Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
"An adventure so big, you'll need both Bros.!"
The evil witch Cackletta has stolen Peach�s voice and replaced it with explosives! It�s up to Mario AND Luigi to stop the evil witch and save the day.
The third Mario RPG (the first two being Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars and Paper Mario, in that order), this is the first one to finally feature Luigi as a playable character. The game features combat reminiscent of the two previous RPGs, with some new and interesting elements added in.
Visuals:
Mario & Luigi features great 2D graphics. Mario and Luigi�s sprites are well animated. Their moves and animations look great. The environment is vast, colorful, and looks cool.
Sounds:
The various themes found throughout M&L are very catchy. There are a lot of interesting remixes of classic Mario tunes, ranging from games such as Super Mario Bros. to Super Mario World and Super Mario 64. Of course, there are a lot of new tunes as well. The sound effects are superb.
Gameplay:
The learning curve in M&L is relatively easy; most people will learn how to play in a matter of minutes. A and L controls Mario�s actions, and B and R are used for Luigi.
The battle system is somewhat similar to the one found in Super Mario RPG (SNES): when you encounter an enemy, a battle will ensue. The way you encounter enemies affects the battle (like in EarthBound). If you touch an enemy face-to-face, then the battle will be normal. If you jump on an enemy (non-spiked), then the enemies will take some damage when the battle starts. But, if an enemy attacks you from behind, the bro who got hit will be stunned until it�s his turn. Anyway, you have the options of Attacking, using an Item, Running (like a wimp), or using a �Bros. Attack�. The Bros. Attacks are awesome specials where the Mario Bros. uses a double team attack on an opponent. Bros. Attacks uses up Bros. Points (BP), though, so use them on tough enemies.
Attacking in M&L is similar to the manner you attacked in SMRPG and Paper Mario: if you press the A (or B, if you�re using Luigi) at the moment Mario or Luigi attacks the opponent, you�ll do more damage. The same goes for Bros. Attacks and avoid enemy attacks. If you press A or B right before your opponent attacks, you�ll dodge it and you may damage the opponent as well if you time your attack right.
In M&L, you�ll travel through several different towns. Most of the towns you pass will have a problem with an enemy or something of a similar nature. In order to advance, you�ll have to fight the enemy or some the problem. Sometimes, the Mario Bros. will have to use teamwork, and occasionally, they�ll have to part ways temporarily.
Replayability:
While the game may not clock at 50 hours like some RPGs (it should clock in around 15-20 hours your first way through), Mario & Luigi is pure fun the whole way through. Seriously, this has been one of the most fun Mario games I have played. Oh, and M&L features the Mario Bros. remake found in the SMA games, so it can link up with any of 'em.
Bottom Line:
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga one of the best games on the GBA. Do yourself a favor and pick this game up. It's just plain fun. Highly recommended.
Final Score: A+
Also recommended...
Paper Mario (N64)
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (SNES)
Super Mario All-Stars (SNES)
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Developer: AlphaDream
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: RPG
Year released: 2003
Number of Players: (M&L: SS) 1, (MB) 1-4 simultaneous w/ link-up (Multi-Pak only)
ESRB: Rated E
Save: Game Pak (Three save files)
Misc: N/A
Last Updated ::
5/27/2005