#because then they play as mario and luigi

[peanut-tyrug]

CAUTION: This post contains spoilers from Mario and Luigi: Brothership. If you haven’t beaten the game yet, don’t read beyond the cut

—

I feel like not enough people have talked about the symbolism and themes within Brothership

I noticed it as I played. It unfurled before me… and I couldn’t help but be absolutely impressed by it. This is by far the most in depth M&L story I’ve ever seen

I would also like to mention that this is based on my own personal interpretations/opnions

~~~

— Theming and Symbolism in Characters and the World —

Most M&L games have a theme to the world we visit, this is most noticeable in Superstar Saga and Dream Team. Superstar Saga’s theme is humor and laughter, while Dream Team’s is sleep.

Both games have their own original species to match with these themes. The Beanish and Pi’illos. There’s not much to it other than that. There isn’t any reason for why these peoples were chosen, outside of theming

Brothership feels the same way for a time. It doesn’t seem like there’s a reason for why the Concordians are all cords or outlets outside of theming… but there’s more to it

Late into the story, Bonds become more prevalent in the plot. Yes, it’s a pun, but it’s also symbolic. Bonds refer to relationships between characters, Mario and Luigi included. Connections (also a pun) are part of this symbolism as well

Connections and Bonds are generally the same thing. And they both add a symbolic reason as to why the people behind Brothership chose for the Concordians to be plugs or outlets or cords

Not only is it theming, it’s also symbolism

~~~

— The Power of Friendship, but cooler —

“The Power of Friendship” is a trope that’s used a lot in shows, generally being used for younger audiences. The trope has been clowned on due to how corny it can be

I will not deny that Brothership is in the same boat… but what makes it feel unique is that the “power of friendship” trope, in this game’s instance, has symbolism

As mentioned before, Bonds are symbolic of relationships between characters. This makes the story feel nowhere near as corny or cheesy (Imo) as it would if it *didn’t* have this symbolism

~~~

— In-depth characters… the Bros. included —

Most M&L games don’t go too far in depth with their characters. Not that they always need to… but character depth is always welcome

Brothership goes far beyond what any game in the series has done, and gives most of the main cast some level of depth. They were given more to enhance their characters, and make them more interesting

This also goes back to Bonds, which also allow for more interesting characters. Wilma and her family, Chilliam and Burnadette, Connie and Cozette, Junior and Buddy, and the IDLE Crew (plus Peach and Starlow) are all notable examples… and so are the Bros

M&L’s whole gimmick is fixating on the Bros. and their brotherly bond. It isn’t just the original characters that are tied into the story by Bonds, it’s also Mario and Luigi. Part of the whole plot is their powerful bond, and how easily they are able connect other Bonds

~~~

— An Unexpected, yet welcome, Turn of Events —

This isn’t necessarily a theme, but something I thought was really cool and eye-opening

Something that I didn’t expect to do was visit the Extension Corps when gathering Bonds… because why would you? Why would you go back to the people who wanted you gone and ask for their Bond Power? Why would the plot have you do that?

The Great Conductor says that Bonds don’t just come from good people… he’s right. It’s not just good guys who have bonds. It was a point in the story I didn’t expect at all, but gladly welcomed. It’s honestly very profound and bold to me

When we go back to the Extension Corps, we see them grow as characters. After the Bros. walloped them, they went back to Slippenglide and reformed, being tired of doing evil

