The gameplay of Partners in Time, with an emphasis on role-playing game elements and co-operative puzzle-solving,[7][8] is similar to that of its predecessor, although gameplay differences exist between the games. For the majority of Partners in Time, the overworld of the game is presented on the DS's touchscreen, while a map is present on the top screen, showing relevant information such as the location of each character and save albums. Additionally, the perspective changes when battling or accessing the inventory, and when the quartet is separated into two pairs, in which a pair is visible on each screen.[7]
Overworld[edit]
The player is able to control the four main protagonists—Mario, Baby Mario, Luigi, and Baby Luigi—either as a quartet or alternatively in separate pairs. The player can choose to separate the adults from the babies, which is usually required when entrances or holes in the overworld are too small to be accessed by the adult characters.[9][10] Such instances form multiple puzzles in the game, in which items or switches can be only be accessed by use of the babies' specific qualities. The pairs can also perform special moves while they are separated, which are gained as the player progresses through the game. Each action attained is assigned to a specific button on the DS for a character, which is present on the screen; pressing the corresponding button results in the action.[11] These actions, such as the "Toadsworth Twist" (more commonly known as the "Spin Jump") that allows the older brothers to twirl through the air, are required to advance through the game and solve the various puzzles.
The game retains many of the RPG aspects present in its predecessor, including the interaction with non-player characters, which is required to advance the plot and gameplay. Each character's progress is measured by experience points, which are needed to "level up", a process by which battle-related statistical fields such as speed and power are boosted. As in Superstar Saga, there is also a currency used to purchase items and status-enhancing equipment known as badges and clothes.[10][12]
Battle[edit]
The battle system is similar to its predecessor's, with the effectiveness of an attack dependent on the timing accuracy of separate actions.[4] The battles still consist of turn-based attacks executed by Mario and Luigi, although these are compounded by the babies' actions during an attack.[10] The Bros. moves—moves performed by Mario and Luigi collectively—have been replaced by Bros. Items, which are finite attacks that are gained in the overworld. Similar to the Bros. moves, these are more damaging attacks that can be performed by all 4 characters collectively.[2] Only the adults receive damage, even though the babies will become vulnerable once their respective partners have been eliminated from battle.[13] The elimination of babies will also affect battle as some Bros. Items will become disabled, and the party will not be able to defend itself with hammers, which are wielded exclusively by the babies.
