Will There Ever Be More Mario & Luigi Games? The Future of the Bros.
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The burning question on every RPG-loving Nintendo fan’s mind: Will we ever see another Mario & Luigi game? The answer, while not definitive, leans toward a cautious yes. The future is murky, but the magic and demand surrounding the series haven’t disappeared. The bankruptcy of AlphaDream, the series’ developer, in 2019 certainly threw a massive wrench into the works. However, Nintendo’s penchant for reviving beloved franchises, coupled with the enduring appeal of the Mario & Luigi RPG formula, offers a glimmer of hope. While the series may not return in exactly the same form, the spirit of the Bros. could very well live on in future projects. Let’s dive into the reasons why the future might still hold some exciting possibilities!
The AlphaDream Factor: Why Their Demise Matters
The biggest hurdle to a new Mario & Luigi title is undoubtedly the absence of AlphaDream. They weren’t just another developer; they were the Mario & Luigi franchise. Their unique blend of quirky humor, engaging turn-based combat, and clever storytelling defined the series. The games were so well-regarded!
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Sluggish Sales and High Development Costs: AlphaDream’s bankruptcy stemmed from the harsh reality of the game development business: sluggish revenues and high development costs. Their last title, Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey, suffered from poor sales in Japan, especially.
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Debt Mounting: Like many companies, AlphaDream found it difficult to keep up with growing debt, which as of March 2018 was over ¥465 million.
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The Last Game: Surprisingly, AlphaDream still contributed to Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, released a month after their bankruptcy. This suggests they were involved in some capacity right up until the very end.
Nintendo’s History of Revivals
Nintendo has a long and storied history of resurrecting dormant franchises. Think of Metroid Prime 4, the Kid Icarus revival on the 3DS, or the recent return of Advance Wars. While the Mario & Luigi series presents unique challenges due to the loss of AlphaDream, Nintendo might explore these options:
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Acquisition: Nintendo could acquire the intellectual property (IP) and task another studio with developing a new entry. It’s a possibility, albeit a complex one.
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Remakes/Remasters: The success of the Super Mario RPG remake shows Nintendo is open to revisiting classic RPGs. A remake of Superstar Saga or Bowser’s Inside Story on the Switch could gauge interest in the series. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is currently available via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
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New Developer: Nintendo could potentially task a new development studio with creating a spiritual successor or a brand-new entry in the franchise, possibly under guidance from former AlphaDream staff.
Reasons for Optimism
Despite the challenges, several factors suggest that the Mario & Luigi series isn’t necessarily dead:
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Demand is Still There: A quick glance at online forums and social media reveals a dedicated fanbase clamoring for a new game. The demand exists!
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Nintendo’s Awareness: Nintendo is acutely aware of what its fans want. If the demand is strong enough, they’re more likely to explore ways to bring the series back.
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Switch’s Success: The Nintendo Switch has proven to be a fertile ground for RPGs. A new Mario & Luigi title could thrive on the platform. The Super Mario RPG remake is a strong example of this.
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The Mario Brand: Mario is Nintendo’s flagship franchise. Nintendo won’t let the character and his associated franchises remain stagnant for long.
Potential Paths Forward
So, what could a new Mario & Luigi game look like? Here are some possibilities:
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A New Developer Takes the Helm: A new studio might try to capture the spirit of AlphaDream’s work. This is risky, but it could also bring a fresh perspective to the series.
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A “Spiritual Successor”: Instead of a direct continuation, Nintendo might opt for a game that shares the same core mechanics and humor but features a different story and setting.
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Remakes and Remasters: As mentioned, enhanced versions of older titles could test the waters and gauge interest in a full-fledged sequel.
The Future: A Waiting Game
Ultimately, the fate of the Mario & Luigi series rests in Nintendo’s hands. While the loss of AlphaDream is a significant blow, the enduring appeal of the franchise and Nintendo’s track record of reviving beloved series offer a glimmer of hope. The demand is still present among Nintendo fans, and, if that’s enough for the company, there’s still a possibility we could see the Bros. return to the RPG world.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Mario & Luigi series:
H3 1. Why did AlphaDream go bankrupt?
AlphaDream declared bankruptcy due to sluggish revenues and high development costs. The company struggled to keep up with growing debt.
H3 2. What was AlphaDream’s last game?
The final game worked on by AlphaDream was Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, released a month after the company’s bankruptcy.
H3 3. Will AlphaDream ever return?
While extremely unlikely, there’s a slight chance AlphaDream could return if a collaborative project with another developer proves highly successful, as per previous statements from the company. However, with the company bankrupt, this is considered unlikely.
H3 4. What are some of the best Mario & Luigi games?
Some of the best and most-loved entries in the Mario & Luigi series include:
- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
- Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
- Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story
- Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
H3 5. Is Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga on Switch?
Yes, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
H3 6. Why was Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey a poor seller?
This remake suffered from poor sales in Japan, partly attributed to the declining popularity of the 3DS platform and the changing gaming landscape.
H3 7. What are some signs that a franchise might be revived?
Signs include strong fan demand, successful remakes or remasters of older titles, and Nintendo’s history of reviving dormant series.
H3 8. What’s the next big Nintendo console?
Nintendo’s next-generation console is expected to release in the second half of 2024. Development kits are reportedly with key partner studios.
H3 9. Is Luigi’s Mansion 2 coming to Switch?
Yes, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is coming to Nintendo Switch in summer 2024.
H3 10. What is the next big Mario game releasing soon?
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is set to release in October 2023, alongside the Super Mario RPG remake in November 2023.
H3 11. Who is replacing Charles Martinet as Mario’s voice actor?
The new voice actors for Mario and Luigi have not yet been announced. However, Nintendo will be recasting the iconic voice.
H3 12. What is considered the longest Mario and Luigi game?
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team is generally considered the longest game in the series.
H3 13. Are Luigi and Daisy a couple?
According to some video game storylines, Luigi and Princess Daisy are a couple.
H3 14. Did Luigi ever save Daisy?
Yes, Luigi saves Daisy in the 1993 live-action film Super Mario Bros.
H3 15. Will there be a 4th Luigi’s Mansion game?
The success of Luigi’s Mansion 3 and the upcoming Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD remake suggest that Next Level Games is likely working on a fourth game in the series. Nintendo has shown support for more Luigi’s Mansion releases with the newest release being Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD.