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. 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. =(
  2. 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.
  3. ShawnP
    Sep 20, 2009
    10
    This game is easily the best Mario RPG ever. Luigi is really funny, and so are Mario and Bowser surprisingly. Special moves are more like minigames and actually force you to do something so they are more powerful. Fighting as all 3 is really fun. The story is different from the usual save Peach story. Normal battles are never to easy or to hard. You never nail avoiding enemy moves all the This game is easily the best Mario RPG ever. Luigi is really funny, and so are Mario and Bowser surprisingly. Special moves are more like minigames and actually force you to do something so they are more powerful. Fighting as all 3 is really fun. The story is different from the usual save Peach story. Normal battles are never to easy or to hard. You never nail avoiding enemy moves all the time, which adds more challenge. Badges can actually help you in tough situations. If it wasnt for the unbalanced boss battles this game would be near perfect.… Expand
  4. FrankR
    Oct 11, 2009
    10
    An almost perfect game in my opinion. The only bad thing is the pollen minigame.
  5. TimO
    Sep 27, 2009
    10
    The first Mario and Luigi RPG absolutely amazed me. After playing the 2nd, I was a bit disappointed, even though it was very good. After hearing about the release of a 3rd Mario and Luigi RPG I expected it to not live up to its predecessors, but I was wrong. Bowser's Inside Story may be the best game ever made for the Nintendo DS. A suberb and at times hilarious plot, exciting and The first Mario and Luigi RPG absolutely amazed me. After playing the 2nd, I was a bit disappointed, even though it was very good. After hearing about the release of a 3rd Mario and Luigi RPG I expected it to not live up to its predecessors, but I was wrong. Bowser's Inside Story may be the best game ever made for the Nintendo DS. A suberb and at times hilarious plot, exciting and intuitive battles, and fun puzzles that require you to utilize the abilities of all three charactors make Bowser's Inside Story soar over the first two Mario and Luigi RPGs and any other Nintendo game I have ever played.… Expand
  6. 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
  7. xXAnthonyXx
    Jan 18, 2011
    10
    I got it with mixed expectations but soon then, I got hooked, I've had it for 3 weeks and I can't stop playing it. The game is just awesome, my favorite DS game....ever..
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. RJV
    Aug 4, 2011
    10
    This is not like any Mario game you have ever played. There is a bit of platforming, but that is turned into a puzzle. It is almost like a Pokemon game, but you only have three characters: Mario, Luigi, and Bowser! The plot is actually semi developed in this game, and Bowser doesn't kidnap Peach this time. Instead he is tricked into inhaling her, as well as Mario + Luigi and the rest ofThis is not like any Mario game you have ever played. There is a bit of platforming, but that is turned into a puzzle. It is almost like a Pokemon game, but you only have three characters: Mario, Luigi, and Bowser! The plot is actually semi developed in this game, and Bowser doesn't kidnap Peach this time. Instead he is tricked into inhaling her, as well as Mario + Luigi and the rest of the mushroom kingdom, by Fawlful, the new bad guy, not really worth remembering him though. Inside Bowser's body the two Legendary plumbers try to find and rescue the princess, somewhere in Bowser's 2D innards. Meanwhile Bowser, wandering the Mushroom Kingdom, tries to take back his castle, which has been taken over by Fawful. You enter battle scenes as the plumbers or the Koopa King, and this is where it is similar to Pokemon. You will see the similarities almost immediately. A great game, but a little bit easy. Still,you won't beat every boss on your first time, and if you want to collect all the bonuses there will be plenty of replay after you beat the main story. Fantastic.… Expand
  12. 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
  13. Rockoman100
    Aug 13, 2012
    10
    By far the most creative Mario & Luigi game in the series. With an immersive story, fun and addictive gameplay, and engaging battles of epic proportions, this game is a must play for any fan of Mario RPG's, or not. It's just a must play in general. Seriously this is amazing. And while you're at it, reading this, go ahead and get Superstar Saga, and maybe even Partners in Time. They are allBy far the most creative Mario & Luigi game in the series. With an immersive story, fun and addictive gameplay, and engaging battles of epic proportions, this game is a must play for any fan of Mario RPG's, or not. It's just a must play in general. Seriously this is amazing. And while you're at it, reading this, go ahead and get Superstar Saga, and maybe even Partners in Time. They are all bloody amazing.… Expand
  14. 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
  15. 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!
