E3 2009: Mario and Luigi hands-on

June 3, 4:31 PMHandheld ExaminerNicole Tanner

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One of my favorite handheld game series is returning this fall and I couldn't be more thrilled. Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story brings back all of the great elements from the previous two games.

After some brief hands-on time with the game today, I can report that the same great action-RPG gameplay and quirky sense of humor return in the third installment. Mario and Luigi are actually swallowed by Bowser, so the majority of the game they're making their way through his innards, helping his biological systems respond to challenges.

For example, in the demo I played, Bowser was trying to pull a large of piece of land with rope, which was putting significant strain on his arms. I had to lead Mario and Luigi to Bowser's arm muscle and then pummel the muscle with glowing orbs to give it a boost in strength. On the way, there were plenty of battles to be had as well. The battles look very similar to those in the previous games, with timed button press adding to the damage or performing blocks.

Although I didn't get a chance to play it, you can also play through a separate storyline as Bowser himself. This looks to be another great entry in what has been a nearly flawless series.