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
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  1. GamerOfGames
    Jun 1, 2011
    10
    Bowser's Inside Story, to put it quite simply, is an AMAZING game. The plot is great, the concept is great, and the battles are great. And don't forget about Fawful. Fawful and his "I HAVE FURY!" quote are just hilarious. But what I feel is best about Bowser's Inside Story is the ability to play as Bowser! Half of the game is dedicated to his side of the story, and Mario and Luigi canBowser's Inside Story, to put it quite simply, is an AMAZING game. The plot is great, the concept is great, and the battles are great. And don't forget about Fawful. Fawful and his "I HAVE FURY!" quote are just hilarious. But what I feel is best about Bowser's Inside Story is the ability to play as Bowser! Half of the game is dedicated to his side of the story, and Mario and Luigi can help Bowser accomplish his goals from inside his own body! Then...he grows HUGE. That is EPIC. Controls are better than ever too. I love this game, and recommend it to anyone and everyone.… Expand
  2. SnoozerBear
    Dec 13, 2009
    9
    Review: Mario & Luigi: Bowser
  3. BlogDog123
    May 26, 2011
    10
    Easily the best RPG I ever played (go cry, Final Fantasy! Not saying that it isn't good) I ever played, and the only game with a talking bean for an antagonist (alright, Superstar Saga had Fawful, too). This RPG has laugh-out-loud moments, a great story, excellent controls, and one of the best and most beautiful final boss themes ever.
  4. RyanA
    Jan 11, 2013
    10
    This is one of the few instances that an RPG can be practically perfect, the other times being Golden Sun and Pokemon. The only things that I dislike about this game is the re-used sprites from the previous entries into the series for Mario and Luigi. Things to like- humour, music, final boss, story (seems more unique than most others), pickups, power ups, and mini games. Overall, 9.7/10
  5. Bathmat
    Jan 19, 2011
    9
    I saw the reviews of this game and I saw they were excellent. Then I bought the game myself. It says on the back of the case "Most Hilarious Mario RPG" and I was a little nervous. But AlphaDream have handled the humour brilliantly. Although Fawful's gags may take a while to get used to, you'll soon get the gag and tune in. The gameplay is really good and it's so damn addictive. TheI saw the reviews of this game and I saw they were excellent. Then I bought the game myself. It says on the back of the case "Most Hilarious Mario RPG" and I was a little nervous. But AlphaDream have handled the humour brilliantly. Although Fawful's gags may take a while to get used to, you'll soon get the gag and tune in. The gameplay is really good and it's so damn addictive. The graphics may make your eyes vomit a little, but it's still very cartoony and nice. The whole RPG experience feels great and it almost never gets boring. Well, except for the levels where you're Mario and Luigi where you have to scatter about the place looking for something and it does take ages. Not only that, the combat should've been better and it does get hard in a bad way. Aside from those flaws, it's still a very great game. Have a DS? Don't have the game? I mean, come on. What are you doing?… Expand
  6. kcs4
    Jan 7, 2011
    10
    Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story is a great game for the DS. The fact that it is an RPG that allows to create Mario, Luigi, and Bowser the way you feel like it makes it amazing.
  7. Yulo303
    Feb 21, 2013
    10
    This game is what I would regard as "the ultimate Mario RPG". I'd recommend this to any gamer whether he/she played the Mario rpgs before, didn't play them or doesn't even know what a RPG is. It's that good. The villain in this game is Fawful, who may be the most memorable Mario villain ever with his engrish lines such as "A WINNER IS YOU" or "I HAVE CHORTLES!". Definitely do give this aThis game is what I would regard as "the ultimate Mario RPG". I'd recommend this to any gamer whether he/she played the Mario rpgs before, didn't play them or doesn't even know what a RPG is. It's that good. The villain in this game is Fawful, who may be the most memorable Mario villain ever with his engrish lines such as "A WINNER IS YOU" or "I HAVE CHORTLES!". Definitely do give this a try HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!… Expand
