Nintendo Rejects Edgy Mario & Luigi Game

The beloved plumber brothers, Mario and Luigi, almost had a grittier, edgier look in their latest game. However, Nintendo stepped in, guiding the development team towards a more familiar aesthetic. Let's delve into the artistic journey of Mario & Luigi: Brothership.

Early Development: A Rugged Transformation

Initially, Acquire, the game's developers, explored a bolder, more rugged visual style for the iconic duo. Concept art showcases a departure from the classic Mario aesthetic, featuring a sharper, more mature look. (See images below)

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However, Nintendo felt this direction strayed too far from the established Mario and Luigi identity. Feedback from Nintendo emphasized the importance of maintaining visual consistency with the franchise's long-standing charm. This prompted a reevaluation of the art style. Acquire's designers, including Furuta, acknowledged the initial worry about deviating from the expected Mario aesthetic, even though the "rugged" version was initially well-received internally.

Finding the Right Balance

The development team ultimately blended the initial edgy concept with elements of classic Mario style, incorporating aspects like bold outlines and expressive eyes, while retaining the series’ signature comedic charm. This resulted in a unique visual style that honors the franchise's heritage while offering a fresh perspective. Nintendo's input was crucial in this process, ensuring that the game's visual style remained true to the established Mario and Luigi identity. Otani, from Nintendo, stressed the importance of finding a balance between Acquire's unique style and the core elements of the Mario franchise.

A Unique Creative Challenge

Acquire, known for titles like Octopath Traveler and the Way of the Samurai series, typically works on darker, less colorful games. Adapting their style to the bright and cheerful world of Mario proved challenging. Creating a game featuring globally recognized characters also presented a unique hurdle. Despite these challenges, the collaborative effort between Acquire and Nintendo resulted in a game that successfully retains the fun, chaotic spirit of previous Mario & Luigi titles. The development team learned valuable lessons from Nintendo's design philosophy, which ultimately contributed to a brighter, more accessible game world.