Mario & Luigi: Brothership: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 11:13, December 10, 2024

It has been requested that this article be rewritten and expanded to include more information. Reason: Organize list of Glohm enemies in order in which they're found; include section for Fishing

Mario & Luigi: Brothership
American box art for Mario & Luigi: Brothership
For alternate box art, see the game's gallery.
Developer Acquire
Publisher Nintendo
Platform(s) Nintendo Switch
Release date Australia November 7, 2024[1]
Japan November 7, 2024[2]
South Korea November 7, 2024[3]
HK November 7, 2024[4]
ROC November 7, 2024[5]
Singapore November 7, 2024[6]
Europe November 7, 2024[7]
South Africa November 7, 2024[8]
USA November 7, 2024[9]
Language(s) English (United States)
French (France)
French (Canada)
German
Spanish (Spain)
Spanish (Latin America)
Italian
Dutch
Portuguese (Brazil)
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean
Genre RPG
Rating(s)
ESRB:E - Everyone
PEGI:7 - Seven years and older
CERO:A - All ages
ACB:PG - Parental Guidance
USK:6 - Six years and older
ClassInd:L - General audience
SMECCV:A - All ages
GRAC:All - All ages
GSRR:P - Six years and older
FPB:13 - Thirteen years and older
Gmedia:7 - Seven years and older
MRO:7 - Seven years and older
Mode(s) Single-player
Format
Nintendo Switch:
Game Card
Digital download
Input
Nintendo Switch:

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a role-playing game released worldwide for the Nintendo Switch on November 7, 2024. It is the sixth original instalment in the Mario & Luigi series and its eighth instalment overall, following the 2015 original title, Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, and the 2018 remake, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey, respectively. It is both the first Mario & Luigi game to be initially released for a home console, as well as the first in the series to feature Kevin Afghani's voice work. Another major change to the series is the full implementation of 3D environments and character models, and a more artwork-accurate art style, which was seen previously in a limited capacity during the giant battles in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, the papercraft battles in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, and the giant battles in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey.

First announced during the June 2024 Nintendo Direct, Mario & Luigi: Brothership is the first Mario & Luigi title to not be developed by AlphaDream, which ceased operations immediately after filing for bankruptcy on October 1, 2019. However, several developers from AlphaDream who were originally involved in previous Mario & Luigi games returned for the development of Brothership in key roles.[10] Acquire assumed the role of lead developer, known for their work on the Tenchu and Octopath Traveler series. The game was made using Unreal Engine 4.[11]

The game's Japanese and English name is a pun on "mothership" but also refers to the relationship between Mario and Luigi. It is also the first entry in the series to adopt the same subtitle in Japan as the localized releases, as past Mario & Luigi games except Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, which was subtitled Paper Mario MIX, were simply treated as numbered sequels there.

Story

Prologue

In the Mushroom Kingdom, Luigi panics as he is being chased by a swarm of bees in a forest near Peach's Castle, and accidentally runs off a cliff before Mario clings onto his hand in time to save him. Afterwards, Mario and Luigi's hands begin to glow, and a mysterious vortex materializes above them which teleports the brothers, Princess Peach, the Toads, Bowser, and his minions away to a distant land named Concordia.[9]

Upon arrival, Mario wakes up at a distant island all alone and thinks about where Luigi could have gone. He suddenly starts hearing Luigi calling his name, and Mario tries to go to where the source of the sound is. Eventually, he hears one last call from Luigi as he sees Shipshape Island sailing. Mario and Luigi spot each other and the former tries making a jump to the island. While almost not making it, Luigi saves Mario and the two are reunited once again. Mario then meets a local resident named Connie, who explains to them the history of Concordia, the world in which Shipshape Island resides. The centre of Concordia used to house the great Uni-Tree that would connect the different districts of the land using energy known as Connectar, but after an unfortunate and catastrophic event where the Uni-Tree was destroyed, the continent shattered and was separated into numerous islands. With the help of the brothers, a newly planted Uni-Tree, and a flying pig-like companion named Snoutlet, the main objective is to reconnect the fractured islands back together again and restore Concordia to its former glory, with each unique island to explore.

Lushgreen Sea

Beginning in the Lushgreen Sea, Mario and Luigi first land in Rumbla Island, where they encounter Guardarms terrorizing the villagers. Once Mario and Luigi dealt with them, the chief Willma thanks them and gives them the key to accessing the island's lighthouse. Once Rumbla Island reconnected with the Uni-Tree, Rumbla residents were able to access Shipshape Island, revealing any island reconnected allows access across other islands via pipe, and also blooming flowers that grow on Connectar and releasing Sprite Bulbs.

Upon returning to Shipshape Island, a weird capsule washes up on the beach with someone inside, but they are unable to open it. Willma visits Shipshape and said either of her two children, Maykit or Billdit could make hammers for them, with them being trapped on Twistee Island, home to a music-induced plant, and Raynforst Island, where some Toads ended up getting trapped in, respectively. Once either of Willma's kids makes the duo their hammers, they open the capsule to find Arc, son of Patriarc and expert on currents, who also warns them that someone took over one of the Great Lighthouses. Once Mario and Luigi find both Maykit and Billdit, Rumbla Island is attacked by more Guardarms, along with their boss Gorumbla, who is revealed to have been raised by Willma and only went on an art-breaking spree due to lack of attention. After defeating him and returning to Shipshape, the duo are rewarded the Red Shell and Green Shell.

Mario and Luigi then encounter and reconnect Florall Island, learning the UFO Spin. Once reconnected, they are close to the Great Lighthouse Island, but Connie goes to Florall Island for a minute, recalling how her mentor Cozette used to take her there. Once Connie comes back to Shipshape Island, the Uni-Tree connects the currents to lead to the Great Lighthouse Island. Inside the sublevels, Mario and Luigi encounter Spite Bulbs, Sprite Bulbs that run on stale energy from being disconnected from the Uni-Tree. Soon they find a mysterious trio feeding Spite Bulbs to a Gobblick, leaving it to fight the brothers as they get away. After defeating the boss, Mario and Luigi lead Connie to the top of the lighthouse, where she is able to reactivate it, which creates a current to the Color-Full Sea.

Unknown to the brothers, the trio reports to a mysterious figure, who sees the brothers as not a threat, yet claiming to need to see them himself.

Color-Full Sea

Mario and Luigi quickly reach the next Great Lighthouse, but it is blocked by a massive wall, so they decide to return once they have a plan to breach the wall. They decided to head to Desolatt Island, where bird creatures called Snaptors are abducting the residents. They then meet a group of kids named Ireen, Loog, Dulles, and Ellow, calling themselves IDLE. They claim to be protectors of the island and are the only ones who know how to get to the Lighthouse, so they test the brothers by playing hide and seek. Once the bros find all of them, they lead the bros to the lighthouse, where they encounter the trio once again, ordering the Snaptors to take their captives away. The trio reveals themselves to be Ecks, Ten, and Shun, calling themselves the Extension Corps. The mysterious figure also appears, revealing himself to be known as Zokket, and orders Ten to deal with the brothers. After beating Ten, he drops battle plugs, allowing the brothers to fight with and create their own plugs.

Once Desolatt Island is reconnected, IDLE arrives at Shipshape, and a star washes at the beach, which is revealed to be Starlow. She claims that Princess Peach is also in Concordia at Merrygo Island and asks Mario and his brother to find her. Once arrived at Merrygo Island and traveling through its maze, Mario and Luigi encounter more Snaptors, but are saved by resident genius Technikki, who offers her assistance once the island is reconnected. The brothers soon find Peach at the lighthouse and reconnect the island.

Back at Shipshape Island, Technikki and Peach arrive, with Technikki theorizing that the Snaptors must have rested on another island, which might lead to Zokket. Peach volunteers to get kidnapped in order to lead them to the island, with Luigi volunteering as well by accident. Either way, the Snaptors lead them to Lottacoins Island, and Mario and IDLE goes to save them, with Technikki providing the Zapperator and a Yoshi Egg for Hatch Me if You Can. They find out that Zokket and the Extension Corps are kidnapping residents to use for labor over the production of something sinister at the Great Lighthouses, also threatening the workers of Lottacoins to guard the building. Mario and Luigi were temporarily trapped, but make their escape via tube with the help of the Bro Ball move. Ellow is soon taken and the bros and IDLE rush to find him on the roof before he was taken. The Extension Corps send a Mega Snaptor to deal with the brothers. Mario and Luigi defeat the boss, and reconnect the island.

Technikki works on a rocket to get to the Great Lighthouse, but needs Stickem Oil, found in Allsand Island. The bros launch themselves to the island and find it infested with dangerous creatures known as Sharkbones. They quickly divert them to get the oil and reconnect the island. Before Technikki is able to finish the rocket, Connie heads out again to Allsand Island and recalls her mentor's kindness, saving her from almost sinking in quicksand. Returning to Shipshape Island, Technikki finished the rocket, but it can only be controlled in a close distance, so IDLE volunteers to control the rocket. They launch themselves and survive the explosion, allowing Mario and Luigi to infiltrate the Great Lighthouse. Inside, they see the kidnapped residents being forced to work and guard the mysterious production of Glohm, extracted from the Spite Bulbs of the Great Lighthouse. The brothers soon encounter Zokket and the Extension Corps, with Ecks summoning Sharpcask to deal with Mario and Luigi. After the defeat of the boss, the bros lead Connie to reactivate another Great Lighthouse, this time creating a current to the Brrning Sea.

Unknown once more, Zokket is talking to an egg and states how the Glohm will lead to "his rebirth." IDLE also leaves with Princess Peach as a new member to scout the seas.