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. wegie125
    Jun 28, 2016
    10
    I remember playing this game when i was only 10 years old and being so excited about every event that happened in the game. Not only did it make me smile but it made me really engaged with the story. It felt so great and this game is something my family truly remembers. For me, it revolutionized how I viewed the mario rpg games and made me feel so grateful to ever figure out what theyI remember playing this game when i was only 10 years old and being so excited about every event that happened in the game. Not only did it make me smile but it made me really engaged with the story. It felt so great and this game is something my family truly remembers. For me, it revolutionized how I viewed the mario rpg games and made me feel so grateful to ever figure out what they were. This game was a big part of my childhood and still to this day i sometimes go back and play it.… Expand
  20. 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!
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. BV-Swifty
    Apr 7, 2015
    10
    This is one of the first RPGs I've ever played and this is easily my favorite of them all. With this being the third instalment in the Mario & Luigi series this does not disappoint. The dialogue is hilarious as ever with plenty of memorable characters. The gameplay is fantastic too and it's very different from your usual RPG. Most of these games have teams take turns in battles with eachThis is one of the first RPGs I've ever played and this is easily my favorite of them all. With this being the third instalment in the Mario & Luigi series this does not disappoint. The dialogue is hilarious as ever with plenty of memorable characters. The gameplay is fantastic too and it's very different from your usual RPG. Most of these games have teams take turns in battles with each side dealing damage automatically with random effects. In this series you have to time your button presses for dealing maximum damage and taking minimal damage. This really changes the gameplay with relying on raw skill instead of the random elements in usual RPGs. Also, no random encounters. THANK GOD. My personal favorite part about this game is how they present Bowser. His combat system is very intuitive and fun, his pixel art is very smooth, and he becomes an overpowered tyrant of destruction! He does a lot of crazy stuff in this game too, like pulling an island with a single strand of rope, pushing a boat by friggin' sneezing, and growing to sizes that Godzilla would be jealous of. His dialogue is pure comedy gold and can even compete with Fawful's quirky personality. This game is absolutely fantastic! If you love the Mario franchise as a hole and just getting into RPGs, I would highly recommend this game!… Expand
  24. 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.
  25. thatnintendoguy
    Aug 20, 2015
    10
    This game is AMAZING probably the best mario rpg EVER and one of my favourite games! Its at the same quality as the classic super mario RPG.You must buy it for your ds even for your 3DS
  26. Djungelorm
    Sep 27, 2016
    10
    Not only is this a perfect Mario RPG, but it is a perfect RPG period. It builds upon the amazing Partners In Time by adding new concepts. The battles with Mario and Luigi are much the same (which is a good thing as it was flawless already), but on top of that you can also now play as Bowser, who has a completely unique moveset, including being unable to jump. This means that traversing theNot only is this a perfect Mario RPG, but it is a perfect RPG period. It builds upon the amazing Partners In Time by adding new concepts. The battles with Mario and Luigi are much the same (which is a good thing as it was flawless already), but on top of that you can also now play as Bowser, who has a completely unique moveset, including being unable to jump. This means that traversing the same areas twice as the different characters does not feel repetitive at all, nor even fighting the same enemies. The transitions between the plumbers and Bowser work seemlessly into the deep story and don't feel like simply changing character to get through a particular area.
    The game also features some unique puzzles and minigames that complement the story and actually make sense as part of it. A lot of these involve Mario and Luigi healing body issues Bowser picks up during the events of the game. As Mario and Luigi are inside Bowser after being inhaled by use of a vacuum shroom, there are unique areas and enemies that are unlike any seen before in the Mario franchise, keeping it fresh.
    It also must be said that this is one of the most humorous games of all time. There are so many laugh out loud moments, the majority of which are delivered by the hilarious villain Fawful. Seriously, this game is so well-written and is worth playing for this alone, not to mention sublime boss battles, including giant Bowser battles controlled using the touchscreen, and the stellar soundtrack, particularly 'In the Final', the final boss theme.
    This game does almost everything right and it's actually very hard to fault it.

    Rating: 9.6    … Expand
  27. 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
  28. loveling
    Nov 23, 2016
    10
    finished the game last week, 10/10 game, a story and innovative gameplay, a battle with bowser and battling giant robots that's great, luigi is so funny character , final battle music is so epic, best mario and luigi rpg music ever, best mario and luigi rpg game,Nintendo you are the best .
  29. SuperMarioBro
    May 21, 2016
    10
    This game - one of the best RPG game of Mario. Cool music, maybe not so good grapics (but no matter), this game have wonderful and crazy storyline. And omigosh, this game have wonderful and crazy villain - Fawful, for this guy i liked this game))
  30. RobCAstillo
    Jul 23, 2016
    10
    This is the final game of the original Mario & Luigi Trilogy. For me, all of them were perfect. But some users try to compare it to Paper Mario, even tough this series are a sequel for the original Mario RPG game for SNES, that's appreciable due to its combat system and the original story. This game simply ended the trilogy the best it could.
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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.
    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]
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