The Mario & Luigi RPG series is beloved for its humor, engaging combat, and inventive worlds. While Superstar Saga often tops fan lists and Bowser’s Inside Story is a close contender, Partners in Time for the Nintendo DS often sparks a more divided reaction. Having spent time with Partners in Time, it’s clear it holds a unique place in the series, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors.
One of the initial draws of Partners in Time is its intriguing time travel premise. The idea of Baby Mario and Baby Luigi teaming up with their adult counterparts creates entertaining scenarios and puzzle-solving opportunities. The “bros items,” special attacks utilizing both sets of Mario brothers, are visually impressive and initially feel like a strong addition to the combat system. However, these items quickly reveal themselves to be quite expensive in-game, creating a sense of imbalance that can hinder their practical use.
The game’s world, while expansive in terms of map size, leans towards linearity in its level design. Exploration, a key element in the Mario & Luigi series, feels somewhat constrained. Areas, though functional, lack the visual vibrancy and memorable character of locations found in Superstar Saga and Bowser’s Inside Story. Puzzle design often relies on separating the baby and adult duos to navigate obstacles, a mechanic that, while present, can become repetitive and less engaging compared to the body exploration in Bowser’s Inside Story or the varied mini-games of that title.
Combat in Partners in Time presents a notable challenge. Boss battles, while creatively designed and sometimes incorporating puzzle-like elements, can feel punishing, especially for players who find themselves under-leveled. The relentless nature of these encounters can be frustrating, contrasting with the more balanced difficulty curve in other Mario & Luigi games. While the baby characters are a charming addition to the story, their combat contributions feel significantly less impactful than their adult counterparts, leading to a gameplay dynamic where the older brothers dominate battles.
In conclusion, Partners in Time is not a bad game in isolation. It offers enjoyable moments and a distinctive time travel theme. However, when placed alongside the critically acclaimed Superstar Saga and Bowser’s Inside Story, its shortcomings become more apparent. The game’s unfulfilled potential leaves one hoping that future installments in the Mario & Luigi series might revisit and refine the time travel concept, realizing the full promise that Partners in Time hinted at. It’s a worthwhile entry for fans of the series, but manages to fall short of the excellence established by its esteemed brethren.
