Dream Team is probably the best time I've had playing a Mario based RPG in a long time. I recently completed Partners in Time, and this game improves upon the concepts in that game greatly. From simplifying the item/Bro Point system to the massive Giant Boss battles. The new art style blends well with the 3D, but the 3D isn't 100% needed to enjoy the game, but it does help with the immersion of the overall experience.
Mario & Luigi Dream Team is a turn based RPG that has action commands/counters in game, which puts it in line most other Mario RPG games, but seperates it from traditional turn based RPG games. If you've played other M&L games, you'll be right at home as soon as you start. If you haven't, there is a lengthy tutorial section that continues for quite a bit of the game. There are optional tutorials after the initial one.
The story follows the Mario crew going on vacation on Pi'illo Island. They meet Prince Dreambert, who spins a tale about a bat that turned into a monster by the power of nightmares. This creature, who's name is Antasma, seeks the power of the Dreamstone in order to grant his wishes. There's more to it, but that's all you need to know to get going. It is nice that you're not seeking out a star like item, which is the goal of almost every Mario game lately, RPG or not. Luigi discovers he has dream powers that allow him to fall alseep fast. If he uses this on a Pi'illo person, he opens a dream portal and Mario can jump into the dreamworld. Dreamy Luigi (the dream version of Luigi) is now Mario's partner, who has several dream based abilities (which we'll get to that in a bit).
Attack items are few and most are replaced by Bro Moves (which I think were also in Bowser's Inside Story, so if you've played that, this is similar to that). This is also similar to the early Paper Mario games (haven't played Sticker Star, but I assume there is a similar mechanic there). The big addition in this department is the Luiginary moves. Luiginary moves use Bro Points, but are completely different from the list given in the real world. Many of them use the gyroscope, which add a bit of variety to the proceedings.
The dream world is a 2D based world, while the real world is an isometric 3D view. The music in the game is really good. When Mario travels into Luigi's dreams, the music for each area changes into a different version of the real world music. Many of these are fluid and distorted; this adds to the visual and gameplay differences to really drive a wedge between the feel of the two worlds.
The platforming elements in the dream world expand in each main section (which are related to the main story) up until the final stages. Luigi gains more abilities that include becoming a tree or a sun. The touch screen is then used to affect the world around Mario. Mario can be grabbed with branches and flung or hold onto a screw which is then spun by Luigi or a sun that heats up or cools down the environment.
The Giant Boss battles, which happens like 5 times in the game, is where Luigi grows to Godzilla-esque proportions. These battles are all different and require you to learn somewhat new attacks and counters. I failed many of these battles the first try, so be prepared to be humbled in many of these battles. These are a lot different than the rest of the game and is completely controlled by the touch screen.
The only gripes I have are that if Mario is going to a dreamlike world, why didn't he return to Subcon at some point and fight Wart and Co. There have been no appearances of some of the SMB2 crew since its release. Yes, I know that SMB2 was based off of another game that was then turned into a Mario game for the U.S. release. Before that though it was a Mario prototype using vertical scrolling mechanics instead of solely horizantle ones (confused yet?). Birdos, Shy Guys and Bobombs show up all of the time, so why not the rest of the crew, if not for just one section of the game. The viruses from Dr. Mario make a return in this game... the viruses. They are actually a pretty interesting enemy to fight, but that's beside the point.
Also, spoiler alert, Peach is kidnapped... again. It works in this series somewhat, because a lot of the M&L series is about poking fun at itself... and it doesn't happen until halfway through the game... so whatever.
Overall this game delivers in almost everyway and does not disappoint. I know that there are reviews that gave this game luke warm ratings, but don't believe it. If you've ever liked this series or Mario based Rpgs (or any RPGs), this is the game of your dreams.... I had to say it... I did it... can't take it back. Dreams.
9 out of 10 naps on Pi'illos... which is creepy when you realize these are sorta people you're sleeping on.
Also Check out the Kickstarter for my Indy Comic The BulletProof Ghost
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