Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time Review

However, battles are not only about attacking. Once the heroes have had their share of offensive moves, defense kicks in. True to RPG format, the enemies receive a chance to attack after the plumbers have had their turn. Immediately the minions will initiate one of several attacks in their arsenal, and they will move in to destroy the brothers.

When they strike, their attack power is different than in most RPGs. It is way more powerful. Give the Mario Bros. a few attacks from an enemy and the famous gang will quickly be dead. Luckily, there is hope. As an enemy attacks, the brothers can either jump over the blow with Luigi’s and Mario’s buttons, or the group can best the battling baddies by banging the baby brothers’ buttons, hence utilizing the hammer. Either option is a valid way to counter attacks, and if used at the right time the buttons can also trigger real counterattacks. It will keep RPGers on their toes while at the same time giving action fanatics some relief from the tedious role-playing battle system.

Moving away from the game play and battle system, there are also the graphics to consider. Keeping with the hilarious style of game play, the graphics in this game are cartoony. All of the worlds and characters are confined to the 2-d realm, and at the same time they look absolutely horrendous. Mario looks simply terrible, and all of the other characters, animations, and environments look so fake it isn’t even funny.

Actually, it is. The graphics may seem awful in comparison with other games, but that is because Mario and Luigi is a lighthearted game. In reality, every single piece of artwork fits with the game perfectly. This title is way more “childish” than the other Mario games, so the graphics achieve the exact effect that the designers intended.

Of course, that isn’t to say that Parters in Time is only meant for six-year-olds. It does present a good amount of challenge for experienced gamers, and the humorous dialogue is great for anyone. Those seeking a dark, scary adventure may be dismayed, but those who simply want a fun, bright game will be delighted.

Accompanying the storyline, game play, and graphics is the sound, which continues the tradition of happiness. Some of the songs are a little dark, but the even the darkest song has enough zany instruments and light notes where the game style will not be harmed. Most of the songs, though, have friendly overtures that will keep gamers smiling. Not all of the songs will appeal to all gamers, but most of them are catchy and enjoyable. Even the repetitive battle mode song (which plays in every battle screen) is not too annoying, as players will be focusing more on the battle at hand when it the tune starts running through the speakers.

The sound effects are equally gratifying. There’s a light bop when a plumber pounces on a bad guy, and even the hammer sounds kiddish as it bangs against the ground. Mario and Luigi both talk in gibberish, which is always entertaining to listen to, and the babies feature their own form of baby talk. All of the characters come with their own individual sounds; every one accommodates the character nicely.

Now, people may also be aware that this game supports the Rumble Pak. It is the second Nintendo game to do so, and it does so superbly. Since the accessory tends to get noisy, leaving the sound at max volume is vital, particularly when the rumble really starts moving in order to accommodate the intense parts of the storyline. While the massive rumbling is good, it is the subtle rumbling that actually makes the Rumble Pak a must-have accessory for this game. During battles, the pak will shake a small amount when players attack or get injured. Although barely noticeable, this minute vibration supplies a realistic feel to the game. It is not noisy at all, and it feels natural.

When you put it all together, Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time turns out to be a great game. It is more relaxed than most games, but that mood supports the enjoyment of this game. One of its biggest flaws, however, is its lack of length. As stated before, this game is very linear, and there is no place where gamers can simply traverse to find some cool items. Overall, it provides about 15-20 hours of game play, followed by a one-hour final boss battle with a very satisfying twist. The only problem is that Partners in Time has absolutely no replay value – once you beat the final boss, you are done.

So, is Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time worth purchasing? That depends largely on the gamer. RPG and action buffs may find it uncomfortable since it combines two different styles, but it is a great way for them to experience new genres without fully abandoning what they are used to. People who love both genres will also enjoy this game, since it joins the best of two worlds. However, it does suffer from short length and nonexistent replay value. Although this isn’t a must-buy, Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time is not something to cross off your wishlist; just be careful when considering whether this title is actually worth the thirty bucks.