Let go, all hands on deck and hoist the boom sail! Sam has never been on a sailing ship a day in his life, but has been a big brother for 31 years. That means he’s 50% qualified to shout something about Mario and Luigi: Brothership, which is already quite high by PU standards. Raise the jib and tilt the rudder, we’re going on an adventure!
Nintendo and nautical themes: more than once they are one match made in heaven. Add to this the fact that Mario is back in the beloved turn-based RPG format and the course to success seems set. At least, if you know how to keep the wind in your sails. And that is precisely the most challenging thing about sailing. That and the difference between starboard and port….
Pico Bello BV
We blast through the story of Mario and Luigi: Brothership at hurricane force 10. A short holiday to the sunny destination Concordia costs Mario and Luigi dearly when they notice that the entire continent of fungus has fallen apart. The plugs that connected the separate parts and provided power have been unplugged by the sleekly styled Shoqx, the motivation is still unclear. The result is that all loose parts now drift rudderlessly in the currents of the sea. All signals are green for an incredibly shitty holiday, as the Airbnb island and the local pub are now floating about 65 nautical miles apart.
The word ‘plumber’ probably means ‘electrician’ in Concordian, because Niet Te Strakke Overall BV is contracted on site to plug the entire Concordia back together. It is also the starting signal for a flood of puns, something they apparently love in this part of the world. There is Zeiland, the sailing island with which the brothers brave the seas full of loose islands. Their client with a connector on her hat is called Connie and the hyperactive electric pig with an identity crisis is called Trufvolt. The quote will probably never be paid and the overtime doesn’t make the dog happy, but Mario and Luigi wouldn’t be themselves if they didn’t help out of the goodness of their hearts.
Mand.
Fortunately, we find enough gold coins along the way to pay for the ball sandwich during lunch, so we approach the job with good courage. However, we don’t have to go far out to sea before the banter starts. Every trip to an island is preceded, interrupted and concluded with an unnecessary amount of dialogue. Characters have a particularly nasty habit of discussing out loud every inner monologue or elaboration of a problem in great detail. These conversations are impossible to skip and rarely add anything to the adventure, which takes the wind out of the sails.
When I finally literally shoot myself out of a cannon to a nearby island, a little holiday feeling starts to creep in. Each of the islands has its own quirks and special flora and fauna, making every trip a unique outing. For example, there is an island with a rotating maze in the middle, we help a disco king search for his hair gel and we have to search for an oasis in an island full of quicksand and undead sharks. There is also a new type of puzzle or riddle to discover on almost every island, which ensures that every day trip is different. It’s hard work, but re-navigating each of these islands is slowly starting to become quite fun.
Kick or knock
Yet there are dark clouds on the horizon, because there is a mandatory activity that as a normal holidaymaker you will only find in Hersonissos or Lloret: a good fight. That in itself is not an annoying pastime at all for the brothers, who have jumped on many heads with their brown work shoes. The problem is not in the nature of the activity, but its form. During the first quarter of the game you only have two attacks available: jumping on someone’s head or whacking them with a comically large hammer. And where both are absolutely effective, the limited offering doesn’t make for entertaining fights. In an endless stream of kicking or punching, you fight your way through a tsunami of enemies in battles that all look the same.
That is particularly annoying, especially since these battles are a mandatory part. The turn-based combat is the way to collect experience points to make Mario and Luigi stronger. And because Shoqx and his associates are not cowardly drinkers, you will have to collect quite a few experience points before you can chase these villains off the islands. There is simply no other option than to continue the same fight in order to connect all the individual islands to the Zeiland. It takes almost a full working day of playing time before this changes, so your holiday can easily start a day later.
Unholy 69 ritual
Thank God the wind changes, because after those first hours we are suddenly presented with a slew of new attacks and enemies. This way, enemies get more types of attacks and appear in increasingly diverse groups. Each enemy has to be tackled in a different way, which suddenly makes me think tactically about each battle. I also get temporary power-ups: plugs. I can choose from an arsenal of plugs, each of which gives a special power-up to both brothers. Hitting multiple enemies at the same time, regaining life points with each successful attack, leaving enemies dazed with a successful attack: there are countless possibilities that only become really interesting when you combine them. While I take out my frustration with the chatty residents on my opponents, I suddenly have fun with combat.
