The beloved plumber brothers, Mario and Luigi, almost got a grittier makeover in their latest game, but Nintendo stepped in to maintain their classic charm. Let's delve into the art direction journey of Mario & Luigi: Brothership.

Exploring Artistic Avenues

A December 4th Nintendo website article featuring an "Ask the Developer" segment revealed that the initial designs showcased a more rugged and edgy Mario and Luigi. However, Nintendo felt this deviated too far from the established characters' identities. Acquire, the developers, aimed for "3D visuals that would bring out the unique appeal" of the series, differentiating it from other Mario games. This pursuit led them down an experimental path, resulting in the initially edgy interpretations.

Acquire's designers, Hitomi Furuta and others, explained their initial vision, noting the feedback from Nintendo emphasizing the need for a distinctly recognizable Mario & Luigi aesthetic. Nintendo provided a document outlining the core characteristics of the iconic duo. Furuta admitted initial concerns about whether the "rugged" version would resonate with players.

The final art style, a blend of bold illustrations and the playful charm of pixel animations, was a collaborative effort. Akira Otani from Nintendo's Entertainment Planning & Development Department highlighted the challenge of balancing Acquire's unique style with the preservation of Mario's essence.

Navigating Development Hurdles

Acquire, known for titles like Octopath Traveler and Way of the Samurai, typically works on less vibrant, more serious games. Furuta acknowledged their natural inclination towards darker RPG styles. Developing a game featuring such a globally popular IP also presented unique challenges for the team, accustomed to working independently.

Ultimately, the collaborative process yielded positive results. The team's decision to prioritize the fun and chaotic nature of the Mario & Luigi series, combined with Nintendo's design insights focused on clarity and accessibility, led to a brighter, more user-friendly game world.