The Single Frame That Sold Me on Mario & Luigi: Brothership

Summary

In this passionate discussion, the speaker reflects on *Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey*, highlighting the game's overlooked story and character depth. They explore the growth of Bowser Jr. from an annoying brat to a more mature leader, emphasizing the importance of the game's narrative despite its repetitive gameplay. The speaker expresses disappointment over the game’s commercial failure but praises its charm and emotional impact. With hopes for Bowser Jr.’s continued presence in future games, they encourage fans to look beyond negative reviews and appreciate the series' heart and legacy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The remake of *Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey* was criticized as unnecessary, but its side mode, Bowser Jr.’s Journey, was an underrated gem that deserves more recognition.
• 😀 Bowser Jr.’s Journey improved upon the previous side mode, *Minion Quest*, offering more engaging gameplay and a deeper story, despite still facing some repetitiveness.
• 😀 The core gameplay of Bowser Jr.'s Journey is a strategy game with simple mechanics, but it was criticized for lacking engaging action and repetitive design.
• 😀 The story of Bowser Jr.'s Journey focuses on Bowser Jr.'s character growth, showing him evolve from an annoying brat into a more competent and mature leader.
• 😀 The side mode features various *Koopa Troopas*, including Morton, Roy, and Lemmy, whose personalities were well-developed, with some characters (like Iggy) having room for more depth.
• 😀 One of the standout aspects of Bowser Jr.'s Journey is its emotional resonance and heart, with a particular focus on themes of leadership and teamwork.
• 😀 The inclusion of Kamik as a mentor in Bowser Jr.'s Journey was well-executed, with Kamik playing a supporting role without overshadowing Bowser Jr.'s growth.
• 😀 Despite mixed opinions about the remake’s art style and frame rate, the game’s writing and charm retained the essence of earlier *Mario & Luigi* titles, especially in Bowser Jr.'s Journey.
• 😀 Many fans of the *Mario & Luigi* franchise overlook the side mode due to the game’s financial underperformance and remake status, but the speaker believes it deserved more attention.
• 😀 The speaker expresses a deep emotional connection to Bowser Jr.’s inclusion in future titles like *Bros. Ship*, hoping that his character arc will continue and be further developed.
• 😀 The speaker encourages players not to let negative reviews dictate their opinion of the game, suggesting that *Mario & Luigi* fans should explore the series' full breadth for a better perspective.

Q & A

What makes Bowser Jr.'s Journey stand out in *Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey*?

Bowser Jr.'s Journey stands out due to its engaging story, character development, and unique strategic gameplay. Unlike the main game, which focuses on RPG elements, the side mode explores Bowser Jr.'s growth as a leader and emphasizes teamwork and leadership dynamics.

Why was Bowser Jr.'s Journey not well-received by some players?

Many players viewed Bowser Jr.'s Journey as a side mode that was repetitive and lacked the action-packed gameplay they expected. The strategic, turn-based mechanics felt less engaging for fans of the main *Mario & Luigi* series, which has more fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay.

How does Bowser Jr. evolve as a character throughout the side mode?

Throughout Bowser Jr.'s Journey, he evolves from a bratty, entitled character into a more mature leader. The game showcases his growth as he learns the importance of leadership and teamwork, and his interactions with his minions reflect his character development.

What role does Kamik play in Bowser Jr.'s Journey?

Kamik serves as a mentor figure for Bowser Jr. in *Bowser Jr.'s Journey*. His role is crucial for guiding Jr. without overpowering him, offering wisdom and support while allowing Bowser Jr. to take the lead and grow into a more responsible character.

Why do some players criticize the art style and frame rate of the remake?

The criticisms of the art style and frame rate in *Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey* stem from personal preferences regarding visual presentation. Some fans felt the new style was jarring compared to the original, and the frame rate issues led to a less smooth experience.

What is the significance of the BFFs in Bowser Jr.'s Journey?

The BFFs are original antagonists introduced in *Bowser Jr.'s Journey*. While not overly complex, they bring a fun dynamic to the story. Their inclusion adds depth to the side mode, enriching the narrative and providing unique challenges for Bowser Jr. and his minions.

How do the minions' personalities contribute to Bowser Jr.'s Journey?

The minions in Bowser Jr.'s Journey each have distinct personalities that enhance the game's humor and charm. Characters like Morton, Roy, and Iggy are given more character development, and their interactions with Bowser Jr. provide both comedic and heartfelt moments, supporting the overall theme of teamwork.

What was the general reception to the *Bowser's Inside Story* remake, and why did it fail commercially?

The *Bowser's Inside Story* remake received mixed reviews due to the perception that it was an unnecessary cash grab. Despite the improvements in gameplay, technical issues like the art style and frame rate problems led to a lack of enthusiasm, contributing to its commercial failure.

How does *Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey* fit into the overall *Mario & Luigi* series?

While the remake faced criticism, it is an important installment in the *Mario & Luigi* series, especially with Bowser Jr.'s Journey. It carries forward the series' tradition of blending humor, character-driven stories, and RPG elements, albeit with some technical missteps.

What hopes do fans have for Bowser Jr.'s character in *Mario & Luigi: Brothership*?

Fans are excited about Bowser Jr.'s potential role in *Mario & Luigi: Brothership*. They hope his character will continue to grow and evolve, possibly even addressing the themes of leadership and bonds explored in Bowser Jr.'s Journey, with the hope that his development will not be undone for the sake of plot convenience.