Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story Complete Guide (47 Sections) | AntMag

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Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story is a unique role-playing adventure on the Nintendo DS where you control both the iconic brothers and Bowser himself. You'll navigate the Mushroom Kingdom as Mario and Luigi, exploring its nooks and crannies, while also taking on the role of Bowser as he travels through his own body to stop the villainous Fawful. The moment-to-moment gameplay involves classic turn-based battles with timed button presses and exploration puzzles that utilize both the brothers' unique abilities and Bowser's brute strength.

This guide is here to help you conquer every challenge this game throws at you. We'll cover everything from Bowser's castle to the brothers' bizarre journey inside Bowser, offering detailed strategies for tough boss fights, tips for collecting every hidden item, and guidance on achieving the best possible outcomes. Whether you're aiming for a perfect playthrough or just need help getting past a tricky section, we've got you covered.

Part 1

Alright, let's dive into Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story! This is where it all begins, so pay close attention. We'll be covering the very start of the game, getting you familiar with the controls and the initial situation.

Walkthrough

1
You'll start off in control of Bowser. You're in the throne room of your very own castle. It's a bit of a mess right now, but don't worry, we'll get things sorted.
2
Your first task is to get moving. Head out of the throne room and into the main castle area. Just follow the path; it's pretty straightforward at this point.
3
You'll encounter some of your Koopa Troop, who will give you a bit of exposition about what's going on. Listen up, as this sets the scene for the whole adventure.
4
You'll then be prompted to use Bowser's new ability: the 'Drill'. This is a key move you'll be using a lot, so get the hang of it. Follow the on-screen prompts to practice using it.
5
After that, you'll need to head towards the main gate of the castle. There are a few more Koopas to talk to, and they'll explain the situation further, including the mysterious 'F Fawful' and the 'Bean'.
6
Once you reach the main gate, you'll get a cutscene that really kicks off the story. This is where things get serious, and you'll learn about the strange circumstances Bowser finds himself in.
7
From here, you'll transition to playing as Mario and Luigi, who have been swallowed by Bowser. You'll find yourself inside Bowser's body! This is a major shift, so get ready for a whole new perspective.
8
You'll start in the 'Mushroom Way' area inside Bowser. Your goal here is to learn the basic controls for Mario and Luigi. Practice moving around and interacting with the environment.
9
You'll meet a friendly Toad who will guide you through the initial tutorial section. He'll teach you about basic movement, jumping, and how to use the bros. moves.
10
Follow the Toad's instructions carefully. Mastering these early moves is crucial for later challenges. Don't rush through this part; make sure you're comfortable with the controls.
11
After the tutorial, you'll need to find a way to help Bowser. This involves navigating through the early parts of his digestive system and interacting with the environment to progress.

Tips

Pay attention to all the dialogue! The story is important, and the characters often give hints about what to do next.
Don't be afraid to experiment with Bowser's Drill ability. It's useful for more than just moving around.
When you switch to Mario and Luigi, remember that their controls are different. Get used to the feel of controlling two characters at once.
The early 'Bros. Moves' are essential. Practice them until you can pull them off consistently.

Part 2

Walkthrough

1
You will begin by watching the opening cutscene (a non-interactive sequence).
2
The walkthrough covers Section I - In the Beginning..., starting in the Mushroom Kingdom.
3
The FAQ version history shows significant progress, with version 1.00 (main walkthrough complete) released on 11/30/2011, and version 2.10 (Sidequests and Boss FAQ/Walkthrough complete) released on 12/1/2011. The final version, 486 KB, was released on 12/2/2011.
4
Specific sections detailed include:
5
Bowser's Equipment Listings (ML104)
6
Shells (ML111)
7
Bands (ML112)
8
Fangs (ML113)
9
Rings (ML114)
10
Badge Listings (ML12)
11
Shop Documentation (ML13)

Tips

The author, Daniel Chaviers (aka KeyBlade999), can be contacted via email at keyblade999.faqs@gmail.com or by Private Message (PM) on the GameFAQs message boards.
The FAQ is permitted on GameFAQs, Neoseeker, and SuperCheats. Websites like CheatCC and www.cheat-database.com are permanently banned from hosting the FAQ.
The FAQ is licensed under copyright © 2011-2012.

