Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

 DS
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 461 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 412 out of 461
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 461
  3. Negative: 22 out of 461
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. BananaBob3310
    Aug 9, 2023
    10
    One of the best games ever made, the ost, the story, the combat sistem, one of the best childhood games for sure
  2. Pilest
    Jul 3, 2023
    9
    This game is so incredible. The systems have been fine tuned with a far better implementation of the bros. items. The story is great, play as bowser is fun, starlow is way better than that suitcase **** I only have 2 problems. The first is that the use of the microphone is quite intense and makes it less accessible. The second is this game probably introduced children to vore 2/10
  3. AnthonyStf
    Jun 18, 2023
    9
    9/10

    #nowplaying The New CALassic by Cal Chuchesta feat. Filthy Frank, Pink Guy, 3PAC, FrankJavCee, John Sakars, D. Respect, Dom Rabrun, NMESH via @audiomack https://audiomack.com/calchuchesta/album/the-new-calassic
  4. Nickname64
    Jun 17, 2023
    10
    Voreㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
  5. miguellopez99
    Jun 2, 2023
    9
    90/100 .
  6. Ricardoggy
    Apr 21, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is wonderful, the soundtrack is a masterpiece, the combat is the best in the Mario & Luigi series, it had a lot of affection with references to other games and the return of fawful who is the best villain in the Mario Franchise apart from Bowser. The Bowser in this game is the best interpretation of Bowser he is my favorite bad guy, and the fact that he helps Mario & Luigi without knowing it, and after he knows it, he gets angry and gets beaten up. The bosses are masterpieces and Dark Bowser is the best boss in the Mario franchise.… Expand
  7. Maor_NYC
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story is a fantastic game that is sure to please both casual and hardcore gamers alike. The game is a perfect mix of classic Mario platforming, role-playing, and puzzle-solving that results in a truly unique and engaging experience.

    The gameplay itself is top-notch, The battle system is intuitive and engaging between all 3 of our main characters. The    Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story is a fantastic game that is sure to please both casual and hardcore gamers alike. The game is a perfect mix of classic Mario platforming, role-playing, and puzzle-solving that results in a truly unique and engaging experience.

    The gameplay itself is top-notch, The battle system is intuitive and engaging between all 3 of our main characters.
    The game's presentation is simply outstanding. The graphics are bright and colorful, capturing the whimsical spirit of the Mario franchise perfectly. The music similarly excellent, providing a delightful audio backdrop to the game as a whole. As a longtime fan of Mario and Luigi games, I can confidently say that Bowser's Inside Story on the Nintendo DS is one of the best in the series. And what makes this game even better?

    BOWSER.

    Playing as Bowser in a Mario game is a refreshing change of pace. In previous games, he was always the big baddie to defeat. But here? you play as him and experience his perspective, thoughts, and abilities which overshadow the brothers.
    His personality and humor make him a standout char, with his constant grumbling and the hilarious dialogue between him and the world.

    The Story of the game is fantastic, it's got "Story" in its name for a reason, any game where you have such a unique scenario of the hero's and villain teaming up to defeat a greater evil is gonna be flames.

    Bowser's Inside Story is an excellent game that showcases why Bowser is such a beloved character in the Mario universe. His unique abilities and humorous personality add a new dimension to the game, and the game as a whole from top to bottom is top notch for the DS.
    PLAY THE GAME, SHOWTIME!    … Expand
  8. Patches_
    Apr 15, 2023
    10
    im just wasting characters to put this joke................. v o r e. 10/10
  9. ZackH25
    Mar 30, 2023
    8
    A very good and different Mario game. The story was very smart and the gameplay was good but did get a bit tedious at times. The boss fights were very fun as they all felt different. Controlling bowser and then Mario and Luigi was also really fun. The main villain of the wizard was also quite cool and the fight where big bowser fights the castle was also very cool.
  10. SailorWaddleDee
    Feb 2, 2023
    10
    I love playing as bowser but as mario i dont like it i would pref it if i could only play as bowser and luigi
  11. OnBeat
    Dec 15, 2022
    9
    It is a very good but sometimes drags on but it’s really good for the time.
  12. hector_bcn98
    Nov 7, 2022
    8
    Hasta la fecha, el Mario y Luigi que menos me ató a jugar. Posiblemente por el desgaste y cierta repetición que llevaba ya la saga. Notable, de todas formas.
  13. FireBroFilms
    Aug 15, 2022
    9
    ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
  14. TheDuner13
    Aug 6, 2022
    10
    gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood
  15. child_reviews
    Jul 10, 2022
    10
    Le game good. The combat is enertaining for both charcters hitting an excellent on bowser is extremly satisfying and playing as the bros is just as good. The dialoge and story is funny, logical and unique. The overworld is also a joy to explore as both charcters even though sometimes its a bit confusing of how to get somewhere as a different character but thats probably just me. The musicLe game good. The combat is enertaining for both charcters hitting an excellent on bowser is extremly satisfying and playing as the bros is just as good. The dialoge and story is funny, logical and unique. The overworld is also a joy to explore as both charcters even though sometimes its a bit confusing of how to get somewhere as a different character but thats probably just me. The music is amazing just like all the mario and luigi games. One thing i dislike is that theres only one combat song and only one boss song (other than the one for the final boss) which was kinda dissapointing, but since they're so catchy i'll let it slide. The gimick where you make bowser huge and fight giant things is great and doesn't overstay its welcome. In general this is a must play for ds users.… Expand
  16. Ebip
    Jun 13, 2022
    9
    WHAT A GREAT GAME. the concept with Bowser Is Good,The Music Is Good,The bosses are Good but the giant battles are the weakest part of the game.Still a game i love like Dream team and the past games
  17. Gais
    Mar 29, 2022
    10
    Es una obra maestra sencillamente genial que derrocha creatividad y es en definitiva, el mejor Mario & Luigi de todos
  18. HildaSimp5
    Feb 12, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bowser`s Inside Story was my second M&L game, i absolutely love it! The story is quite interesting and for the most part, manages to keep me invested for its duration. Unique, new characters and enemies makes this feel so special and different from other mario games, which also a huge plus. The music is also SO good and has many catchy tracks. Fawful as the main villain does his job very well, and i really enjoy the way he speaks and is overall a very entertaining villain, but i am not overly crazy about him like most seems. Playing as Bowser is incredible! He is such an intersting character when he is not the main villain, he is just a big loveable goofball. Though for me, he does overshadow Mario and Luigi. There are a few times where i say to myself id rather play as Bowser. Minigames are mostly ok. Eating the carrot and Nose deck are frustrating and annoying and i just don`t like them. Smacking small energy balls to increase Bowser`s muscles to a beat is easily my favorite one.
    Overall Bowser`s Inside story is an excellent game, with some problems for me, but none overshadows the game`s postives at all and still manages to be a favorite of mine. This game has pretty much everything i could want from a Mario RPG.    … Expand
  19. llegare-new
    Jan 16, 2022
    9
    MARIO & LUIGI: BOWSER'S INSIDE STORY