Brrning Sea

This time, Mario and Luigi only have access to Bulbfish Island, where they meet the couple Burnadette and Chilliam, princess and prince of Skorcheen Island and Slippenglide Island, respectively. Their villages have been at feuds with one another, so they ran away to Bulbfish to be wed. Mario and Luigi try to access the island's lighthouse, but notice some of the residents acting cold to one another. There is also commotion of the Chief Leyden being accused of stealing the valuable Bulbfish-Eggs from the fish pens, with the chief, his assistant, the security guard, and the couple being the suspects. Leyden orders the brothers to clear his name before he allows them to access the lighthouse. Upon investigating, the couple is the prime suspect, only because they are outsiders. The security guard was hired by the assistant to protect the underground, but seemingly has no relation to the fish pens. The security guard only allows the brothers to investigate the underground once realizing they were seeking for justice. Inside, they found a diary that suggests the assistant had a grudge against the chief. Before they could report this to Leyden, the assistant made a public arrest of Burnadette and Chilliam, as they were found with the eggs. However, Mario and Luigi believe the couple was innocent and ask the security guard for the key. The brothers also realize that the guard had suspicion of the assistant, but said nothing so he could still get paid. About to redeem himself, he was going to give the key, but was struck by a mysterious light that made him as cold as the other odd residents. The brothers were still able to get the key and free the couple while soon discovering Ecks hiding and mentioning the experiments to be a success, ordering the Zok Troops to spread the Glohm. Once he leaves, the brothers find the assistant running away, and chase him to the lighthouse where he confesses not only to stealing the eggs, but to also being Leyden's son. They seemingly make up, only for them to fight and for the villagers to accept the assistant as the new chief.

Once the brothers returned to Shipshape Island, Burnadette and Chilliam arrive and request Mario and Luigi connect Heatfreeze Island so they could wed there, despite the two villages still being in feuds with each other. Once the bros arrive, they were forced to judge the two village's meals. Both meals were too hot and too cold, but they suggested eating them together, which both villages disagreed. Upon being left alone, Mario and Luigi make their way to the lighthouse and reconnect the island, also realizing that Zokket is behind the spread of cold-hearted residents. However, before they can say anything at Shipshape Island, the Extension Corps arrive and blast Chilliam with Glohm, saying how it turns anyone into seeking isolation. Burnadette begs the brothers to find a way to turn Chilliam back, with Connie recalling a doctor who claims to have seen everything in Skorcheen Island, and IDLE claiming to have found the Extension Corps' secret lab in Slippenglide Island.

Investigating the lab at Slippenglide yields no results, as not even the Extension Corps knows how to cure it, not even Zokket's true goal. Before the brothers could reconnect the island, they found a group of Goombas searching for Bowser and Koopa Paratroopas searching for the Goombas. They defeat both groups, but they didn't realize Bowser Jr. to have just left. Finding Doctor Vulko trapped in Skorcheen Island, Mario and Luigi head to reconnect the island to reopen the path for Vulko. They also encounter a Bob-omb Squad and a Hammer Bros. squad before arriving at the lighthouse. Returning to Shipshape with Vulko reveals that the cure to Glohm is Ampberries, feeding one to Chilliam and curing him. Burnadette is grateful and yearns to marry soon with Chilliam. Mario and Luigi offers to help find a Wedding Cake and a Flower Crown, with Shun, disguised as a merchant, giving the brothers an option that is likely a trap. Either way, the bros find the items and attend the wedding at Heatfreeze Island. Technikki also gives the brothers the Bomb Derby and the Jump Helmet.

Afterwards, the Uni-Tree reconnects the currents to lead to the next Great Lighthouse. Connie once again heads to Heatfreeze Island to talk to the newlyweds, mentioning how her mentor once gave her mittens. Once she returns, the bros head out to the Great Lighthouse with Connie, only for them to get captured and forced into labor. Mario and Luigi quickly escape and rescue Connie, also finding the Extension Corps and Zokket again, who states how his plan is almost complete. Shun summons Pipegunk to finish off Mario and Luigi. Defeating the boss allows the bros to let Connie reactivate the lighthouse, creating a current to the Gulchrock Sea.

As they celebrate in Shipshape Island, Zokket looks from above and notes how there are two thorns to his plans.

Gulchrock Sea

Shortly upon entering the Gulchrock Sea, they witness Zokket's Fortress, a flying castle, fighting against Bowser's Army in the skies, led by Bowser himself. Bowser is briefly stunned before noticing Shipshape and the Mario Brothers, ordering his troops to attack them. They shoot at Shipshape Island, and Mario and Luigi are thrown overboard, washing up at Offandon Island. As they explore, they free a boy named Buddy from being trapped in a rock, only for him to run away upon noticing the brothers. Further along, they realize that the island had been taken over by Bowser, as his flags are everywhere and the residents get along with Bowser's minions, revealed to have taken over from Zokket's control. Bowser Jr. is there and offers a bounty to anyone who finds Mario and Luigi. They find Buddy again, who apologizes for running away, believing them to be nice and leads them to the lighthouse. Buddy gets caught by Bowser Jr., but being friends, he gives him a second chance. The Extension Corps were also at Offandon Island and believe that Bowser Jr. is the key to stopping Bowser from interfering.

Returning to Shipshape Island, they found out two islands were disconnected during the attack, Twistee Island, which became overun by Glohm monsters, and Heatfreeze Island, being invaded by Bowser's minions. As the brothers reconnect the islands, in Heatfreeze Island, they are requested by the guardians of the island to help mend the village's relationship and provide them the Fire Flower and Ice Flower, unaware that the wedding already healed the village's relationship. Once both islands are reconnected, Vulko, who has been treating Glohm victims, reveals his Ampberry collection to be low and in need of more. Vulko reveals that the only place Ampberries grow is at Wayaway Island, an island even before Concordia broke. IDLE returns from another scouting mission and discover that Bowser has made his base in Wayaway Island, and that there are no currents there to get close enough to reach the island. Luigi suggests that the brothers go in disguises in Offandon Island to find out information about how to get there. Technikki also gives the brothers the Clockout Blow and the Yoo Who Cannon.

Back in Offandon Island, the brothers managed to fool the minions and residents and search for information, also encountering Bowser Jr. hanging out with Buddy. The bros learn that there is a secret pipe in one of four islets Bowser has taken over that leads straight to Wayaway Island. Before the brothers could leave, the minions offer them a drink, which Luigi accepts, breaking his cover. The bros are imprisoned, but Buddy gives them the master key to help them leave. The bros escape, but Bowser Jr. found out and ends his friendship with Buddy, which upsets the both of them.

Mario and Luigi set off to find the secret pipe, soon ending up at Wayaway Island, noticing the Extension Corps also sneaking in. Buddy had also arrived in hopes to apologize to Bowser Jr.. As the brothers enter, Kamek blocks the entrance to the throne room, making Mario and Luigi go through the castle to unblock the entrance. Inside, Bowser believes the brothers to be after him and not the Ampberries, initiating a fight. Once Bowser is defeated, the Extension Corps reveal to have kidnapped Bowser Jr., believing Bowser wouldn't touch them with his son in danger. Buddy tries to save Bowser Jr., but is Glohmed by Ten. As they escape with Bowser in pursuit, Mario tells Kamek the cure is Ampberries, but he still refuses to give the brothers any. Fortunately, the bros learn from a Goomba where the berries are, and take some for Vulko.

After giving the Ampberries to Vulko, the Uni-Tree connects the currents to lead to the final Great Lighthouse. They also spot Fortress Zokket emitting Glohm, with Zokket himself stating that his plan has reached its end. The bros and Connie decide to head to the Great Lighthouse first to find a way near Fortress Zokket. Once at the Great Lighthouse, they find it to be the smallest of the others, with Connie stating how Zokket would have little use for it due to its size. The bros do find information in regards to an egg calling itself Reclusa. Once at the top of the Great Lighthouse, Connie reactivates it a final time, with the lighthouse creating a current straight to Fortress Zokket.

Once close enough, Mario and Luigi were able to launch into Fortress Zokket, with Bowser already inside and cleared a path. Once Mario and Luigi reach Zokket and the Extension Corps, Bowser is also there to save Bowser Jr.. However, Zokket uses him to his advantage, and lands Fortress Zokket at the center of Concorida, using the Great Lighthouses to direct Glohm in Bowser, turning him into Glohm Bowser. As Mario and Luigi finish off Bowser again, Zokket thanks the brothers for ending Bowser's interference before trying to finish off Mario and Luigi. Before that could happen, a voice tells them to jump off the fortress, saving them.

Soon, Zokket visits Connie and tells her that the brothers are finished.

Stormstar Sea

Mario wakes up similarly to the beginning of this adventure in the same island, this time with Luigi. The voice guides them to the island's lighthouse, where it is revealed that the island is Conductor Island, home of the Great Conductor, guardian of Concordia. Snoutlet is his assistant, and the Great Conductor summoned Mario and Luigi to help save Concordia. He also reveals that Zokket is actually Cozette, being controlled by an even greater threat. After testing the brothers via fight, he believes that their brotherly bond is the key to saving Concordia and allows the brothers to reconnect the island to return to Shipshape Island.

Upon returning to Shipshape Island, they witness Fortress Zokket being protected by a barrier. Vulko suggests they find Adaphne in Jellyfish Island, who is claimed to be a "genius amongst geniuses," and also Technikki's rival. Upon arriving at Jellyfish Island, Adaphne agrees to help, only if they make her a Jellyfish Pizza. Upon completion, she falls for Luigi and agrees to help. However, she says that only her personal assistants could help, and to send Technikki and IDLE to Jellyfish Island to not get in the way, with her idea being to dive under the barrier. Technikki offers a counter-plan, to glide over the barrier. Either plan requires an engine from Bowser's Airship, which the bros go to get back in Wayaway Island. Once they make it past the barrier, Mario and Luigi re-enter Fortress Zokket, with Zokket ordering the Extension Corps to deal with them or be dealt with. The Extension Corps separate Mario and Luigi, but they fail to realize they should have finished them off when they were apart. Finally, Mario and Luigi fight the Extension Corps, and the Corps lost, fleeing rather than face Zokket. Mario and Luigi were able to reach Zokket once again and this time, Zokket decides to face the bros himself. Upon being defeated, he realizes that they were too late anyways, and collapses satisfied, turning back into Cozette. Just then, the egg that Zokket had been watching over breaks, releasing Reclusa and attacking the bros and Cozette before they escape.

Reclusa forms the Soli-Tree in the center of Concordia, forms a barrier of Glohm around it, and traps most residents in flowers that traps them in their fantasies while starving them. As Cozette apologized for what she had done as Zokket, Cozette and Connie's bond fills her watering can. Cozette claims that enough bonds can break the barrier, with Mario and Luigi searching for survivors to provide their bonds. They search for Burnadette and Chilliam, collecting their bonds and giving Luigi the Max-Mix Vortex. Upon returning to Shipshape, Loog reports how the other members of IDLE went missing and Rumbla is facing trouble again. Mario and Luigi face off Glohm Gorumbla, and upon restoring him, he apologizes to Willma. Mario and Luigi then collect Willma, Maykit, Bulldit, and Gorumbla's bond. Mario and Luigi also find the IDLE members and collect their bonds.

After finding more bonds from the characters they have met, such as the Groovemaster and his apprentice, and Bowser Jr. and Buddy, who made up, they need one more, but Reclusa boasts how there is nobody left who isn't in his control. Connie suggests visiting the Great Conductor, who says how even foes have bonds, suggesting to find the Extension Corps, and also gives Mario the Conductor Connector. They find the Extension Corps back at their secret lab, having trying to make amends. They agree to give their bonds, while learning from Shun that Reclusa has been doing this to other worlds and must be stopped. Finally, with all bonds collected, Mario and Luigi, along with Connie and Snoutlet, head for the Soli-Tree.

Inside, they face Reclusa's minions, as well as Glohmed minions of Bowser. Once deep enough, Mario and Luigi find an injured Cozette, who tried to face Reclusa by herself. Mario and Luigi head off to face Reclusa, only to find themselves back at the Mushroom Kingdom. Confused, they enter Peach's Castle, only for them to appear back outside. They realize that they have been captured by Reclusa's flowers and are in a fantasy. They managed to break free, annoying Reclusa. Mario and Luigi then face Reclusa, who reveals he plans to merge with the Uni-Tree and enforce isolation everywhere. Mario and Luigi are overwhelmed by his army, but Bowser arrives and helps. Reclusa rushes to the Soli-Tree, with Mario and Luigi in pursuit.

As the brothers seemingly defeat Reclusa, he reveals that he was faking and then proceeds to merge with the Soli-Tree, turning into Weeping Reclusa. He spreads Glohm everywhere, but Mario and Luigi's bond prevails. They chase inside the tree, where Reclusa tries to defeat them by turning into the Weeping Core, but fails, facing them off for real. After an intense fight, Reclusa seemingly loses and fakes an epiphany before trying to take Mario and Luigi down, but the bros prevail once more. Reclusa still refuses to understand how bonds are powerful and then fades away. Without Reclusa, the Soli-Tree explodes, but Mario, Luigi, Connie, and Cozette managed to escape and return to Shipshape Island safely.

The Great Conductor appears and tells Mario and Luigi that when they reconnect the Uni-Tree, only then can he send them back, and won't be able to do so later. Mario, Luigi, and Peach say their goodbyes as Shipshape Island heads to the center of Concordia. As the Uni-Tree reaches the center, all of the connected Islands begin to reconnect. The Great Lighthouses expel the last of the Glohm and power-up the Uni-Tree, fully growing and restoring Concordia at last. The Great Conductor opens a portal back to the Mushroom Kingdom, and Mario and Luigi say their last goodbyes, with Connie giving Mario a Uni-Tree sapling. As the portal takes them, Bowser sends his minions to return home as well. The portal then closes, and Concordia is finally at peace once more.

The game ends with Mario and Luigi sleeping at a hillside near Peach's Castle, where a Toad warns them that Bowser is attacking again. As the iconic bros head out for another adventure, a planted Uni-Tree is seen, creating new Sprite Bulbs.

Gameplay

Mario & Luigi: Brothership introduces a mechanic where Luigi will come up with an idea for specific situations, indicated by an L-shaped exclamation point, known as Luigi Logic. Some can give him new abilities to use in the overworld to help Mario proceed, like squeezing through narrow gates, while others can be situational commands against bosses that can be used to land the finisher against them.

Shipshape Island serves as the hub for the game (similar to Princess Peach's Castle in Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time), having several shops, and a cannon that shoots Mario and Luigi to the different islands at sea. Shipshape Island travels along currents of the seas, shown on the Ocean Map, accessed by examining the cannon or pressing Minus Button, and the player can find and travel to different islands. On the Ocean Map, the player can choose which current to travel on, and the speed at which Shipshape Island moves, between regular and faster speeds by pressing X Button. The player can navigate on the island as it moves to its destination point.More NPCs appear on the island as the player visits other islands.

Some gears can be crafted by the player at the Workshop on Shipshape Island with some materials. They are dropped by enemies, which is an item named after their respective island.

The main objective on the islands is to find its Lighthouse and link it to the Uni-Tree on Shipshape Island to reform Concordia. Each sea has its own Great Lighthouse allowing the player to discover more islands.

Battle system

The battle system is similar to those in previous titles. Normal jump and hammer attacks now combine both brothers to execute when they are both up, called Attack Combos, reminiscent of Bros. Attack from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga or attacking with the babies from Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time; if one of them is down or under a certain status condition (eg. dizzy), they return to attacking solo. Emergency Guard returns from Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam and level ups still no longer have a bonus stat minigame. The Rank feature returns with similar rank bonuses.

Bros. Attacks

Mario
  • Red Shell: Costs 4 BP to use.The brothers pass the shell back and forth, ending with a powerful kick from Mario aimed at one enemy.
  • Hatch Me if You Can: Costs 7 BP to use. Mario pulls out a Yoshi Egg that flies off-screen, the brothers walk in position waiting for it to fall back for the corresponding brother to dive for it, the other brother has to set it up as it is over his head, then both brothers aim and spike the Yoshi Egg at any enemies within a radius. The Yoshi Egg causes damage to an enemy on hit, and creates a shockwave to damage enemies within radius, after which Yoshi emerges and Ground Pounds the same enemy struck before for additional damage.
  • Bomb Derby: Costs 10 BP to use. Luigi throws bombs at Mario which he hits at the enemies with his hammer, the attack ends with the final bomb being hit up, which spawns homing missiles to attack all the enemies.
  • Clockout Blow: Costs 12 BP to use. An attack where Mario uses a clock to slow down time, then he and Luigi attack the enemies with their hammers repeatedly as they show up on screen, after a while one of the enemies will be hit into the air and juggled by the brothers, ending with a final strike from both bros together sending them back to the ground.
  • Conductor Connector: Costs 15 BP to use. Mario and Luigi fly on the Great Conductor into space on a wire, as they reach space, Mario has to pull back to slingshot himself at the orbiting energy satellites and Luigi has to stop him to plug to them at the right time, doing so after two more rounds of the map expanding that reveals more of them, the laser is charged up where the brother comes back down to the battlefield, aims the laser at one of the enemies and lines up the crosshair, dealing massive damage to it and create a lingering shockwave that damage all enemies multiple times.
Luigi
  • Green Shell: Costs 5 BP to use. The brothers kick the shell at the enemies each pass which ends with Luigi kicking the shell at all grounded enemies.
  • Zapperator: Costs 7 BP to use; requires the player to alternate between the B Button and A Button buttons, then press the X Button button before a timer expires. Creates a thundercloud to strike all enemies on the battlefield several times.
  • Jump Helmet: Costs 9 BP to use. The brothers walk to the foreground, Mario wears the Jump Helmet and moves left or right for Luigi to jump higher and higher, making him harder to see, it ends with Luigi doing a powerful jump at one enemy.
  • Yoo Who Cannon: Costs 12 BP to use. Nine cannons are summoned, eight of them cover and create clones of Mario and Luigi, they have to be remembered when the cannons are firing whichever brother is in it one at a time; the final one has an explosion symbol instead of a red and green arrow placed behind the enemies, each successful shot the clones will fall into it after bouncing off the enemy, making it bigger. The attack ends with the clones being shot out and spinning rapidly as a giant Bro Ball, doing a U-turn and hitting all enemies.
  • Max-Mix Vortex: Costs 14 BP to use. Mario and Luigi must throw fireballs and iceballs on the tornado, once it is filled, they do a spin jump in it so that they can then control and catch enemies in.

Battle Plugs

Main article: Battle Plug

A new battle feature in this game is Battle Plugs, it functions similarly to the Badges or Battle Cards in previous Mario & Luigi games. It is a new action that can be performed in battle, allowing Mario and Luigi to set and swap Battle Plugs to boost them up without taking an action. Each one has a unique effect and can create combos with each other. They are crafted with Spark Balls by collecting Sprite Bulbs. When used, they last for a while based on charges and have to be recharged for an extended period based on turn counts. There is a limit on how many can be used at once, displayed by the number of sockets in the Battle Plug menu.

Status effects

Status Description
Trip This effect leaves Mario or Luigi unable to avoid enemy attacks. It ends when their turn comes or possibly after getting hit.
Dizzy This effect prevents Mario or Luigi from dodging attacks until their turn comes, but can be lost after getting hit. For enemies, it prevents them from attacking for several turns.
Burn This effect hurts the character inflicted with it after each turn, and dissappear after several turns.
Ice This effect freezes a target solid, immobilizing them for several turns. Characters take critical damage while frozen.
Glohm This effect renders a Mario Bro. unable to use Bros. Attacks, or Jump and Hammer Attack Combos with the other bro., and lasts for the entirely of the battle if not cured. Refreshing Herbs have a 50% chance of curing Glohm, whereas Ampberries always cure it.
Pow Up This effect increases a character's Power, allowing them to deal more damage.
Def Up This effect increases a character's Defense, reducing the damage they sustain.
Speed Up This effect increases a character's Speed, allowing them to act sooner than normal.
Pow Down This effect decreases a character's Power, reducing the damage they inflict. It can combined with the other decreasing effects.
Def Down This effect decreases the Defense of a character, increasing the damage they sustain.
Speed Down This effect decreases the Speed of a character, making them to act later than normal.

Controls

Field

  • Left Stick — Move
  • A Button — Select / Jump (Mario)
  • B Button — Cancel / Jump (Luigi)
  • X Button — Swing Hammer (Mario)
  • Y Button — Swing Hammer (Luigi)
  • L Button — Allows Luigi to act on his own / Luigi Logic
  • R Button — Open "Side Quests" menu
  • ZR Button — Use Return Pipe
  • Plus Button — Open Menu
  • Minus Button — Open Ocean Map (Only on Shipshape Island and linked islands)
  • Right Stick — Select Bros. Moves
Fishing
  • A Button — Reel (Mario)
  • B Button — Reel (Luigi)
UFO Spin
  • X Button — Spin
  • Y Button — Stop
  • Hold X Button — Vacuum
Bro Ball
  • X Button — Dash
  • Y Button — Brake
  • Hold X Button — Accelerate
  • Release X Button — Launch
Fire & Ice
  • X Button — Throw Fire Ball
  • Y Button — Throw Ice Ball
  • Hold X Button/Y Button — Charge Bro Bomb
  • Release X Button/Y Button — Throw Bro Bomb

Cannon/Telescope

  • Minus Button — Open Ocean Map
  • X Button — Reset telescope
  • A Button — Zoom with telescope / Fire at island (when discovered)
  • B Button — Back
Ocean Map
  • X Button — Toggle fast sailing mode
  • A Button — Select current
  • L Button/R Button — Zoom out / zoom in
  • Minus Button — Back

Battle

Moves
  • Left Stick — Choose Command Block
  • A Button — Select / Confirm
  • B Button — Cancel
  • A Button/X Button — Mario action
  • B Button/Y Button — Luigi action
  • Left Stick/X Button — Certain actions requiring both brothers during Bros. Attacks

Ranks

Main article: Rank § Mario & Luigi: Brothership

Ranks for the Mario Bros. return in this game with the same progression as in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam. Once again, for Rainbow Rank the player can choose two Rank-up Bonuses, which gives the player the limit of seven slots for bonuses per character after having reached the final rank.

