Mario and Luigi: Developer Interview, Volume 15 - First Installment of Brotherhood Series
In June 2024, during the Nintendo Direct, the announcement of a new addition to the beloved Mario & Luigi series was made - Mario & Luigi: Brothership in 3D. This 3D Action RPG marks the first new title in the series in nine years, since Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam in 2015.
The game's development process was a unique one for Acquire Corporation, who collaborated with Nintendo on this project. Haruyuki Ohashi, director of the game, was from Acquire, and he was joined by Hitomi Furuta, the Art Director, who was responsible for the overall art style and designing some of the main characters.
Acquire Corporation was initially approached by producer Akira Otani for their advanced 3D technology and experience in RPG and action game development. This collaboration was new territory for Acquire, and the project presented its challenges. The visual direction of the game was initially considered to be HD-2D, similar to Acquire's OCTOPATH TRAVELER, but was later decided to be in 3D to align with the game's packaging artwork.
Tomoki Fukushima, the Associate Producer, was in charge of coordinating with outside developing companies for games such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The 3D approach was chosen to add new and appealing elements to the game that weren't present in previous Mario & Luigi games.
The game is set in Concordia, a different world from the Mushroom Kingdom, and features Mario and Luigi sailing around drifting islands. The No Heroes Allowed! series, created by Ohashi, was a factor in the decision to make Mario & Luigi in 3D, as it presented challenges in pixel art animation that the developers wanted to avoid.
This collaboration between Nintendo and Acquire Corporation is an exciting development for both companies, as it provides Acquire with the opportunity to learn various aspects of game creation from Nintendo, while also offering fans a fresh take on the classic Mario & Luigi series. More details about the development process and reasoning behind the decision to create "Mario & Luigi: Brothership in 3D" may become available as the game approaches its release.
- In the future, the Nintendo Switch could potentially support Mario & Luigi: Brothership in 3D, as it has been confirmed to be the platform for this new addition to the series.
- As the hardware for Game Boy and NES gaming systems are outdated, it's unlikely that they would be able to run the complex graphics of Mario & Luigi: Brothership in 3D.
- With Nintendo's technology and advanced gadgets, the 3D Action RPG Mario & Luigi: Brothership in 3D promises to be a step forward in gaming, marrying Artificial Intelligence with traditional gameplay mechanics.
- In the realm of digital entertainment, the announcement of Nintendo's collaboration with Acquire Corporation on the 3D Action RPG, Mario & Luigi: Brothership, underscores the company's commitment to innovation in gaming and technology.