Things also become a bit more interesting outside of battles. I’m slowly getting a number of power-ups that help me solve puzzles on islands where I am currently or where I have already been. For example, the brothers can dance a turbo tango, turning them into a flying UFO, or merge in an unholy 69 ritual to form a beach ball that can squeeze through small openings. It is not very hygienic, but it offers room for new puzzles and therefore new entertainment.
The new impetus in combat and puzzles is very welcome, but also appears to be a fairly short-lived revival. The wind that billowed our sails also subsides, only to rise occasionally with just a handful of new power-ups. That’s where the problem with this holiday lies: the first few days you just lie by the pool while your ears are being blown off, and then you go hiking 40 kilometers in 32 degrees for two days in a row. There is enough variation to make a very pleasant and varied trip, but the pace of this adventure is too irregular to have a pleasant and organic experience. Add to that the fact that for every trip to an island several tsunamis of dialogue are fired at you and you understand that the holiday feeling never really sticks.
Mario and Luigi: Brothership will be available on Nintendo Switch from November 7.
ConclusionWhen the wind is in full sail, Mario and Luigi: Brothership is a particularly nice adventure with a wonderful holiday feeling. Unfortunately, developer Acquire regularly turns the tide, bringing the fun ride to a standstill. An unnecessary amount of dialogue and poor pacing prove to be heavy anchors, so I was never really able to get stuck into the holiday feeling for long.
Sam Beesems Identified as a child prodigy at a young age, but probably by someone with a lens power of -20. Since then, he’s been filling the gap with an endless series of stories and a completely illogical Apex Legends addiction. Has an opinion on everything, but especially on narrative games, sci-fi and the futility of the panda’s continued existence as a species.
Oh, what have we here? A sparkling review of Mario and Luigi: Brothership, where Sam—who, let’s be honest, might be more of a big brother on land than sea—navigates us through a whimsical maritime misadventure. Grab your life jackets, folks, because we’re sailing right into this review’s tide of puns, peculiar characters, and well, too much dialogue!
First off, you have to love the juxtaposition of *Nintendo* and nautical themes. It’s like trying to find a parking space in a game of Tetris—challenging yet oddly satisfying. Sam, our guide through the stormy waters of gaming, dives into the plot faster than I dive into a bag of chips on a Sunday afternoon. He sets sail with Mario and Luigi, only to discover that Concordia has really let itself go. I mean, can we blame them? Imagine booking what you think is a posh getaway only to find out you’ve landed at ‘The Isle of Bad Potential’—it’s Airbnb ratings from hell!
But here’s where it gets juicy, folks! As Sam mentions, we’ve got a whole host of clever puns and colorful characters that would give a sunny day at London’s South Bank a run for its money. Zeiland? Check. Connie with the stylish connector hat? Double-check! And an electric pig having an identity crisis? Now that’s a story worth waiting for while you double-check your WiFi signal! But seriously, Sam, what’s with the excessive dialogue? It’s like being strapped to a chair while someone reads you the philosophy of gardening. Less is more, lads. You want to keep that wind in your sails, not put the sails to sleep!
Now Entering Boring Bay
Ah, but ‘lucky’ for us, the combat makes an appearance quicker than a dad joke at a family barbecue. But oh dear, Sam’s not amused—two attacks to kick off? It’s like heading to a buffet that only serves plain toast! He mentions the fighting quickly turns into a monotonous march of repetitive moves, and I can hear the snores echoing from here. “Hey Luigi,” I can imagine Mario saying, “Let’s jump on this guy’s head again! Wa-hoo!” But surprise, surprise! After a sleepy start, the game tosses in new attacks and mechanics faster than you can say “Mamma mia!”
Interestingly, the adventure starts gaining momentum just when Sam thought he’d have to send a rescue boat for the excitement. New enemies, unique attacks! Suddenly, we’re not just wading through kiddie pools of mediocrity; we’re surfing some gnarly waves! But, as Sam shrewdly notes, it’s short-lived—like that one fantastic holiday you had in Bali that just *had* to end with a twelve-hour flight back home. The pacing is too wonky, folks! It’s as if the developers said, “Let’s mix a tranquil beach holiday with a marathon run!” Can we not?