  • Mushroom Rank (default)
  • Shell Rank (Level 8)
  • Boomerang Rank (Level 15)
  • Flower Rank (Level 22)
  • Leaf Rank (Level 29)
  • Star Rank (Level 36)
  • Rainbow Rank (Level 43)

Side quests

Main article: List of Mario & Luigi: Brothership side quests

A list of side quests are listed in the Adventure Log of the main menu, under "Side Quests". Some side quests can be completed only before a certain point in the game's story, while some have to be completed in a limited time, otherwise the player will not be able to complete them.

Challenges

Main article: List of Mario & Luigi: Brothership challenges

Challenges are present in this game. Unlike in previous games, completing them provides rewards to the player immediately in the battle instead of reward points or having to talk to an NPC to collect them. A list of Challenges can be found under the Adventure Log sub-menu on the main menu.

Gear

Main article: List of Mario & Luigi: Brothership gear

Different types of gear return in this game, such as gloves. In addition, POW is displayed separately for Boots and Hammers. Each bro only has one gear slot at the beginning of the game, but one more can be unlocked through rank-up bonus as wears have been moved to be part of the main gear.

Characters

Playable characters

Image Name Description
Artwork of Mario from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Mario The older twin member of the Mario Bros. who enters Concordia's islands to save Concordians. The player controls Mario directly with the Left Stick, and he can jump with A Button and swing his hammer with X Button.
Artwork of Luigi for Mario & Luigi: Brothership Luigi The younger twin member of the Mario Bros. who can use Luigi Logic. Unlike past games, he automatically follows Mario's actions in the overworld, serving as a CPU-controlled partner character, though the player can still manually control Luigi's jumps and hammer attacks with B Button and Y Button respectively. In some instances, the player can press the L Button button to send him to areas where he can gather resources or solve puzzles.

Supporting characters

Image Name Description
Artwork of Connie for Mario & Luigi: Brothership Connie A young Wattanist who looks after the new Uni-Tree she planted on Shipshape Island.
Artwork of Snoutlet from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Snoutlet A winged Concordian creature who guides Mario and Luigi during their journey through Concordia and prefers camping out under Luigi's cap. Despite his appearance, Snoutlet is not a pig.
Artwork of Princess Peach in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Princess Peach A princess who rules the Mushroom Kingdom. She has been escorted to Concordia, alongside the Mario Bros. and Mario's friends.
Artwork of Starlow in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Starlow A Star Sprite who assists Peach rather than the Mario Bros., unlike before.
Artwork of a group of characters in Mario & Luigi: Brothership IDLE A group of uproarious children who are anxious to help out, a task that they are not quite good at. They consist of the following four members: Ireen, a pink member; Dulles, a green member; Loog, a blue member; and Ellow, a yellow member.
Artwork of Buddy Mario & Luigi: Brothership Buddy A Concordian child wearing a scarf and a beanie who befriends Bowser Jr. after ending up on Offandon Island.
Technikki from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Technikki A thin, blue Concordian with wrench-themed goggles said to be a "resident genius."
A character from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Maykit A yellow green Concordian who speaks in poetry and is the daughter of Willma. She runs a shop specializing in accessories.
A character from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Billdit A yellow green Concordian who speaks in a loud and tough voice and is the son of Willma. He runs a shop specializing in gloves.
Issa Rock in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Issa Rock A yellow Concordian wearing a rocky hat and an orange apron who keeps track of the number of rare reefs that the Mario Bros. find.
A character from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Dyode A famous dancer and "Groovemaster" who wears headphones and disco-like attire.
Emmit in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Emmit A dancer training under Dyode who wears glasses and headphones with a mic attached.
Willma in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Willma Maykit and Billdit's mother
A blue Concordian who is part of a trio of aunties who always gossip Blue Hint Lady A blue Concordian who is one of a trio of gossiping aunties.
A red Concordian who is part of a trio of aunties who always gossip Red Hint Lady A red Concordian who is one of a trio of gossiping aunties.
A yellow Concordian who is part of a trio of aunties who always gossip Yellow Hint Lady A yellow Concordian who is one of a trio of gossiping aunties.
A character from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Arc A young, teal Concordian wearing a beret with a compass attached who is knowledgeable on ocean currents.
Spiralia from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Spiralia A Concordian with a ponytail and wearing a dress with a spiral design who owns a hair gel shop on Twistee Island.
Leyden in Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Leyden The elderly chief of Bulbfish Island.
A character in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Burnadette The princess of the Skorcheen people and Chilliam's lover.
A character in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Chilliam The prince of the Slippenglide people and Burnadette's lover.
Jump-Combo Expert Dr. Vulko A Concordian from Skorcheen Island who knows how to cure those afflicted with Glohm.
Adaphne in Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Adaphne A Concordian on Jellyfish Island who views herself as a better inventor than Technikki.
Dorrie Dorrie A plesiosaurian character from the Mushroom Kingdom who assists Peach, Starlow, and IDLE.
Something, refered as "Bulb" in the file's name artwork from M&L Brothership Sprite Bulbs Lightbulb-like sprites who hide in nests that must be pulled out, causing them to fly out. They must be collected for their Spark Balls, which are used to create Battle Plugs.
A bean-looking character in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Grampy Turnips Living elderly turnips who are buried underneath Concordia.
Golden Grampy Turnip Golden Grampy Turnip A golden variety of Grampy Turnips.
Artwork of Toad from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Toads The dominant species of the Mushroom Kingdom. They are pulled into Concordia alongside the Mario Bros. and their friends. Toads come in five colors: red, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
Birdo in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Birdo A pink, avian dinosaur. Unlike in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga and its remake, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, Birdo does not challenge the Mario Bros. to a battle.
Cozette Cozette A tall, lanky Wattanist who is Connie's mentor. Cozette was brainwashed into leading the Extension Corps and the Zok Troops as a whole and takes on the persona of Zokket.
The Great Conductor from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Great Conductor An elderly and large Concordian creature who resembles Snoutlet, albeit with a white mustache and a pair of white eyebrows.

Antagonists

Zokket and the Zok Troops

Image Name Description
Artwork of Zokket in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Zokket A mysterious villain who is the result of Cozette becoming brainwashed into leading the Extension Corps and the Zok Troops as a whole. Zokket is responsible for spreading Glohm throughout Cocordia as a result of Reclusa's brainwashing.
Artwork of the Extension Corps from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Extension Corps The lieutenants of Zok Troops who help Zokket out, which consist of the following three: Ecks, a floating magenta being similar to a VHF/UHF; Ten, a lanky, purple miscreant similar to a headphone jack; and Shun, a stout, turquoise ruffian similar to a VGA connector.
Artwork of Zokket's minions in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Zok Troops Zokket's minions. These include Sharpcask, Snaptors, a variety of Zok Troopers, and the rest of the Zok Troops.
In-game model of Reclusa Reclusa The true mastermind behind the Zok Troops, who seeks to destroy all bonds in favor of pure isolation.

Bowser and his Minions

Image Name Description
Artwork of Bowser in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Bowser The fire-breathing king of the Koopas.
Artwork of Bowser Jr. in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Bowser Jr. The heir of Bowser's Minions who is his only child.
Artwork of Bowser's Minions: Kamek, Koopa Troopa, and Goomba in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Bowser's Minions Bowser's forces. These include Kamek, Koopa Troopas, Goombas, and the rest of the Minions.

Other

Image Name Description
Yoshi Yoshi A dinosaur who can be found when the Mario Bros. perform Mario's Bros. Attack, Hatch Me if You Can.
Lakitu Lakitu Koopas that ride on clouds. Appears as a cameraman in the Mushroom Kingdom.
Bowser in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Shy Guy Airtubs Small Airships that are each piloted by two Shy Guys.
Luigi being attacked by bees and Mario was surprised at him. Bees Stingy insects that are seen only in the introduction cutscene.
Seagull artwork from M&L: Brothership Seagulls Birds inhabiting Concordia that fly away when the Mario Bros. gets too close.

Enemies

Normal enemies

Levels for enemies may vary depending on the locations in which the enemies are fought. Depending on whether the player first visits Raynforst Island or Twistee Island alters the enemies' LV on for both islands.

When an enemy is hit while the Seedle-ize Battle Plug is equipped, they may turn into a LV1 Seedle or a LV1 Gold Seedle.