Part 3

Walkthrough

1
After a conversation with a Toad, gain control of Mario and Luigi. Learn basic Action Commands: A makes Mario jump, B makes Luigi jump, and the D-Pad controls movement.
2
Head north into the next area. Jump on the platforms, hitting the ? blocks for rewards. The northeasternmost ? block contains multiple Coins, yielding 17 Coins in total.
3
Proceed north into the castle. Go east and bump the Save Block to save your game. Go west and bump the ? block to obtain 5 Coins.
4
Leave through the northeastern doorway and watch the scene.
5
Engage in a tutorial battle with Bowser. Use the D-Pad to select a command (initially Jump) and press A. Press A again as you hit Bowser to deal more damage and gain an extra Jump (first Jump only). Dodge his Fire Cloud attack by pressing A to jump. After Toadsworth leaves, continuously bounce on Bowser's head until the battle ends.
6
After a cutscene (a non-interactive cinematic the game plays automatically) (an in-game event that cannot be interacted with), you gain control of Bowser.
7
In Dimble Woods, use the D-Pad to move. Press X to punch and Y to breathe fire. A and B do nothing.
8
Go south and break the rocks by punching to proceed to the next area via the southbound exit.
9
In the next area, use your fire breath to burn down the forestry. The exit is to the east.
10
After a short scene, you will retake control of Mario in the Trash Pit.
11
Head right into the next area. Avoid the yellow, bubbly stuff in the pits as it will cause you to lose HP and respawn (return to a previous point).
12
Jump across platforms to find a ? block containing 10 Coins. Continue across platforms to the right end of the area.
13
Hit the yellow block called an Emoglobin to save your game. Go to the ? block below it to find three Mushrooms.
14
Return to the Emoglobin's location and enter the next area.
15
Starlow is trapped by an amoeba-like creature. Jump down to the lower level and go onto the red pipe on the right. Press Down to shoot out of the pipe, hitting an ! block that reveals another pipe. Go down this pipe to hit another ! block. Enter this new pipe to hit the amoeba and save Starlow.
16
Engage in a minor tutorial battle where you learn about counterattacks. You can currently counter by jumping on an enemy as it attacks to damage it and negate damage.
17
Go to the right side of the room, up the platforms, and right into the next area.
18
Hit the nearby Emoglobin to save. Jump up the platforms, hitting two ? blocks for a total of 15 Coins.
19
Enter the gap at the right side of the room. Jumping on an enemy in the field initiates a pre-emptive strike, giving you a free turn of damage. Defeat the enemies and go into the yellow pipe.
20
In this room, use the Emoglobin to fully restore your HP. Go left and right, defeating enemies. Hit the ? block on the way for 5 Coins, and the ? block near the exit for a Mushroom. Continue left into the next room.
21
Luigi is trapped by an amoeba. Walk underneath him and press A to jump, grab him, and release him.
22
You will receive a tutorial on using Luigi in battles: perform actions using B instead of A.

Tips

Save your game frequently at Save Blocks, as the distance between them can vary.
Pay attention to Action Commands during battles to deal more damage.
In the Trash Pit, avoid the yellow bubbly substance in the pits.
Use the Emoglobin blocks to restore HP and SP (Stamina Points).

Part 4

Walkthrough

1
After the tutorial battle, go left into the next room.
2
Go right to find a ? block containing three 1-Up Mushrooms. Continue right into the next room.
3
Go to the right and onto the gray platforms to find another ? block containing three Mushrooms.
4
Jump towards the right side of the room, avoiding the yellow substance (by pressing A and B simultaneously), then head right to the next room.
5
Go right to the elevator. Press the corresponding character's button on the block above them when it lights up to make the elevator ascend. The pattern will alternate. After landing, go right into the next room.
6
Head right to find a crate with a hammer emblem and two more unmarked crates. Use the nearby Emoglobin (if I recall correctly) to save, then go right into the next room. You cannot yet obtain the hammers.
7
In this room, jump over the gap and get under the multicolored box to receive one of ten Trash Pieces. Collecting ten Trash Pieces teaches you a Special Move, a more powerful move that costs SP.
8
Go right, over the gap, and hit the ? block to find three Syrup Jars, which restore used-up SP. Go right into the next room.
9
In this room, check all corners to find eight more Trash Pieces. After finding all but #10, go through the newly-opened exit in the top-left corner.
10
Hit the multicolored block to receive the final Trash Piece. You will receive the Special move Green Shell. Enter the tutorial when prompted to learn its use.
11
After exiting the menu, use the Green Shell Special move to defeat the enemies. Leave to the left.
12
Arrive on the upper level of the hammer crate room. Go left and hit the ! block to fall, breaking the crate and revealing two hammers.
13
To use hammers in the field, switch to their icon via R. Go to the right and break the crates to leave.
14
Fall down and break the crates that impede you. Go to the far right and hit the red switch with the hammer. Break the falling rock.
15
Two Spike Blops appear; you'll receive a tutorial on battling with hammers. After this battle, go into the pipe and shoot yourself to the platform, then go right to find the next room.
16
Hit the ? block repeatedly to receive 25 Coins. Go along the linear path, defeating enemies and hitting another ? block for three Syrup Jars. Go through the exit to arrive in "Bowser's World Map".
17
Move to the circle marked with the Mushroom emblem and press A to go to Toad Square.
18
In Toad Square, go right and down to find the "inn" - for 10 Coins, you can drink juice to fully restore Mario and Luigi's HP and SP. Go to the center-right for an item shop, top-right for an advice counter, and top-left for an equipment shop (currently unusable). Exit when ready.
19
Go to the Funny Bone on Bowser's World Map.
20
After a short scene, go right and bash the yellow thing (the nerve of the funny bone). Bowser awakens and you regain control of him in Cavi Cape Cave.
21
Upon regaining control of Bowser, go east to the next area.
22
Press A/B to control the Bros.; press X/Y to control Bowser. Go north, using X to break rocks.
23
Reach a wooden bridge. Step onto the metallic panel near the edge. Punch a falling metal ball to hit the switch and unlock the way to the next area. Go to the next area.
24
Go west and you'll find a spider web. Bowser's fire is currently stopped. After a short scene, go north and to the next room.
25
Save and go onto the big, green-ish block. It will move. Beware of stony outcroppings; punch them to remove them.

Tips

Save frequently using the Emoglobin.
The yellow substance on the platforms can be avoided by pressing A and B simultaneously.
Special Moves like Green Shell cost SP to use.
The inn in Toad Square is a good place to fully restore HP and SP for 10 Coins.
Press X/Y to control Bowser and A/B to control the Mario Bros.

Special Move: Green Shell
Two Hammers
25 Coins
Three Syrup Jars (from a ? block)
Three Mushrooms (from a ? block)
Three 1-Up Mushrooms (from a ? block)

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Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

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