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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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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership charms with its heartwarming themes of brotherhood and humor, earning praise for engaging dialogues and memorable characters. Critics appreciate its family-friendly narrative, but many find the execution flawed—overly expansive, repetitive, and predictable. While it appeals to younger audiences with its lightheartedness, pacing issues and a lack of originality hold it back. Overall, it’s a solid but standard entry in the Mario franchise, offering enough charm to delight fans without breaking new ground.

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 garnered a generally positive reception from critics, highlighting its charming and family-friendly narrative. Reviewers like CGMagazine and My Nintendo News praise the game for its engaging themes of brotherhood and connection, with CGMagazine noting the deep narrative focus on the bond between Mario and Luigi. Critics such as Shacknews and Twinfinite commend the game for its well-written dialogues, memorable characters, and the introduction of new elements to the Mario RPG formula, which adds depth to the overall experience. The humor and lightheartedness typical of the Mario series are also well-received, with Multiplayer.it emphasizing the charm that comes from the characters and their interactions. However, not all opinions are as favorable, with several critics pointing out significant flaws in the narrative execution. Checkpoint Gaming criticizes the story for being overly expansive for its simple premise, filled with excessive dialogue and unnecessary characters. COGconnected echoes this sentiment, describing the execution as dull despite an intriguing premise. Others, like God is a Geek and Wccftech, mention that the narrative can feel repetitive and predictable, with familiar tropes and a stock villain that detracts from the overall impact. This sentiment is further supported by critics who feel the pacing starts slow and only becomes engaging later, as noted by PlaySense. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers a heartfelt and charming story with strong themes of connection and brotherhood, it suffers from pacing issues and a lack of originality in its plot. Many reviewers, including Inverse and Vooks, acknowledge the game's appeal to younger audiences and its humorous moments, but they also highlight the predictable nature of the story. The game is seen as a standard entry in the Mario franchise, with both strengths and weaknesses that reflect the series' established formula. Ultimately, while it may not break new ground, it retains enough charm and humor to resonate with its target audience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership impresses critics with its engaging turn-based combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, thanks to innovative mechanics like the Battle Plugs system and unique Bros. Moves. While its simultaneous control of Mario and Luigi fosters teamwork, some find the gameplay occasionally clunky and repetitive. Overall, it’s a strong addition to the franchise, balancing nostalgia with fresh ideas, appealing to both hardcore fans and newcomers alike.

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 gameplay of Mario & Luigi: Brothership has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who appreciate its blend of turn-based combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Many reviewers, such as CGMagazine and Metro GameCentral, highlighted the engaging combat mechanics that require players to control both Mario and Luigi simultaneously, fostering a sense of teamwork. The introduction of the Battle Plugs system, praised by Inverse and Shacknews, adds a layer of strategy and experimentation, enhancing the depth of battles. Critics like My Nintendo News and GamesHub noted the gradual difficulty progression and dynamic animations, making the game accessible to both hardcore RPG fans and newcomers alike. The incorporation of unique mechanics, such as 'Luigi Logic' and Bros. Moves, further enriches the gameplay experience, as noted by Vooks and Wccftech. However, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks that may impact the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. Checkpoint Gaming mentioned that while the Bros. Moves add variety, they can feel clunky and contribute to slow pacing, particularly due to backtracking. COGconnected expressed frustration with the floaty traversal mechanics and the challenging nature of some puzzles, which may deter players seeking a more streamlined experience. Additionally, while the combat is generally well-received, some reviewers felt that the turn-based system could become repetitive, as noted by Daily Star, who compared it to the gameplay style of the Paper Mario series. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience, despite some minor flaws. The majority of reviewers agree that the game successfully combines familiar mechanics with innovative elements, creating a rich environment for exploration and combat. Critics such as Twinfinite and Multiplayer.it emphasized the game's ability to maintain the essence of the Mario RPG series while introducing new features that enhance interactivity and strategy. With its engaging gameplay and positive reception, Mario & Luigi: Brothership stands out as a worthy addition to the franchise, appealing to a broad audience of players.

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 from critics for its colorful aesthetics and creative themes. However, it faces criticism for basic graphics, poor texture quality on larger screens, and minor performance issues. Despite these drawbacks, the game's engaging visuals maintain the series' charm, suggesting room for improvement in technical execution. Overall, a visually appealing experience with a few bumps along the way.

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 overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Mario & Luigi: Brothership is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its vibrant and colorful aesthetics. CGMagazine highlights the "stunning aesthetic" and "creative and modern design," while Daily Star emphasizes the "cute character designs" that contribute to the game's charm. Critics like COGconnected and Multiplayer.it commend the "intense, lush, and lovely colors" and "detailed animations," respectively, which together create an engaging visual experience. The unique theming of Concordia, inspired by electrical appliances, is noted by CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming, adding a fresh twist to the series. Furthermore, the expressive character designs and diverse island themes mentioned by GamesHub enhance the game's visual appeal, making it stand out among other Mario titles. However, there are notable criticisms regarding certain aspects of the graphics. Metro GameCentral points out "basic graphics" and "poor texture work," indicating that while the animation may be enjoyable, the overall visual quality suffers in some areas. TheSixthAxis raises concerns about lower texture detail when viewed on larger screens, suggesting that the game's graphics may not fully leverage the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, PlaySense mentions that some assets appear "slightly blurry," which detracts from the otherwise appealing visuals. Critics like Twinfinite and Shacknews also note minor issues such as slow loading times and stuttery frame rates, particularly in populated areas, which can disrupt the visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers a visually appealing and vibrant experience that successfully captures the charm of the franchise. While there are some concerns regarding texture quality and performance issues, the game's colorful visuals and creative design choices are widely celebrated. Critics such as Wccftech and Vooks affirm that the game maintains a high standard of visual quality, reminiscent of earlier entries in the series, despite some minor polish issues. The blend of positive and negative feedback suggests that while the game excels in many areas of visual design, there is room for improvement, particularly in technical execution.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

"Mario & Luigi: Brothership" boasts an acclaimed soundtrack that enhances gameplay and narrative depth, with highlights including a funky jazz battle theme and unique island scores. Critics praise its vibrant sound design but note minor issues with sound mixing and quirky voice acting that may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the game's audio elements are a standout feature, elevating the fun and immersive experience.

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 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 across different island themes, noting the funky jazz battle theme that adds intensity to gameplay. Similarly, God is a Geek emphasizes the gorgeous music that complements the gameplay, while Twinfinite describes the uplifting score and unique island themes that enhance the narrative and emotional weight of flashback cutscenes. Critics like Wccftech echo these sentiments, commending the lively and enjoyable soundtrack that contributes significantly to the overall gaming experience. Despite the general acclaim, a few critics noted issues with sound mixing and the execution of certain sound elements. Shacknews pointed out some odd sound mixing during standard combat, suggesting that while the music is delightful, there may be moments where the audio experience does not meet the high standards set by the rest of the game's sound design. Additionally, while Multiplayer.it found the gibberish voice acting during cutscenes to be a charming detail, it also indicates a level of quirkiness that might not resonate with all players. These critiques, while minor, suggest that there are areas where the sound design could be refined for a more polished experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Mario & Luigi: Brothership" excels in its sound design and music, creating an enjoyable and immersive atmosphere for players. The majority of reviewers, including Inverse and Wccftech, highlight how the music not only enhances gameplay but also enriches the emotional depth of the narrative. The positive reception of the soundtrack, from its catchy tunes to its fitting sound design, indicates that the game's audio elements are a significant strength, contributing to its lighthearted and fun ambiance.

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 Nintendo Switch gets mixed reviews for its technical performance. While some critics praise its smooth gameplay and stable framerate, others highlight significant issues like frequent loading screens, unstable visuals, and sound mixing problems. Overall, the game is enjoyable but needs optimization to address these shortcomings.

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.

The technical performance of Mario & Luigi: Brothership on the Nintendo Switch has garnered a mix of opinions from various critics. On the positive side, some reviewers, such as PlaySense and Vooks, highlight that the game runs smoothly with minimal issues. PlaySense notes that the game delivers a stable performance with a dynamic resolution and generally smooth framerate, while Vooks acknowledges that, aside from slight loading times into battles and when warping between islands, the game performs well. Multiplayer.it also adds that despite some minor inconveniences, the overall technical performance is considered good, suggesting that the game manages to maintain a satisfactory level of playability. Conversely, several critics have pointed out notable negatives regarding the game's technical performance. COGconnected and Metro GameCentral both express concerns about frequent loading screens and basic visuals, with Metro specifically criticizing poor texture work and an unstable frame rate. Twinfinite adds to this by mentioning issues with slow loading times and a stuttery framerate in populated areas, alongside unskippable animations for attacks, which could detract from the gameplay experience. Shacknews also notes sound mixing issues during combat, indicating that the technical performance is not without its flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Mario & Luigi: Brothership does have some commendable aspects in terms of performance, particularly on the Nintendo Switch, it is marred by several technical shortcomings. The presence of frequent loading screens, frame rate instability, and sound mixing issues suggests that the game could benefit from further optimization. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Twinfinite highlight these concerns, indicating that while the game is enjoyable, it is hindered by technical performance issues that could be improved with better hardware and options for smoother gameplay.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership offers engaging side quests and mini-games that enhance replay value, with critics noting around 40 hours of gameplay and varied collectibles. However, slow pacing, backtracking, and repetitive elements may deter long-term engagement. While many praise its content, design flaws could limit the game's allure for multiple playthroughs, resulting in a mixed overall experience.

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 opinions regarding the replay value of Mario & Luigi: Brothership highlight several positive aspects that contribute to the game's longevity. Critics like CGMagazine and Inverse commend the game for its optional side quests and engaging mini-games, which provide players with additional content beyond the main storyline. CGMagazine notes that the unique exploration and combat mechanics enhance replayability, while Metro GameCentral emphasizes the substantial experience offered through varied quests and fun boss battles, suggesting that players can expect around 40 hours of gameplay. Multiplayer.it also points out the variety of collectibles and alternative paths, which encourage multiple playthroughs, further reinforcing the notion that the game has a solid foundation for replay value. However, several critics express concerns that may limit the game's replayability. Checkpoint Gaming mentions that while the game includes various systems catering to both new players and veterans, the slow pacing and backtracking could hinder the overall experience. God is a Geek and TheSixthAxis echo similar sentiments, suggesting that the repetitive nature of gameplay might detract from long-term engagement once the main story is completed. Additionally, Twinfinite points out minor annoyances like slow loading times and unskippable animations, which could frustrate players during subsequent playthroughs. These critiques indicate that while the game offers replay value, certain design choices may impede the enjoyment of revisiting the title. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership provides a mix of engaging content and mechanics that can entice players to return, but there are notable drawbacks that could limit its replayability. While many reviewers, such as Shacknews and My Nintendo News, highlight the rewarding side quests and branching story paths as significant factors for replay value, others caution that the game's pacing issues and repetitive elements might discourage players from diving back in after completing the main narrative. Thus, while the game has the potential for replayability, the execution of certain features may leave players with a mixed experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

37%

Negative (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 lauding the game for its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and nostalgic appeal. Critics like CGMagazine and My Nintendo News highlight the game's ability to offer a delightful adventure that resonates well with both new players and longtime fans of the franchise. The RPG elements are praised for their solid mechanics, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Multiplayer.it, who emphasize the enjoyable combat system and the dynamic level design that keeps players engaged. Additionally, the art direction and vibrant visuals receive commendation from several reviewers, including GamesHub and Wccftech, further enhancing the game's appeal and aligning it with the legacy of the Mario & Luigi series. However, despite the many strengths, Mario & Luigi: Brothership is not without its flaws. Critics point out issues such as pacing problems and repetitive gameplay elements, as mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming and God is a Geek. Some reviewers, like COGconnected and TheSixthAxis, express concerns about frustrating puzzles and visual design choices that may detract from the overall experience. Additionally, there are mentions of technical issues, such as loading times and over-explaining gameplay mechanics, which can disrupt the flow of the adventure. These critiques suggest that while the game shines in many areas, it also has room for improvement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a strong addition to the franchise, with the majority rating it very positively. Reviewers like Shacknews and Twinfinite emphasize that the game stands among the best in the series, offering a heartfelt story and engaging gameplay that resonates with players. While some minor flaws exist, they do little to overshadow the overall enjoyment and charm that the game delivers. The combination of nostalgia, modern gameplay elements, and captivating narratives creates an experience that is likely to be appreciated by a wide audience, making it a recommended title for fans of the Mario RPG genre.

TL;DR

Mario & Luigi: Brothership earns praise for its engaging gameplay, nostalgic charm, and vibrant visuals, delighting both new and longtime fans. Critics celebrate its solid RPG mechanics and dynamic design, though some flag pacing issues, repetitive elements, and frustrating puzzles as drawbacks. Despite minor flaws, it stands out as a strong franchise entry with a captivating story, making it a must-play for Mario RPG fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

144 reviews found

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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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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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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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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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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Daily Star

Nintendo Switch

Nov 4, 2024

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

The game receives a verdict of 4 out of 5, indicating a positive reception overall.

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