Image Name LV(s) HP EXP Coins Location
Screenshot of a Seedle in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Seedle 1/5 13/17/35 1 1/6 Conductor Island (LV1)
Rumbla Island (LV1/LV5)
Artwork of a Guardarm from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Guardarm 1/6 20/55 2/11 3/9 Rumbla Island
A character from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Invizilizard 3/4 24/30 3/5 2/4 Raynforst Island
A character from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Parashoot 4/5 40/46 6/7 5/7 Raynforst Island
Soreboar from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Soreboar 3/4 24/30 3/5 3/4 Twistee Island
A character from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Bumbleshoot 4/5 32/38 6/7 5/7 Twistee Island
An angry Big Soreboar in Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Big Soreboar 4/5 45/53 8/9 6/9 Twistee Island
A character from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Seedle R 8 34 7 8 Florall Island
Screenshot of a Hydro Seedle in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Hydro Seedle 9/25 38/76/492 8/42/152 9/16/70 Florall Island (LV9)
Twistee Island (LV25)
Liil Islet (LV16)
A Spikely in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Spikely 10/13/15/16/18 52/72/86/96/116 21/40/57/66/88 13/19/23/25/29 Lushgreen Sea Great Lighthouse Island (LV10)
Merrygo Island (LV13)
Minmin Islet (LV13)
Capnap from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Capnap 11/16 73/124 27/56 15/21 Lushgreen Sea Great Lighthouse Island (LV11)
Liil Islet (LV16)
A character from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Snaptor 13/14/16/18/33 102/121/136/163/484 48/68/79/106/494/ 23/28/30/35/65 Desolatt Island (LV13/LV14)
Lottacoins Island (LV16)
Merrygo Island (LV13)
Minmin Islet (LV13)
A character from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Drillby 13/15/16 87/103/115 40/57/56 19/23/21 Desolatt Island (LV13)
Liil Islet (LV16)
An enemy resembling a Thorb in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Big Spikely 15/33 129/514 86/618 35/81 Merrygo Island
An enemy resembling a Treevil in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Krode 14 173 72 32 Merrygo Island
A character from Mario & Luigi: BrothershipA character from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Helmet Zok Trooper 15/16/17/42/43 56/62/68/944/397 29/33/39/170/306 12/13/14/40/43 Lottacoins Island (LV15/LV16/LV42)
Color-Full Sea Great Lighthouse Island (LV17)
Daintye Islet (LV43)
An ennemy artwork from M&L Brothership Spike Zok Trooper 16/18/25/26/31/34/35/38/40/43 113/136/236/253/312/107/432/457/544/612/721 66/88/202/223/296/556/600/594/678/613 25/29/46/49/35/76/80/92/101/86 Lottacoins Island (LV16)
Color-Full Sea Great Lighthouse Island (LV18)
Brrrning Sea Great Lighthouse Island (LV26)
Gulchrock Sea Great Lighthouse Island (LV34)
Fortress Zokket (LV35/LV38)
Daintye Islet
Shrimpee Islet (LV40)
Artwork of a Shower Fish from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Shower Fish 17 248 154 54 Allsand Island
An Invizilizard R in Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Invizilizard R 16 90 66 25 Allsand Island
Sharkbone from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Sharkbone 40 1102 814 39 Allsand Island
Zokkarang Trooper.png Zokkarang Trooper 18/21/26/35/38/40 N/A N/A N/A Color-Full Sea Great Lighthouse Island (LV18)
Heatfreeze Island (LV21)
Brrrning Sea Great Lighthouse Island (LV26)
Fortress Zokket (LV35/LV38)
Daintye Islet
Shrimpee Islet (LV40)
Mykroh Islet (LV40)
Capnap R from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Capnap R 19 164 121 34 Bulbfish Island
A character from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Foopfly 20 175 166 44 Bulbfish Island
A Ring Zok Trooper in Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Ring Zok Trooper 21/26/34/38/40 N/A N/A N/A Heatfreeze Island (LV21)
Brrrning Sea Great Lighthouse Island (LV26)
Gulchrock Sea Great Lighthouse Island (LV34)
Fortress Zokket (LV38)
Daintye Islet
Shrimpee Islet (LV40)
Mykroh Islet (LV40)
Icead Icead 21/23/24 141/162/175 143/115/127 40/29/31 Heatfreeze Island
Magmad Magmad 21/23/24 141/162/175 143/115/127 40/29/31 Heatfreeze Island (LV21)
Scorcheen Island (LV23/LV24)
A Curlup in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Curlup 22 353 301 78 Heatfreeze Island
Bob-omb from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Bob-omb 23/24/25/29/30/31/32/35/37/100 N/A N/A N/A Skorcheen Island (LV24/LV29)
Slippenglide Island (LV25)
Heatfreeze Island (LV29/LV30)
Wayaway Island (LV32/LV35)
Nanoh Islet (LV31/LV37)
Offandon Island (LV100)
A Palooka from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Palooka 24/25 493/531 218/242 53/55 Skorcheen Island
Piranha Plant from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Piranha Plant 25 N/A N/A N/A Skorcheen Island
Nanoh Islet
Hammer Bro from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Hammer Bro 25/29/30/31 N/A N/A N/A Skorcheen Island (LV25/LV29/LV30)
Bowser's Castle (LV30)
Cozee Islet (LV31)
Fire Bro from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Fire Bro 25/29/30/31 N/A N/A N/A Skorcheen Island (LV25/LV29/LV30)
Cozee Islet (LV31)
An Ice Bro from Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Ice Bro 25/29/30/31 N/A N/A N/A Skorcheen Island (LV25/LV29/LV30)
Cozee Islet (LV31)
A Drillby R in Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Drillby R 24 N/A N/A N/A Slippenglide Island
Spike from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Spike 24 N/A N/A N/A Slippenglide Island
Goomba from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Goomba 27/31/32 N/A N/A N/A Slippenglide Island (LV25)
Offandon Island (LV27)
Bowser's Castle (LV32)
Cozee Islet (LV31)
Koopa Troopa from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Koopa Troopa 28/32 N/A N/A N/A Slippenglide Island
Offandon Island (LV28)
Bowser's Castle (LV32)
Koopa Paratroopa from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Koopa Paratroopa 31 N/A N/A N/A Slippenglide Island
Heatfreeze Island
Cozee Islet (LV31)
A Millton from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Millton 27 438/548/712 590 78 Offandon Island
Screenshot of a Spiny in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Spiny 29 N/A N/A N/A Heatfreeze Island
Paquette Islet
MLB Dry Bones.png Dry Bones 29 N/A N/A N/A Heatfreeze Island
Bowser's Castle
A Magikoopa in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Magikoopa 32 N/A N/A N/A Bowser's Castle
MLB Shy Guy.png Shy Guy 32 N/A N/A N/A Bowser's Castle
MLB Boo.png Boo 32 N/A N/A N/A Bowser's Castle
An ennemy's artwork from M&L Brothership Jet Zok Trooper 35/38/40 N/A N/A N/A Fortress Zokket (LV35/LV38)
Daintye Islet
Mykroh Islet (LV40, before Reclusa's invasion)
A Foopfly R in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Foopfly R 38 718 855 110 Fortress Zokket
A Palooka R in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Palooka R 38 1224 891 138 Fortress Zokket
A Reclusiff in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Reclusiff 43 1038 980 138 Soli-Tree
A Weeping Trooper in its Jet form in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Weeping Trooper 43 1658 1634 230 Soli-Tree
A Seedlusa in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Seedlusa 43/44 32/3086 490/2601 69/360 Soli-Tree
Doom Bloom.png Doom Bloom 44/45 632/2256 0 0 Soli-Tree
A Golden Seedle in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Golden Seedle 1 17 4000 2000 Any location
Krode R.png Krode R 22 141 219 110 Merrygo Island - Monster Mania: Level 1
A Curlup R in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Curlup R 40 35000 1271 1000 Petit Islet - Monster Mania: Level 3

Glohm enemies

Glohm versions of enemies begin to replace regular ones when Shipshape Island enters Gulchrock Sea/specifically at Twistee Island. When Zokket is defeated/most regular enemies on the islands are replaced with Glohm versions (excluding Conductor Island). Glohm versions of Zok Troopers are also found in several Great Lighthouses when accepting certain side quests before even reentering Fortress Zokket.

Image Name LV(s) HP EXP Coins Location
Glohm Seedle.png Glohm Seedle 39 577 794 120 Rumbla Island
A Glohm Seedle R in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Seedle R 39 433 595 90 Florall Island
A Glohm Hydro Seedle in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Hydro Seedle 40 413 636 95 Florall Island
Glohm Guardarm.png Glohm Guardarm 39 637 953 144 Rumbla Island
A Glohm Invizilizard in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Invizilizard 39 577 794 120 Raynforst Island
A Glohm Invizilizard R in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Invizilizard R 40 612 848 126 Allsand Island
A Glohm Parashoot in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Parashoot 39 900 953 144 Raynforst Island
Glohm Bumbleshoot.png Glohm Bumbleshoot 30/39 360/623 386/991 52/150 Twistee Island
Glohm Soreboar.png Glohm Soreboar 29/39 312/577 370/794 41/120 Twistee Island
Glohm Big Soreboar.png Glohm Big Soreboar 30/39 500/866 604/1191 65/180 Twistee Island
A Glohm Capnap in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Capnap 34 648 356 61 Lushgreen Sea Great Lighthouse Island
A Glohm Capnap R in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Capnap R 40 918 814 111 Bulbfish Island
Glohm Spikely.png Glohm Spikely 34/39 302/404 334/794 57/120 Lushgreen Sea Great Lighthouse Island
A Glohm Drillby in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Drillby 39/40 612/649 794/848 120/126 Desolatt Island
A Glohm Drillby R in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Drillby R 40 789 848 126 Slippenglide Island
Glohm Snaptor.png Glohm Snaptor 33/40 387/588 643/1017/1058 112/152/158 Desolatt Island
Lottacoins Island
Merrygo Island
Glohm Helmet Zok Trooper.png Glohm Helmet Zok Trooper 38/40 N/A N/A N/A Lottacoins Island
Color-Full Sea Great Lighthouse Island
Glohm Spike Zok Trooper.png Glohm Spike Zok Trooper 38 N/A N/A N/A Lottacoins Island
Color-Full Sea Great Lighthouse Island
Brrrning Sea Great Lighthouse Island
Gulchrock Sea Great Lighthouse Island
Fortress Zokket
Glohm Zokkarang Trooper.png Glohm Zokkarang Trooper 38 N/A N/A N/A Color-Full Sea Great Lighthouse Island
Brrrning Sea Great Lighthouse Island
Fortress Zokket
Glohm Ring Zok Trooper.png Glohm Ring Zok Trooper 38/40/42 N/A N/A N/A Brrrning Sea Great Lighthouse Island
Gulchrock Sea Great Lighthouse Island
A Glohm Jet Zok Trooper in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Jet Zok Trooper 30/38/40 100/598/673 N/A/772/848 N/A/120/126 Zokket Fortress (LV30/LV38)
Mykroh Islet (LVL 40, only after Reclusa's invasion)
Glohm Krode.png Glohm Krode 40 1148 1271 152 Merrygo Island
A Glohm Showerfish in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Shower Fish 40/42 1224/1364 1695/1923 253/275 Allsand Island
Dropplet Islet
A Glohm Sharkbone in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Sharkbone 40 1102 1017 48 Allsand Island
Glohm Curlup.png Glohm Curlup 22/40 395/1285 342/1589 89/237 Heatfreeze Island
A Glohm Icead in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Icead 23/40 305/734 156/1627 43/242 Heatfreeze Island (LV40)
Slippenglide Island (LV23)
Glohm Magmad.png Glohm Magmad 24/40 329/734 200/1627 48/242 Heatfreeze Island (LV40)
Skorcheen Island (LV24)
Glohm Spike.png Glohm Spike 24/25/34/37 420/453/829/989/1175 328/364/997/1068/1220 61/63/114/132/152 Slippenglide Island (LV24/LV25)
Gulchrock Sea Great Lighthouse Island (LV34)
Paquette Islet (LV37)
Glohm Goomba.png Glohm Goomba 37/40 649/771 1247/1526 198/227 Offandon Island
Bowser's Castle
Glohm Koopa Troopa.png Glohm Koopa Troopa 37/40/43 309/367/433 480/565 76/84 Offandon Island
Nanoh Islet (LV37)
Bowser's Castle
Soli-Tree
A Glohm Koopa Paratroopa in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Koopa Paratroopa 43 973 1716 242 N/A
A Glohm Millton in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Millton 41 1032/1290/1677 1808 263 N/A
Glohm Palooka.png Glohm Palooka 24/25/40 591/637/1652 218/242/1322 53/55/197 Skorcheen Island
Glohm Piranha Plant.png Glohm Piranha Plant 24/25/37/40 253/273/596/708 179/199/546/668 43/45/87/100 Skorcheen Island
Nanoh Islet (LV37)
Glohm Hammer Bro.png Glohm Hammer Bro 37/40/43 533/633/746 720/848/1021 114/126/144 Bowser's Castle
Soli-Tree (LV43)
Glohm Ice Bro.png Glohm Ice Bro 29 323 296 44 Heatfreeze Island
Glohm Fire Bro.png Glohm Fire Bro 29 323 370 38 Heatfreeze Island
Glohm Magikoopa.png Glohm Magikoopa 37/41/42/43 858/1075/1137/1202 1154/1506/1602 183/219/229 Bowser's Castle
Soli-Tree
Glohm Shy Guy.png Glohm Shy Guy 37/40 966/1148 1247/1526 198/227 Bowser's Castle
Glohm Boo.png Glohm Boo 37/40 402/477 416/509 66/76 Bowser's Castle
Glohm Foopfly R.png Glohm Foopfly R 43 1125 1275 179 Soli-Tree
Glohm Palooka R.png Glohm Palooka R 43 1947 1593 224 Soli-Tree

