Developer Q&A Vol. 15: Mario & Luigi: Brothership – Chapter 4 Updates

The series has always been known for its piano-driven background music, but we wanted to switch things up this time. So, we tasked our composer with integrating wind instruments to inject more emotion, while allowing him the freedom to creatively explore the possibilities.

Creating the soundtrack proved to be quite the challenge. Each week, we’d huddle with Sakamoto-san, scratching our heads over what “Mario & Luigi-like” music exactly is. (Laughs) Eventually, we decided on instruments that resonated with the beloved series, trimming them until we nailed down that iconic feel. Think vibrant steelpans, peppy brass ensembles, accordions…

When we pinned down our instrument list, the music really began to blend seamlessly with the game’s vibe. While defining “Mario & Luigi-like” music isn’t easy, I focused on ensuring the tunes complemented their on-screen antics. In the end, we crafted a score filled with fantastic pieces.

What truly wowed me was the diverse musical score that included tracks tailored for specific scenes. Typically, we’d design reusable tracks—one for battles, another for bosses, and more for events. But this time, we composed unique pieces for each cutscene.

In this game, the music followed the scene, not the other way around. Sakamoto-san wrote the score by observing how scenes transitioned from one to the next. Together, we put a lot of thought into the music for those gripping moments.

As the story unfolded, the synergy between the music and gameplay grew stronger. With more than a hundred tracks, each one is a gem. I desperately need the soundtrack for myself. (Laughs)

Generic tracks would have failed to capture the essence of those cutscenes. The scenes themselves were executed brilliantly, and we knew they’d shine even more by enriching them with specific music for dramatic flair. So, we added another 40 tracks to the existing 60. (Laughs)

Now, about sticking to our schedule?

(Laughs) Time was tight, no doubt. But the more effort we invested, the deeper our immersion. In the end, recording a live performance took the music to another level.

This game feels inherently “Mario & Luigi-like” thanks to Acquire’s dedication and comprehensive research into the franchise. Wanting to build upon this, we invited veterans from AlphaDream’s Mario & Luigi series—including the director and the game world and battle director—to join in on development. Additionally, Maekawa-san, a key figure in the series at AlphaDream, came on board as a supervisor. This bolstered the game’s authenticity in capturing that familiar essence.

The development process was truly insightful. We didn’t want longtime fans to find this entry off-putting.

Balancing story and gameplay in an RPG is tricky, right?

In the final development stages, Fukushima-san worked closely with the team on the battle system. In past entries, we used a badge system that players would time perfectly for crucial moments like boss fights, easing off when on cooldown. We hoped for more flexibility, encouraging a carefree use throughout players’ journeys.

In collaboration with Acquire, we replaced badges with the Battle Plug system, aligning with the game’s thematic elements. Battle Plugs alter regular actions or add effects, and these changes are instantly visible when equipped.

But balancing these tweaks wasn’t simple.

Absolutely! (Laughs) With over 40 Battle Plugs available, the combinations are endless. Designed for flexibility, players can mix and match them at will, avoiding complex calculations or strategies. This approach caters to all players, from novices to kids new to gaming.

Discovering the individual effects of plugs is fun, but combining them to uncover synergies gives an added layer of delight.

Players have their favored styles, whether it’s a set of offensive plugs for heavy damage or defensive plugs for recovery and countering. Plugs, however, have limited uses before needing recharge. Exploring different options and finding what works best can be part of the adventure.

I’m a fan of using Iron Ball plugs in battles! With just the Surprise Iron Ball plug, one ball drops, but paired with a Kaboom Attack, you get multiple falling onto enemies. Two Surprise Iron Ball plugs make them larger, and together with a Kaboom, you unleash bigger balls on foes. It’s intuitive and satisfying!