Mario and Luigi: Nintendo's "Edgier" Vision Denied

The beloved plumber brothers, Mario and Luigi, almost received a grittier, more mature makeover in their latest game. However, Nintendo stepped in to ensure the game maintained its signature style. Let's delve into the evolution of Mario & Luigi: Brothership's art direction.

Exploring Artistic Avenues

In a December 4th "Ask the Developer" feature on Nintendo's website, Acquire, the game's developers, revealed an initial design featuring edgier, more rugged versions of Mario and Luigi. Nintendo, however, felt this deviated too far from the established characters' identities.

Akira Otani and Tomoki Fukushima (Nintendo) and Haruyuki Ohashi and Hitomi Furuta (Acquire) discussed the development process. Acquire, aiming for "3D visuals highlighting the series' unique appeal," experimented extensively, leading to the initial "edgy" designs.

Furuta recounted the humorous moment when Nintendo's feedback prompted a reassessment. Nintendo provided guidelines emphasizing the core elements defining Mario and Luigi's visual representation. Furuta admitted initial concerns about the edgier design's reception among players.

The team ultimately blended elements from illustrative styles (bold outlines, black eyes) with the charm of pixel animations, creating a unique visual style for the game. Otani highlighted the balance between allowing Acquire creative freedom while preserving the essence of Mario.

Navigating Development Challenges

Acquire, known for titles like Octopath Traveler and Way of the Samurai, typically creates less vibrant, more serious games. Furuta acknowledged their tendency towards darker RPG aesthetics. Developing a game using a globally recognized IP also presented unique hurdles.

The final result, however, proved successful. The team's decision to prioritize the fun, chaotic nature of the Mario & Luigi series, combined with Nintendo's design insights, resulted in a brighter, more accessible game world.