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. 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!
  2. 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!!!
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!
  6. NonyaN.
    Jul 16, 2006
    10
    The best DS game out there.
  7. SteveR.
    Aug 15, 2006
    10
    This is a game to end quite a few games. The entire thing was hilarious, to the point that it doesn't get old. Plus, the twists in the plot. I never would have seen it coming. I say, if you don't like this game, then screw you! This game was worth every penny! Anyway, it's one of those RPG's that you would hate yourself if you hated it.
  8. TorA.
    Nov 24, 2007
    10
    It lets you have fun and helps your imagination. it is not a wast of money!
  9. 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.
  10. wegie125
    Nov 14, 2017
    10
    This game definitely has to be one of the most defining of my childhood. This game had just the right amount of challenge to where I didn't have to be so frustrated that I wanted to quit but also hard enough that I wasn't just breezing through the game. This game was so magical when it came out and I still enjoy going back and playing it to this day. Nothing matches the atmosphere, theThis game definitely has to be one of the most defining of my childhood. This game had just the right amount of challenge to where I didn't have to be so frustrated that I wanted to quit but also hard enough that I wasn't just breezing through the game. This game was so magical when it came out and I still enjoy going back and playing it to this day. Nothing matches the atmosphere, the music, the characters. It was all so original. I hope they one day remake this game just like they have done with the first of the mario and luigi series. The entire story of this game is so rich and original. This will definitely go down as one of the greatest games of all time for me… Expand
  11. Gygar
    Feb 3, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Man...this is one of the best mario and luigi games i have played, next to BIS of course. The reason i like this is because it adds an new gamepaly element to it, being able to use the two new buttons the DS gave us, and worked it into the plot, which is another part i like, its darker than any of the other titles, and im not joking, the first area you go to in the past, the shroobs, KILL the mario brothers, and the forest, toads have their life force drained and drunk by a shroobified wiggler...one of the toads are drained before your eyes! But in spote of those moments we are presented with the charm that this series is known for… Expand
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. robertoiglesias
    Nov 10, 2019
    10
    I love the gameplay, story, characters, and the humor of this fun game. Mario and Luigi is truly fantastic
  15. pikminexplorer
    Aug 28, 2017
    10
    A fantastic game in the way of story, plot, soundtrack, and battle. This game is definitely worth your money. I'd rate it the 2nd best in the series, behind only Superstar Saga.
  16. CyberRobotnix
    Mar 5, 2018
    10
    This is the best game in the M&L series. It has the best musics, it has the best story, it has the best mechanics and it is overall a very fun game.

    Definitely try it out, trust me you won't regret it.
  17. TheUberMann
    Jul 6, 2018
    10
    A fantastic game. By far one of my all-time-favorites. The look is so nice to look at and gives you nostalgic chills if you look at it every time. The story is excellent, in my opinion. The gameplay is pretty much alright. Near the end of the game it feels like there was a small lack of gameplay mechanics and new stuff overall, but that's something I can live with. The soundtrack is alsoA fantastic game. By far one of my all-time-favorites. The look is so nice to look at and gives you nostalgic chills if you look at it every time. The story is excellent, in my opinion. The gameplay is pretty much alright. Near the end of the game it feels like there was a small lack of gameplay mechanics and new stuff overall, but that's something I can live with. The soundtrack is also really good, especially if you come closer to the ending of the game. The difficulty of the game is pretty good actually. Sometimes it's harder, sometimes it's too easy. Overall enjoyable. I prefer it that you can buy/find the special attacks. I personally really hated this whole "BP-points"-stuff.… Expand
  18. Ghost_the_ds
    Aug 17, 2019
    10
    Mario and Luigi: Partners in time is without a doubt one of the greatest games on the DS and if you haven’t picked it up yet, you are missing out, it has fantastic controls and pacing and playing as the baby’s are a ton of fun, the puzzles are a great mix of repetitive and new and the final boss kept me on the edge of my sit the whole way though. The length of the game is perfect and it’sMario and Luigi: Partners in time is without a doubt one of the greatest games on the DS and if you haven’t picked it up yet, you are missing out, it has fantastic controls and pacing and playing as the baby’s are a ton of fun, the puzzles are a great mix of repetitive and new and the final boss kept me on the edge of my sit the whole way though. The length of the game is perfect and it’s got a great sense of humour. Overall if you haven’t played it before you owe yourself...… Expand
  19. Meepmorp
    Sep 23, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. THIS IS THE BEST MARIO AND LUIGI GAME sure Dream team and super star saga are great games but in my opinion this is my favorite … Expand
  20. Shroobit
    Aug 2, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. El juego está muy infravalorado, su OST es hermoso y la historia también:((… Expand
  21. WhoDaDev
    Aug 6, 2021
    10
    Easily the best in the Mario & Luigi RPG series. Much better than Bowser's Inside Story.
