Summary
Mario and Luigi: Brothershipdevelopers revealed the game’s original title, which wasMario and Luigi RPG Wonder, had to be changed after the release ofSuper Mario Bros. Wonder. After nine years since the last mainline release in the fan-favorite RPG series,Mario and Luigi: Brothershipreturns to the series' roots with a new look and classic gameplay. The game was released in November to a mostly positive reception, some believing it is a title worthy of a comeback to theMario and Luigiseries.
FollowingMario and Luigi: Brothership’s release, some of the staff members who worked on the game recently shared some stories about its development and how the game came together. Nintendo producer Akira Otani revealed a few things fans might not have known about the game, such as how the developers were consideringan HD-2D art style forMario and Luigi: Brothershipat first, or how Nintendo almost canned the series entirely. One recent interview with Otani sheds some light on the game’s former title before it went withBrothership.
In an interview withNintendo Dream(translated courtesy ofGaming Reinvented), a variety of things aboutBrothership’s development were covered, including the story, characters, and the process of choosing the game’s title. According to producer Otani, he wanted to add “Wonder” to the game’s title, consideringMario and Luigi RPG Wonderas a possible title. Once2023’sSuper Mario Bros. Wonderwas revealed, the developers needed to change the name so fans wouldn’t get confused between the two. “Actually, at the beginning, I wanted to add Wonder. Like “Mario & Luigi RPG Wonder.” But while we were making it, “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” came out first, so we couldn’t use it,” said Otani with a laugh.
Mario and Luigi RPG Wonder Was Changed Because of Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Super Mario Bros. Wonderis the latest 2D installment in the franchise and is considered one ofthe best Nintendo Switch games of 2023.Super Mario Bros. Wonderreturns to the game’s roots as a 2D platformer but also includes a number of interesting level gimmicks thanks to the Wonder Flowers found throughout each level. Not only that, but players can also join the fun in four-player co-operative multiplayer, giving players the option to play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, Peach, and even Daisy.
Actually, at the beginning, I wanted to add Wonder. Like “Mario & Luigi RPG Wonder.” But while we were making it, “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” came out first, so we couldn’t use it (laughs).
Considering how similar the two names would have sounded and their different gaming genres, Nintendo and Acquire likely made the right call to change the title of the RPG asMario and Luigi: Brothership. The developers also discussed other aspects of the game, such asBrothership’s Luigi Logic system, which has fans a bit split on its implementation. According to Otani, he was against it at first, saying not using both the A and B buttons felt uncharacteristic for aMario and LuigiRPG, but he believes it seems to have been well-received, so he felt “relieved.”
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
WHERE TO PLAY
All hands on deck for an island-hopping adventure starring Mario and LuigiThe brothers return for a brand-new adventure on the high seas! Set sail with Mario and Luigi on Shipshape Island (part ship, part island) and journey through the vast world of Concordia. Launch out of Shipshape’s cannon to visit, explore, and quest your way through islands that range from tropical rainforests to bustling cities. Meet new friends along the way, like Connie and Snoutlet (definitely not a pig), and encounter familiar faces from the Mushroom Kingdom like Peach and Bowser, who may help—or hinder—you on your journey!You’ll have to rely on Mario and Luigi’s brotherly bond to succeed. Use Bros. Moves to get past obstacles while you explore, and powerful Bros. Attacks in a dynamic twist on turn-based combat. You’ll need every edge this “brothership” will give you to save the day!
