Bros. Moves and gear customization options has also been well-received, adding depth and variety to both combat and exploration, which appeals to both hardcore RPG fans and newcomers alike, as highlighted by My Nintendo News. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks that could affect 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 found the puzzles to be frustrating at times, indicating that not all aspects of the gameplay are equally polished. Additionally, the traversal mechanics were described as "floaty," which could detract from the overall fluidity of movement in the game. These criticisms suggest that while the core gameplay is strong, there are areas that could benefit from refinement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership successfully builds on the franchise's legacy while introducing new elements that enhance the gameplay experience. The majority of reviewers, including those from Nintendojo and Vooks, appreciated the game's engaging combat system and the innovative mechanics that foster cooperation between the titular brothers. While there are some criticisms regarding pacing and puzzle design, the positives far outweigh the negatives, leading to a strong recommendation for fans of the genre. The game is seen as a worthy addition to the Mario RPG series, maintaining its charm while offering fresh and exciting gameplay experiences.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

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

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 have received a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game’s vibrant and colorful aesthetics. CGMagazine praises the stunning cel-shaded look and the unique visual theming of Concordia, which is based on electrical appliances. Similarly, COGconnected notes the intense and lush color schemes that bring the game to life, while Daily Star appreciates the more cartoonish style compared to recent Mario titles, emphasizing the cute character designs. Critics like God is a Geek and Nintendojo commend the attention to detail in the character designs and animations, with the latter noting that the hand-drawn art style enhances character visibility. Overall, the game is recognized for its expressive character designs and diverse island themes, as highlighted by GamesHub and Vooks, who both emphasize the smooth visual performance on the Nintendo Switch. Despite the overall acclaim, some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design have emerged. Metro GameCentral points out that the game suffers from poor texture work and a shaky frame rate, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming mentions that while the character designs are charming, the electrical theme can make them less distinguishable from one another, leading to a convoluted presentation at times. TheSixthAxis also raises concerns about lower texture detail and visual quality when played on a TV compared to handheld mode, suggesting that the game may not fully capitalize on the capabilities of the Switch. These critiques indicate that while the visuals are appealing, there are technical aspects that could be improved. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership features a visually appealing and vibrant aesthetic that resonates well with players, though it is not without its flaws. The game’s colorful visuals and charming character designs have been widely praised, as seen in reviews from Wccftech and Twinfinite, who highlight the personality-packed graphics reminiscent of earlier series entries. However, concerns about texture quality and frame rate issues suggest that the game could benefit from further refinement. In summary, while the graphics and visual design of Brothership are celebrated for their creativity and charm, there remain notable areas for improvement that could enhance the overall visual experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

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

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 received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's vibrant and diverse auditory landscape. CGMagazine praises the "banging soundtrack" that shifts through various genres based on the island themes, with a particular nod to the funky jazz battle theme that intensifies the gameplay experience. This sentiment is echoed by God is a Geek, who describes the music as "gorgeous" and perfectly complementary to the gameplay. Critics like Twinfinite also emphasize the uplifting score, noting how the delightful ship theme and unique island melodies enhance the narrative and emotional weight of flashback cutscenes. Overall, the music is characterized as lively, catchy, and integral to the game's lighthearted fun atmosphere, making it a standout feature. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Shacknews points out some issues with sound mixing during standard combat, suggesting that while the music is delightful, there are moments where the audio experience could be improved. Additionally, while Multiplayer.it appreciates the charming gibberish voice acting during cutscenes, it hints at a potential inconsistency in the overall sound design. Inverse takes a different angle, noting that while the melodic piano music sets a poetic and solemn tone, it may not align with the game's overall lightheartedness, indicating a possible disconnect between the music and the gameplay experience in certain contexts. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that the sound design and music in Mario & Luigi: Brothership are very good, contributing significantly to the game's charm and enjoyment. The majority of reviewers, including Wccftech and CGMagazine, celebrate the soundtrack for its ability to enhance the gameplay and emotional depth of the narrative. The positive reception of the music, alongside the effective sound design, underscores the importance of audio in creating an engaging and immersive gaming experience, making it a highlight of the game for many players.

