Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time builds upon the beloved turn-based formula of Mario RPG adventures, blending action commands with strategic depth. Battles may appear straightforward at first glance, but mastering the timing-based inputs for attacks, counters, and defenses elevates each encounter into a skill-driven test. As you progress, you’ll unlock a variety of Bros. Attacks—cooperative moves between Mario and Luigi in both their adult and baby forms—that require precise coordination of button presses to unleash devastating combos.

One of the standout features is the introduction of four playable characters on the battlefield. Adult Mario and Luigi must work in tandem with their baby counterparts, each assigned to a different face button. This quartet dynamic can lead to frantic, high-energy battles when Shroob forces deploy random turn shuffles or powerful status effects. You’ll find yourself juggling commands and reacting quickly to maintain offensive pressure or mount a timely defense.

Outside of combat, the game offers an engaging mix of platforming and puzzle-solving elements. Dual-screen DS gameplay is utilized to present layered environments—switching between time periods, you might flip between present-day Peach’s Castle and the Shroob-occupied past version. Traversing these areas requires teamwork: baby Mario and Luigi can slip through tight passages while their adult selves solve heavier obstacles. The clever level design ensures that you’re constantly switching roles and thinking on your feet.

Pacing in Partners in Time strikes a fine balance between exploration, NPC interactions, and boss battles. Each world introduces unique gimmicks, such as time-locked doors or ancient machinery powered by alien technology. Side quests and hidden collectibles pepper the map, rewarding inquisitive players with additional HP upgrades, new Bros. Attacks, and heart points. Though the learning curve ramps up as more moves are introduced, the tutorial segments and gradual difficulty spikes help maintain accessibility for both newcomers and series veterans.

Graphics

Leveraging the Nintendo DS hardware, Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time delivers a bright, cartoonish art style that fits perfectly with its lighthearted tone. Character sprites are beautifully animated—Mario and Luigi sport exaggerated expressions as they leap, tumble, and clash with Shroob soldiers. In particular, the newcomers, Baby Mario and Baby Luigi, boast chibi-inspired designs that ooze charm and reflect the game’s whimsical spirit.

The dual-screen presentation isn’t just a gimmick; it enhances visual storytelling by providing simultaneous perspectives. In story sequences, the top screen might showcase dramatic, full-color cutscenes, while the bottom screen displays character icons and dialogue boxes. During battles, you can track enemy health bars and battle commands without cluttering the main action on the upper display. Backgrounds are gorgeously illustrated, featuring vibrant forests, spooky dungeons, and futuristic Shroob fortresses.

Special effects are handled with flair—Bros. Attacks ignite the battlefield with bursts of light and color, while enemy weaknesses are highlighted in real-time. Bosses often occupy multiple tiles on the battlefield, and their animations change based on which part you strike. The result is a dynamic visual feedback loop that keeps every encounter fresh and engaging.

While the DS’s limited resolution means you won’t find cutting-edge polygons here, the game’s art direction more than compensates. Textures are crisp, and the color palette pops, ensuring that each environment feels distinct. Ambient details—like flickering torches in abandoned castles or alien flora in Shroob-infested fields—add layers of immersion that reward close observation.

Story

In an unexpected twist to the series’ formula, Princess Peach’s time-traveling excursion goes awry, and she vanishes inside the machine. When adult Mario and Luigi investigate, they discover an alien invader instead of their beloved princess. This dire turn of events propels the brothers—and their pint-sized doppelgängers—into an epic quest across two eras of the Mushroom Kingdom.

The central threat, the Shroobs, are an all-new alien race who have seized control of the past, turning the once-peaceful kingdom into a warped stronghold. Their eerie castle designs and greenish-hued minions provide a menacing backdrop that contrasts with Mario & Luigi’s usual buoyant settings. As you recruit allies—ranging from Toads in the past to sentient machines in the present—you uncover a narrative that balances humor, occasional pathos, and creative world-building.

Dialogue remains one of the game’s strongest suits. Witty banter between the adult and baby brothers injects a healthy dose of comedy, while interactions with familiar characters like Yoshi, Professor E. Gadd, and Bowser play on fans’ expectations. In particular, cross-time conversations yield laugh-out-loud moments: imagine Luigi scolding his baby self or Mario fretting over parental supervision.

Despite its light tone, the story culminates in several memorable set pieces—puzzle-tinged dungeons, mid-battle cutscenes, and a climactic showdown inside the Shroob mothership. The narrative’s straightforward “save the princess, defeat the invaders” premise is enriched by themes of teamwork and self-discovery, as each brother learns to rely on his younger counterpart to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

Overall Experience

Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time stands out as one of the more ambitious entries in the series, thanks to its dual-era mechanics and expanded party of four characters. The combination of timing-based commands, role-switching puzzles, and a richly detailed world makes for a highly replayable adventure. Whether you’re hunting down all the Bros. Attacks or scouring each map for hidden heart containers, there’s plenty to keep completionists busy well beyond the main storyline.

That said, newcomers to Mario RPGs may find the battle system initially overwhelming. Juggling four characters—especially when status effects alter turn orders—can lead to chaotic encounters. However, the game’s pacing and in-game tutorials do a commendable job of easing players into the complexity. Casual fans who appreciate accessible platforming and light RPG elements will also find much to enjoy.

Replay value is further bolstered by several challenge modes unlocked after the credits roll, including time trials and boss rushes. The charming soundtrack, featuring playful themes for each chapter and dynamic battle music, enhances the overall experience. Sound effects—like Luigi’s high-pitched yelps and the Shroob queen’s echoing cackle—add flavor to every moment.

In the pantheon of handheld RPGs, Partners in Time remains a standout for its inventive mechanics, endearing characters, and seamless integration of story and gameplay. Fans of the Mario & Luigi series will appreciate the continuation of its signature humor and polished battle system, while newcomers may discover a surprisingly deep and rewarding journey through time. For anyone seeking a hearty dose of cooperative platforming meets turn-based strategy, this adventure is well worth embarking upon.

Retro Replay Score

8/10