Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Approach new series with an open mind, despite preformed opinions.
• Mario & Luigi Series Overview
  • Super Star Saga: beloved classic.
  • Series peaks in the middle, struggles near the end.
• Partners in Time
  • Less talked about in certain circles.
  • Developed as a sequel due to Super Star Saga's success.
  • Developed for Nintendo DS, using its unique hardware features.

Game Features & Mechanics

• DS Hardware Influence
  • Dual screens, touch screen, four face buttons.
  • Four face buttons lead to four brothers in the game.
• Game Reception
  • Early DS game; reviewed well, sold less than predecessor.
  • AlphaDream skipped remaking it.

Game Story Overview

• Narrative Elements
  • Alien race invades Mushroom Kingdom.
  • Time travel elements with Professor E. Gadd's machine.
  • Princess Peach's involvement and rescue mission.

Gameplay Mechanics

• Tutorials

  • Criticized for being long and repetitive, especially with character Stuffwell.
  • Some are unskippable, causing frustration.

• Exploration and World Design

  • Linear structure with a hub world (Peach's Castle).
  • Areas accessed through time portals.
  • Compared unfavorably to the open-world feel of Super Star Saga.

• Movement Mechanics

  • Control both adult and baby Mario & Luigi.
  • Separate teams with unique abilities.
  • Puzzles often require team separation and use of specific abilities.

Combat System

• Battle Mechanics

  • Similar to Super Star Saga but with key differences.
  • Special attacks are consumable items, not inherent techniques.
  • Introduction of action commands with the babies.
  • Babies replace KO’d adults in battles.

• Stat and Leveling System

  • Level up system allows for controlled stat boosts via a roulette system.
  • Equipment differentiation between clothing and badges.

Game Presentation

• Graphics and Sound
  • Improved sprite and background design compared to Super Star Saga.
  • Dual screen use criticized for inconsistency.
  • Music composed by Yoko Shimomura, more atmospheric.

Story Highlights

• Plot Development

  • Shroob invasion and impact on Mushroom Kingdom.
  • Discovery of Princess Shroob impersonating Peach.
  • Final battle with Elder Princess Shroob.

• Game’s Ending

  • Baby Bowser's tears reverse effects of Shroob invasion.
  • Final battle with Bowser possessed by Shroob's spirit.

Critique and Conclusion

• Overall Assessment
  • More bloated and repetitive than Super Star Saga.
  • Lacks the charm and concise design of its predecessor.
  • Not as beloved but still a good game with unique elements.
  • AlphaDream’s follow-up game deemed their best by many.