Mario and Luigi Partners in Time Review
Since the start of the Mario series, there have been many games in spin off series based around the Mario name which have become popular, but no series have become as popular as the Mario Kart games, or the RPGs. And this game, being an RPG based around the Mario universe, certainly meets the requirements for a great game.
Graphics
Graphically, this game, I must say, is nothing new. The graphics, while excellent in their own sprite based way, with relatively detailed backgrounds and characters sprites which certainly feel lush. However, when you compare this to Mario Kart, Metroid Prime Hunters or Super Mario 64 DS, the graphics just don't seem as good, or anywhere near as detailed as these excellent games. However, don't take this as a remark against non realistic graphics, as The Wind Waker and many other cel shaded games look amazing. It's just that the graphics look so much like the Gameboy Advanced version.
Music and Sound
I personally think the music I have heard in this game is amazing, and certain music tracks, such as those for Hollijolli Village, and the battle music in the various boss battles and ending are some of the most atmospheric in the game. The music is not perfect by any means though, as is no videogame, seeing that the Princess Peach's Castle music and certain other area themes are a little unispired, especially when compared to the better music this game has to offer.
Length
No problems here. Regardless of what you may have heard, the game is not much shorter than the original, but the areas, while fewer are longer individually, and while there are less than half the areas, many of them are double the length of the typical Superstar Saga area. I would say though that the replay value is not as good as the original, partly because much of the collecting has been toned down and the amount of mini games and sidequests have been streamlined, and there are not in any way as many games, or as many different bean types to collect, reducing the amount down to just the one main type based on the underground beans found in the original.
Gameplay
If this part of the game was sub par, you could pretty much forget everything written above, as regardless of the quality of any non gameplay elements, gameplay is literally key, as can be seen by how many flashy but useless videogames are on the market now. However, if you like this kind of game, you will enjoy the gameplay a lot. The adventuring and solving puzzles keeps the same feel as the original game, but improves in how it refines the story, and adds more emphasis to the game having a plot rather than just an almost segmented set of parts to the game storyline. The battle system is also excellent, and is made better by the Brothers items that are now usable instead of the Bros attacks. However, I will say that the hammer is not anywhere near as much fun to use as the original, and certain attacks, like the original are difficult to use properly (Smash Eggs for one instance). However, most of the shortcomings fall as you are probably going to be too enjoying the actual game to worry about such trivalties.
Overall
Overall, I would give this game about 90%. While it is fantastic, and deserves the rating it gets, it has a relative need to update both the graphics and innovation, as the graphics need polishing and the touch screen needs more utilising like some of the other games out there (I pictured some abilities using the touch screen, and maybe the UFO mini game). However, it stands up to the original well, and regardless of what people may say, is not too short, but feels like the other Mario RPGs in all factors.