Bosses

Image Boss LV HP EXP Coins Location
Gorumbla in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Gorumbla 7 480 200 130 Rumbla Island
A character from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Gobblick 12 900 750 252 Lushgreen Sea Great Lighthouse Island
Artwork of an Extension Corps member from M&L Brothership Ten (1) 14 712/411 450/216 189/95 Desolatt Island
Mega Snaptor in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Mega Snaptor 16 1700 1450 300 Lottacoins Island
Sharpcask in M&L Brothership Sharpcask 19 1600 2500 550 Color-Full Sea Great Lighthouse Island
Pipegunk in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Pipegunk 27 4500 6600 900 Brrrning Sea Great Lighthouse Island
Artwork of Bowser in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Bowser 33 4800 11000 1000 Bowser's Castle
Glohm Bowser Glohm Bowser 36 8700 14000 1500 Fortress Zokket
The Great Conductor from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Great Conductor 36 3600 9500 996 Conductor Island
Artwork of the Extension Corps from Mario & Luigi: Brothership Extension Corps (Ecks/Ten (2) and Shun) 39 N/A 20520 1350 Fortress Zokket
Artwork of Zokket in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Zokket 40 8400 20000 2000 Fortress Zokket
Glohm Gorumbla in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Gorumbla 41 7000 16500 1600 Rumbla Island
In-game model of Reclusa Reclusa (1) 45 4812 33000 0 Soli-Tree
Weeping Reclusa in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Weeping Reclusa N/A N/A N/A N/A Soli-Tree
The Weeping Core in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Weeping Core 46 5100 0 0 Soli-Tree (inside Weeping Reclusa)
In-game model of Reclusa Reclusa (2) 46 10000 0 0 Soli-Tree (inside Weeping Reclusa)

Optional bosses

Image Boss LV HP EXP Coins Location
Glohm Gobblick in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Gobblick 35 8200 3000 1100 Lushgreen Sea Great Lighthouse Island
Glohm Sharpcask in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Sharpcask 39 7000 4000 1400 Color-Full Sea Great Lighthouse Island
Glohm Pipegunk in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Glohm Pipegunk 43 10800 5000 1713 Brrrning Sea Great Lighthouse Island

Special moves

Bros. Moves

  • UFO Spin, a UFO-like move that allows Mario and Luigi to fly and reach farther areas.
    • UFO Vacuum, an upgraded UFO Spin that allows Mario and Luigi to suck up objects when doing UFO Spin.
  • Bro Ball, a move that turns Mario and Luigi into a ball and allows them to pass through round pipes or roll through rails.
    • Ball Blitz, an upgraded Bro Ball that lets Mario and Luigi charge up and dash through wind and slopes.
  • Fire & Ice, a move that turns Mario and Luigi into Fire Mario and Ice Luigi respectively
    • Bro Bomb, an upgraded Fire & Ice that lets Mario and Luigi charge up a projectile and explode giant dark rocks.

These moves are accessed on a radial menu, with UFO Spin on the right, Bro Ball on the bottom, Fire & Ice on the left, and regular field abilities on the top.

Locations

The following is a list of locations in the game.

Rare reefs

Main article: Rare reef
The Pensive Reef in Mario & Luigi: Brothership.
Pensive Reef in the Lushgreen Sea

Rare reefs are scattered across the seas of Concordia in Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Like islands and islets, they are discovered from Shipshape Island, but cannot be traveled to. There are 20 in total, with several acting as references to previous games in the Mario & Luigi series.

Items

Image Item Description
A Mushroom in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Mushroom Restores 30 HP.
Super Mushroom Restores 60 HP.
Ultra Mushroom Restores 130 HP.
Max Mushroom Restores 200 HP.
A Syrup Jar in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Syrup Jar Restore 10 BP.
Super Syrup Jar Restores 20 BP.
Ultra Syrup Jar Restores 30 BP.
Max Syrup Jar Restores 40 BP.
A 1-Up Mushroom in Mario & Luigi: Brothership 1-Up Mushroom Revives a downed brother with 50% HP.
1-Up DX Revives a downed brother with 100% HP.
A Refreshing Herb in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Refreshing Herb Cures status ailments like Trip, Dizzy, Burn, and Ice. Sometimes cures other ailments too.
An Ampberry in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Ampberry Cures the Glohm status ailment.
A Nut in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Nut Restores each brother's HP by 20 HP.
Super Nut Restores each brother's HP by 40 HP.
Ultra Nut Restores each brother's HP by 70 HP.
Max Nut Restores each brother's HP by 110 HP.
A Candy in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Candy Restores HP and BP by 30%.
Super Candy Restores HP and BP by 50%.
Ultra Candy Restores HP and BP by 70%.
Max Candy Restores HP and BP by 100%.
A Boo Biscuit in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Boo Biscuit Makes the user invincible against monster attacks for a while and lets them dodge.
A Bait in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Standard Bait An excellent bait for beginners. You can catch basically anything with it.
Handcrafted Bait This bait is best for catching fish that go into making equipment.
Rarest Bait This bait is best for catching fish that can be sold for high price.

Beans

As in the previous Mario & Luigi games, Beans are used to permenantely raise a stat for Mario and Luigi. Beans can be found within ? Blocks, or completing certain side quests and challenges. As with Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, beans are a finite source.

Inventory Image Item Description
A Bean in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Heart bean item Heart Bean Adds 1 to max HP.
Heart Bean DX Adds 3 to max HP.
Sprite of the Bros Bean item from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team Bros. Bean Adds 1 to max BP.
Bros. Bean DX Adds 3 to max BP.
Power bean item Power Bean Adds 1 to POW.
Power Bean DX Adds 3 to POW.
Defence bean item Defense Bean Adds 1 to DEF.
Defense Bean DX Adds 3 to DEF.
Speed bean item Speed Bean Adds 1 to SPEED.
Speed Bean DX Adds 3 to SPEED.
Stache bean item Stache Bean Adds 1 to STACHE.
Stache Bean DX Adds 3 to STACHE.

Crafting materials

Image Item Description
A crafting item in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Rumbla Stone A large rock obtained on Rumbla Island. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Raynforst Vine A vine obtained on Raynforst Island. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Twistee Leaf A leaf obtained on Twistee Island. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Desolatt Scrap A metal sheet obtained on Desolatt Island. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Merrygo Bolt A bolt obtained on Merrygo Island. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Lottacoins Lever A lever obtained on Lottacoins Island. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Bulbfish Lantern A lantern obtained on Bulbfish Island. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Heatfreeze Ore An ore obtained on Heatfreeze Island. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Slippenglide Snow Snow obtained on Slippenglide Island. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Skorcheen Lava Lava obtained on Skorcheen Island. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Offandon Brick A brick obtained on Offandon Island. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Wayaway Chain A chain obtained on Wayaway Island. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Glohm Dust Dust obtained from Glohm enemies. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Glohm Fragment A fragment obtained from Glohm enemies. Can be used as material to make equipment.
Glohm Crystal A crystal obtained from Glohm enemies. Can be used as material to make equipment.
An Offin in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Offin A fish that can easily be caught in any sea. Can be used as material to make equipment.
An Egoby in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Egoby This fish might deign to be caught in any sea. Can be used as material to make equipment.
An Coinfish in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Coinfish A fish found in most seas. Fetches a fairly high price.
An Bullionfish in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Bullionfish A fish found in every sea. Fetches a pretty high price.
An Treasurefish in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Treasurefish A fish only found in the Gulchrock and Stormstar Seas. Fetches an impressively high price.
A crafting item in Mario & Luigi: Brothership Seedle Seed A seed obtained from a Seedle. Maybe hold on to it for now?
Sharkbone Bone A bone obtained from a Sharkbone. There's no real point in keeping it.
Zokket Alloy An alloy scavenged from a Zok Trooper. Can be used as material to craft gear.
Apple Core An apple core picked up on Desolatt Island. It's picked clean down to the apple bones.

