Is Mario & Luigi: Brothership turn based?

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a brand-new adventure for the titular Mario brothers while also being the latest entry in the acclaimed RPG spin-off series. It is also an evolution of the saga in many ways. However, fans expecting drastic changes such as an all-new battle system will be disappointed as Brothership falls back on its reliable turn-based gameplay formula.

In other words, returning fans of the franchise have much to be hyped about. Here is everything to know about the combat in Mario & Luigi: Brothership.

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Does Mario & Luigi: Brothership have turn-based combat?

Different foes require different strategies (Image via Nintendo)

As with all past entries in the spin-off series, this latest Nintendo Switch entry is also a turn-based JRPG. Players control Mario and Luigi as the duo explore the fragmented islands of Concordia to bring everything together. Throughout the journey, they will make new friends but also encounter many foes.

This is where the battle system comes in. Players will get into combat encounters across the overworld, which takes them to a battle arena against enemies. Here, they will select between different actions, including attacking, using items, and more. Longtime fans will be able to pick it up easily as the core fundamentals remain intact. Here's a summary of available actions:

• Jump: Perform a Primary Attack.
• Hammer: Perform a Secondary Attack.
• Items: Use consumables to turn the tide of battle.
• Flee: Attempt to escape the current battle.

Depending on the actions or skills called Bros. Attacks that players can use at the expense of the BP gauge, they will need to input different strings of QTEs (quick-time events), involving both Mario and Luigi who use the A and B buttons, respectively, on the Nintendo Switch controller. Attacks range from dealing heavy damage to performing massive, flashy area-of-effect moves.

Powerful Bros. Attacks see the duo work together to deal massive damage (Image via Nintendo)

Nailing button inputs will allow them to deal more damage to foes consecutively, so being attentive in battle to what prompts are shown is key. Alternately, when enemies attack, players can jump to avoid incoming damage right before the foe strikes, which can turn into a counter if the brothers land on the foe as the jump ends. Furthermore, they can guard to reduce damage taken. This will be key when fighting multiple foes or powerful bosses.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership introduces a new mechanic called Battle Plugs. These equippables grant new perks to the brothers, such as dealing critical damage to flying foes. However, they deplete as and when used and recharge over time. There are different types of Battle Plugs, each with its own advantages and players can swap between them as needed to create dynamic combos.

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Mario & Luigi: Brothership is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.