We’ve had the chance to try the new Mario & Luigi game for Nintendo Switch, and it has the potential to charm both new players and veterans alike.
Nintendo is known for innovating within its most iconic franchises, introducing new elements while staying true to their core essence. This is clearly visible in Mario & Luigi: Fraternal Connection. Although this RPG wasn’t developed by Alpha Dream (the studio declared bankruptcy), it still retains the wit, charm, and clever ideas of past entries.
After playing it for over an hour, there’s a lot to discuss, but the most striking aspect is its unique narrative. Set in the fantasy world of Concordia, the land has been destroyed and divided into multiple islands, and Mario and Luigi must restore it to its original state. Expect plenty of exploration, turn-based battles, and quirky dialogue along the way.
A New Mario & Luigi with High Quality
The localization work is outstanding, filled with clever wordplay, amusing rhymes, and unique expressions. Visually, the game carries a cartoonish style reminiscent of past installments while injecting a fresh sense of visual renewal.
The demo begins on a strange ship, half-island, half-boat, that navigates the various islands now forming Concordia. Each island acts like its own world, with primary and secondary objectives, as well as hidden secrets. In one section, we were tasked with finding a special gel to style a music star’s hair before an important performance, showcasing the game’s humor.
The gameplay includes both puzzle-solving and skill-based challenges. For example, in one section, Mario and Luigi had to cooperate to move a character through a worm-infested path, while in another, one brother had to climb a tower to guide the other through a maze. These classic puzzles are well-integrated with the brothers’ teamwork theme.
An Evolved Saga
Combat remains faithful to the series’ active turn-based system, where timing plays a crucial role in both attacking and defending. The familiar tandem attacks, requiring precise button presses, return with new complexity, ensuring that even seasoned players will find a challenge.
Additionally, battle pegs—a new feature that provides passive abilities—are introduced, allowing players to enhance offensive capabilities, gain health boosts, or even revive after defeat. This adds a layer of strategy that will appeal to veterans while also helping newcomers.
Players can still level up and boost stats like health, defense, attack, and even “mustache” (luck). These small changes add depth without drastically altering the familiar formula.
An RPG Ready to Surprise
Mario & Luigi: Fraternal Connection is set to release on November 7 for Nintendo Switch. Based on the demo, it promises hours of fun, and though we’re still waiting to learn about its developer, they seem to be on the right track.