Mario & Luigi Brothership – First Look at a Promising RPG Adventure
With Mario & Luigi Brothership, the iconic plumbers embark on a new journey to the islands of Konektania, and it’s a vibrant setting that promises plenty of surprises. Starting from the central hub, Kapitarbora – a unique ship-island hybrid – players launch Mario and Luigi to various destinations via a massive cannon. During our hands-on preview, our first stop was the lively Twisterland.
In the game, “Brothership” truly captures the spirit of brotherly teamwork. From jump attacks and hammer strikes to fan-favorite Bros Attacks, players must constantly coordinate the actions of both Mario and Luigi. Each brother’s moves are mapped to specific buttons, making the controls intuitive yet engaging. Staying focused is key, as a misstep can lead to missed opportunities in combat.
An Enhanced Turn-Based Combat System
The classic turn-based combat system returns, now refined to accommodate the new 3D perspective. The game includes the popular Bros Attacks, such as the red and green shells, which demand precise timing and cooperation. A new addition, the Effects Socket System, lets players equip unique effects that enhance attacks or provide bonuses in battle. For example, the Anti-Air Kiss effect increases critical damage against flying enemies, while the “Exploiter” effect boosts item drops. The Effects Socket adds a fresh strategic layer to the fights, though we’ll have to wait and see how deep and balanced it feels in the full game.
New Friends and Foes in a Colorful World
The diverse regions of Konektania showcase lively island environments and distinctive challenges. Twisterland introduces players to a musical, dance-loving people, while Attrakama’s maze-like terrain tests players’ navigation skills. Each island has its own flavor, and if the rest of Konektania is equally rich, Brothership will offer a varied adventure full of surprises.
Of course, the Mario Brothers aren’t just here for the sights. They’ll encounter fresh allies and adversaries along the way. Wattz, a floating pig-like creature with an electric socket face, provides comic relief, while eccentric scientist Dr. Voltson adds humor and a dash of mystery.
Visuals and Sound Worth Celebrating
Mario & Luigi Brothership represents a huge leap forward in graphics. The fully 3D world shines with vibrant colors, richly detailed environments, and carefully designed character models that perfectly capture the charm of the Mario universe. The game’s animation is equally impressive, with Mario and Luigi’s movements expressing their personalities in delightful ways.
The sound design is equally on point, blending nostalgic tunes with fresh compositions that evoke both familiarity and excitement. With Kevin Afghani now voicing the Mario Brothers, the game’s voice work adds a new layer of personality to the beloved characters, fitting in seamlessly with the visual style.
First Impressions & Final Thoughts
Mario & Luigi Brothership brings the beloved RPG mechanics and humorous storytelling that fans expect, while introducing fresh features and a vibrant 3D world. With creative enemy designs, a refined combat system, and a captivating presentation, this title seems poised to satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers to the Mario & Luigi series. If the final release lives up to this promising first look, we’re in for an unforgettable RPG experience on November 7, 2024.
You can preorder the game here.