Other items

Item Description
Patriarc's Note 1 A note you found in the Lushgreen Sea Great Lighthouse.
Fishing Rod A standard tool for catching fish. Use it at Shipshape Island's fishing spot.
Patriarc's Note 2 A note you found in the Color-Full Sea Great Lighthouse.
Oversized Screw A huge screw found on Bulbfish Island. Just an unreasonably large screw.
Spare Underground Key Key to the underground area on Bulbfish Island.
Patriarc's Note 3 A note you found in the Brrrning Sea Great Lighthouse.
Disguise Kit Technikki's way for Mario and Luigi to avoid detection by Bowser's minions on Offandon Island.
Jail Cell Key A key that opens cell doors in the Offandon Island jail.
Patriarc's Note 4 A note you found in the Gulchrock Sea Great Lighthouse.
Club Dyode Ticket No entry without a ticket. Show this to the doorman in black to get in.
Adaphne Scope A tool built by Adaphne to help you find Zokket Alloy.
Technikki Scope Deluxe Technikki's refinement of the Adaphne Scope. Makes Zokket Allow even easier to find.
MaxGlam Wax Spiralia's homemade pomade. Holds any hairstyle permanently in place. ANY hairstyle.
Notebook A notebook buried under a streetlamp. Nothing is written on it.
Incident Report Notebook from the security guard on Bulbfish Island. Snoutlet is taking notes for you about the incident.
Old Brooch Brooch from Desolatt Island. It's engraved with, 'IDLE will always have your back, Mom!
Hottato Stew The Boilin people's signature dish. Very spicy. Like, unnecessarily spicy.
Pile of Ampberries Fruit from Bowser's Castle on Wayaway Island. Eating it builds resistance to Glohm.
Part of Bowser's Airship Component found in Bowser's Castle. Can be used to upgrade Shipshape Island.
Stickem Oil Wildly sticky oil from Face Rock on Allsand Island. Real, real sticky.
Floaty Ring A floaty thing borrowed on Jellyfish Island. Enables safe jumps into a pool from high up.
Bonding Can A watering can that collects the power of the Bonds between those with deep connections.
Arc's Spyglass Arc's favorite spyglass.
Technikki's Certification A certificate showing Technikki won first place in a genius-inventor contest.
Chill-Out Fruit A squishy fruit from Twistee Island. Somehow it immediately puts one at ease.
Pep-Up Fruit A fruit you found on Raynforst Island. Has a STRONG taste, so be careful.
Willma's Letter A heartfelt letter from Willma to her beloved son/daughter.
Suspicious Package A package you received on Rumbla Island. Do not open it under any circumstances.
Ultra-Sweet, Super-Rich Cake A fancy cake from the fancy bakers of Lottacoins Island. Sure to please even the pickiest of cake eaters.
Sugared Powder This special snow is found only on Slippenglide Island. It's a key ingredient for a certain type of white chocolate.
Potato Gelato Freezin Village's signature dish. Deep frozen and very sweet.

Objects

Differences from previous Mario & Luigi games

  • Mario and Luigi both participate with each other in regular Jump and Hammer attacks, using buttons that correspond with each brother as with Bros. Attacks.
  • Enemies have their health shown as health bars, beneath their name and level, when selected. Bosses' health bars are larger and constantly displayed on the top-right of the screen while Mario and Luigi are selecting battle commands.
  • Characters now have more voice acting, with unique vocal samples given to NPCs during dialogue similar to the Nintendo Switch remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
  • Upon initiating a battle, instead of Mario and Luigi already being in the battle, they run towards where the enemies are in battle.
  • When the rear brother is hit from behind, it no longer causes the Trip status. Instead, it lets the enemy attack first, regardless of Speed stat.
  • Luigi does not need to be controlled directly to jump over steps in the overworld when following Mario. He can act independently from Mario on command using L Button, like stopping in place or doing something separately, unlike in previous games, where he always follows (or leads) Mario unless they are separated with field moves such as mini Mario.
  • A Button is now used for selecting a battle command for Luigi instead of B Button, which instead cancels a battle command (done by the L button in previous titles)
  • HP Up+ Rank-Up bonus only gives +1 HP per level up instead of 2.
  • Jump and Hammer attack stats are shown separately from the POW stat in previous Mario & Luigi games.
  • The Spin Jump has been replaced by the UFO Spin.
  • A Wiggler does not appear as a boss in any form.
  • Wears have been moved to be part of the main gears like Boots and Hammers and are sold in the same type of shop, the maximum amount of accessory slots is lowered to two to compensate, and there is only one "Gear Slot+1" Rank-Up Bonus option available instead of two.
  • Tutorial battles no longer have characters instructing the player on battle moves, as tip prompts in this game pop on the screen.
  • If no inputs are made when selecting a Command Block in the middle of a battle, the game will go into an idle mode where the camera will switch between various angles of Mario, Luigi, and the enemy.
  • All returning Bros. Attacks have changed and end with a stylish cutscene when performed perfectly.
    • Red Shell no longer works virtually the same as Green Shell, it passes between Mario and Luigi directly, the end starts with Luigi lobbing the red shell up and Mario strikes it at one enemy only. It can target enemies in the air.
    • Green Shell starts the same but ends with Luigi kicking it to the side then curves to hit all ground enemies.
    • Bomb Derby starts the same but ends with a capsule being hit up that opens up and summons missiles to damage all enemies
    • Jump Helmet works similarly to its 2D counterpart, instead of the wearer moving back and forth when jumping closer to the enemy from the back of the battlefield, the brothers walk to the foreground and move left and right. Also, the roles have been reversed as Mario is the one wearing the Jump Helmet and Luigi is the one jumping.
    • Yoo Who Cannon starts the same but adds an extra cannon behind the enemies, each successful hit causes the cloned brother to bounce off the enemies and fall into the cannon, making it even bigger, and finally it can be shot to damage all enemies.
  • The bros can now level up twice than usual after beating certain boss fights.
  • Save files are now saved, loaded, and copied in the same manner to Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. Additionally, there are now five save files instead of two, as in most other games in the series.
  • At certain points, the player can choose what they would like to do next. The story can be slightly or drastically altered as a result of this.
  • As the final boss, Reclusa has several differences from those in the previous games:
    • The area where he is fought is not a castle as is the case in the previous games, taking place in a tree instead.
    • As the main antagonist, Reclusa does not have a different form, but protects himself with the Weeping Core that must be defeated beforehand.
    • Reclusa is airborne, while the others are on the ground.
    • The final boss is not Bowser or connected to him in any way.
    • He does not have separate targets for which the player is required to disable in order to target the main part during the final phase of the battle.
  • There are no Battle Rings for which the player can fight stronger versions of most of the bosses in previous games, however the player can rematch with stronger Glohm versions of the Great Lighthouse bosses in their locations.
  • There are no points in which the player controls any character other than Mario or Luigi.
  • There are no Bros. Moves that allow Mario and/or Luigi to dig underground.
    • As a result, Beans are not found through digging up X-marked circular spots in the ground.
  • All Bros. Attacks are obtained automatically during the story.
  • The Fire Flower does not return as a Bros. Attack for the first time since Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, although it is used as a field ability.
  • Mario and Luigi's stats are significantly higher in this game, and increase at a faster rate than in previous entries. As a result, the bros are more powerful at any particular level than they would be in prior entries, and enemy stats have been increased to reflect that.
  • Princess Peach does not get kidnapped by the main antagonist at any point.
  • This is the first game since Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story to not have an in-game sound test menu.
  • The Poison status effect does not appear in this game. Instead, it has been replaced with Burn, which functions identically.

Pre-release and unused content

An early map icon for Shipshape Island exists within the game's files, greyed out and labeled "不使用".

Early concept art depicted a completely different style, described as more "rugged", with Mario and Luigi more closely resembling their appearances in most other games.[12] Producer Akira Otani also thought having an HD-2D art style like the Acquire-developed Octopath Traveler was a possibility at one point before the final art direction was settled upon.[13]

Various early designs for Connie and Snoutlet are shown in concept art, with Connie originally being more human-like and Snoutlet having designs that resembled plugs more than his final design.[13]

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release, Mario & Luigi: Brothership was met with generally positive reviews from critics. Most reviewers praised the game's unique art style, graphics, and refined battle mechanics, with particular attention given to the new Battle Plug system. Many critics also praised the game's story and writing, appreciating the humorous and heartfelt elements throughout the plot and its characters. Eric Switzer of The Gamer praised the story stating that the "length also benefits the story, which is surprisingly mature and impactful for a Mario game". However, Mario & Luigi: Brothership received criticism for its pacing and overall length, with many reviewers feeling that the game felt padded out with an overabundance of tutorials and side content. Steve Watts of GameSpot gave it a 6/10, feeling that the game's increased length made it too ambitious for its own good, but also commended the story as "sweet and funny, with some surprising themes". Concerns were also raised over the game's technical performance, with stuttering and inconsistent framerate being commonly mentioned as negatives. Logan Plant of IGN was critical of the game, giving it a 5/10 and comparing it unfavorably to the remakes Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. He lambasted its technical performance, calling it one of the worst-performing games on Nintendo Switch, and criticized its "overly chatty and hand-holding" writing, its story, which he deemed "unoriginal", its humor, and the islands on which the game is set, saying that they lacked originality in their themes. He also criticized Luigi's controls in the overworld for his automated jumps and his involvement in puzzles with the Luigi Logic mechanic, saying that it fumbles his role by relegating him to an "NPC ally" and making him "more of a pain than a partner", deeming the game as "a disappointing revival that fundamentally misunderstands what made the series great".

