The brothers are back and this time Bowser is along for the ride. You don't want to miss this.
Story
Well Peach calls a meeting and while there Bowser interupts things and you know like the first 2 games you encounter Bowser with Mario. Bowser is then send packing. After waking up Bowser wins a vaccum Mushroom which he recieives from some stranger but once he eats it he shows his true identity is Fawful from Superstar Saga. Bowser sucks up Peach,some Toads and the Mario Brothers. So basically Bowser is the main character in this title.
Gameplay
You control Mario and Luigi in which is 2D sidescroller like the previous 2D Mario platformers and it works well. Along the way through Mario and Luigi find enemies and most of all items in which they need in battle. The system is virtually the same as the previous 2 titles. You get the thing called Attack Pieces collect 10 and you gain a powerful Bros attack.They give you a tutorial if you want to practice the move a few times before using it in battle which is good because you shall need to master the moves. They aren't to difficult to find which is good. You get the usual healing items and also you get some special badges which fill up gauge to help you replenish some lost health but only if you achieve and excellent attack which means its not gonna be that easy.. The enemies in the game can be tricky to figure out but they have signals in what they are gonna do and A is Mario and B is Luigi like usual. You don't have to worry about hammer attacks or whether to jump because it will indicate what item needs to be used. The enemies do get stronger later in the game so finish them off quickly. You get badges also which help you in terms of defense,attack and helping you heal.
Bowser is different he controls with the X and Y button in battle. He either uses his shell for protection or he punches. He can also suck enemies into his mouth that only Mario and Luigi can deal with. He controls just like Mario and Luigi in the first 2 titles a big open land . He can bash blocks and burn trees. Also warp holes which help him get to places quicker but they are hidden and there aren't many. Bowser does make excellent use of the stylus and Mic for the game. You free some minions like Goombas,Shy Guys,Bombs and more and they are used as specials to help him in battle and they use the stylus and it works well.
Also Bowser grows tall and takes out big massive enemies which are awesome. You turn the DS vertically and it is quiet nice to see. The first round starts out quiet simple but later battles won't be all about punching or firing they will taking thinking as well. You use the stylus and Mic for these battles. Mario and Luigi do play a part in helping Bowser like giving him strength,making him bigger and also eating too. Its all good but some of the enemies aren't to difficult for Bowser to beat thanks to his power whereas Mario and Luigi would struggle against his. Both characters have customizable badges and different healing items so that works well.
Sound and Graphics
The Sound is lovely like all Mario music. The battle music is awesome and really nice to listen to. The graphics are an improvement over its predecessor showing some of the nices color in a DS game yet. Bowser really hasn't looked better on a handheld.
Lastabilty
It should take up to 15 to 20 hours it is a long game but you shall enjoy it and play it again.
Overall Opinion
Its one of the best Mario RPGS ever and one of the best games on the DS. The only flaws I can think of with this game is. Sometimes the moves don't come out when you want them to and some enemies can take alot of time to figure out as well as some being a bit easy too.Eventually the game lacks extras. The bosses are great also. The game is funny also in lots of areas. I say if you love Mario and his RPGS. Get it because you won't regret it. It has some great new gameplay features it has alot of good gameplay styles which makes it a game worth getting. Simple thing is if you have a DS get it. You won't be dissapointed.