02-04-2012, 07:00 AM
(This post was last modified: 02-04-2012, 07:01 AM by Azure-Tranquility.)
Mario & Luigi: SuperStar Saga released in 2003. Being the first portable Mario RPG, it was notable for having a comedic script and addictive gameplay. Often compared to the Paper Mario sub-series, Mario & Luigi is actually more like Super Mario RPG. Much like any Mario RPG, pressing a button at the right time increases or reduces damage. Specific to Mario & Luigi is the ability to dodge with a correct button press, whereas Paper Mario & Super Mario RPG only allowed blocking. SSS also introduced Fawful, who would go on to be in every entry of the sub-series.
Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time was released in 2005. As the first Mario & Luigi game on the DS, it really didn't take advantage of the system much. It does utilize the two screens and four buttons, as in this entry Mario & Luigi are joined by their juvenile selves. Unlike SSS, enemies have much more durability due to a new system: Bro Items. Much like the Bro Attacks in SSS, Bro Items were more or less special attacks that could be performed by the foursome, that used items instead of SP or MP.
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story released recently, in 2009. Unlike Partners in Time, BiS takes advantage of the DS; touch screen, dual screens, and four buttons. Instead of the baby bros., players get to control Bowser, complete with his own subset battle system separate from the Mario Bros. Fawful returns as the big cheese villain, and in full force. The brilliant script really shines in this entry thanks to Fawful's dialogue. Bro Items were retired in favor of Bro Moves once more, and Bowser gets his own special moves as well that utlize the touch screen.
The series is also popular for its sprite style. Spriters everywhere adored the style of the original, though the style of PiT wasen't nearly as great, BiS rectified the issue with a superior PiT sprite style.