  8. iloveFFC
    Aug 17, 2013
    10
    A little difficult puzzle-wize at times, and 2 of the giant battles were extremely hard (At least for me.) This game is obviously the best of series, the story is great, funny, but not as amazing at Partners in Time. My favorite part of the game was the return of Fawful! He steals the show in terms of comedy. All the characters introduced are very memorable are either cute or just awesome.A little difficult puzzle-wize at times, and 2 of the giant battles were extremely hard (At least for me.) This game is obviously the best of series, the story is great, funny, but not as amazing at Partners in Time. My favorite part of the game was the return of Fawful! He steals the show in terms of comedy. All the characters introduced are very memorable are either cute or just awesome. Probably the best RPG next to the 5th Gen Pokemon games. If you don't own this game, buy it or check into a mental facility.… Expand
  9. Ouendaner
    Dec 28, 2012
    10
    I am delighted with this installment of Mario and Luigi as it is an adventure game with different modes, has variety in terms of actions that you can perform. You depend on several characters in order to continue the game and solve the various puzzles that proposes, with a story that does not get bored anyone regardless of age, making the main enemy of the great series of Mario cooperateI am delighted with this installment of Mario and Luigi as it is an adventure game with different modes, has variety in terms of actions that you can perform. You depend on several characters in order to continue the game and solve the various puzzles that proposes, with a story that does not get bored anyone regardless of age, making the main enemy of the great series of Mario cooperate with their greatest enemies without this knowledge. The fact that you can enter and leave the body of Bowser's something that I really liked to go out and explore with Mario and Luigi the outside world, you can access inaccecibles places to Bowser. One of the best games of all time… Expand
  10. indoGAMER
    Dec 14, 2012
    10
    Well, this is a PERFECTLY AWESOME game for Nintendo DS system. It was the best Mario & Luigi sequel! Not just that, this game serves a different story where Mario, Luigi, and Bowser save the Mushroom Kingdom and Bowser's Castle from evil. It MUST have and MUST be played!
  11. 3PSQWERTY
    Jul 18, 2013
    10
    A pleasure to play. I loved the mechanics behind combat and items that were put in place in the first title in this series and am glad to see them make a full return in this light-hearted and enjoyable title.
  12. BomboloExplosio
    Jun 23, 2015
    10
    I played this game on my Nintendo DS, and I loved it: I love the story, the bosses, the attacks, the musics.
    I think that it is the best RPG game that I've ever played.
  13. JamieJ.
    Oct 20, 2009
    10
    Wow. I'm a first-timer to RPG's like this, but... wow. Best DS game of the year? I think so. It's a real shame then that not many people are taking much notice of it and passing it on as shovelware. =(
  14. VincentD
    Oct 31, 2009
    8
    Overall, an amazing triumph in the Mario and Luigi series. The game has done an astounding job of keeping the series as fresh as possible without sacrificing quality. However, there are some things I have to harp on. The story is great at times, however I did not find it to be laugh out loud hilarious. It's very Sunday Morning Cartoon humor rather than funny, and often times, Overall, an amazing triumph in the Mario and Luigi series. The game has done an astounding job of keeping the series as fresh as possible without sacrificing quality. However, there are some things I have to harp on. The story is great at times, however I did not find it to be laugh out loud hilarious. It's very Sunday Morning Cartoon humor rather than funny, and often times, you're mood while playing effects how much you enjoy the actually story. Also I did find that the game was being pretty ridiculous at times for the purpose of adding length to the game. *Spoiler Alert Waiting an hour to let Bower's back heal was pointless and awkwardly placed towards the later end of the game. As for gameplay, the game achieves perfection. The special attacks in this game are ridiculously awesome to both execute and perform. I personally love the art and graphics in this game and appreciated all the little touches in the character and enemy animation. It's definitely a keeper and one of the best DS games of this year and one of the best RPGs.… Expand
