The Mario & Luigi franchise is a series of role-playing games (RPGs) developed by AlphaDream and published by Nintendo. Known for its humorous dialogue, unique combat mechanics, and engaging storylines, the series features Mario and Luigi, Nintendo’s iconic plumber brothers, on various adventures through different kingdoms and dimensions. The games blend traditional RPG elements with platforming and puzzle-solving, creating a distinctive gameplay experience.
Key Features and Gameplay Mechanics
- Turn-Based Combat: Unlike typical platformer Mario games, the Mario & Luigi series features turn-based combat. Players control both Mario and Luigi, using timed button presses to enhance their attacks and defences. This system, known as “Action Commands,” adds an element of skill and timing to the battles, differentiating it from other RPGs.
- Exploration and Puzzle-Solving: The games encourage exploration of diverse environments, filled with puzzles that require the unique abilities of both brothers to solve. These puzzles often involve the use of special moves like high jumps, hammer attacks, and various transformations.
- Humour and Storytelling: A hallmark of the Mario & Luigi series is its witty dialogue and comedic storytelling. The games frequently feature a light-hearted tone, with humorous interactions between characters and playful takes on classic Mario universe elements.
- Character Progression and Customisation: Players can level up Mario and Luigi, increasing their stats such as health, power, and defence. The games also allow players to customise their characters with gear and badges that provide special abilities or bonuses in battle.
Notable Games in the Series
- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003): The debut game in the series, it introduces the core mechanics of the franchise. The story revolves around an adventure to save Princess Peach’s voice from the evil Cackletta. The game was well-received for its innovative gameplay and humour.
- Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time (2005): This sequel introduces Baby Mario and Baby Luigi, adding a new layer of gameplay as players manage four characters. The story involves time travel and the invasion of the Mushroom Kingdom by the alien Shroobs.
- Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story (2009): One of the most acclaimed entries, it allows players to control both the Mario brothers and their nemesis, Bowser, who has inadvertently ingested them. The game features unique gameplay mechanics that occur inside and outside Bowser’s body.
- Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (2013): Set on Pi’illo Island, the game involves a mix of real-world and dream-world environments. Luigi’s dreams play a significant role in the gameplay, introducing new mechanics like “Luiginary Attacks.”
- Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam (2015): This crossover title combines elements from the Mario & Luigi series and the Paper Mario series, bringing together characters and gameplay mechanics from both franchises.
- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions (2017) and Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey (2019): These are enhanced remakes of the original games, featuring updated graphics and additional story content.
Development and Impact
The Mario & Luigi series was primarily developed by AlphaDream, a studio known for its work on RPGs. The games have been praised for their engaging gameplay, innovative use of RPG mechanics, and humour. The series has sold millions of copies worldwide, contributing significantly to the broader Mario franchise.
In 2019, AlphaDream declared bankruptcy, leading to uncertainty about the future of the series. However, the Mario & Luigi games remain popular among fans for their unique blend of RPG and platforming elements and continue to be celebrated for their creativity and charm.
Conclusion
The Mario & Luigi franchise offers a distinct take on the beloved Mario universe, combining RPG elements with the series’ trademark platforming and humour. Its engaging combat system, puzzle-solving mechanics, and memorable storytelling have made it a standout in the RPG genre. Despite the uncertain future following AlphaDream’s closure, the legacy of the Mario & Luigi games endures, highlighting their lasting appeal and influence in the gaming world.