  22. subspace87
    May 10, 2023
    10
    This was such a wonderful game to play as a kid. It was one of my first ever exposures to a wonderfully crafted story with exciting and absolutely incredible plot twists. For a Mario game, this game really hits the bell for me. I absolutely adore this game even to this day. The battle gameplay is super innovative and really fun as well. Also, the art and graphics are amazing for a DSThis was such a wonderful game to play as a kid. It was one of my first ever exposures to a wonderfully crafted story with exciting and absolutely incredible plot twists. For a Mario game, this game really hits the bell for me. I absolutely adore this game even to this day. The battle gameplay is super innovative and really fun as well. Also, the art and graphics are amazing for a DS game! It looks absolutely stunning! This is a must play for anyone who enjoys a good RPG, and especially for anyone who's played the other Mario RPG games and hasn't picked this one up yet.… Expand
  23. Webosxdxdxddd
    Aug 30, 2023
    10
    By far the best Mario & Luigi game. Original bosses, colorful yet dark backgrounds and story, adorable cutscenes with the babies, and just a solid Mario & Luigi game overall.
  24. SatinFoil
    Feb 16, 2023
    10
    Really fun Mario and Luigi game! Highly recommend! The baby mechanics are really fun as well! Also, remember all those attacks like fire flower, and green/red shell? Well in this game, you can deal more damage to enemies if you press the X or Y button right before the shell hits the enemy. There's also more mechanics added to other bros attacks in favor of the baby feature. I DID mentionReally fun Mario and Luigi game! Highly recommend! The baby mechanics are really fun as well! Also, remember all those attacks like fire flower, and green/red shell? Well in this game, you can deal more damage to enemies if you press the X or Y button right before the shell hits the enemy. There's also more mechanics added to other bros attacks in favor of the baby feature. I DID mention fire flower as well, so I guess I'll say what that does in this game too. Well, pressing X or Y instead of A and B makes it shoot higher and get farther enemies..? I'm not 100% sure, so take that with a grain of salt (which I think is the correct saying).… Expand
  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. 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.
  27. PippaS
    Dec 31, 2009
    9
    This game is unique in the fact it has baby marios and luigis and lots of funny and entertaining new charctor forms and ideas. The only not so good thing is some bits and challenges are a tiny bit easy.
  28. Flippers4u
    Jul 25, 2013
    9
    This game is just as amazing as the first game, and adding two more characters, Baby Mario and Luigi, to the mix simply adds to the fun and endless possibilities. The story involves aliens, which I would have never seen in a Nintendo game ever. It has been a while since I last played the game and have forgotten most of the game mechanics, but the turn-base combat system is back and betterThis game is just as amazing as the first game, and adding two more characters, Baby Mario and Luigi, to the mix simply adds to the fun and endless possibilities. The story involves aliens, which I would have never seen in a Nintendo game ever. It has been a while since I last played the game and have forgotten most of the game mechanics, but the turn-base combat system is back and better than ever, with more ways to attack enemies with Bro Items. The humor still exists in the game, and the visuals are still gorgeous.… Expand
  29. iloveFFC
    Aug 17, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The story is just drop-jaw amazing, by far the best out of the series, and the main antagonists, The Shroobs, are my favorite enemies in the Mario series HANDS-DOWN. Sure they go a little War of the Worlds on the Mushroom Kingdom by killing toads for their life force to power their epic flying saucers, but nobody else in the series has ever been that evil! Anyway, the gameplay gets a little annoying at times because Baby Mario and Baby Luigi are very weak and the Mario bros. aren't around when I need them the most for baby fights. Some of the bosses near the end of the game are extremely challenging but fun, as were the puzzles. Its much more serious than the rest of the series, probably because of the alien invasion, something I don't mind, but it's not as funny as the first. Final score is 8.5 for me, but I'll give it a 9 because I'm feeling generous today.… Expand
  30. 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
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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]
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