  15. totlmstr
    Oct 6, 2009
    9
    I just finished this game a few days ago, and this is such a hilarious game. The first two hours and the final three hours (with some odd stuff in between) are by far the best moments in the game. Luigi just makes incredible amounts of nonsense (for example, he slaps himself to get out of a dizzy state), and his actions alone just ramps it up to ten. However, almost everything in between I just finished this game a few days ago, and this is such a hilarious game. The first two hours and the final three hours (with some odd stuff in between) are by far the best moments in the game. Luigi just makes incredible amounts of nonsense (for example, he slaps himself to get out of a dizzy state), and his actions alone just ramps it up to ten. However, almost everything in between the intro and end is usually in this order: go someplace, solve puzzles (sometimes a bit literally), fight a boss who normally gets a funny intro, and press forward. In a nutshell, that's pretty much it to the game. Be prepared to get a bit bored. On the other hand, there's the minigames that are spot on on using both screens or normally using just one. Each minigame has simple controls and very fun gameplay. For example, in order to get Bowser alive for a giant boss fight, you need to shoot energy balls that come in two colors. It may seem a bit overused, but it's perfect for the situation.… Expand
  16. DanialC
    Oct 7, 2009
    10
    A great, funny, and entertaining game. The specials feel awesome to pull off and each boss battle is a real treat.
  17. FrankR
    Oct 11, 2009
    10
    An almost perfect game in my opinion. The only bad thing is the pollen minigame.
  18. WillC
    Oct 22, 2009
    9
    Easily the most intentive Mario RPG since Paper Mario 2. The writing is witty and sharp. The graphics are charming. The combat is fun. The music is memorable and while its not reinventing the Mario & Luigi formula its still great fun.
  19. Ssseth
    Oct 22, 2009
    8
    Rock solid Mario RPG'ing. The game had a little bit of a been here, done that feeling but that didn't make it any less fun. Hopefully they introduce some new game play elements in the next Mario RPG.
  20. AnthonyS
    Dec 15, 2009
    10
    This is a great RPG. I highly recommend it to fans of the series, newcomers alike and people who just like fun. Complete whit Mario & Luigi's fake Italian, a living French stereotype block, Navi who's in disguise as some star thing(lulz), only not as annoying, and many funny moments as well as being a blast to play, and I loved the touch screen controls. Best of all, YOU GET TO This is a great RPG. I highly recommend it to fans of the series, newcomers alike and people who just like fun. Complete whit Mario & Luigi's fake Italian, a living French stereotype block, Navi who's in disguise as some star thing(lulz), only not as annoying, and many funny moments as well as being a blast to play, and I loved the touch screen controls. Best of all, YOU GET TO PLAY AS EFFING BOWSER!!!… Expand
  21. Plasmaneedle
    Mar 15, 2014
    9
    Mario and Luigi Bowser's Inside story is another Nintendo game done right. The combat system is accessible and fun. The gameplay is varied and the boss fights are great. This is also Nintendo's most humorous game.
  22. pikodon
    Apr 3, 2014
    10
    simply the best in the mario rpg series. always trying to keep itself fresh and interesting as you play, and succeeding! give it a try!
    ( the beggining is a little slow, as most rpgs )
    don't listen to those negative reviews, they're mostly people trying just to contradict popular opinion, really this is good!
  23. TwillyFSniper
    May 2, 2014
    10
    This game is nothing short of amazing. It has everything. Great game-play and immersion.

