Webreflinks - Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Most tools require the use of JavaScript. If you are using Firefox with the NoScript addon, please mark toolserver.org as trusted. See the Help page for details.

Documentation Feedback / Report a bug

Introduction by SmartSE

Reflinks will help you to turn bare urls into templated references, hopefully leaving you more time to write and reducing link rot caused by bare urls. The tool visits each webpage that is in a bare reference and collects the page title and some other information automatically, the tool has to be checked over manually to make sure that the references are filled in correctly by the tool. You may have to remove some extra information from the template and add extra details if the tool is not able to find it for you. Some links may be marked as dead links incorrectly as the site blocks the tool, you may wish to manually check these dead links before adding the dead link tag to the article. The tool also does a few other minor maintenance tasks.

Applying English Wikipedia commonfixes
No changes necessary: references template found.

WebCite www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/mario-luigi-superstar-saga

Show console

List citation templatesReference on line 61:

-Mario, Luigi, and Bowser fly to the Beanbean Kingdom via Bowser's airship, the Koopa Cruiser. Mid-flight, Fawful attacks the cruiser and blows it out of the sky. Bowser and the brothers become separated. On their journey, the brothers rescue Prince Peasley, who had been transformed into a monster by Cackletta. The brothers reach Beanbean Castle Town and step into a trap laid by Cackletta that drops them into the sewers. The brothers learn that Cackletta's goal is to steal the Beanstar, a mystical object inside the castle which once awoken with Peach's voice will grant all of her wishes.<ref name="beanstar">{{cite video game |title = [[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]] |developer = [[AlphaDream]] |publisher = [[Nintendo]] |date = 11-17-2003 |platform = [[Game Boy Advance]] |level = Beanbean Castle |quote = The Beanstar is the protector of this land, and it has the power to grant any and all desires... to prevent such a power from being used for evil, the Beanstar was cast into a deep sleep... It is said that a voice of great beauty is required to wake the Beanstar from its slumber. It must be the voice of a pure and nobel soul... In this day and age, Princess Peach is the only one who possesses such a voice. So... the reason Cackletta stole Princess Peach's voice... Aha! She must plan to awaken the Beanstar and fulfill all of her desires!}}</ref> Cackletta takes the Beanstar and attacks Mario and Luigi with a mutated form of the Queen Bean during her escape. After defeating the Queen, Mario and Luigi travel to Chucklehuck Woods to retrieve the Chuckola Reserve, a soda which will restore Queen Bean to her former state. They encounter Popple, a thief also after the Chuckola Reserve, with an amnesiac Bowser as his accomplice. The brothers manage to obtain the Reserve, return to Beanbean Castle Town, and cure Queen Bean.<ref name="the game"/>
+Mario, Luigi, and Bowser fly to the Beanbean Kingdom via Bowser's airship, the Koopa Cruiser. Mid-flight, Fawful attacks the cruiser and blows it out of the sky. Bowser and the brothers become separated. On their journey, the brothers rescue Prince Peasley, who had been transformed into a monster by Cackletta. The brothers reach Beanbean Castle Town and step into a trap laid by Cackletta that drops them into the sewers. The brothers learn that Cackletta's goal is to steal the Beanstar, a mystical object inside the castle which once awoken with Peach's voice will grant all of her wishes.<ref name="beanstar">{{cite video game |title = [[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]] |developer = [[AlphaDream]] |publisher = [[Nintendo]] |date = 2003-11-17 |platform = [[Game Boy Advance]] |level = Beanbean Castle |quote = The Beanstar is the protector of this land, and it has the power to grant any and all desires... to prevent such a power from being used for evil, the Beanstar was cast into a deep sleep... It is said that a voice of great beauty is required to wake the Beanstar from its slumber. It must be the voice of a pure and nobel soul... In this day and age, Princess Peach is the only one who possesses such a voice. So... the reason Cackletta stole Princess Peach's voice... Aha! She must plan to awaken the Beanstar and fulfill all of her desires!}}</ref> Cackletta takes the Beanstar and attacks Mario and Luigi with a mutated form of the Queen Bean during her escape. After defeating the Queen, Mario and Luigi travel to Chucklehuck Woods to retrieve the Chuckola Reserve, a soda which will restore Queen Bean to her former state. They encounter Popple, a thief also after the Chuckola Reserve, with an amnesiac Bowser as his accomplice. The brothers manage to obtain the Reserve, return to Beanbean Castle Town, and cure Queen Bean.<ref name="the game"/>
