What meanings are on the cover of Mario & Luigi: Brothership? Let’s analyze the question more closely: are Mario and Luigi brothers?
The game Mario & Luigi: Brothership is, in fact, a continuation of the series featuring the beloved characters Mario and Luigi. It could potentially be released for the Nintendo Switch console. Notably, it is set to premiere on 7 November 2024. To provide some context, the Mario series debuted in 1983 with the game Mario Bros., developed by Nintendo. This game first depicted Mario and his brother Luigi as a duo of plumbers battling various enemies in the sewers. Since then, Mario and Luigi have appeared in numerous video games. As a result, they have gained status as some of the most popular characters in video game culture. In Brothership, the plot focuses on the brothers’ adventure together as they travel through fantastical lands. Their goal is to find mysterious treasures and ultimately save the magical world from danger.
Denotative analysis
Denotative analysis includes a description of what we directly see on the cover. The illustration features Mario and Luigi – both in distinctive outfits, Mario in red and Luigi in green, a constant visual code for their distinct personalities. Mario is saluting and Luigi is looking through a telescope, suggesting that they are ready for adventure and the search for something unknown. In the background there is an island with a large tree resembling a sail, which brings to mind a ship. Fantastic elements such as a pink creature with wings also appear, hinting at the game’s fantasy and fairytale atmosphere.
Connotative analysis. In search of answer: are Mario and Luigi brothers?
Connotative analysis refers to cultural and emotional meanings. Mario and Luigi as protagonists are not only game characters but also icons of popular culture, and their costumes, facial expressions and dynamic poses communicate friendship, courage and humour. The imagery of the island is reminiscent of classic adventure and exploration themes, suggesting an exciting new world to explore. The characters’ gestures – Mario’s salute and Luigi’s observation – may also connote their mutual support and partnership, confirming their fraternal bond.
Yes, Mario and Luigi are brothers, a fact not only implicit in the games’ storyline, but also firmly embedded in their semiotic construction. The symbolism of their clothes, attitudes and actions – such as the shared adventure depicted on the cover – constantly emphasises their family bond.
Commutation test
The commutation test is to see what changes in meaning would be brought about by replacing key elements of the cover. Replacing Mario and Luigi with other characters, such as those from another Nintendo series, would change the emotional appeal of the illustration. This change would weaken the connotations of brotherhood and Nintendo tradition. Changing the colors of their costumes would also have an impact. Mario without his red color would lose some of his identity as the older, more adventurous brother. Meanwhile, Luigi without his green color would not be instantly recognizable as the younger, more cautious partner. Replacing the island with another backdrop, such as a cityscape, would dilute the adventurous tone of the illustration. This change would shift the game towards an urban atmosphere rather than a fantasy one.
Are Mario and Luigi brothers? Myth analysis
On a mythological level, Mario and Luigi represent the age-old archetype of brother heroes. Their characters are part of the myth of brotherhood and shared adventures, a motif present in literature, mythology and pop culture. Mario is the stereotypical older brother who leads and inspires, while Luigi is the loyal, perhaps less confident but reliable companion. From Barthes’ semiotic perspective, Mario and Luigi as characters carry ideas about friendship, loyalty and exploring the unknown that are appealing to younger gamers and adventure fans. The motif of brotherhood emphasises that strength lies in unity and cooperation, reinforcing the narrative of brotherhood and overcoming obstacles together.
In Roman mythology, one of the most famous examples of brotherhood is Romulus and Remus – the twins who, according to legend, founded Rome. Mars, the god, and Rhea Silvia, the priestess, had two sons who were abandoned as infants and raised by a she-wolf. The brothers are a symbol not only of brotherhood but also of conflict. Eventually, there was a dispute between them over where the new settlement should be located. As a result, Romulus killed Remus. This serves as a reminder of the ambivalence of fraternal relationships, which combine cooperation and rivalry, making them often dramatic and complicated. This example in Western culture epitomizes a relationship where the brothers’ common goals and deep bond clash with rivalry. This conflict ultimately leads to a tragic ending.