Summary
With the release ofMario & Luigi: Brothership, the dynamic duo takes to the high seas to rescue the land of Concordia. While this is a whole new world for the brothers to explore, it’s not an entirely unique adventure. Sprinkled throughout the game are throwbacks to other installments in the franchise, as well as other Nintendo games.
As with any of the brothers' adventures, looking forthese Easter eggscan make the game even more interesting. So, along with hunting for hidden reefs, completing side quests, and battling new and old foes, players can spend some of their time rooting out these creative secrets.
8Hey! Those Are My Wire Cutters!
Oh, Wait… That’s Just Zokket
Zokket is a newly introduced foe inBrothership, but that doesn’t mean he’sany less formidable than Bowser. In fact, he’s quite similar, with his many minions and nefarious plans for world domination. As Zokket has pledged to drive a permanent rift through Concordia with unbeatable loneliness, he’s always popping up when players least expect it.
One thing players likely immediately noticed about Zokket’s minions is that they’re made from various electrical cord components. Zokket, however, is a completely different creation. At first glance, he looks like he has a ridiculously large mustache. Look again, though, and it’s clear that a wire cutter takes a central position on the front of his body. This addition to the character represents his desire to cut the cords connecting the land and the people of Concordia.
7Prison Break? No Problem!
Oops… It’s Not THAT Mario & Luigi Game
When Mario and Luigi attempt to infiltrate Offandon Islandwearing disguises to look like the locals, they’re ultimately thrown in the local prison. At first, it looks like all hope is lost for the brothers. Then, Snoutlet offers a comical suggestion that they slip out of the cell by flattening themselves to the thickness of paper.
This is a creative reference toPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. In that game, players are also trapped in a similar situation where they cannot pass through the bars of a prison cell. Luckily, they receive a curse that allows them to turn 2D at will, making slipping through the bars a piece of cake.
6Famous Works Of Art
Isn’t This The Wrong World?
Despite being set in a brand-new world, Concordia holds some familiar-looking pieces of art. On Rumbla Island, there are a ton of sculptures all over the place, but one in particular stands out. This sculpture of four heads is perfectly designed to replicate Mount Rushmore.
For players looking for reefs, one of the first ones they’ll come across is Pensive Reef. For anyone who knows anything about art, it’s clear that this is a nod to “The Thinker,” a famous sculpture of a man posed in deep thought.
5Up For A Game Of Kick The Shell?
Mario And Luigi’s Super Strike Moves
InMario Strikers: Battle League, players take to the soccer field to battle it out with their enemies. When they make a particularly powerful move called a Super Strike, the character will complete a special move that demonstrates the power behindthe goal-winning kick.
Flash forward toBrothership, and players will recognize something that looks a bit familiar. The first Bros. Attacks that the duo receives are the Red and Green Shells. Much like soccer, they pass the shell back and forth until the brother who initiated the move gets the last kick. This initiates a cutscene, which is very similar to that of a Super Strike.
4Bowser, Are You Hungry?
Spicy Chicken For His Evilness
What makes Mario and Luigi complete?None other than having Bowser to contend with. While he’s not the main baddie in this game, he’s still a formidable foe that gets in the way a lot. But Mario and Luigi make quick work of him. When they go back to infiltrate his secret fortress on Wayaway Island, players are treated to a timed side quest.
The brothers run into Starlow, who is there to check on Bowser. They invite Mario and Luigi to join them in what becomes a comical deviation from the main story. Starlow gives Bowser a spicy chicken leg, which players may remember as one of his life-restoring foods fromMario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story.
3Not-So-Special Moves
Been There, Done That
There’s no doubt that there are plenty of wild Bros. Attacks that players can pick up throughout the game. While many are unique, some are direct copies from previous installments in the franchise. Despite this, they’re stillpretty powerful moveswhen it counts.
Players who have kept up with Mario and Luigi over the years may recall seeing the Jump Helmet move inBowser’s Inside Story. Another repeat move is Mario’s Bomb Derby, which was originally introduced inMario & Luigi: Dream Team.
2Oh, No! The Path Is Blocked!
Nothing A Little Explosion Won’t Cure
For players familiar with the recent games inThe Legend of Zeldaseries, Bomb Flowers are an essential tool that Link wouldn’t get very far without once the story progresses to a certain point. These unique flowers are recognizable by their blue tint and the fuse that sticks out of their tops.
When Mario and Luigi make it to Skorcheen Island, they find themselves stuck in a few places. To get by, they need to remove the barrier. Conveniently located nearby are large blue Bomb Sprouts, which are quite similar to Bomb Flowers. Not only do they look remarkably alike, but they also function in exactly the same way.
1Weren’t Those Reefs Somewhere Else?
Three Old-School Throwbacks
Players who take the time tofind all the hidden reefswon’t just get amazing rewards from Issa Rock. They’ll also get a healthy dose of nostalgia. Three of these reefs are throwbacks to older Mario and Luigi installments. The first is Broque Reef. Players may recall this character fromBowser’s Inside Story,as it’s a nod to Broque Monsieur.
Next is Princely Reef. Prince Peasely was an important character inMario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, and this reef is a charming reference to him. Finally, for players who enjoyedDream Team, there’s yet another familiar face. The Dream-Guardian Reef is a nod to the Zeekeeper.
