Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions

 3DS
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 51
  3. Negative: 0 out of 51
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  1. RPGamer
    Nov 29, 2017
    70
    There's no strong reason to go back and play the original version of Mario and Luigi with this one around, and I had about as much fun now as I did in 2003. The interface amenities are certainly a nice touch, Bowser's Minions is a very respectable addition, and having a beefed-up role for the Koopalings as minions is something I personally delighted in experiencing. It's certainly not going to convert anyone who never cared for this style of game, but what's here is a fun romp.
  2. M3
    Oct 17, 2017
    70
    A remake that leaves very little to wish for, even though the gameplay starts to feel a bit old by now. Still the best installment in the series.
  3. Digital Chumps
    Oct 9, 2017
    70
    Fans of the original will certainly adore the upgrades in controls, visuals and the addition of Bowser’s Minions, which adds some more gameplay to the package (though, honestly not as fulfilling as the main adventure). They will certainly want it and endure the shortfalls of the gameplay. If you’re new to the game, though, and a young gamer, the controls might be too frustrating to enjoy. I had a helluva time with the controls and could not really get on track with the gameplay because of it. And I’m a seasoned gamer. Anyway, for young gamers there are probably better options out there to start your 3DS adventures on before you hit a challenging game like this.
  5. Digitally Downloaded
    Oct 4, 2017
    70
    Superstar Saga is still a great adventure on the 3DS. It’s not in the range of Metroid: Samus Returns in terms of recreating a classic from the ground up, but it may be enough to satisfy fans of the series that may have been turned off by recent, weaker efforts such as Dream Team and Paper Jam.
  6. GameOver.gr
    Oct 26, 2017
    65
    One of the most important Mario RPG games that was a hit for the GBA console makes a comeback that suits Nintendo 3DS better and gives the younger audience a chance to experience a great adventure. However, older gamers will not really find a good reason to return, as the script and the mechanics are the same as the previous game and Bowser’s mission will easily become a repetitive addition.
  7. Vooks
    Oct 4, 2017
    60
    Please play Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions if you never had the chance to play the original. Despite some questionable adjustments, having the opportunity to re-experience this game was an absolute pleasure and has only reminded me of why I love it so much. The characters and writing are as charming as ever, and the memories I had exploring the quirky BeanBean Kingdom are ones I’ll never forget. I only wish I could say the same for the Bowser’s Minions side of the package.
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  1. Game Informer
    Oct 4, 2017
    Yes, it is worth revisiting, mostly on the merit of the original being such a great game. If you’ve played it before, you know what to expect, but it holds up well and the new mode is worth checking out (and it’s entirely optional if you ‘re not interested). If you’ve never played the original Mario & Luigi, then you should absolutely check it out. It was a great game in 2003, and through it may not by wholly improved, depending on how you feel about the visuals, it is still a fantastic game.
  2. Tired Old Hack
    Oct 4, 2017
    If you know the GBA Superstar Saga inside out then your decision to buy this should really depend on how keen you are to play through it again because, cosmetic differences aside, it’s mostly the same game. If you’re completely new to it though, it’s a must-buy. The new mode is a bit weak but the main RPG is just as funny and compelling now as it was nearly a decade and a half ago.

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best 3DS Game of 2017
7
#7 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2017
13
#13 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 148 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 115 out of 148
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 148
  3. Negative: 11 out of 148
  1. EpicLadySponge
    Oct 6, 2017
    8
    Following as a successor to Dream Team and Paper Jam and functions as the first remake in the Mario RPG series, Nintendo attempts to takeFollowing as a successor to Dream Team and Paper Jam and functions as the first remake in the Mario RPG series, Nintendo attempts to take everything that was very lovable about Superstar Saga by forming it into more than just the original game for modern consoles. Now with graphics and gameplay blending in as its two latest predecessors and a side story to complete, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions will finally be a dream come true for a lot of users who never had the opportunity to play the straight original game for the Game Boy Advance.… Full Review »
  2. Andrevus
    Mar 1, 2018
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Have to say, i went into this game with high hopes since i have played all of them up until Dream Team and....i was sorely disappointed.

    First off some good things :

    +Mush Badges were nerfed

    +Art is nice and vibrant.

    +The minimap on the touchscreen is just as good if not better than in the DS games

    +Some of the remixed songs are amazingly good.

    +Bowser's Minions is a pretty decent idea IN CONCEPT.

    +Starbeans Cafe was buffed (As in doesn't require 25, only 10 beans total for a coffee)

    +Level up stat bonuses were made into actually obtainable bonuses instead of a random wheel where you usually get +1-s when there are +4-s on the roulette. It now stops when you press it.

    --And now for the bad things :

    -Mush Badges were nerfed to oblivion, like holy hell did they overdo it. Yes they completely broke the game originally but now they completely broke the badges, into absolute uselessnes. By the time you get even the basic Mush Badge you can buy a TWICE as good badge from the shop! This is a case of over-nerfing something.

    -The artstyle while in some parts beautiful, sorely lacks the quirky personality and charm of the original game. Some of the visual, sight and slapstick gags just simply do NOT work like this.

    -The touchscreen UI for moves while helpful is a bit clunky at times.

    -No 3D whatsoever even though this is a 3DS game.And it's not like Pokémon Moon where the art would be taxing the console...

    -No swapping Mario and Luigi uness it's move-specific, i mean come on!

    -Some songs just do NOT sound as good as the original (Looking at you Teehee Valley and Popple.)

    -The above mentioned "in concept" part of Bowser's Minions only works in that context. In practice this side-gamemode feels a bit tacked on, tries to handwavingly explain a lot of nonexistent plotholes (like why E.Gadd made Starbeans Cafe, like we REALLY needed to know that...) while creating more, and the gameplay itself is rather primitive. Just mash together a few units (8-max per team) and watch them bash heads, and wait for a few semi-random QTE's to pop up.An interesting yet shallow side-mode.

    -No option to swap between the GBA and Remastered soundtrack, even though you CAN listen to the GBA original songs IN the sound player IN-GAME!

    -The rewards for putting in the effort to 100% the game is not only lackluster, it's absolutely INSULTING. While the "turn enemy gained coins into beans" for collecting 100% of the hidden beans sounds nice, it procs WAY TOO RARELY, and the reward of "Swapping your Attack for your Speed" for finding ALL 100% OF THE BLOCKS, which DON'T COUNT IF YOUR INVENTORY IS FULL is just downright *INEXCUSABLE*. I'm not even going to bother trying to go for the "Dodge 800 enemy attacks" reward after the absolute useless trash i got for "1000 Excellent ratings when attacking" The game basically taunts you in the Records menu on what you did and did not do, then spits in your face when you actually take the effort to DO what it asks you.

    All in all it's a decent game with a lot of odd, nonsensical design changes at times, and sorely lacking endgame. Basically your best gear will come from the ruined shop at the end of the game. Avoid 100%ing it, it's not worth it, but if you're looking to relive this GBA classic, it's worth it just for the story. , and i'm giving it a 6/10 ,    … Full Review »
  3. AsrielDreemur
    Nov 5, 2017
    8
    It's a pretty good remake of the original gba superstar saga. For those who had played the original gba version, the game mechanics might notIt's a pretty good remake of the original gba superstar saga. For those who had played the original gba version, the game mechanics might not seems familiar as before because they had updated or change some of the minor game mechanics. Overall, it's still the same game that we all love and remembered.

    For players who hasn't play the original game, you should definitely give this a try. It have a really good story, the graphic is is upgraded which looks great and fun game mechanics.    … Full Review »
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