Culture

Rating: 8/10

How is it that an Italian plumber has become such an iconic and enduring figure within the gaming industry and pop culture in general? It’s a question that has been posed many times over the years, and though many have proffered possible answers, I don’t think there is a definitive one – the answer is different for every fan. I recently heard Mario described as “food for the soul,” and I think this is an apt description. I have never played a Mario game that has hooked me on its story or blown me away with its content, and yet I still play them, have a blast in doing so and walk away feeling good because of it. The latest Mario game for the 3DS is no exception.

Mario and Luigi: Dream Team is a role-playing game set in the Mario universe and starring Mario, Luigi, Peach and the rest of the gang. However it introduces a new group of people: the Pi’illos. The Pi’illo’s live on Pi’illo Island, on which the game is set. The game begins with Peach receiving an invitation to come to the Island. However, when you arrive at the Island you of course uncover an evil that (surprise, surprise) threatens Peach and the rest of the island – and no, it isn’t Bowser (although he is in the game).

The story has you playing as both Mario and Luigi as they explore both the Island and the Dreamworld. The Dreamworld is a new world accessed through portals that open up when Luigi sleeps on magical pillows. The game is split into exploration of these two worlds, but each offers a diverse set of locations and challenges.

Though the Mario franchise isn’t known for role playing games, they have made quite a few. This game is the fourth entry into the Mario and Luigi role playing series, but then there is also the fantastic Paper Mario series. These games aren’t role playing games in the modern Skyrim-esque sense, but they have elements such as levelling, skill points and the ability to equip items. They all use a turn-by-turn combat system in which you can make your attacks or defences more effective through well timed button presses. It is a simple, yet incredibly rewarding and engaging, system.

Dream Team uses this system to great effect – every enemy presents a different challenge in terms of attack and defence that demands thought in order to succeed. This combat is supplemented with a set of special moves that are learnt as the game progresses. These special moves are not only effective, but fun. They require skill and precision to perform properly, such as well timed button presses or tilting your 3DS correctly.

The Island and Dreamworld both offer very different experiences in terms of gameplay and problem solving. The game has an almost absurd number of different mechanics, necessitating a huge number of tutorials. This can make the first couple hours of the game a little frustrating: every different mechanic is so cool that you just want to play with it, but before you really get the chance you are learning about something new. However, after a couple of hours, you are finally free to play and really try out all of these cool mechanics. Plus, the game is massive so you have plenty of time to get familiar with all of them.

This game really was food for the soul. The fun gameplay mechanics mixed with the vibrant art and light-hearted tone made every session with this game a joyful experience. Definitely a good game to fix your winter or study blues.