The beloved plumber brothers, Mario and Luigi, almost got a grittier makeover in their latest game. However, Nintendo stepped in to ensure the game maintained its signature style. Let's delve into the art direction journey of Mario & Luigi: Brothership.

Exploring Artistic Avenues

According to a December 4th Nintendo website article, developers Acquire initially explored a more rugged, edgier aesthetic for Mario and Luigi. However, Nintendo felt this deviated too far from the established characters' identities. Akira Otani and Tomoki Fukushima (Nintendo) and Haruyuki Ohashi and Hitomi Furuta (Acquire) discussed the creative process. Acquire, aiming for 3D visuals that captured the series' unique charm while differentiating it from other Mario games, experimented with various styles, leading to the initial "edgy" concept.

Furuta recounted the team's initial enthusiasm for the rugged design, only to receive feedback from Nintendo emphasizing the need for a distinctly recognizable Mario & Luigi style. Nintendo provided guidelines defining the core elements of the brothers' established aesthetic. Furuta admitted that after considering player expectations, concerns arose about whether the edgier design truly represented the Mario players desired.

The final art style, they explained, blended the appeal of illustrated elements (bold outlines, striking eyes) with the charm of pixel animation, creating a unique visual identity for the game. Otani added that while Nintendo encouraged Acquire's unique style, preserving the essence of Mario remained paramount. The process involved navigating the balance between these two goals.

Navigating Development Challenges

Acquire, known for titles like Octopath Traveler and the Way of the Samurai series, typically works on less vibrant, more serious games. Furuta acknowledged the team's natural inclination towards darker RPG aesthetics. Developing a game based on a globally recognized IP also presented unique challenges, as it was a departure from their usual independent projects.

Ultimately, the collaboration proved beneficial. The team's decision to prioritize the fun, chaotic nature of the Mario & Luigi series, combined with Nintendo's design insights focusing on clarity and accessibility, resulted in a brighter, more enjoyable game world.