Never did I expect them to have any ounce of depth…. But they do, and it’s great :)

~~~

— A Combo of Nature and Tech —

This is more on the smaller side, but I thought it was cool

Brothership combines tech (plugs, outlets) with nature (plants, trees), two things that don’t necessarily go together, but makes them compatible. They aren’t always used in positive ways either

Connie and Cozette utilize nature in a positive and healthy way, protecting and caring for the Uni-Tree, while Reclusa does the opposite

Reclusa summons the flowers that stick onto people’s heads and creates their own isolated paradise. He creates the Soli-Tree. I may be over analyzing this, but I like to think this ties into real life, in a way

Nature, or specifically plant growth, can be both positive and negative. Not all plants are good for organic life, some are harmful or deadly, much like the Doom Blooms or Weeping Reclusa

—

This isn’t really too organized, but I just really wanted to discuss all of this and get it out of my head

Thank you for coming to my silly Ted-Talk :)

[buglvr24]

who @etherealspacejelly and i think the tos characters would main as in mario kart

we deliberated about this yesterday because we are experts on these characters

kirk: he plays as a mii of himself. he’s actually made miis of all his friends

spock: he only plays when jim asks him to but he secretly enjoys it. he can actually be quite competitive too, especially with bones. spock insists that rosalina is the logical choice because of her speed. everyone knows that he actually wants a character that serves as much as he does

bones: jim jokes that bones should play as drybones. bones hates that idea. he plays as bowser instead. he’s also very competitive so he likes bowsers speed. he also likes when bowser goes RAWWWRRRRR

chekov: waluigi. he’s such a waluigi guy. he also loves to do the waluigi voice to annoy everyone.

sulu: always went with luigi. switched to petey piranha after they added him to 8. he’s a plant parent to his core.

uhura: toadette. she can’t resist something cute and she thinks toadette is adorable.

chapel: she loves birdo. she isn’t too competitive but thinks it’s funny to beat bones.

scotty: donkey kong. he feels that donkey kong is a kindred spirit

janice: cat peach. she’s a cat lover. also really loves that sulu thinks cat peach is kinda creepy.

kevin riley: toad. cause he’s annoying /j

transporter chief kyle: yoshi. he has good taste

m’benga: drybones. he’s very good too because he’s played with his daughter

[furornocturna]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! I LOVE YOUR ART!! Your style is so cool and Luigi looks simply adorable! Lookit him!

I’m glad you loved my ramblings! I return to offer more, if you so desire…

I love the idea of Luigi’s wardrobe having some more “dapper” apparel in it. Wanting emulate his Count/father plus he just looks good. But that wouldn’t be his only form of dress. Luigi is fully allowed freedom in clothing choice, having a broad variety of both formal and casual dress, along with more familiar overalls and dungarees for when he gets up to Mr. L’s mechanic work. Mimi is wholly responsible for the size and variety of Luigi’s closet, and teaching him how to have good taste in fashion.

Mr. L absolutely does exist albeit very differently in this. A “superhero” persona to hide his identity both for the protective reasons you listed, but also for Luigi to have versatility in going on both reconnaissance and combat missions and not be recognized. But another idea I’ve weaved into it is still incorporating magical interference. This Luigi grew up having learned the ability to act from both Mimi and Dimentio, so he knows how to play a convincing persona, but would still struggle with being able to follow through with hurting the heroes. Especially if he’s gotten to know them more from interacting with them on prior undercover missions.

Dimentio uses a combination of artful manipulations and secret spellcasting on Mr. L’s mask to get Luigi in the mindset/motivations to have actual malice toward them to follow through with disposing of their enemies. It ultimately fails however as Luigi’s own will and inner magic is able to override the spellwork.

Luigi just has that effect. You can’t not love him!

Nicknames! That’s really cute and a great way to set up angst for the messy truth coming out. I also created another for Dad!Bleck to use, “mon petit cœur” French endearment meaning “my little heart” (which, fitting for the themes of love and hearts; and I’m making Bleck fluent in French because guys, his character is the most dramatic, romantic and lovelorn in the French translation. Making Luigi trilingual in this au! He learned Italian from Dimentio :)… have fun with that).

Yeah, their fight is… oof.

And on the subject… I’ve had these ideas for ages and I’ve actually written a bunch of scenes out for them?

In relevance to the thread, I screenshotted (sorry for the awkward cropping, posting on mobile) ones specific to one of their father-son interactions:

And from their fight:

