Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time

 DS
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 242 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 203 out of 242
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 242
  3. Negative: 9 out of 242
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  1. Watermelon789
    Mar 26, 2012
    8
    Mario it's a very talented man , showing in sports games, saving the princess a thousand of times , he also participates in countless of racing competition, also maintains his positive reputation against the show off Sonic and heck ! He even has his own RPG. Thats impressive for this mature man, anyway , Mario & Luigi Partners in Time it's a different take and also a very fresh entry onMario it's a very talented man , showing in sports games, saving the princess a thousand of times , he also participates in countless of racing competition, also maintains his positive reputation against the show off Sonic and heck ! He even has his own RPG. Thats impressive for this mature man, anyway , Mario & Luigi Partners in Time it's a different take and also a very fresh entry on the already huge franchise . The game is overall interesting until the end, but after that start feeling empty and boring. While the take, wasn't that much of a full RPG side I'm pleased with many of the ideas taken from triple A franchise's and the story is great for awhile , however , everything is forgettable after beating the game.… Expand
  2. TheCoolGuy99
    Apr 10, 2014
    10
    Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time is the most beautiful and enjoyable game produced by Mario and Luigi franchise yet. It's graphics may not be totally ranked in the A-team but for its coherent story and interesting premise, it's a big winner for me. With great soundtracks and especially a stunning epic music at the ending of the game.
  3. xxAcesHighxx
    Jul 12, 2013
    9
    I absolutely loved Partners in Time when it first launched on the DS way back in late 2005.

    In creating such a hugely entertaining and deliciously whimsical series of turn-based RPG spin-off's, plucked directly from Super Mario Bros' universe of timeless tales and endearing characters, Nintendo pulled off a master stroke. And at the time, Partners in Time represented the very pinnacle    I absolutely loved Partners in Time when it first launched on the DS way back in late 2005.

    In creating such a hugely entertaining and deliciously whimsical series of turn-based RPG spin-off's, plucked directly from Super Mario Bros' universe of timeless tales and endearing characters, Nintendo pulled off a master stroke. And at the time, Partners in Time represented the very pinnacle of the Japanese firms seemingly endless creativity and knack of almost Disney-esque quality story telling.

    Even after all these years, it remains my favourite episode from Nintendo's much loved franchise of 'Mario & Luigi' soft-RPG's, beating the GBA original, Superstar Saga and third installment, Bowsers Inside Story (DS) in the process.

    But while pipping the excellent Superstar Saga and Bowsers Inside Story to the post is by no means a small feat, for me Partners in Time represents so much more than 'just' the standout title in Nintendo's three-episode franchise. Indeed, as far as I'm concerned, it's also one of the finest handheld games ever made! Period. A bonafide classic and shall doubtless be remembered in Nintendo folklore for generations to come.

    I wonder if we will be heaping similar praise on Mario & Luigi's fourth instalment, and franchise debut on Nintendo 3DS, Dream Team Bros, say eight to ten years from now? While I doubt it, we must concede that it's way too early to say. Well, for the time being at least. But of this we can be certain; if ever there was a developer armed with the passion, know-how, and above all, unbridled talent, necessary to create endearing, loveable, and genuinely special games that stand the test of time, it's Nintendo.

    Looking back, I sill adore Partners in Time every bit as much now as I did in back 2005. If not more. Looking forward, I have nothing but the highest hopes for the upcoming Dream Team Bros.