-Mario and Luigi then travel to Woohoo Hooniversity, where Cackletta plans to awaken the Beanstar. The Beanstar is exposed to Peach's voice, which causes it to go berserk and flee. Mario and Luigi then battle Cackletta and defeat her. Cackletta is severely incapacitated from the battle, so Fawful sucks up her soul into his "vacuum helmet" to save her life. Cackletta then commands Fawful to attack, but he is stopped by Prince Peasley. The brothers locate the Beanstar but encounter Popple and Bowser again. After battling them, the Beanstar is again exposed to Peach's voice. The four grab onto the Beanstar in an effort to keep it under control, but it shoots into the sky. The Beanstar explodes into four pieces, which scatter across Beanbean Kingdom, and the brothers become separated from Popple and Bowser. Mario and Luigi backtrack and meet Peach as she arrives in Beanbean Kingdom, who inexplicably has her own voice. They discover that Prince Peasley had learned of Cackletta's plot and warned the Princess beforehand and [[Birdo]], disguised as Peach, had her voice stolen instead. Bowser's arrival and presence at her castle had prevented Peach from revealing the plan to Mario and Luigi. Meanwhile, Fawful imbues a weak Bowser with Cackletta's soul, resulting in the twisted Bowletta.<ref name="bowletta">{{cite video game |title = [[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]] |developer = [[AlphaDream]] |publisher = [[Nintendo]] |date = 11-17-2003 |platform = [[Game Boy Advance]] |level = Little Fungitown |quote = '''Fawful''': Cackletta's power has poured into this Koopa who is king! The body is of Bowser, but the mind is all of the great Cackletta!}}</ref>
+Mario and Luigi then travel to Woohoo Hooniversity, where Cackletta plans to awaken the Beanstar. The Beanstar is exposed to Peach's voice, which causes it to go berserk and flee. Mario and Luigi then battle Cackletta and defeat her. Cackletta is severely incapacitated from the battle, so Fawful sucks up her soul into his "vacuum helmet" to save her life. Cackletta then commands Fawful to attack, but he is stopped by Prince Peasley. The brothers locate the Beanstar but encounter Popple and Bowser again. After battling them, the Beanstar is again exposed to Peach's voice. The four grab onto the Beanstar in an effort to keep it under control, but it shoots into the sky. The Beanstar explodes into four pieces, which scatter across Beanbean Kingdom, and the brothers become separated from Popple and Bowser. Mario and Luigi backtrack and meet Peach as she arrives in Beanbean Kingdom, who inexplicably has her own voice. They discover that Prince Peasley had learned of Cackletta's plot and warned the Princess beforehand and [[Birdo]], disguised as Peach, had her voice stolen instead. Bowser's arrival and presence at her castle had prevented Peach from revealing the plan to Mario and Luigi. Meanwhile, Fawful imbues a weak Bowser with Cackletta's soul, resulting in the twisted Bowletta.<ref name="bowletta">{{cite video game |title = [[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]] |developer = [[AlphaDream]] |publisher = [[Nintendo]] |date = 2003-11-17 |platform = [[Game Boy Advance]] |level = Little Fungitown |quote = '''Fawful''': Cackletta's power has poured into this Koopa who is king! The body is of Bowser, but the mind is all of the great Cackletta!}}</ref>
 |GR = 91%<ref name="Superstar Saga media rankings"/>
-|MC = 90 of 100<ref>http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/mario-luigi-superstar-saga</ref>
+|MC = 90 of 100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/mario-luigi-superstar-saga |title=Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga for Game Boy Advance Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |date=2010-05-20 |accessdate=2013-05-25}}</ref>
 <!-- Reviewers -->