    One of the best games I've played in my life, having charismatic characters, an addictive combat and experience system and an entertaining story that goes beyond the standards of the main Mario games.
  20. Tharso
    Jan 12, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece of a game, had so much good memories of this game :) really wanted a remake/port to the switch with all the potencial it deserves
  21. greninjaX
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    this is the best mario and luigi game. if you're going to play one game in this series, make it this one
  22. Resetto
    Jul 3, 2021
    10
    To me, this is the second to best Mario RPG of all time! It comes close to topping Thousand Year Door for how fun it is!
  23. TimeJ
    Oct 19, 2020
    9
    This game is great. It's not just the best Mario & Luigi game, it's the best Mario RPG game. Do yourself a favor and play this as soon as possible.
  24. Julian0505
    Aug 3, 2020
    10
    The best Mario RPG. You think TTYD is perfect? Get ready for a rude awakening.
  25. Kimjintae0617
    Jul 8, 2020
    10
    Best mario & luigi.........
    ...............................................
  26. EmCza
    Jul 5, 2020
    10
    This game is perfect in its format. For me it’s one of the best games on nintendo ds.
  27. Teaman
    Jun 23, 2020
    9
    Great RPG game. Gameplay is as fun as ever while story remains interesting enough to keep the player engaged.
  28. DigaHole
    Apr 6, 2020
    8
    One of my most favorite NIntendo DS games. I remember having real fun with the title and like the graphics until this day.
  29. ChargerKiller84
    Mar 27, 2020
    10
    Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story is the best Nintendo DS game ever made.
  30. PokeProX
    Feb 2, 2020
    10
    Bowser’s Inside Story is a delightful RPG that’s definitely a must-play Nintendo DS title. This game is definitely the best Mario & Luigi game. (Doing this for you Alphadream, now defunct, R.I.P).

    Take one of the villains from Superstar Saga leading to this game’s plot. The plot is pretty great and Bowser as being one of the playable main characters is really surprising, no wonder I    Bowser’s Inside Story is a delightful RPG that’s definitely a must-play Nintendo DS title. This game is definitely the best Mario & Luigi game. (Doing this for you Alphadream, now defunct, R.I.P).

    Take one of the villains from Superstar Saga leading to this game’s plot. The plot is pretty great and Bowser as being one of the playable main characters is really surprising, no wonder I love this game. The gameplay definitely improved from Partners in Time, the giant boss battles were an immersive thrill. Although, few of the mini-Games were quite frustrating (that CARROT game). The visuals were really great, even for the giant boss battles. Lastly but not least, the outstanding music (composed by the legendary Yoko Shimomura, who composed Kingdom Hearts and others RPGs). Especially, the music for the final boss, it’s quite incredible and downright memorable! Right?

    Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story was a pleasurable and memorable experience for me. The humor, the gameplay, the music and lots of things that made this game very great (but still, few of the mini games were frustrating). This RPG is a must-play for Nintendo fans, Mario fans and maybe RPG fans. I’ll give this score a... 9.4! (10)    … Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best DS Game of 2009
3
#3 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
1
#1 Most Shared DS Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 58 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 58
  3. Negative: 0 out of 58
  1. NintendoWorldReport
    90
    Fans who loved the first two games shouldn't hesitate in picking up Bowser's Inside Story. It features everything that makes the series enjoyable and adds onto it everything but the kitchen sink. Despite a few minor flaws, it's a game that features an ingenious game design synonymous with Nintendo games and is easily one of the best DS games of the year.
    Read full review
  2. Worth Playing
    96
    The bottom line on Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story is that it's one of those games that every DS owner should buy, period. Regardless of your feelings about RPGs, the title is just so entertaining and well-executed that you're nearly guaranteed to love it.
    Read full review
  3. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    92
    The freshest, most vital RPG on the DS for ages. You'd be daft to pass it up. [Nov 2009, p.76]
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »