Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions Review (Nintendo 3DS)

Step into the whimsical world of Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions, where classic RPG elements blend seamlessly with the signature humor and charm of the beloved franchise. This Nintendo 3DS remake revives the fan-favorite adventure with enhanced visuals, refined gameplay, and an intriguing new storyline featuring Bowser’s loyal underlings. From the engaging turn-based combat to the hilarious character interactions, the game offers an immersive experience that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Whether you’re revisiting the Beanbean Kingdom or embarking on this adventure for the first time, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions Review is here to break down every detail. Ready to discover why this title still shines as a must-play? Let’s dive in!

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions Review Pros:

  • Lush graphics.
  • 4690 blocks download size.
  • Tutorial support and a dedicated help section.
  • Easy mode option.
  • Two save slots.
  • Save whenever you want.
  • RPG gameplay.
  • Earn EXP to level up, all stats get increased, then you can pick a stat to increase by the random number roll bonus. The EXP bar is the end flag Mario fans know and love.
  • Mini map. You can pinpoint your interest in it and zoom in and out.
  • The top screen is the game, and the bottom screen is the menu/map.
  • Gear- Equip new pieces of gear in the slots to add buffs or abilities.
  • Big boss fights.
  • Can fast forward through cutscenes.
  • Enjoyable game to play, and it is very charming.
  • Easy to pick up and play for all ages.
  • Total playtime shown.
  • Record- Full stats breakdown of your progress.
  • Story so far option- Recap the story and get your current goal criteria.
  • Turn-based combat.
  • Combat style- You can use a weapon or jump on your enemy. Whichever you do, you can time your button presses to do bonus damage. You can also do double team moves, which are a combination of button presses where getting them right powers up the damage,e and failing them decreases the power.
  • Strong Mario RPG influences.
  • Green pipes can be used for fast travel between areas.
  • Addictive game.
  • Analog and d-pad support.
  • Combat is more 2D, whilst the roaming aspect is full 3D.
  • Can perform sneak attacks by jumping on unsuspecting enemies in the game world.
  • New mechanics also bring tutorial pop-ups.
  • Minion quest part- Play as the minions of Bowser and work your way through the levels to experience the game in a whole new way. You have a line of levels you must complete, so it is a lot more compact.
  • Can hotswap between each game type from the menu.
  • Shops- Buy and sell gear. You can manipulate the prices by leveling up certain stats.
  • Items- Many to collect and do your usual stuff like health, Double team points, or increased attacks, etc.
  • Clever writing and very humorous.
  • Secret areas and places to visit.

Cons:

  • No 3D implementation.
  • Some tedious platforming sections.
  • Levelling up is slow.
  • Minion quest feels hollow, and you spend more time reading than you do playing.
  • The Minions part has to be unlocked.
  • Difficulty spikes, especially as you never truly know who you are fighting until you are in the fight.
  • A lot of hand-holding.
  • Slow starter and takes a while to get going.

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Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions

Official website

Developer; Nintendo

Publisher: Nintendo

Store Links –

Nintendo

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions Review
  • 8/10
    Graphics - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Sound - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Accessability - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Length - 8/10
  • 8/10
    Fun Factor - 8/10
8/10

Summary

Solid RPG title and one that is very easy to get into, but very hard to stop playing. The levels are creative enough that all types of gamers will appreciate the many routes to the goal. It has a lot of nice touches and feels polished. I recently started Mario RPG on the SNES Classic, but after playing this, I find it hard to go back. This scratches the itch but also adds some more funk to it. If you want a laid-back back less hectic Mario experience, then this is for you. Anybody can jump in and enjoy this game, and it is well worth playing.

Jim Smale

Gaming since the Atari 2600, I enjoy the weirdness in games counting Densha De Go and RC De Go as my favourite titles of all time. I prefer gaming of old where buying games from a shop was a thing, Being social in person was a thing. Join me as I attempt to adapt to this new digital age!