{{Infobox video game
| title = Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
| image = [[File:MarioAndLuigiSuperstarSagaGBACoverArtUS.jpg|250px]]
| caption = North American box art
| developer = [[AlphaDream]] <br /> [[Vanpool (company)|Vanpool]] (Mini-games)
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| director = Yoshihiko Maekawa
| producer = [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]<br>Tetsuo Mizuno
| artist = Toshizo Morikawa
| writer = Hiroyuki Kubota
| composer = [[Yoko Shimomura]]
| series = ''[[Mario role-playing games|Mario & Luigi]]''
| released = {{vgrelease|NA=November 17, 2003}}{{vgrelease|JP=November 21, 2003}}{{vgrelease|EU=November 21, 2003}}{{vgrelease|AUS=November 21, 2003}}
| genre = [[Role-playing video game]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| ratings = {{vgratings|CERO=A (All ages)|ESRB=E (Everyone)|ACB=G|PEGI=3+}}
| platforms = [[Game Boy Advance]]
| media = 128-megabit [[ROM cartridge|cartridge]]
}}
'''''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga''''', known in Japan as {{nihongo|''Mario & Luigi RPG''|マリオ＆ルイージRPG|Mario ando Ruīji Aru Pī Jī}}, is a [[role-playing video game]] developed by [[AlphaDream]] and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Game Boy Advance]] in 2003. The first game in the ''[[Mario role-playing games|Mario and Luigi RPG]]'' series, ''Superstar Saga'' was followed by two sequels: ''[[Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time]]'' and ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]''. A third sequel, ''[[Mario & Luigi: Dream Team]]'', is scheduled to be released for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] in 2013.

The setting of the game begins in the [[Mushroom Kingdom]], but progresses to the Beanbean Kingdom for the majority of the game. In the game, [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] combat Cackletta, the primary antagonist. The quest begins when Cackletta, with the aid of her assistant [[Fawful]], steals [[Princess Peach]]'s voice after adopting the guise of an ambassador from Beanbean Kingdom.<ref name="Cubed3 review"/>

A role-playing game, it centers on a battle system different from that of traditional games of the genre, with emphasis on timing and more elaborate attacks.<ref name="Bros. Moves"/> The game is whimsical in tone, with various in-game jokes and comical references to the heritage of the ''Mario'' series. ''Superstar Saga'' was generally well received by critics, and [[IGN]] named it the twelfth best Game Boy Advance game of all time in their feature reflecting on the Game Boy Advance's lifespan.<ref name="12th"/>

==Gameplay==
[[File:MarioAndLuigiSuperstarSagaGBABattle.png|thumb|left|''Superstar Saga''{{'}}s battle system]]
''Superstar Saga'' features a battle system in which timed button presses are crucial to both increasing damage of party attacks and reducing the damage of enemy attacks.<ref name="Well-timed presses">{{cite web|author=Sulpher, Brian P.|url=http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/550433/index.html|title=Mario & Lugi: Superstar Saga Guide|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-01-26}}</ref> Well-timed button presses can not only increase damage inflicted by attacks, but also completely avoid or even counter enemy attacks as well. The Bros. Moves, which becomes available after new abilities are gained,<ref name="Bros. Moves">{{cite web|author=Sulpher, Brian P.|url=http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/550433/page_2.html|title=Mario & Lugi: Superstar Saga Guide: Basics|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-01-26}}</ref> allow Mario and Luigi to attack as a combined effort with  the use of Bros. Points (BP).<ref name="BP">{{cite web|author=Sulpher, Brian P.|url=http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/550433/page_3.html|title= Mario & Lugi: Superstar Saga Guide: Items|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-01-26}}</ref> The number of points used determines the maximum amount of damage that can be dealt and the degree of difficulty required to execute the selected ability. The brother-based abilities can also be used outside of combat to solve puzzles to progress further into the Beanbean Kingdom.<ref name="Non-battle Bros. moves">{{cite web|author=Sulpher, Brian P.|url= http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/550433/page_4.html|title= Mario & Lugi: Superstar Saga Guide: Walkthrough|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-01-26}}</ref>