    Long live Mario & Luigi.    … Expand
  4. bonnin40
    Feb 18, 2013
    9
    This is a really awesome RPG, with great story twists, fun, challenging, and innovative gameplay, good graphics, great music, you really cant go wrong with this game. This is one of marios absolute best RPG games, highly recommended to any DS owner. The game is rather short, but it is an amazing experience, that shouldnt be missed, but any means.
  5. Tylercolins
    May 12, 2014
    9
    An amazing entry to the Mario & Luigi series. Its innovative new gameplay, dark plot, hilarious humor, good graphics, and amazing soundtrack makes it a must own experience for every DS owners.
  6. nintendofan08
    Apr 9, 2016
    10
    Mario & Luigi Partners in Time's plot is one of a kind. The game has outstanding boss fights, the music is amazing, and a perfect mix of action some shocking moments (I won't mention one big one. Not going to mention it because it would be a spoiler), with light moments of comedy.
  7. GamecubeLover
    Jul 21, 2016
    9
    This game is amazing and I see the game's amazing story and amazing gameplay. The graphics are great and the music is amazing! This game is a little boring and is strange in the story but doesn't mean the game is bad!
  8. RobCAstillo
    Jul 23, 2016
    10
    This is the second 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. Even tough it has continuity despite having a different story and characters. Anyways, this game isThis is the second 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. Even tough it has continuity despite having a different story and characters. Anyways, this game is the perfect way to make an original story in a trilogy.… Expand
  9. EpicLadySponge
    Dec 27, 2015
    8
    It's not really the best of them all, but it's still decent from the series. Just hang on to your baby self and hop on to the adventure of time. You'll have fun throughout the most of the time played on this game.
  10. ooo77
    Jul 10, 2017
    0
    This was by far the worst Mario and Luigi game. The pacing was horrid and they actually make you buy the bros attacks which is absolute bull **** they should've just stuck with BP or magic or whatever. And playing as just the babies is not fun
  11. pikodon
    Apr 3, 2014
    2
    sorry to people who liked it, but this game was a pain to endure, it felt like a filler episode of a show, and there's soooo much padding.
    the plot is weak, the development of it is weak, and a lot of elements seem to have been thrown into it just to make it more complicated and pad it more. the ending comes rather abruptly, and a lot of plot threads lead nowhere, they are there just to    sorry to people who liked it, but this game was a pain to endure, it felt like a filler episode of a show, and there's soooo much padding.
    the plot is weak, the development of it is weak, and a lot of elements seem to have been thrown into it just to make it more complicated and pad it more. the ending comes rather abruptly, and a lot of plot threads lead nowhere, they are there just to keep you distracted longer.

    the battle system, while and evolution of the system from the first game, became confusing, you'll find yourself many times mistaking baby mario or luigi for their grown up counterparts in the battle sequences where you have a milisecond to guess which bro is falling.
    the enemies have no personality or motivation either.
    all in all, this is just a cheap sequel to get the franchise going, if you can, skip directly to bowser's inside story, there's no plot on this, you are not missing anything at all
    I'd bet this was co-developed by ghost developer TOSE    … Expand
  12. AutumnF
    Nov 28, 2009
    6
    Half of the time you have no idea what is going on!
  13. drlowdon
    May 6, 2020
    7
    Baby Mario and his friends are forced to flee the Mushroom Kingdom when it’s invaded by an alien race known as Shroobs, meanwhile years in the future the gang use a time machine invented by Professor Gadd to defeat the threat once and for all.

    Partners in Time is well written, even funny at times, and the combat is enjoyably challenging. Some of the drawn out boss battles are a pain    Baby Mario and his friends are forced to flee the Mushroom Kingdom when it’s invaded by an alien race known as Shroobs, meanwhile years in the future the gang use a time machine invented by Professor Gadd to defeat the threat once and for all.

    Partners in Time is well written, even funny at times, and the combat is enjoyably challenging. Some of the drawn out boss battles are a pain though, and at over twenty hours in length it began to drag a little towards the end.    … Expand
  14. Vidyafan9999
    Jun 15, 2013
    7
    I like this series almost as much as I like Paper Mario, but this one was somewhat underwhelming. The whole time travel scenario is just for show, as the past is just an excuse to throw the babies in the mix. The various time portals are basically the equivalent of level portals, as they transport you to secluded areas which are basically dungeons. There is no open world and you can'tI like this series almost as much as I like Paper Mario, but this one was somewhat underwhelming. The whole time travel scenario is just for show, as the past is just an excuse to throw the babies in the mix. The various time portals are basically the equivalent of level portals, as they transport you to secluded areas which are basically dungeons. There is no open world and you can't explore anything other than the castle in the present, so really, the entire time travel aspect is severely underused.
    The gameplay is pretty fun as always, and gets challenging later on, but I feel like the 4 button gameplay is a bit convoluted. The battles do get repetitive in the long run.
    The RPG elements are very light but acceptable for this kind of game. The music is pretty good, has many remixed tunes from Super Mario 64, and some original ones, overall it's acceptable, but not too special. Sound effects are typical Mario stuff, with Mario and Luigi talking in their made up language, which is pretty funny.

