Review: Luigi’s Mansion 2

Luigi’s Mansion 2, originally released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2013, has found new life on the Nintendo Switch with a port that brings this charming and spooky adventure to a broader audience. For many, including myself, who missed out on playing this incredible title on the 3DS, the Switch version offers a fantastic opportunity to experience one of Luigi’s most memorable adventures.

Graphics: A Testament to the 3DS Era

When Luigi’s Mansion 2 first launched on the 3DS, it was praised for its stunning graphics that pushed the capabilities of the handheld console. The game’s visuals were vibrant, and detailed, and perfectly captured the eerie yet whimsical atmosphere of the haunted mansions Luigi explores. From the ghostly apparitions to the intricate mansion designs, every aspect of the game was crafted with care and attention to detail.

The transition to the Nintendo Switch has only enhanced these visuals, making them even more appealing on a larger screen. While the game doesn’t reach the graphical heights of Luigi’s Mansion 3, it still holds its own, especially considering its origins on a less powerful system. The port has done an excellent job of preserving the charm of the original while making subtle improvements to textures and lighting, resulting in a visually pleasing experience that feels right at home on the Switch.

Story: A Ghostly Adventure Worth Revisiting

Luigi’s Mansion 2 may not have the complex narrative of its successor, Luigi’s Mansion 3, but it still offers a delightful and engaging story that keeps you entertained from start to finish. The game follows Luigi as he reluctantly takes on the role of a ghostbuster once again, exploring multiple haunted mansions to recover pieces of the Dark Moon, which has been shattered by the mischievous King Boo. Each mansion is filled with its own unique challenges, puzzles, and ghosts, providing a sense of variety and excitement as you progress through the game.

While the story may be simpler compared to Luigi’s Mansion 3, it is important to remember that this game was a predecessor, and it laid the groundwork for what was to come. The narrative is charming and perfectly suited to the game’s tone, making it a joy to play through even after all these years.

Gameplay: Entertaining and Addictive

One of the most impressive aspects of Luigi’s Mansion 2 is its ability to keep players engaged throughout the entire experience. The game is divided into levels, each set within a different mansion, and each level offers a new set of challenges and puzzles to solve. This level-based structure works well for the game, providing a sense of progression and allowing for a more focused gameplay experience.

The controls are smooth and responsive, making it easy to maneuver Luigi through the haunted halls and capture ghosts with his trusty Poltergust 5000. The game strikes a perfect balance between exploration, puzzle-solving, and ghost-catching, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.

The port to the Nintendo Switch has maintained this engaging gameplay, with the addition of a few quality-of-life improvements, such as an updated map system, that make navigating the mansions even more enjoyable. Whether you’re playing in handheld mode or on the big screen, Luigi’s Mansion 2 delivers a satisfying and entertaining experience.

Characters and Scenarios: Simply Incredible

Luigi’s Mansion 2 is filled with memorable characters, from the timid yet determined Luigi to the quirky Professor E. Gadd, who provides guidance and gadgets throughout the game. The ghosts themselves are also a highlight, with each type exhibiting its own personality and behavior, making encounters feel fresh and exciting.

The mansion settings are beautifully designed, with each one offering a unique atmosphere and theme. From a snowy retreat to a garden-themed mansion, the variety in environments keeps the game feeling fresh and prevents it from becoming repetitive. The attention to detail in each mansion is impressive, with hidden secrets and interactive elements that encourage exploration.

Pricing: A Point of Contention

While Luigi’s Mansion 2 on the Nintendo Switch is undeniably a well-crafted port of an already excellent game, one area where it falls short is in its pricing. The game is currently priced at $59.99, which is the standard price for new titles on the Switch. However, given that this is a port of a game originally released on the 3DS, some may feel that the price is a bit steep, especially considering the minimal changes made to the game outside of graphical enhancements and a few quality-of-life improvements.

In my opinion, a more reasonable price point would be around $39.99. This would make the game more accessible to a wider audience while acknowledging that it is, after all, a port with only a few adaptations. Nonetheless, for those who missed out on the original release, the price may be worth it for the opportunity to experience this classic title on modern hardware.