Developer Q&A Volume 15: Mario & Luigi: Brothership – Chapter 4 | Update

Otani: Typically, the soundtrack for the Mario & Luigi games leaned heavily on piano melodies. This time around, though, we wanted to shake things up a bit. So, we challenged the composer to weave in some wind instruments and pack in more emotion, giving him free rein to take it from there.

Ohashi: Crafting the music was no easy feat. We met with Sakamoto-san weekly, often scratching our heads over what “Mario & Luigi-like” music really meant. (Laughs) Eventually, we honed down a selection of instruments that captured that nostalgic vibe, delving into tropical steelpans, buoyant brass, and whimsical accordions.

Otani: Once we zeroed in on the right instruments, everything started to gel with the series’ vibe. Even though “Mario & Luigi-like” is a somewhat abstract concept, I tried to ensure the music resonated with Mario and Luigi’s animated movements in-game. The final outcome? A treasure trove of delightful music.

What stood out to me was not only the recurring tunes but also the unique compositions crafted for specific scenes. Usually, we create versatile tracks—one for battles, another for boss encounters, and so on. But this time, a distinctive piece was crafted for every single cutscene.

Ohashi: For this project, music was added only after a scene was complete. Sakamoto-san fashioned each piece by first understanding the transition from one scene to the next. Particularly for climactic moments, we collaborated closely to ensure the music heightened the narrative.

Otani: As the story progresses, there’s a real synergy that develops. With over 100 tracks, every one of them hits the mark. I honestly need a copy of the soundtrack. (Laughs)

Ohashi: Generic tracks could never capture the essence of these scenes. Each was so well done that sprinkling them with precise, incidental music was key for dramatic impact. We ended up expanding our library, adding 40 pieces on top of the initial 60. (Laughs)

Everyone: (Laughs)

Fukushima: Although we had a tight timeline, our passion for the project fueled us. In the end, a live performance was recorded, which added yet another layer of enjoyment to the soundtrack.

Otani: The authentic “Mario & Luigi-like” vibe we achieved was largely thanks to Acquire’s diligence and deep dive into the series. To reinforce that, we invited key figures from the Mario & Luigi series at AlphaDream—the director, the world builder, and the battle director—to join our development. Maekawa-san, who was heavily involved in the series, also came on board as a supervisor, enriching our project’s authenticity.

Ohashi: This was a huge learning journey. We didn’t want series veterans to find themselves alienated by this new installment.

Ohashi: Balancing the story and gameplay is always a puzzle in RPGs, isn’t it?

Ohashi: As we neared the end of development, Fukushima-san was in constant coordination with the team fine-tuning the battle system.

Fukushima: Previous installments used a “badge” system in battles. Players would save the gauge for pivotal moments since once it depleted, it took time to refill. This led to its use primarily during key battles.

For a more relaxed usage, we designed the Battle Plug system in collaboration with Acquire. This allows players to equip Battle Plugs instead of badges. Their effects seamlessly integrate into standard actions, altering them slightly or adding new effects while keeping it fun and straightforward.

Otani: Balancing these varied combinations was quite the challenge.

Fukushima: Tell me about it! (Laughs) With over 40 Battle Plugs, the mix-and-match possibilities are endless. The goal was not to complicate things with tough strategies, but instead, let players experiment freely and notice differences, making it accessible even to younger gamers.

Ohashi: It’s a treat discovering the effects not only separately but also the combinations they create.

Fukushima: Everyone can develop their style—be it offensive setups to deal hefty blows or defensive ones for healing and countering. Bear in mind that plugs have limited uses before needing to recharge. So, experiment with different ones while the others are recharging to find your favorites.

Furuta: I particularly enjoy deploying the Iron Ball plugs in combat. With just the Surprise Iron Ball plug, you can drop one iron ball. But pair it with a Kaboom Attack and watch multiple enemies get blitzed. Doubling up on the Surprise Iron Ball plugs even enlarges the balls, amplifying the chaos alongside a Kaboom Attack. It’s incredibly satisfying!