Disclosure: Games provided for review. All opinions are my own
Hold onto your Joy-Cons, folks—Nintendo has dropped three new Switch games that are bound to make your gaming heart race! Whether you’re a hero slashing through Hyrule, a sibling duo ready for some mischief, or a party animal looking for some wild mini-games, there’s something fresh and exciting for everyone. Here’s the rundown on The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Mario & Luigi: Brothership, and Mario Party: Jamboree—three titles that promise to give your Switch a run for its money.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
When The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom dropped, I wasn’t ready. I thought I was, but this game hit me like a Lynel charge to the face. Nintendo has done it again, blending classic Zelda vibes with bold new mechanics that had me glued to my screen for hours.
Let’s start with the world—because wow. Echoes of Wisdom feels like a love letter to Hyrule’s past and future. The environments are stunning, with lush forests, eerie ruins, and sky-high vistas that made me stop mid-dungeon just to take it all in. The lighting alone deserves an award—it’s like they bottled the golden hour and sprinkled it everywhere.
The new weapon customization system lets you mix and match gear in ways that made me feel like a total badass. And the puzzles? Classic Zelda brain-teasers with a twist. One moment I was solving a water temple riddle, and the next, I was using the new Echo Glyphs to manipulate time and space like a Hylian Doctor Strange.
But the real MVP here is the side quests. Every NPC feels alive, with stories that tug at your heartstrings or make you laugh out loud. One quest had me chasing a mischievous Cucco thief across three villages, and it was more fun than it had any right to be.
The narrative in Echoes of Wisdom is peak Zelda. It’s got the usual “save the kingdom” vibes, but with layers. Zelda and Link’s dynamic is more fleshed out than ever, and the new villain? Let’s just say Ganon might have competition. The story weaves in callbacks to older games while standing on its own, and the ending? No spoilers, but you’re going to need tissues.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this is a must-play. It respects the series’ roots while carving out a bold new path, and every second of it feels like magic.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
When Mario & Luigi: Brothership docked on the Nintendo Switch, I wasn’t just ready—I was pumped. This game doesn’t just bring the bros back together; it sets sail on a whole new adventure that’s equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and downright addicting.
Visuals & Vibes
The Mushroom Kingdom has never looked this good. The art style is a perfect blend of vibrant cartoonish charm and slick modern polish. From bustling port towns to mysterious foggy seas, every location feels alive and packed with secrets. And the ship? Let’s just say it’s more than a floating piece of wood—it’s a fully customizable, upgradeable home base that feels like a character in its own right.
Gameplay
The gameplay is Mario RPG perfection. The turn-based combat is back, with a twist: teamwork mechanics. Mario and Luigi’s combo moves are next-level, from synchronized jumps to hilarious slapstick attacks that involve plungers, cannonballs, and even a giant rubber duck (don’t ask, just play). Timing is key, and nailing those perfect dodges or counterattacks feels so satisfying.
The overworld exploration is just as fun. Each brother gets unique abilities—Mario’s fiery propulsion and Luigi’s green thumb grappling (yes, Luigi grows vines now)—that you’ll need to solve puzzles and uncover hidden treasures. And let’s not forget the sea battles! Facing off against Kraken-like bosses with your ship’s cannons is an absolute blast.
The plot is peak Mario & Luigi absurdity, and I’m here for it. Bowser is back, but this time he’s not the main villain (don’t worry, he’s still causing chaos). Instead, we’re up against the sinister Captain Inkbeard, a rogue Toad pirate with a grudge against the Mushroom Kingdom. The story is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, emotional twists, and even some touching brotherly bonding.
The side quests are top-tier. Whether you’re helping a shy Cheep Cheep find love or competing in an intense Goomba Cannonball tournament, there’s always something fun to do. The minigames are the perfect palate cleanser, with everything from rhythm-based rowing to wacky cooking challenges aboard the Brothership.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership is the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. It’s got the humor and charm we’ve come to love from the series, with fresh mechanics and a seafaring twist that feels completely new. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just hopping aboard, this game is pure joy from start to finish.
Mario Party: Jamboree
You didn’t think we’d leave you hanging without some party vibes, did you? Mario Party: Jamboree brings the party back in full swing, with an extra dose of chaos and competitive spirit. Packed with brand-new mini-games, Jamboree lets up to four players go head-to-head in a wild, frantic tournament of fun.
Here’s where things get interesting: not only are the mini-games fresh and creative (we’re talking everything from throwing pies at each other to racing in go-karts while dodging giant vegetables), but the new “Jamboree Mode” adds a new layer of strategy. Players now collect “party tokens” during mini-games, which can be used to activate special abilities or sabotage other players. Yeah, it’s that kind of game—trust me, it’s as fun as it is cutthroat.
The board game mode has also been updated. Now, instead of simply rolling dice and hoping for the best, you can “customize” your boards, add your own rules, and even create mini-game tournaments that go on for hours. It’s chaos in the best way possible.
If you’ve got a group of friends (or family members you don’t mind humiliating), Mario Party: Jamboree is the ultimate Switch party game. Whether you’re in it for the glory or just to see who’s the most devious when it comes to sabotage, you’ll be laughing (and maybe crying) all night long. My kids look forward to playing this every Friday night when we have family game night!
The Switch’s Holy Trinity
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Mario & Luigi: Brothership, and Mario Party: Jamboree are a triple threat that brings something for everyone to the table. Whether you’re looking to dive into an epic RPG, solve time-bending puzzles, or just have a crazy fun time with friends and family, Nintendo has absolutely nailed it with this trifecta of titles.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Switch, pick your favorite (or try them all), and get ready for a gaming experience like no other!
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