Mario, the iconic plumber from Nintendo, is well-known for his vibrant personality and high-pitched voice. While many fans cherish his action-packed platforming adventures, the Mario & Luigi series of role-playing games often flies under the radar. These games not only ignite the imagination but also demand a precise sense of timing and rhythm, particularly for your right thumb.
The latest installment, Mario & Luigi: The Brothership, marks the sixth entry in this pun-laden franchise and transports players to a series of enchanting islands scattered across the high seas. In this whimsical adventure, the two brothers navigate a ship that resembles a tiny island, solving intricate puzzles and battling a variety of monsters using an array of whimsical attacks, including hammers, shock waves, and classic boot stomps. Luigi, the ever-resourceful green-capped brother, contributes his clever ideas to the adventure, with a lightbulb moment indicated by a thought bubble featuring an exclamation point floating above his head.
The story kicks off somewhat unexpectedly, as a peculiar pink tornado-like vortex sweeps the brothers away. Mario finds himself washed ashore on Shipshape Island, where he discovers only a ghostly version of Luigi. The heartfelt calls of “Mario!” and “Luigi!” echo through the air, setting a poignant tone for the gameplay that follows. The moment they reunite is both touching and comedic, encapsulating the essence of their bond.
Their journey takes a whimsical turn as they are shot from cannons, landing on a multitude of islands with expressions of shock and a fair amount of wailing. The game features over a dozen distinct islands for players to explore. While the narrative follows the familiar trope of saving the world, a unique twist emerges: the quest to restore electricity. The brothers embark on an adventure to reconnect a chain of islands by inserting gigantic plugs into their respective outlets.
One of the standout elements of Brothership is the exhilarating sensation of linking each island to form a cohesive power grid. Witnessing the vibrant colors light up as they connect to significant sources of energy, like the magnificent Great Lighthouse, is a visual spectacle. The dazzling display of bright lights, including intricate arcs of flashing lightning, stretches gracefully across the ocean, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
The characters inhabiting these islands are equally captivating. From the beret-wearing sculptors on Rumbla Island to the quirky inhabitants reminiscent of those in the Animal Crossing series, each personality adds charm to the adventure. Among them is Connie, a brilliant fusion of botanist and electrical engineer, who sports a plug-shaped face. Her magical watering can, adorned with a flower tip, releases bursts of energy that kickstart the process of energizing the islands. Connie is as heroic as the determined brothers, and one can only wish for her to be a playable character in future installments.