I wish I didn’t have to go into work rn so I could infodump more on this. There’s so much more in store to share on this, the dynamics for Luigi’s other relationships in the castle, particularly with Dimentio (this one… prepare yourselves). But also the new bonds he ends up forming with the heroes as worlds clash and collide along with Luigi’s uncertainty on whose side he’s on anymore…

He wants answers.

And so does Mario, for that matter.

@severalratstiedtogether come get ur food

I love seeing so many people share their appreciation of Team Bleck being a family and wholly adopting Luigi as one of their own. Now I’d like you all to consider:

What if… Count Bleck found Baby Luigi while he was separated from his twin, and then he and the other raised him as part of the family into adulthood?

NOW THATS INTERESTING... we don't know the timeline at all of when count bleck lost timpani and also recruited the other minions so you could really get flexible with this one i imagine

a grown-up luigi encountering the red-clad hero of prophecy and being so startled because it's the first time he's ever seen someone who looks like him...

[cuchufletapl]

how to speak (modern AU)

Triple drabble for Edling Week 2024. Day 5: beauty / kismet / triumph / horizon.

@edling-week

AO3

They spend the last days of June togther, but they don’t do any of their previously planned stuff. Sprawled on the sofa, they play Mario Kart, not bringing the matter up, the fan whirring at top speed. Ed loses with a blue shell yell of rage, and Ling’s Princess Peach crosses the finish line laughing.

“Rematch?” Ed offers, but Ling declines.

They leave the controllers between the cushions and get out to the veranda. Summer is plucking out the few flowers left in the unkempt garden. I don’t know how to do this, says one of them. I don’t either, says the other. It’d be nice if things didn’t have to be this way, but c’est la vie.

Ling is leaving the day after tomorrow. His exchange studies program only lasts one year.

“Are you done packing?” Ed asks, crouching on the grass, shredding a poppy.

“I’ll start tonight.”

“And what if you run out of time, moron.”

“Hey.” A friendly tap with his foot. “You can’t speak like that to the 150cc podium king.”

“Only three out of five times!”

Ling laughs. The cicadas get frightened and quiet down when they hear him, and the sudden absence of their song falls over the boys like a heat wave blanket. Sighing, Ed stops pretending to be so terribly annoyed at losing on the Wii and stands up. He sticks his hands in his pockets, all nonchalance.

“You know that place Al talks about sometimes?”

“Where he took Mei on their first date?”

“The river pools with the tiny waterfalls, yeah. It’s pretty beautiful. And you can jump into the water from like eight meters high.”

“Mm-hm?”

“When you come back, I’ll take you.”

Ling smiles and takes one of Ed’s hands out of his pocket to interlace their fingers.

“Deal.”

[shartfinz]

Nintendo if you bring super paper Mario back I'll fix Mr. L's hands in this drawing just for you

[beebfreeb]

One of the most heart-wrenching things that've ever happened to me occurred while trying to research the Super Paper Mario art style.

"Ohh what a beautiful and interesting art style! It is very distinctive! I wonder if anyone else has tried or wanted to try breaking it down and replicating it?" Obliviously, I typed in Super Paper Mario Art Style into my search bar... only to find many people calling it ugly and saying they hate it.

This simply could not be... permanent damage was done to my artistic soul.

No joy? No whimsy in this world? No love of computer graphics? Of a certain era of clipart? Of the art that was born from the computer and is difficult to replicate without one? Of the art made when this was something new and fascinating? No love for something unique?

Super Paper Mario don't listen to all those haters I love your geometric art style influenced by what shapes are easily drawn on a computer and the smooth mechanical interpolation within your animations. I love you. Also the music is banger.

[pianokantzart]

Princess Daisy's capabilities as a ruler being disregarded because she's loud, hotheaded and emotional, leading her to be perceived by many as immature and impulsive.

Luigi's capabilities as a hero being disregarded because he's awkward, nervous and emotional, leading him to be perceived by many as weak and pathetic.

Both of them recognizing the value inherent in each other's feelings while simultaneously seeing the strength and potential in one another that they are unable to see in themselves. Do you feel me?

[chillisreal]

FIRST ONE

me and my sister played some 3D world earlier, and I was thinking a lot about it while listening to a song called you and me and i just, yeah

Mario n luigi, the brothers ever.

[istadris]

Mario movie AU (inspired by discussions with @lunarianebula872-blog ) where Bowser has the Koopalings and Junior on board and lets them roam around the fortress while he's busy being king.