In terms of gameplay, ''Superstar Saga'' differs itself from most other role-playing games mainly due to the amount of interaction that is required between Mario and Luigi. The game requires active and continual co-operation between the two main characters in order to solve puzzles as well as fight enemies.<ref name="Gamespot review">{{cite news|title='Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga for Game Boy Advance. This game was created and produced by Khalid Yassin. Review'|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/marioandluigi/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary%3Breview&page=2|accessdate=2008-01-26|date=2003-11-19|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author=Torres, Ricardo}}</ref> Despite the game's unique battle system, the game follows a role-playing game tradition in that the players increase power by "leveling up", in which multiple statistical values, for example speed and defense, are increased by each level gain. ''Superstar Saga's'' gameplay also incorporates collectible items that can be sold or bought at shops, such as badges and clothing that effectively boosts the player's statistics when worn.<ref name="BP"/> The game focuses heavily on puzzle-solving and interaction between [[non-player character|non-playable characters]] to progress the storyline. Like other ''Mario'' games released for the Game Boy Advance, ''Superstar Saga'' features a remake of the classic ''[[Mario Bros.]]'' arcade game. The remake is identical to the version found in the ''[[Super Mario Advance]]'' series.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/mario-luigi-superstar-saga/6402p2.html | title=Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga | publisher=GameSpy | date=2003-11-19 | author=Stratton,  Bryon}}</ref><ref name="Classic game">{{cite web|author=Sulpher, Brian P.|url=http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/550433/page_6.html|title= Mario & Lugi: Superstar Saga Guide: Mario Bros. Classic| publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-01-26}}</ref> The [[Rumble Pak|rumble feature]], which causes the console controller to vibrate in select situations, is available when the game is played on the [[GameCube]] using the [[Game Boy Player]].<ref name="Gamespot review"/>

==Synopsis==
===Setting===
Unlike most games in the ''Mario'' series, this game is not set in the [[Mushroom Kingdom]].<ref name="Eurogamer review">{{cite news|title='Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga – Eurogamer'|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=54044|accessdate=2008-01-26|date=2003-12-08|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|author=Bramwell, Tom}}</ref> Instead, ''Superstar Saga'' introduces the Beanbean Kingdom, a neighboring monarchy to the Mushroom Kingdom. Despite this, traditional enemies such as the [[List of Mario series enemies#Goomba|Goomba]] are present, as well as new enemies exclusive to the game. The predominant race are the "Beanish", although there are other species such as the "Hoohooligans" and the [[Yoshi]]s. No locations featured in the Beanbean Kingdom, with the exception of Bowser's Castle, existed in any earlier ''Mario'' series games.

===Characters===
The playable protagonists in the game are [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]], whose quest is to rescue the voice of [[Princess Peach]], the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom. The voice is stolen by the game's antagonists Cackletta and Fawful.<ref name="Peach gets Deprived">{{cite web|date=2007-05-14| url= http://spacepope4u.blogspot.com/2007/05/princess-peach-feminist.html|title=Princess Peach: Feminist?|publisher=Coin Heaven|accessdate=2008-01-26}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Throughout the game, Mario and Luigi must work with the Beanbean monarchy headed by Queen Bean. Both she and her son, Prince Peasley, offer Mario and Luigi assistance. The youthful Prince Peasley is a celebrity figure in his native Beanbean Kingdom.

Deviating from a tradition of the ''Mario'' franchise, ''Superstar Saga''{{'}}s central antagonist is not [[Bowser (character)|Bowser]], but the Beanish witch Cackletta.<ref name="GameSpy review"/> Bowser aids the protagonists during a period of the game, but Bowser's body becomes possessed by the consciousness of Cackletta to form the creature Bowletta. Cackletta is aided by the assailant [[Fawful]], who is often characterized by his comical use of language, as evidenced by his famous quote "I HAVE FURY!" and who is also the antagonist in the sequel ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]''. Additionally, Mario and Luigi have recurring incidents with a thief named Popple and his sidekick Rookie (amnesiac Bowser), who engages both protagonists in conflict at various times throughout the game.<ref name="Bowletta">{{cite web|author=Sulpher, Brian P.|url= http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/550433/page_9.html|title= Mario & Lugi: Superstar Saga Guide: Walkthrough Part Four|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-01-26}}</ref> In one case, Popple fights alone. In another, he uses an amnesiac Birdo instead of Rookie.

===Story===
The game opens with Princess Peach's voice being stolen by the witch Cackletta and replaced with explosives. After being summoned to the palace by [[Toad (Mario)|Toad]], Mario and Luigi confront and subdue Bowser, who coincidentally was attempting to kidnap Peach. Bowser decides against kidnapping her and teams up with Mario to retrieve her true voice back from Cackletta, who has fled to the Beanbean Kingdom, with the intention of kidnapping her afterward when her voice would not destroy his castle.<ref name="the game">{{cite video game |title=Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga |developer=AlphaDream |publisher=Nintendo |date=2003}}</ref>

Mario, Luigi, and Bowser fly to the Beanbean Kingdom via Bowser's airship, the Koopa Cruiser. Mid-flight, Fawful attacks the cruiser and blows it out of the sky. Bowser and the brothers become separated. On their journey, the brothers rescue Prince Peasley, who had been transformed into a monster by Cackletta. The brothers reach Beanbean Castle Town and step into a trap laid by Cackletta that drops them into the sewers. The brothers learn that Cackletta's goal is to steal the Beanstar, a mystical object inside the castle which once awoken with Peach's voice will grant all of her wishes.<ref name="beanstar">{{cite video game |title = [[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]] |developer = [[AlphaDream]] |publisher = [[Nintendo]] |date = 2003-11-17 |platform = [[Game Boy Advance]] |level = Beanbean Castle |quote = The Beanstar is the protector of this land, and it has the power to grant any and all desires... to prevent such a power from being used for evil, the Beanstar was cast into a deep sleep... It is said that a voice of great beauty is required to wake the Beanstar from its slumber. It must be the voice of a pure and nobel soul... In this day and age, Princess Peach is the only one who possesses such a voice. So... the reason Cackletta stole Princess Peach's voice... Aha! She must plan to awaken the Beanstar and fulfill all of her desires!}}</ref> Cackletta takes the Beanstar and attacks Mario and Luigi with a mutated form of the Queen Bean during her escape. After defeating the Queen, Mario and Luigi travel to Chucklehuck Woods to retrieve the Chuckola Reserve, a soda which will restore Queen Bean to her former state. They encounter Popple, a thief also after the Chuckola Reserve, with an amnesiac Bowser as his accomplice. The brothers manage to obtain the Reserve, return to Beanbean Castle Town, and cure Queen Bean.<ref name="the game"/>

Mario and Luigi then travel to Woohoo Hooniversity, where Cackletta plans to awaken the Beanstar. The Beanstar is exposed to Peach's voice, which causes it to go berserk and flee. Mario and Luigi then battle Cackletta and defeat her. Cackletta is severely incapacitated from the battle, so Fawful sucks up her soul into his "vacuum helmet" to save her life. Cackletta then commands Fawful to attack, but he is stopped by Prince Peasley. The brothers locate the Beanstar but encounter Popple and Bowser again. After battling them, the Beanstar is again exposed to Peach's voice. The four grab onto the Beanstar in an effort to keep it under control, but it shoots into the sky. The Beanstar explodes into four pieces, which scatter across Beanbean Kingdom, and the brothers become separated from Popple and Bowser. Mario and Luigi backtrack and meet Peach as she arrives in Beanbean Kingdom, who inexplicably has her own voice. They discover that Prince Peasley had learned of Cackletta's plot and warned the Princess beforehand and [[Birdo]], disguised as Peach, had her voice stolen instead. Bowser's arrival and presence at her castle had prevented Peach from revealing the plan to Mario and Luigi. Meanwhile, Fawful imbues a weak Bowser with Cackletta's soul, resulting in the twisted Bowletta.<ref name="bowletta">{{cite video game |title = [[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]] |developer = [[AlphaDream]] |publisher = [[Nintendo]] |date = 2003-11-17 |platform = [[Game Boy Advance]] |level = Little Fungitown |quote = '''Fawful''': Cackletta's power has poured into this Koopa who is king! The body is of Bowser, but the mind is all of the great Cackletta!}}</ref>

