The first new Mario & Luigi game in nearly a decade has diminishing returns

Mario & Luigi finally set sail on a home console for the first time ever, and my word is it a resounding success. The typical reaction-based combat of the series is back and more refined than ever, with the addition of unpredictable elements like Luigi Logic and some cool super moves with the new Bros. Attacks.

Brothership adds more RPG depth to the series, but its flat writing and overabundance of gimmicks drag it down.

Despite a few lurches here and there and some so-so exploration, Mario & Luigi Brothership offers an enjoyable voyage with smooth sailing, and a punderful script that brings the laughs. It has a new developer and an extra dimension, but the same dedication to humor and brotherly love.

Mario and Luigi are back for what may go down as their greatest adventure yet. Nintendo has spent the past year reliving the greatest RPGs in its history. Last November, the publisher released a remake of 1996's Super Mario RPG and,

I used to play Mario & Luigi RPGs on the Nintendo DS a long time ago. I always got a kick out of how they cleverly blended controls for both Mario and Luigi with button-mapping, making it feel like you were taking both on an adventure.

For a character that’s been around so long, Mario is in something of a golden period. Since last year his mustache has been spotted in theaters, theme parks, and the best (and weirdest) side-scrolling Super Mario game in a long time.

Mario & Luigi's RPG journey continues in Brothership on November 7, 2024, and you can pre-order your copy of the Switch title now.