By now, you might be thinking, “Sam, why the negativity?” But let’s call a spade a spade. It’s not that this adventure isn’t fun—when it’s fun, it’s *really* fun! But the dialogue chokes the air like an overzealous mime at a silent auction. “What’s that? You want a narrative? I’ve got 40 minutes of backstory for you!” A maddeningly slow setup does ruin the spontaneous joy of gaming. It could have been a sneak onto a sun-kissed beach, but instead, we’ve tripped over our flip-flops in the sand.
In conclusion, as Sam drives his ship back to harbor, we see the promise of a truly enjoyable voyage with *Mario and Luigi: Brothership,* but the nautical mishaps along the way prove to be a real anchor. The fun? It’s there! The pacing issues? They’ll leave you feeling like you’ve walked a thousand miles with a sunburn. But hey, on November 7th, we’ll find out if we want to hoist the sails or throw ourselves overboard!
Wrap-Up from Sam: You can always count on the Mario franchise to float back into our hearts like a well-loved, albeit somewhat shaky, vessel. Just be prepared for high winds and low dialogue confidence!
And there you have it, folks! Navigate these waters cautiously and prepare for a rollicking adventure, just don’t forget to bring some snacks for the inevitable dialogue detours!
Let go, hoist the boom sail, and brace yourself for an exhilarating journey! Although Sam has never set foot on a sailing ship before, he has been a big brother for a noteworthy 31 years, which gives him a solid grounding—at least 50%—to voice his thoughts on Mario and Luigi: Brothership; a high qualification by PU standards. With every sail raised and rudder tilted, we’re embarking on a whimsical adventure!
Nintendo’s charming characters and nautical themes have continuously proven to be a match made in heaven. Coupled with Mario’s triumphant return to the cherished turn-based RPG genre, the trajectory for success seems remarkably clear. This is especially true for those who understand the nuances of keeping the wind in their sails, as navigating the seas can be as complex as it is thrilling. And let’s not forget about the often-confusing distinction between the ship’s starboard and port sides….
Pico Bello BV
Our expedition through the tale of Mario and Luigi: Brothership unfolds with the intensity of a tempest at hurricane force 10. During what was intended to be a brief holiday in the sun-drenched paradise of Concordia, Mario and Luigi quickly discover that the entire continent of fungus has been shattered to pieces. The crucial links that once held the various regions together have been severed by the sleekly designed Shoqx, leaving their motivations shrouded in mystery. The aftermath? A chaotic drift of islands aimlessly bobbing in the currents of the sea. With the Airbnb island and the local pub now floating a disheartening 65 nautical miles apart, all signs point to a vacation gone awry.
Mand.
Fortunately, amidst our misadventures, we unearth enough gold coins to fund a ball sandwich for lunch, bolstering our spirits as we dive into the task at hand. Yet, it isn’t long before the banter begins; each journey to a new island is accompanied by a barrage of dialogue that feels excessive and often redundant. Characters seem to have a penchant for engaging in lengthy discussions about their inner thoughts, which can disrupt the flow of the adventure and detract from the sense of exploration.
As I find myself literally firing out of a cannon to land on a nearby island, a glimmer of vacation bliss begins to surface. Scattered across these quirky islands are their unique charms, each harboring distinct flora and fauna that ensure every jaunt feels fresh and adventurous. One island boasts a spinning maze at its center, while another sees us assisting a disco king on a desperate quest for his hair gel, and yet another features a perilous search for an oasis amidst quicksand and an army of undead sharks. Each island presents a new puzzle or riddle, elevating the day’s adventures and slowly morphing hard work into a rewarding play experience.
Kick or knock
However, ominous clouds loom on the horizon as we encounter an obligatory activity that one typically associates with overly commercialized holiday destinations. While Mario and Luigi are no strangers to a good tussle, having bounced atop countless heads in their iconic brown work shoes, the issue lies not in the activity itself but rather in its execution. During the initial phases of the game, our fighting options are painfully limited to merely jumping on enemies or hammering them with a ridiculously oversized mallet. This results in repetitive battles that quickly become mundane.