On a trip to Little Fungitown Peach is kidnapped by Bowletta, who demands all the pieces of the Beanstar in exchange. After retrieving the Beanstar, Mario and Luigi travel to Joke's End to make the exchange. Bowletta refuses to hand over Peach, but Luigi, disguised in Peach's spare dress, ends up being taken in Peach's stead. He escapes from the repaired Koopa Cruiser, retrieving the Beanstar in the process. The brothers return to Beanbean Castle Town, finding it under attack by Bowletta using Bowser's flying castle. The brothers and Prince Peasley fly up to it to stop Cackletta once and for all. Mario and Luigi battle past the Koopalings and Fawful before confronting Bowletta. Feinting defeat, she tricks the brothers and swallows them both. After waking up in her belly, the brothers battle and defeat Cackletta's soul, exorcising her from Bowser's body. The two are regurgitated and Bowser returns to normal. Afterwards, the brothers escape the castle before it explodes from a bomb set by Peasley. The explosion sends the castle falling into the ocean.<ref name="the game"/>

==Development and marketing==
''Superstar Saga'', developed by [[AlphaDream]], is said to take its inspiration from the [[Nintendo 64]] game ''[[Paper Mario]]'';<ref name="Eurogamer review"/><ref name="Gamers' Summit"/> the two games have similar graphics and gameplay.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/mario/mario3/mario3prev.html | title=Like Philadelphia before all the lawyers. | publisher=RPGamer | accessdate=2013-05-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/faqs/2006/mario-luigi-superstar-saga-walkthrough-440999 | title=Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga - Walkthrough | publisher=IGN | date=2004-02-14 | author=Morgan, Devin}}</ref> The producers of the game were [[Shigeru Miyamoto]], the creator of the ''Mario'' franchise, Tetsuo Mizuno, and [[Satoru Iwata]], the president of Nintendo.<ref name="credits">{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/mario-luigi-superstar-saga/details | title=Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga | publisher=Metacritic | accessdate=2013-05-17}}</ref> The voice acting for Mario and Luigi in the game, which entirely consists of gibberish, is provided by [[Charles Martinet]], well-known for providing the characters' voice in Nintendo's ''Mario'' franchise.<ref name="Gamers' Summit"/> The game's music was composed by [[Yoko Shimomura]], who also composed the score for ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/25429 | title=Spotlight on Yoko Shimomura | publisher=Nintendo World Report | date=2011-02-20}}</ref>

''Superstar Saga'' was first revealed at [[History of E3#During the Rise of Online Gaming (2002-2005)|Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2003]], where a playable demo of the game was available.<ref name="E3 2003">{{cite web|author=Harris, Craig|date=2003-05-13| url=http://uk.gameboy.ign.com/articles/401/401886p1.html|title=E3 2003: Mario & Lugi|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-01-26}}</ref> In August and September of 2003, a playable demonstration was also available at the [[European Computer Trade Show]], the [[Games Convention]], and Nintendo Gamers' Summit.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/08/05/nintendo-at-ects | title=Nintendo at ECTS | publisher=IGN | date=2003-08-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/08/22/gc-2003-nintendo-booth-report | title=GC 2003: Nintendo Booth Report | publisher=IGN | date=2003-08-21 | author=Schneider, Peer}}</ref><ref name="Gamers' Summit">{{cite web|author=Harris, Craig|date=2003-09-17| url=http://uk.gameboy.ign.com/articles/450/450287p1.html|title=Mario & Luigi| publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-01-26}}</ref> To link in with the game's comic themes, Nintendo organized an official competition between October and November 2003 in which contestants would try to submit the best [[knock-knock joke]] to win a [[Game Boy Advance SP]] and a copy of the game. Nintendo employed comedienne [[Kathy Griffin]] to choose the winner.<ref name="Joke">{{cite web|author=Harris, Craig|date=2003-10-16|url= http://uk.gameboy.ign.com/articles/455/455318p1.html|title=Nintendo's Funny Business|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-01-26}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
|title = 
|state = plain