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 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

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 has garnered mixed feedback from various critics, with some highlighting positive aspects. PlaySense commended the game for delivering a stable technical performance, emphasizing a dynamic resolution and a generally smooth framerate. Vooks echoed this sentiment, noting that the game runs smoothly with minimal issues, aside from slight loading times into battles and when warping between islands. Multiplayer.it also offered a somewhat favorable view, suggesting that despite some minor inconveniences, the overall technical performance is considered good. These positive remarks indicate that while the game has its flaws, it does manage to maintain a playable and enjoyable experience for many players. Conversely, several critics pointed out significant technical shortcomings that detract from the overall gameplay experience. COGconnected criticized the game for frequent loading screens that hinder the flow of gameplay, while Metro GameCentral highlighted issues with basic visuals, poor texture work, and an unstable framerate. Twinfinite noted minor issues such as slow loading times and stuttery framerate in populated areas, along with unskippable animations for attacks, which could frustrate players. Shacknews also mentioned sound mixing issues during combat, adding to the list of technical problems that critics have identified. These negative aspects suggest that while the game has redeeming qualities, it is marred by several technical flaws that may impact player enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of "Mario & Luigi: Brothership" on the Nintendo Switch is one of cautious optimism mixed with notable concerns. While some reviewers like PlaySense and Vooks found the game to perform adequately, others such as Metro GameCentral and COGconnected highlighted critical issues that could hinder the experience. The presence of frequent loading screens, frame rate instability, and sound mixing problems indicates that the game may not fully meet the expectations of players seeking a polished experience. As such, while the game has its strengths, the technical performance appears to be a mixed bag, with a clear need for improvements to enhance the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

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

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 of various critics regarding the replay value of Mario & Luigi: Brothership highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its overall appeal. Many reviewers, such as CGMagazine and Multiplayer.it, emphasize the game's optional side quests and collectibles, which provide players with additional content to explore beyond the main storyline. Inverse and Shacknews also note the presence of mini-games and branching story paths, further enhancing the replayability factor. The combat system is praised for its depth and engagement, with critics like Twinfinite highlighting the variety in combat setups and build options that can make a second playthrough enticing. Overall, the game is recognized for its substantial content, with critics like Metro GameCentral mentioning a playtime of around 40 hours, which suggests a rich experience for players. However, despite these positive elements, several critics express concerns that may hinder the game's long-term replay value. Checkpoint Gaming points out that the slow pacing and backtracking could detract from the enjoyment of replaying the game. God is a Geek and Nintendojo echo this sentiment, noting that while the game offers variety, the repetitive nature of certain elements might lead to monotony during subsequent playthroughs. COGconnected also mentions that while side content exists, it is not particularly compelling, which could dissuade players from engaging with it again. Furthermore, TheSixthAxis warns that replayability may feel limited once the main story is completed, indicating a potential lack of incentive to revisit the game. The overall consensus among critics reveals a mixed sentiment regarding the replay value of Mario & Luigi: Brothership. While many acknowledge the presence of engaging mechanics, side quests, and collectibles that contribute to replayability, there is a shared concern about the game's pacing, repetitiveness, and the compelling nature of its side content. Critics like My Nintendo News and Vooks recognize the potential for replay value, but also caution against the limitations posed by familiar gameplay elements. Ultimately, while the game offers a solid foundation for replayability, its execution may leave some players wanting more variety and depth in their subsequent experiences.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

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 its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and adherence to the beloved franchise's legacy. CGMagazine describes it as a "fantastic new adventure," highlighting its modern gameplay while remaining authentic to the series. Similarly, GamesHub commends the game for its "strong themes" and "dynamic combat," emphasizing its cohesive design that lives up to the franchise's reputation. Inverse echoes this sentiment, noting the game as a "meaty feast for the eyes" with engaging gameplay and creative level design, making it enjoyable for players of all ages. Critics like Shacknews and My Nintendo News further reinforce the game's appeal, citing its heartfelt story and captivating narrative that resonate with both new and long-time fans. However, despite the game's many strengths, several reviewers pointed out notable shortcomings. Checkpoint Gaming mentions pacing issues and design choices that can lead to slow gameplay, while COGconnected highlights frustrating puzzles and repetitive boss fights as detractors from the overall experience. God is a Geek also notes the game's tendency to over-explain certain elements, which can disrupt the flow of gameplay. Additionally, some critics, including Wccftech, expressed concerns about writing and pacing, suggesting that these aspects could have been improved to enhance the overall enjoyment of the game. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that "Mario & Luigi: Brothership" is a commendable addition to the franchise, offering an enjoyable RPG experience that appeals to a broad audience. While there are some criticisms regarding pacing, design choices, and technical issues, the majority of reviewers, including those from Multiplayer.it and Nintendojo, regard the game as a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. The overall verdict is one of enthusiasm and appreciation, with many highlighting the game's ability to deliver a captivating adventure that honors the legacy of Mario and Luigi.

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.

MONSTER

Reviews

146 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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