This reality is vexing, particularly as combat is essential for collecting experience points necessary for strengthening Mario and Luigi. As Shoqx and his gang aren’t shy about engaging in combat, players will need to amass quite a bit of experience before they can effectively challenge these ruffians. The necessity of repeated skirmishes is compounded by the fact that connecting all islands into the central Zeiland is imperative, and this monotony could delay any sense of vacationing excitement by a significant margin.
Unholy 69 ritual
Thankfully, the winds shift! After enduring those initial hours, we are suddenly bombarded with an array of new attacks and an expanded roster of enemies. This newfound diversity demands strategic planning in our approach to combat as each foe calls for a unique method of engagement. Temporary power-ups known as plugs come into play, granting special advantages that can significantly amplify our abilities. Whether it’s hitting multiple targets simultaneously, regaining health with successful strikes, or leaving foes momentarily stunned, the combination options are vast and intriguing. As I channel my frustrations toward the overabundant chatter from the local inhabitants into a flurry of attacks on my adversaries, I find myself genuinely enjoying the combat mechanics.
The excitement doesn’t just stop at battles. Gradually, I’m acquiring power-ups that assist in solving the various puzzles scattered across the islands. Mario and Luigi can now perform a turbo tango dance, transforming into a flying UFO, or execute an unholy 69 ritual to morph into a beach ball capable of rolling through narrow openings. Though unconventional, these abilities open pathways for new puzzles, adding layers of amusement to the adventure.
Although the revitalization in combat and puzzle-solving is genuinely refreshing, this surge of novelty seems to fade all too quickly. The initial gust of wind that filled our sails eventually dwindles, only to occasionally flicker back to life with the introduction of a handful of new power-ups. This juxtaposition of action—at first the leisurely sunbathing followed by intense island treks—creates an uneven pacing that disrupts the overall flow of the experience. Combined with the frequent inundation of dialogue before, during, and after every island excursion, the ephemeral holiday atmosphere struggles to take root and flourish.
Mario and Luigi: Brothership is set for release on Nintendo Switch on November 7.
In conclusion, when the winds are favorable, Mario and Luigi: Brothership delivers a delightful escapade infused with the spirit of adventure. Regrettably, developer Acquire frequently alters the course, causing the enjoyment to stagnate. The overwhelming dialogue and inconsistent pacing serve as heavy anchors, preventing the immersion necessary for a truly captivating holiday experience.
Of calculated moves in battle, the gameplay finally starts to feel invigorating—a refreshing splash of excitement in an otherwise lukewarm sea of repetition.
It becomes clear that the developers knew what they were doing when they introduced these new mechanics, transforming combat from a tiresome exercise into an engaging challenge. Now, players can mix and match their attacks, experiment with different strategies, and truly tap into the rich potential of our beloved brothers’ abilities. It’s akin to finding a hidden treasure chest in the depths of an otherwise underwhelming adventure; after all, who wouldn’t feel a thrill upon discovering that elusive gem?
Final Thoughts and Setting Sail
As our voyage winds down, it’s evident that *Mario and Luigi: Brothership* teeters between a delightful escapade and a somewhat frustrating experience. The quick transition from tedious combat to thrilling challenges mirrors the unpredictability of the seas themselves, reminding us that adventures can be a mixed bag. For those who hang in there through the slog, the potential for enjoyment is undeniably there—similar to navigating a rough patch of water to reach a tranquil spot for sunbathing.
while the dialogue may feel like an anchor at times, the overall ride transforms from a rocky start into a beautifully challenging expedition. Just as we brace ourselves for the winds ahead, we should also prepare for the occasional delays brought on by conversations that overstay their welcome. But the sheer joy of mastering new abilities, complete with the quintessential humor of Mario and Luigi, shines through like a lighthouse beacon guiding us safely back to shore.
So, grab your controllers, hoist the sail, and ready yourselves for an eclectic journey in the vibrant world of Mario and Luigi. With both promise and peril lurking in every corner, just remember: the best adventures are often fraught with the bizarre, but it’s all part of the ride!