|GR = 91%<ref name="Superstar Saga media rankings"/>
|MC = 90 of 100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/mario-luigi-superstar-saga |title=Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga for Game Boy Advance Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |date=2010-05-20 |accessdate=2013-05-25}}</ref>

|EGM = 8.83 of 10<ref name="Superstar Saga media rankings"/>
|EuroG = 9 of 10<ref name="Eurogamer review"/>
|GI = 9.5 of 10<ref name="Superstar Saga media rankings">{{cite news|title='Gamerankings – Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages4/914980.asp|accessdate=2008-01-26|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]}}</ref>
|GSpot = 9.2 of 10<ref name="Gamespot review"/>
|IGN = 9 of 10<ref name="IGN review"/>
|NP = 4.7 of 5<ref name="Superstar Saga media rankings">{{cite web|title=Game Rankings – Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga| url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages4/914980.asp|accessdate=2008-01-26|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]}}</ref>
}}
''Superstar Saga'' received generally positive reviews.<ref name="Superstar Saga media rankings">{{cite news|title='Game Rankings – Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages4/914980.asp|accessdate=2008-01-26|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]}}</ref> The game's comical dialog and themes in particular were lauded by critics. [[Eurogamer]]'s Tom Bramwell commented that "each line of dialogue and identifiable cameo is handled with a loving sense of humour."<ref name="Eurogamer review"/> Despite this, [[RPGamer]]'s Andrew Long labelled the plot as repetitive, and the game's characters as "a tad shallow".<ref name="RPGamer review">{{cite web|title='Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga – RPGamer'|url= http://www.rpgamer.com/games/mario/mario3/reviews/mario3strev2.html|accessdate=2008-01-26|publisher=[[RPGamer]]|author=Long, Andrew}}</ref> While also appreciating references to the heritage of the ''Mario'' series,<ref name="RPGFan review">{{cite news|title='Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga – RPGFan'|url= http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/marioandluigi/index.html|accessdate=2008-01-26|date=2004-08-25|publisher=RPGFan|author= Babin, Lee}}</ref> critics praised the game for avoiding clichés common in previous games of the ''Mario'' series.<ref name="Eurogamer review"/>

The gameplay attained a mixed reception. Critics enjoyed the game's battle system, which deviated from [[role-playing game]] tradition.<ref name="Gamespot review"/> [[IGN]]'s Craig Harris commented that "unlike most Japanese RPGs Mario & Luigi's turn-based battle involves the player at all times".<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web|title='Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga Review – IGN'|url= http://uk.gameboy.ign.com/articles/440/440870p1.html|accessdate=2008-01-26|date=2003-11-17|publisher=IGN|author=Harris, Craig}}</ref> Despite this novel approach to combat situations, some reviewers thought that the overall gameplay lacked innovation.<ref name="GameSpy review">{{cite web|title ='Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga – GameSpy'|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/november03/marioluigigba/index2.shtml |accessdate= 2008-01-26|date=2003-11-20|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|author=Stratton, Bryan}}</ref><ref name="1UP review">{{cite news|title='Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga – 1UP'|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3112613&did=1|accessdate=2008-01-26|date= 2004-05-09|publisher=[[1UP.com]]}}</ref> [[GameSpy]] in particular criticized the game for an apparent lack of originality, commenting that "in terms of gameplay, there isn't much there that we haven't seen in the NES and SNES ''Mario'' and ''Zelda'' titles."<ref name="GameSpy review"/> Furthermore, some reviewers were disappointed by a perceived lack of difficulty in the gameplay as a result of targeting a younger audience.<ref name="1UP review"/> However, [[Cubed3]] welcomed this approach, citing that "any gamer, be them veterans to the genre or complete amateurs, will find the title to be perfectly accessible."<ref name="Cubed3 review">{{cite news|title='Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga – Cubed3'|url= http://www.cubed3.com/review/131/2/|accessdate=2008-01-26|date= 2003-11-26|publisher=[[Cubed3]]|author=Riley, Adam}}</ref> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' and other gaming publications have criticized the controls for being occasionally confusing when considering the usage of jumping, hammers, and other combinations between the two characters.<ref>''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'' review, ''Edge'' issue 132, January 2003</ref>