    Overall, it's a fun game, but I don't see myself replaying it any time soon because of the seriously underwhelming setting, convoluted button combinations, and repetitive combat.    … Expand
  15. ShadowR
    Nov 13, 2013
    6
    Meh... It's not as bad as Touch & Go, but is DEFINITELY not as good as it's successors. The one thing that makes it good is that it is SUPER difficult. Don't even get me started on Elder Princess Shroob.
  16. AugustusCB
    Apr 14, 2014
    4
    It truly, truly pains me to write this review. I just cannot find it in myself to like this game. To begin, the game just drags on and on in each area and the game is very formulaic. Worst of all, I could not enjoy the combat system: maintaining control over four characters to pull off special attacks is a very frustrating chore. The special attacks have also replaced the Bros. AttacksIt truly, truly pains me to write this review. I just cannot find it in myself to like this game. To begin, the game just drags on and on in each area and the game is very formulaic. Worst of all, I could not enjoy the combat system: maintaining control over four characters to pull off special attacks is a very frustrating chore. The special attacks have also replaced the Bros. Attacks from Superstar Saga, and each one is a repetitive, pointlessly tedious mini-game that eats up time and makes the battles drag as well as the areas. The game has nothing but padding and I just wanted it to end.

    Presentation-wise, the game is passable, but nothing impressive. The game's graphics barely pass a GBA title. As for the music, if you were to ask me what soundtrack belonged to what area, I would not be able to tell you.

    Thankfully, the game's story does have some funny moments: hearing Mario say "babies" cracks me up. Overall, though, the story or characters doesn't redeem this game (you know from the beginning everything will turn out well: where are the Shroob aliens present-day?!).

    As I said already, I hate that I do not like this game, seeing as how Superstar Saga is among my favorite games of all time. There's hardly anything to take away from this game. A poor sequel.    … Expand
  17. DubsGamer
    Dec 26, 2015
    9
    This is easily the best game in the Mario and Luigi franchise! The game play aspects are gripping, the switching between bros keeps it interesting and the puzzles make for a good challenge. The only flaw I could find would be the small flaws in the story line but overall a great game!!!
  18. Darkychao
    Mar 1, 2016
    5
    Excessively lengthy boss fights ruin what would otherwise be alright game.

    But although they were the biggest, the bosses aren't the only problem this game has. The game felt extremely linear, both with how they gave you field moves the at the beginning of every "chapter" the same exact way every time, and as well with how every single area of the game is in a completely different map    Excessively lengthy boss fights ruin what would otherwise be alright game.

    But although they were the biggest, the bosses aren't the only problem this game has. The game felt extremely linear, both with how they gave you field moves the at the beginning of every "chapter" the same exact way every time, and as well with how every single area of the game is in a completely different map only accessible through the hub world. Also the replacement of bros. moves with bros. items didn't work very well.