    The game-play is similar to the normal RPG. It's turn-based, has an item system, and really... Normal for the RPG play style. Definitely well done, though. It's fluid and smooth, the exploration is normal Mario platforming (but quite easy). This game is quite immersingfor several reasons. It has    This game is nothing short of amazing. It has everything. Great game-play and immersion.

    The game-play is similar to the normal RPG. It's turn-based, has an item system, and really... Normal for the RPG play style. Definitely well done, though. It's fluid and smooth, the exploration is normal Mario platforming (but quite easy).

    This game is quite immersingfor several reasons. It has properly executed humor, it's story is spectacular (the final boss fight is so satisfying!), and the music is well composed.

    A 96/100. It deserves even more praise than it gets for it's style, characters, EVERYTHING. Except the game needs to be longer and more difficult. That's all the flaws it really has. A must-buy for any Mario fan.    … Expand
  24. GamerSavvy
    Jun 22, 2014
    10
    Definitely the best Mario RPG out there, with awesome, challenging gameplay, a good storyline, and one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard in a Mario game. Great humor too.
    Personally, Fawful is one of my favorite video game antagonists~ along with Dimentio from SPM
  25. EpicLadySponge
    Dec 27, 2015
    9
    Another Mario & Luigi game. Only difference? Bowser's playable so it'll change the entire gameplay. Mario and Luigi are back once more on their newest adventure. Stay off, Mario! Bowser's taking over this game for now!
  26. nintendofan08
    Aug 30, 2016
    10
    I am currently replaying this game for the second or third time, and this game is still AMAZING (I mean Partners in Time and Superstar Saga will always a place in our hearts). The plot is really strong, great idea of what might be inside Bowser and the changes to his body when he does something, and I like the idea of Bowser finally having the chance the take the spotlight as a playableI am currently replaying this game for the second or third time, and this game is still AMAZING (I mean Partners in Time and Superstar Saga will always a place in our hearts). The plot is really strong, great idea of what might be inside Bowser and the changes to his body when he does something, and I like the idea of Bowser finally having the chance the take the spotlight as a playable character. Just buy this game, what are you doing seating on your chair?1 Go buy the game!!!… Expand
  27. GamecubeLover
    Jul 21, 2016
    9
    This game is a plethora of amazing gameplay and amazing gameplay! The game has good music and the game is addicting with a good story. I love this game!
  28. wariothelegend
    Jul 11, 2017
    9
    If your a huge Bowser fan, this is the game for you. Despite Mario Luigi's names appearing on the box, its Bowser that gets the most spotlight, as he is the main star in this hilarious, action packed, RPG exclusively on Nintendo DS.

    The game's plot consists of Fawful's revenge plan to take over the Mushroom Kingdom by having Bowser ingest a "Vaccuum Shroom", then let him inhale Mario,    If your a huge Bowser fan, this is the game for you. Despite Mario Luigi's names appearing on the box, its Bowser that gets the most spotlight, as he is the main star in this hilarious, action packed, RPG exclusively on Nintendo DS.

    The game's plot consists of Fawful's revenge plan to take over the Mushroom Kingdom by having Bowser ingest a "Vaccuum Shroom", then let him inhale Mario, Luigi and almost everyone in the Kingdom right into his body. Then, with Bowser passing out of exhaustion, Fawful takes advantage of this and brainwashes the Koopa King's minions to serve him. So now it's up to big, bad Bowser to save the day, along with Mario & Luigi inside his gut to power him up along the way.

    Playing as Bowser is as simple as it is fun. Bowser can't jump or use hammers like the Mario Bros., intsead, he must rely on things he does best, such as punching and breathing fire, to complete each and every level to reach his castle. You go about your business, punching and burning everything in your way, defeating your brain-washed enemies and such, but occasionally, Bowser gets in a pinch, and he reluctantly leaves it to Mario and Luigi to do something in his body to solve the situation. From lifting objects to digesting food, or even just letting out a sneeze, Mario & Luigi must accomplish these little minigames inorder to progress through the game. Most of these minigames are touch-based controls (That means don't lose your stylus). Some of them can be fun, but for me I found these some of the worst moments in the game. To be fair though, they are unique and are fairly short. But as for the levels go in Bowser's body, it's nothing but 2D platforming levels.

    "Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story" is worth buying, whether you're a fan or a beginner, if your really into RPGs (or Bowser), this the game for you!    … Expand
  29. D484
    May 20, 2017
    10
    El mejor Mario y Luigi de la historia. Tiene buena historia, el mapa está muy bien hecho y una diversidad de ataques. Además quien no a querido utilizar a Bowser. Un gran Rpg. Le pongo un 96/100
  30. ashketchum
    Jul 17, 2017
    8
    Bowser's Inside Story is the third game in the Mario&Luigi series of RPG games. This time around, you can play as Bowser. He comes with his own set of moves, and adds a new type of gameplay experience. The cartoonish art style matches the goofy humor of the game, and allows for a lot of varying colors to decorate the different levels. Learning new moves is entertaining, and using specialBowser's Inside Story is the third game in the Mario&Luigi series of RPG games. This time around, you can play as Bowser. He comes with his own set of moves, and adds a new type of gameplay experience. The cartoonish art style matches the goofy humor of the game, and allows for a lot of varying colors to decorate the different levels. Learning new moves is entertaining, and using special moves, even more so. The ability to alternate between Mario&Luigi and Bowser allows for the gameplay to vary, such as Mario&Luigi being able to jump, but limited to movement on a 2D plane, and Bowser not being able to jump, but can move in all axis. This keeps the game feeling fresh and allows it to be creative, as some sections will mean that you will have to figure out who you will need to play as to move through. It's a great game, that solidifies the Mario&Luigi RPG series as one of the best and most creative RPG series out there.… Expand
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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

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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.
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  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]
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