Mario & Luigi: Brothership Review - A Sparkling but Sometimes Listless Adventure

The Mario & Luigi series returns with Brothership, a surprisingly polished console revival. Does this nautical adventure live up to the legacy of its handheld predecessors? Let's dive in.

A Voyage of Varied Islands

Brothership sees Mario and Luigi transported to Concordia, a fractured land populated by electrical outlet-like beings. Tasked with reuniting the scattered islands, they face a generic villain named Zokket and, of course, Bowser.

While the game features numerous self-contained stories within its four acts, the overall plot is predictable and lacks the sharp humor of earlier Mario & Luigi titles. The writing feels bland, even with the inclusion of familiar characters like Peach and Bowser.

Sparkling Presentation, Solid Gameplay

Despite the lackluster story, Brothership shines in its presentation. The visuals are vibrant, and the animation is full of personality. While occasional framerate stutters occur during exploration, the game overall feels polished.

The core gameplay remains familiar, with players controlling both brothers simultaneously. The new "Luigi Logic" mechanic adds simple puzzle-solving elements, giving Luigi more time in the spotlight. Bros. Moves return, allowing Mario and Luigi to transform into various forms for puzzle-solving and traversal.

Engaging Combat, Eventual Grind

Combat combines turn-based action with timing-based quick time events. The new Battle Plugs system adds strategic depth, forcing players to consider their loadout. Boss battles incorporate Luigi Logic for unique challenges.

However, the combat's repetitive nature and lengthy animations can become tiresome, especially in later stages with larger enemy groups and lengthy boss encounters.

Sailing a Sometimes Listless Sea

The nautical theme introduces a sailing mechanic, requiring players to navigate between islands using currents and a cannon. While the diverse island designs are a highlight, the game suffers from backtracking and padding, particularly in the final act.

Pros

• Charming visuals
• Creative and varied islands
• Engaging combat (initially)
• Strategic Battle Plug system
• Excellent soundtrack

Cons

• Bland writing and humor
• Combat becomes repetitive
• Unnecessary padding
• Occasional performance issues

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a charming but flawed revival. While its inventive level design and engaging combat initially shine, the weak writing and pacing issues hold it back from greatness. Fans of the series may still find enjoyment, but be prepared for a sometimes listless journey.