Mario and Luigi Brothership Originally Had a Different Name

Summary

The original title for Mario and Luigi: Brothership had to be changed due to the release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
Akira Otani revealed that the game was originally planned to be called something like Mario and Luigi RPG Wonder.
Mario and Luigi: Brothership was released after nine years since the last mainline release.

Mario and Luigi: Brothership developers revealed the game's original title, which was Mario and Luigi RPG Wonder, had to be changed after the release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. After nine years since the last mainline release in the fan-favorite RPG series, Mario and Luigi: Brothership returns to the series' roots with a new look and classic gameplay. The game was released in November to a mostly positive reception, some believing it is a title worthy of a comeback to the Mario and Luigi series.

Following Mario and Luigi: Brothership's release, some of the staff members who worked on the game recently shared some stories about its development and how the game came together. Nintendo producer Akira Otani revealed a few things fans might not have known about the game, such as how the developers were considering an HD-2D art style for Mario and Luigi: Brothership at first, or how Nintendo almost canned the series entirely. One recent interview with Otani sheds some light on the game's former title before it went with Brothership.

In an interview with Nintendo Dream (translated courtesy of Gaming Reinvented), a variety of things about Brothership's development were covered, including the story, characters, and the process of choosing the game's title. According to producer Otani, he wanted to add "Wonder" to the game's title, considering Mario and Luigi RPG Wonder as a possible title. Once 2023's Super Mario Bros. Wonder was revealed, the developers needed to change the name so fans wouldn't get confused between the two. "Actually, at the beginning, I wanted to add Wonder. Like "Mario & Luigi RPG Wonder." But while we were making it, "Super Mario Bros. Wonder" came out first, so we couldn’t use it," said Otani with a laugh.

Mario and Luigi RPG Wonder Was Changed Because of Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the latest 2D installment in the franchise and is considered one of the best Nintendo Switch games of 2023. Super Mario Bros. Wonder returns to the game's roots as a 2D platformer but also includes a number of interesting level gimmicks thanks to the Wonder Flowers found throughout each level. Not only that, but players can also join the fun in four-player co-operative multiplayer, giving players the option to play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, Peach, and even Daisy.

Actually, at the beginning, I wanted to add Wonder. Like “Mario & Luigi RPG Wonder.” But while we were making it, “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” came out first, so we couldn’t use it (laughs).

Considering how similar the two names would have sounded and their different gaming genres, Nintendo and Acquire likely made the right call to change the title of the RPG as Mario and Luigi: Brothership. The developers also discussed other aspects of the game, such as Brothership's Luigi Logic system, which has fans a bit split on its implementation. According to Otani, he was against it at first, saying not using both the A and B buttons felt uncharacteristic for a Mario and Luigi RPG, but he believes it seems to have been well-received, so he felt "relieved."

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Mario & Luigi Brothership Tag Page Cover Art

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RPG

Adventure

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OpenCritic Reviews: Top Critic Avg: 77 /100 Critics Rec: 68%

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Released: November 7, 2024
ESRB: E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
Developer(s): Acquire
Publisher(s): Nintendo

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All hands on deck for an island-hopping adventure starring Mario and Luigi

The brothers return for a brand-new adventure on the high seas! Set sail with Mario and Luigi on Shipshape Island (part ship, part island) and journey through the vast world of Concordia. Launch out of Shipshape’s cannon to visit, explore, and quest your way through islands that range from tropical rainforests to bustling cities. Meet new friends along the way, like Connie and Snoutlet (definitely not a pig), and encounter familiar faces from the Mushroom Kingdom like Peach and Bowser, who may help—or hinder—you on your journey!

You’ll have to rely on Mario and Luigi’s brotherly bond to succeed. Use Bros. Moves to get past obstacles while you explore, and powerful Bros. Attacks in a dynamic twist on turn-based combat. You’ll need every edge this “brothership” will give you to save the day!