Reviews
Release Reviewer, Publication Score Comment
Nintendo Switch Ozzie Mejia, Shacknews 9/10 "It takes a special kind of game to stand among the ranks of Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Mario & Luigi: Brothership is on that level with an unforgettable story, lovable characters, a deeper-than-expected combat system, and beautifully drawn environments. After so many hours spent playing the game and additional hours of giving it some extra thought, this could very well be the peak of Mario's RPG adventures to date."
Nintendo Switch Eric Switzer, The Gamer 4.5/5 "This is the first Mario & Luigi on Switch and it very much feels like the series’ first big-budget home console entry. It's so much bigger than any of the older games, not just in terms of play time, but in terms of ideas too. The only bad thing about Brothership is that it sets the bar so high there’s no going back to the originals now."
Nintendo Switch Shannon Liao, Inverse 8/10 "Bringing classic RPG elements with more robust animation and fresh writing, Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a meaty feast for the eyes. It clearly has a lot of heart, too, especially for a game meant for kids. I was excited to see the all-new original story and where it would take the brothers, but Brothership doesn’t hit its stride until 20 hours in — and even then, its story beats are largely predictable. Brothership is a sleek product that’s designed to be entertaining. You can never really be disappointed, but nor are you really surprised too often. For those who do decide to delve in and grind to the end, Brothership has a message about how we’re all in this together."
Nintendo Switch Christian Donlan, Eurogamer 4/5 "While Brothership isn't the series at its very best, it's still a Mario & Luigi RPG, and these always contain moments of colour and wit and invention that I'm extremely glad I was present for. Mario and Luigi are already money in the bank, in other words. Throw in a bit of island hopping and I'm still happy."
Nintendo Switch Steve Watts, GameSpot 6/10 "The Mario & Luigi games are full-fledged RPGs, but they're compact, usually topping out at around 25 hours. Brothership seemed intent on hitting a lengthier playtime, and it just can't sustain itself for that long. That length may have been born from a desire to create a big, meaty RPG, but in the end, it mostly serves to accentuate the simplicity in all aspects. Stretched over so many hours, exploration becomes dull, combat feels repetitive, and the story can't sustain itself. Mario & Luigi: Brothership is well made and has some great ideas, but in breaking free of its handheld limitations, it becomes too ambitious for its own good."
Nintendo Switch Logan Plant, IGN 5/10 "Mario & Luigi: Brothership – the only fully original adventure so far in this plumber roleplaying renaissance – is easily the worst of the bunch, and an incredibly frustrating return for a series I hold dear. Apart from its action-packed, turn-based battles, it fails in almost every way to recapture the magic of the best Mario & Luigi games while also clinging to their bad habits like ridiculously chatty dialogue, overbearing hand-holding, and boring, runtime-padding fetch quests. Couple that with shockingly bad performance issues that distract at nearly every turn, and the nearly 10-year wait for a brand new Mario & Luigi game hardly felt worth it by the time the credits rolled."
Aggregators
Compiler Platform / Score
Metacritic 77

Staff

Main article: List of Mario & Luigi: Brothership staff

Brothership is developed by Acquire, making this the first game in the series not to be developed by AlphaDream after they ceased operations in 2019. After Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam wrapped up development, there was a long discussion on how the series would continue forward. Many ideas were proposed, but the production had many difficulties finding the right idea to the point they considered giving up on the series altogether before approaching Acquire.[13] Several of AlphaDream's developers, such as Chihiro Fujioka and Yoshihiko Maekawa, who were involved in previous Mario & Luigi games, were involved in the game, with Akira Otani once again serving as a producer.

This game marks the first time in the Mario & Luigi series where Yoko Shimomura is not involved as a composer, as Hideki Sakamoto assumes that role for the game instead.[14] Sakamoto previously worked on music arrangements for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U and composed "Lifelight", the main theme of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Mario & Luigi: Brothership.

References to other games

References in other games

  • Super Mario Run: Nine missions are issued that promote the release of the game. Completing three missions each will award the player with three statues, one modeled after Mario & Connie, one modeled after Luigi and Snoutlet, and a third featuring the Mario Bros. as they appeared in the game. Shipshape Island is given a direct reference in the Mario & Connie Statue's flavor text, while the overall locale of Concordia is given an indirect mention as "islands adrift in the currents" in the Mario & Luigi Statue's flavor text.

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese マリオ&ルイージRPG ブラザーシップ![2]
Mario ando Ruīji Āru Pī Jī Burazāshippu!
Mario & Luigi RPG: Brothership!
Chinese (simplified) 马力欧&路易吉RPG 兄弟齐航![?]
Mǎlì'ōu & Lùyìjí RPG Xiōngdì Qí Háng!
Mario & Luigi RPG: Brothers Sail Together!
Chinese (traditional) 瑪利歐&路易吉RPG 兄弟齊航![15]
Mǎlì'ōu & Lùyìjí RPG Xiōngdì Qí Háng!
Mario & Luigi RPG: Brothers Sail Together!
Dutch Mario & Luigi: Brothership[16] -
Finnish Mario & Luigi: Brothership[24] -
French (NOA) Mario & Luigi: Brothership[17] -
French (NOE) Mario & Luigi : L'épopée fraternelle[7] Mario & Luigi: The brotherly epic
German Mario & Luigi: Brothership[18] -
Hebrew Mario & Luigi: Brothership[23] -
Italian Mario & Luigi: Fraternauti alla carica[19] Mario & Luigi: Brothernauts in charge
Korean 마리오&루이지 RPG 브라더십![3]
Mario aen Ru-iji Areu Pi Ji Beuradeosip!
Mario & Luigi RPG: Brothership!
Norwegian Mario & Luigi: Brothership[26] -
Portuguese Mario & Luigi: Brothership[22] -
Spanish (NOA) Mario & Luigi: Brothership[20] -
Spanish (NOE) Mario & Luigi: Conexión fraternal[21] Mario & Luigi: Brotherly bond/connection
Swedish Mario & Luigi: Brothership[25] -

Trivia

  • The game's opening cutscene with Mario and Luigi traveling through a portal where they try to hold onto each other bears a striking resemblance to the Warp Zone scene in The Super Mario Bros. Movie where the brothers travel to the Mushroom Kingdom through the mysterious pipe. Despite the similarities, the developers stated in an interview that it was only a coincidence as they had no information on the movie while working on Mario & Luigi: Brothership, and were surprised by the similarity upon seeing the movie.[27]
  • Although the fake Mushroom Kingdom within the Soli-Tree has colored hills resembling those from New Super Mario Bros. Wii in the background, said hills do not appear in the actual Mushroom Kingdom in the opening and ending cutscenes.

References

  1. ^ NintendoAU (June 18, 2024). Mario & Luigi: Brothership sets sail November 7th (Nintendo Switch). YouTube (English). Retrieved June 18, 2024. (Archived June 19, 2024, 00:38:10 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  2. ^ a b Nintendo 公式チャンネル (June 18, 2024). マリオ&ルイージRPG ブラザーシップ! (Nintendo Direct 2024.6.18). YouTube (Japanese). Retrieved June 18, 2024. (Archived June 18, 2024, 14:47:53 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  3. ^ a b 한국닌텐도주식회사 (June 18, 2024). 『젤다의 전설 지혜의 투영』, 『METROID PRIME 4 BEYOND(※영어 명칭)』, 『슈퍼 마리오 파티 잼버리』, 『마리오&루이지 RPG 브라더십!』, 『동키콩 리턴즈 HD』 등, Nintendo Switch로 발매되는 타이틀의 최신 정보를 전달. Nintendo of Korea (Korean). Retrieved June 18, 2024. (Archived June 18, 2024, 18:11:03 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  4. ^ 任天堂(香港)有限公司 (June 18, 2024). 《瑪利歐&路易吉RPG 兄弟齊航!》的最新資訊公開!本作預定於2024年11月7日(四)發售。. Nintendo of Hong Kong. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  5. ^ 任天堂(台灣) (June 18, 2024). 《瑪利歐&路易吉RPG 兄弟齊航!》的最新資訊公開!本作預定於2024年11月7日(四)發售。. Nintendo of Taiwan. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  6. ^ Nintendo Official Channel (Southeast Asia) (June 18, 2024). Mario & Luigi: Brothership - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch (SEA). YouTube (English). Retrieved June 18, 2024. (Archived June 19, 2024, 06:40:49 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  7. ^ a b Nintendo France (June 18, 2024). Mario & Luigi : L'épopée fraternelle – Sortie le 7 novembre (Nintendo Switch). YouTube (French). Retrieved June 18, 2024. (Archived June 18, 2024, 18:35:44 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  8. ^ Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Nintendo (official South African website) (English). Retrieved July 19, 2024. (Archived July 16, 2024, 00:09:13 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  9. ^ a b Nintendo of America (June 18, 2024). Mario & Luigi: Brothership – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch. YouTube (English). Retrieved June 18, 2024. (Archived June 18, 2024, 23:29:10 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  10. ^ Brian(@NE_Brian) (June 22, 2024). Nintendo says some of the original Mario & Luigi devs are working on Brothership. Nintendo Everything (english). Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  11. ^ Back cover of Mario & Luigi: Brothership.
  12. ^ Ask the Developer Vol. 15, Mario & Luigi: Brothership — Part 2. Nintendo. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c Ask the Developer Vol. 15, Mario & Luigi: Brothership — Part 1. Nintendo. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  14. ^ https://x.com/HidekiSakamoto/status/1854444791213474098
  15. ^ https://www.nintendo.tw/topics/article/6oK8110hso7xbS12trmwoP
  16. ^ Nintendo Nederland (June 18, 2024). Mario & Luigi: Brothership zeilt binnen op 7 november (Nintendo Switch). YouTube. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  17. ^ "Le lien entre frères n'a jamais été si fort! Prenez la mer et partez à l'aventure d'île en île avec les frères Mario dans le jeu Mario & Luigi: Brothership! Offert le 7 novembre sur #NintendoSwitch. #NintendoDirect" - @NintendoCanada
  18. ^ Nintendo DE (June 18, 2024). Mario & Luigi: Brothership setzt die Segel ab 7. November (Nintendo Switch). YouTube. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  19. ^ NintendoItalia (June 18, 2024). Mario & Luigi: Fraternauti alla carica arriva il 7 novembre (Nintendo Switch). YouTube. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  20. ^ https://www.nintendo.com/es-mx/store/products/mario-and-luigi-brothership-switch/
  21. ^ Nintendo España (June 18, 2024). Mario & Luigi: Conexión fraternal llegará el 7 de noviembre (Nintendo Switch). YouTube. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  22. ^ https://www.nintendo.com/pt-pt/Jogos/Jogos-para-a-Nintendo-Switch/Mario-Luigi-Brothership-2590264.html
  23. ^ https://www.nintendo.co.il/product/mario-luigi-brothership-45496512507/?attribute_pa_desc_price=physical
  24. ^ https://www.nintendo.fi/nintendo-switch-perhe/pelit/mario-luigi-brothership
  25. ^ https://www.nintendo.se/nintendo-switch-familjen/spel/mario-luigi-brothership
  26. ^ https://www.nintendo.no/nintendo-switch-familien/spill/mario-luigi-brothership
  27. ^ Ask the Developer Vol. 15, Mario & Luigi: Brothership — Part 3. Nintendo. Retrieved December 5, 2024.

External links

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Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Nintendo of Korea Co., Ltd.
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