    But it also manages some good things as well. The dialog, both banter and otherwise, is, as you'd come to expect from it's predecessors, fairly well written. The story is pretty good albeit a little confusing at times.
    Other than that this game also lays some groundwork for the mechanics that made it's sequel great.    … Expand
  19. SuperRater
    Nov 5, 2009
    8
    When i first got this game I didn't know what to expect. But once I started to play it the game had me hooked. The game compines the original battleing from Paper Mario and gives it a more 3D look to it. Not to mention all the new abilities you use in the game. This game is really fun to play and is by far way better than Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. But it does When i first got this game I didn't know what to expect. But once I started to play it the game had me hooked. The game compines the original battleing from Paper Mario and gives it a more 3D look to it. Not to mention all the new abilities you use in the game. This game is really fun to play and is by far way better than Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. But it does have its downfall. The game is a little bit to easy when it comes to the boss fights and little battles you play inbetween. This is coming from a player who knows what he is talking about because the last boss battle is a lot harder than all the others. All in all this is a great game to play for any Mario fan out there.… Expand
  20. CoreyS.
    May 20, 2006
    7
    A great game, but it's not better than the orginal in any way.
  21. AlejandroG.
    Aug 10, 2006
    7
    Moderately long, with almost no replayability, yet fun and (a bit) challenging. The final battle takes almost 2 hours to finish.
  22. MasterC.
    Dec 23, 2005
    10
    this game is da bomb! this RPG isnt just RPG, it has everything all in one. I gotta tell u: the nintendo DS is getting way better!
  23. CraigT.
    Apr 4, 2006
    10
    One of the best RPG Game I have ever played in a while and I'll still play it even when I beat it. A worthy buy!!!
  24. LukeJ
    Mar 10, 2009
    10
    This game had spectacular gameplay, hilarious cutscenes, a varied array of many characters, and many hours of extreme fun. Any DS owner should definently get this, and if you dont own a DS, get one, just for this game.
  25. DonaldD.
    Dec 1, 2005
    9
    Super fun to play. The concept is great, the only problem I have with this game is that I dont have enough time to play it. Nintendo tends to know how to make games.
  26. LilyP.
    Dec 22, 2005
    10
    This game is amazing. Everything from the story to the graphics exceeded my expectations. Plus the babies are just so darn cute.
  27. HunterR.
    Dec 27, 2005
    8
    A flawed but fun RPG. While I didn't find it as funny as many of the reviewers, the cute graphics and story will fill that nostalgic niche for players of the original Super Mario RPG. The biggest problem is the complete disregard of the DS's unique hardware. The second screen is used as a map, which was probably a result of developers saying "Okay, we've got the game done. A flawed but fun RPG. While I didn't find it as funny as many of the reviewers, the cute graphics and story will fill that nostalgic niche for players of the original Super Mario RPG. The biggest problem is the complete disregard of the DS's unique hardware. The second screen is used as a map, which was probably a result of developers saying "Okay, we've got the game done. now, what should we do with that stupid extra screen?" It's not very innovative or original, but Partners in Time is a solid RPG for Nintendo DS, and is worth your time and money.… Expand
  28. TonyG.
    Dec 3, 2005
    10
    very creative, amazing gameplay, funny dialouge. must buy this season. nintendo, hats off to you guys for amazing titles! would love super smash bros. for the ds. It would be amazing on dual screens. would destroy jump superstars. 3 cheers for super smash bros. ds!
  29. AndrewC.
    Jan 10, 2007
    6
    As a huge fan of the original Mario & Luigi (one of the very best GBA games ever!), I was surprised by how little its sequel did right. The battle system works all right, though almost every boss battle is way too drawn out and easy. The dialogue and story are both rather weak in comparison to the original, and the adventure is rather linear. There are absolutely no sidequests, so the As a huge fan of the original Mario & Luigi (one of the very best GBA games ever!), I was surprised by how little its sequel did right. The battle system works all right, though almost every boss battle is way too drawn out and easy. The dialogue and story are both rather weak in comparison to the original, and the adventure is rather linear. There are absolutely no sidequests, so the value of the game is nil. Really, really disappointing. Could have been more, but the satisfying moments are few and far between. Shame...… Expand
  30. MichaelA.
    Mar 29, 2006
    9
    This game is so awesome! The graphics are creative, the story is interesting, the humor is very funny (and will leave a smile on your face), and plot twists are at their best. The only downside I have about this game is that it's not long enough.
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best DS Game of 2005
6
#6 Most Discussed DS Game of 2005
7
#7 Most Shared DS Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
  1. Play Magazine
    85
    I don't often get a good belly laugh from a video game, but then not many games pack the humorous charm of Mario and Luigi 2... [Nov p.99]
  2. Nintendo Power
    90
    A worthy follow-up to "Superstar Saga," and the first great RPG on the DS. [Jan 2006, p.110]
  3. Game Informer
    83
    It may not be the most emotionally complex RPG on the market, but it's solid entertainment with a quirky twist. [Dec 2005, p.187]
See all critic reviews »