The long-awaited revival of the Mario & Luigi series, Brothership, has been released for Nintendo Switch. The game’s developers, Acquire, aimed to link up with the design legacy of the franchise while delivering a snazzy installment that could “keep up with hardware advancements.” However, their goal was met with resistance from Nintendo, which ultimately dictated the game’s art style.
According to an interview conducted by Nintendo, producers and developers from both teams explained their ultimate goal: to create a game that would be recognizable as part of the Mario & Luigi series. The studio faced challenges in blending 3D visuals with the traditional art style of the franchise. Initially, they considered making Mario more rugged, but this direction was rejected by Nintendo.
The team eventually settled on a hyper-cartoonish style that fits the legacy of Mario & Luigi games. This decision was not without controversy, as some fans may have preferred a more edgy approach to the character. Despite this, Brothership has landed in a sweet spot between eye-popping visuals and brand safety, appealing to both Nintendo and Acquire’s creative vision.
The interview provides an interesting look at the development process, highlighting the challenges of balancing innovation with franchise protection. Ultimately, the game’s release marks a successful collaboration between Nintendo and Acquire, with Brothership offering a fresh take on the beloved Mario & Luigi series.
Source: https://www.polygon.com/nintendo/490592/rugged-mario-brothership-abandoned-redesign-concept-art