A common concern among reviewers is the overhead perspective, which critics have bemoaned for preventing them from judging pathway routes and an object's location in relation to its background.<ref name="Cubed3 review"/><ref name="IGN review"/> Besides this, the actual visuals were generally well received,<ref name="Gamespot review"/><ref name="Eurogamer review"/> as well as the setting and animations. The audio was commended for combining both originality and nostalgia, even though it looped frequently.<ref name="Gamespot review"/>

In 2006, ''Superstar Saga'' was rated the 37th best game made on a Nintendo System in ''[[Nintendo Power]]''{{'}}s Top 200 Games list.<ref name="NP Top 200">{{Cite news|year=February 2006| title=NP Top 200|periodical=Nintendo Power|volume=200|pages=58–66|postscript=}}</ref> In the same year, the game became part of the [[Player's Choice]] label.<ref name="Players' Choice">{{cite web|author=Harris, Craig|date=2006-03-09|url= http://uk.gameboy.ign.com/articles/694/694807p1.html|title=GBA Gets Player's Choice|publisher=IGN|accessdate= 2008-01-26}}</ref> In 2007, the game was named the twelfth best Game Boy Advance game of all time in IGN's feature reflecting on the Game Boy Advance's long lifespan.<ref name="12th">{{cite web| author=Harris, Craig|date=2007-03-16|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/772/772284p3.html|title=Top 25 Game Boy Advance Games of All Time|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref> As of 2007, ''Superstar Saga'' has sold over 441,000 units in Japan and 1.46 million in the US.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/gba.php|title=Nintendo GBA Japanese Ranking |publisher=Japan Game Charts |accessdate=2007-11-09}}</ref><ref name="magicboxus">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |title=US Platinum Videogame Chart |publisher=The Magic Box|accessdate=2008-01-31|date=2008-02-05}}</ref>

==Sequels==
Nintendo released ''[[Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time]]'', the sequel to ''Superstar Saga'', on November 28, 2005 for the [[Nintendo DS]] system. The plot and setting is relatively disconnected to that of ''Superstar Saga'', as Cackletta has been replaced by the Shroobs as the primary antagonists.<ref name="Shroobs">{{cite news|title='Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time'|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/marioluigisuperstarsaga2/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review|accessdate=2008-01-26|date=2005-11-30|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author=Torres, Ricardo}}</ref> Although the game is set outside the Beanbean Kingdom, there are references to ''Superstar Saga'' in ''Partners in Time'', such as the inclusion of Fawful in the sewers of [[Mushroom Kingdom#Princess Peach's Castle|Princess Peach's Castle]] in the game.<ref name="Fawful does PoT">{{cite news|title='Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Guide'|url=http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/748543/page_5.html|accessdate=2008-01-26|publisher=IGN}}</ref> The Bros. Moves have been retained in ''Partners in Time'', although they involve an item system as opposed to the Bros. Points system that ''Superstar Saga'' has.<ref name="PoT Items">{{cite news|title='Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Guide: Items'|url=http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/748543/page_3.html|accessdate=2008-01-26|publisher=IGN}}</ref> A second sequel, ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'', was released in 2009 for the Nintendo DS, with Fawful reprising his role as a key villain.

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Mario}}
{{Wikipedia books|Mario franchise video games|Mario video games}}
* [http://www.gamespot.com/mario-and-luigi-superstar-saga ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga''] at [[GameSpot]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga}}
[[Category:2003 video games]]
[[Category:Mario Universe games]]
[[Category:AlphaDream games]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance games]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance-only games]]
[[Category:Mario role-playing games]]

Edit summary:
This is a minor edit Watch this page

Cancel

Webreflinks - Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Tools

Interaction