As popular as Mario and Luigi are in the gaming world, the Mario brothers should still receive more praise for making Nintendo one of the greatest video game development companies in the world. Although Mario is seen as Nintendo’s main star, his younger brother, Luigi, still has fans who believe he should stand with Mario side-by-side as the leading face of Nintendo’s brand.
With that said, it’s not a reach to say that Mario and Luigi are the best heroic duo in Nintendo’s history. By working with fellow video game development company, AlphaDream, Nintendo would create the Mario and Luigi series, which has continued to excite fans for over two decades.
Why Nintendo Made Super Mario A Role-Playing Game
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After Nintendo’s success with their first RPG, Super Mario RPG, they would bring back turn-based combat in their Mario and Luigi series. In fact, AlphaDream would consistently improve upon its timed-turn-based combat system with updates and additions with each game of the series.
At the time, a frequent complaint surrounding the Super Mario franchise was its lack of character development. For this reason, AlphaDream would revamp the Mario characters by redeveloping their depth and characterization from scratch, starting with the Mario & Luigi series.
Introducing Mario and Luigi’s Second Game
In late 2005, Nintendo released Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time for the Nintendo DS as the second official game in the Mario & Luigi series. Not only is it a sequel to the 2003 game, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, which was released on the Game Boy Advance, but is also a prequel.
Despite the game being a sequel to Superstar Saga, this game follows an entirely different plot with more focus on its time-traveling element. In the game, players follow the baby and present versions of Mario and Luigi, who must rescue Princess Peach from aliens known as Shroobs.
Comparatively, Partners in Time shares similar role-playing and puzzle-solving elements of its predecessor. As a whole, the game is all about cooperation as players must work with four main characters including Mario and Luigi’s adult and baby selves. Furthermore, players solve puzzles throughout the game to progress by utilizing each character’s unique skill set.
The Differences Between the Two Mario & Luigi Games
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However, both games differ mostly in their presentation on screen. In Partners in Time, the overworld is displayed on the DS’s touchscreen for most of the game. To clarify, the overworld is the main hub that players navigate as it interconnects all the game’s levels. At the top of the screen, players can find a map with information about each level and save game options.
In addition to the game’s presentation, perspective changes happen frequently throughout the gameplay. For instance, inventory access and the battling system change the game’s perspective. Also, since players control four characters, the game’s perspective can change whenever the quartet splits into pairs, which becomes visible on both screens.
While Superstar Saga takes place in the BeanBean Kingdom, Partners in Time returns to its roots in the Mushroom Kingdom. To incorporate the time-traveling element, the adult Mario and Luigi travel to the past through time holes, which would introduce their baby selves to the game. Since the game takes place mostly in the past, the only familiar location from that Mushroom Kingdom is Peach’s Castle.
The Mario and Luigi RPG Battle System
As with its role-playing format, Partners in Time includes a turn-based battle system, which emphasizes time accuracy. Like its predecessor, players interact with non-player characters for plot advancement. Another role-playing element included is the level-up process, where speed and power can be boosted during battle, which only happens by measuring experience points.
Due to Partners in Time incorporating its predecessor’s battle system, Mario and Luigi take turns with their attacks, with their baby selves aiding them. Likewise, Mario and Luigi’s combined attacks, Bros. moves, were replaced with Bros. Items, which are attacks performed by all four characters together.
Considering Nintendo’s behind the game, only Mario and Luigi’s adult selves can be damaged directly. Yet, Mario and Luigi’s baby selves can become vulnerable if their adult selves are eliminated from battle. However, if Mario and Luigi’s baby selves are eliminated, Bros. Items is no longer an option. Also, players lose the ability to defend themselves with hammers that can only be wielded by their baby selves.
Why Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time is Critical Acclaimed
Overall, Partners in Time received high praise from critics as they lauded the game’s plot and characters. Likewise, the humor known in Mario games was also considered a highlight by displaying Mario and Luigi’s charm in the best possible way.
Alongside the plot and characters, the dual screen component and rumble pak features were received well by critics, too. With this game being a sequel to the Mario & Luigi series, the darker tone of its plot and theme made the game a standout among fans. What’s more? The game’s popularity would lead to a re-release on the Wii U in 2015 and can be purchased on the Nintendo eShop.
Overall, the Mario & Luigi series consists of five main games spanning over two decades and is still just as popular among fans. Fortunately, the sixth game of the series, Mario & Luigi: Brothership, will be released on November 7th, 2024, which provides just enough time to purchase as a great Christmas gift for Super Mario fans.
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