The Koopalings are brats so when they spy Bowser and see him manhandling Luigi, they want to get the human into more trouble. So they pull him out of the cage and start forcing him into awkward situations.

Except... it backfires for the best everytime.

Iggy, Lemmy and Larry play football with Luigi's cage and it gets tangled with all of the other cages, but instead of getting mad Bowser finds the resulting scene hilarious and it puts him in a good mood.

Junior goes down to rattle Luigi's cage and scare him but in the process he slips from his clown car and only thanks to Luigi catching him does he not fall into lava; Bowser is so relieved and grateful he moves Luigi to a nicer cell (still a hole in a wall with bars but at least without lava).

...That's fine ! More opportunities to get him in trouble!

Ludwig pretends to befriend Luigi and tells him all sort of lies about what to say to Bowser to please him (but actually everything Bowser hates to hear and would get furious about); when Luigi does say these things, Bowser is amused by the human's guts and thinks he's not so bad to have around.

Roy and Morton drag Luigi in the kitchen and bully him into cooking something for dinner in the hope he messes up ; Bowser is delighted by the meal and is flabbergasted to learn the human made it, and actually pays him a compliment.

Wendy dresses up Luigi in a cute and expensive outfit and pushes him into Bowser's path ; Bowser is taken away by how pretty Luigi looks and wonders if all humans are so cute or if he's just lucky to fall for the prettiest...wait, is he falling for Luigi ??

Every time they try harder to make Bowser hate Luigi, they just push them harder into each other's arms.

[pownicmania5000]

Inferiority complex

[fullmoonfireball]

slutshaming him!!!!!!

[radarsteddybear]

Wait, wait, wait, I want to play THAT game!

Sounds serious.

Awww, poor Luigi… (I was kind of surprised when he didn’t come along to Rogueport at the start of the game.)

Awww (wait…Mario….are you sleeping??? And Koops, too? Jeez, show some respect!)

Priorities.

That sounds like a fantastic basis for an adventure, actually.

You go, Luigi!

Best of luck to you! (Also, can I come? The Pudding Continent sounds fantastic!)

But I...thought you were going to...never mind.

[19871997]

nuge plays as mario and connor plays as luigi 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[musical-attorney]

Strong women in power v.s pathetic men

[shartfinz]

jayvik is SO doomed that I am mildly afraid of them

[foxwithapen]

"What's this?" Peach asked, gingerly accepting the box from Luigi. Just in time too; his hands were shaking so much he was afraid he'd drop it.

"Uh, it's a gift. I helped Bowser make it..."

"Oh! A gift huh? That's oddly thoughtful of him." She lifted the lid, revealing a messily frosted cake, the words 'I'm sorry' written with large, unsteady claws. She smiled softly. "Aw, how sweet. What prompted this?"

Luigi shifted in his spot, overly aware of the crimson spreading across his face. "Ah, well, he's really trying to do better. A-and he remembered that time you made him a thank you cake and figured he could do the same for you." Luigi chuckled awkwardly. "I can't promise it'll taste as good as yours, though."

Her laugh was bright as she found space on the kitchen counter for it, moving around a vase of flowers to make room. "This Bowser of yours seems like a sweetheart. You know, I knew a Bowser at one point too, but he was nothing like this."

Luigi found himself relaxing in her calm, playful speech. He had expected her to hate him. After all, Bowser was the one who had been causing problems for her and the kingdom for years now. But, there she was, cheerfully scouring the cabinets for two, dessert plates for the cake Bowser had made. With help, but still. Her kindness knew no bounds. "W-well, he's made a lot of improvement! He's got a ways to go but..." He had to search for the right words. "...but I'm glad you're giving him that chance."

Peach cut a slice for each of them, and Luigi held his breath, waiting to see how well it held up. The cake looked dense, and maybe a little dry, but it sure was a cake. Luigi let out a sigh of relief, hoping that Peach didn't notice.

"Well then, I look forward to meeting the new him for the first time. However, I do have two conditions."

Luigi could feel the words puncture the balloon of joy that had been inflating inside him as he imagined what those conditions might be. Was he never allowed to set foot inside Peach's kingdom? Would they never be allies? Would...would he not be allowed to tell Mario?

But, when she responded, she did so lightly, twirling the end of her fork in the air. "One: He can't kidnap me anymore. He never hurt me while I was there, but if I'm to visit him I want it to be of my own accord. And two: His kingdom stops attacking mine. We will have peace between us. If he breaks either of my conditions, I might have to go about remembering the old Bowser."

Her words were firm, but they nevertheless brought Luigi relief. "I'll make sure he sticks to those conditions."

She grinned, sliding Luigi his slice of the cake. "Well then, let's dig in."