"M&L:PiT is a must-play for Mario RPG fans, but it may disappoint hard-core RPG players"

Story: 9/10
The story of Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time (referred to as M+L from now on) is surprisingly creative for a Mario game. Rather than focusing on how Bowser is out to ruin your day, the game centers on some new villains, the Shroobs. It all starts when Princess Peach decides to meddle in times long past with her shiny new time machine; built by none other than Prof. Elvin Gadd (a.k.a. Prof. E. Gadd). However, just like every other time the princess leaves the castle, Peach encounters trouble and it is up to the Mario and Luigi to save the day.

M+L adds a new dimension to follow up the GBA hit (Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga) by introducing baby Mario and baby Luigi. The tots team up with their adult selves to set things right in the Mushroom Kingdom once again.

The progression of the story is smooth throughout most of the game. However, it did feel as if the story was being rushed towards the end. The new villains were a refreshing change from the good ol' Mario versus Bowser norm as well.

Game-Play: Overall: 8.5/10
M+L basically breaks down into two sections in this category: the battle system and map navigation.

Map Navigation: 8/10
Playing as Mario, Luigi, baby Mario, and baby Luigi, you progress through different stages during the past and present of the Mushroom Kingdom. The top screen is used to show you the map of whatever area you are on most of the time while the bottom is where most of the action takes place. Normally, Mario and Luigi carry their baby selves around piggy-back style. However, at times the babies break off into their own party into areas that the adults can't reach in order to solve puzzles or get treasures. Certain puzzles call for the top screen to host to the babies while the bottom shows the adults. At other times the babies and the adults split up entirely and you switch back and forth between them on the bottom screen alone.

The whole baby/adult dynamic adds a unique way of solving puzzles throughout the game. It may sound confusing that the babies are on one screen and the adults are on the other while they try to solve puzzles, but in practice it couldn't be simpler. Unfortunately, the puzzles are not challenging in the least bit. They are merely obstacles between you and the end of the game, and after a while they just become annoying.

There are no random battles in this RPG. Instead, you see all your enemies on the screen as you navigate the different stages. This makes pretty much every non-essential battle avoidable. Although avoiding every battle is not advisable since you need to gain experience to make Mario, Luigi, and the babies stronger. You can also get the drop on most enemies by jumping on them or striking them with a hammer (hammer is for babies only). Doing so will gain you a preemptive strike on every enemy.

Battle System: 9/10
The battle system in M+L is quite simple at first. There are two ways of attacking: jumping (or hammering when babies are present) and bros items. Well-times button presses when jumping or hammer-striking will reward you with higher damage and extra strikes. Bros items are unique in-battle only items that consist of times button pressing to deliver more damage than regular attacks. The deeper you get into the game, the more complex and powerful these items become; rewarding you with more strikes and more damage per use. Items like mushrooms (for health) and 1-up mushrooms (for reviving) can also be used in battle.

Another element of the battle system is counter-attacking. When enemies strike, a well-timed button press can not only prevent one of the brothers from being hit, but damage the attacker. Enemies have subtle mannerisms that tell you what attack they are going to perform and on which brother before they actually carry out the hit, but otherwise you don't know who they are targeting or with what kind of attack. Some enemies are easy to counter, while countering others is quite tricky. It can become frustrating at times trying to get the hang of a new enemy's mannerisms, but mastering the art of counter-attacking is quite rewarding.

Graphics: 8/10
The graphics of M+L are not awe inspiring, even considering that it is only a DS game and not a console game. They are crisp and clear, but I feel as though they are not much of an upgrade from a later generation GBA game. Despite the lackluster appeal of the graphics on whole, they do stay fresh throughout the entire game. The backgrounds never become repetitive, nor do the stages in the foreground. Overall the graphics are solid, but they are no setting the bar very high for the DS.

Sound: --/10
Admittedly, I did not play this game with the sound on that much at all. This makes it hard for me to judge this aspect of the game. What music and sound effects that I did hear were well done. However, since I didn't play the entire game with the sound up, I will withhold judgment in this category.

Length and Replay Value: 7/10
The game is not very long at all. After a mere 20 hours, the M+L experience is over. Also, with no NewGame+, features to unlock, or side quests to explore, there is very little replay value here. I personally find this unacceptable for a RPG title. If you are looking for a long RPG experience on the DS, look elsewhere.

Overall (not an average): 9/10
M+L is a unique RPG experience on the DS. Nintendo fans will love the franchise appeal of Mario and Luigi, and RPG fans will appreciate some of the puzzles and the battle system. However, hard-core RPG fans may blow right through the game without ever being wiped out in battle, challenged by the puzzles, or even falling deep into the story. However, M+L has a light-hearted story and fun battle system, and the ease of puzzles makes it accessible to most players, be them RPG fanatics or not. This is a definite must-play for fans of Mario RPG games.

Take note though, the short game time may not warrant a purchase from most players. If you feel that you are one of these players, then I suggest that you rent it if you have the means (perhaps services like Gamefly offer it), or borrow it from a friend who has a copy.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/09/06