Taking a trip down memory lane with Luigi’s Mansion 3, released in 2019 on the Nintendo Switch, we now have Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, the remaster of Luigi’s Mansion 2 Dark Moon, originally released on the 3DS in 2013. Dark Moon marked the return of the series after a decade-long absence. The original GameCube game from 2001 is still a remarkable title, and its sequels have successfully built upon the ghost-catching gameplay crafted by Nintendo. The collaboration with external studios, such as Next Level Games, has maintained the high standard set by the original.
### Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD – Remaster or Remake?
Playing Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD on the Switch is a superior experience compared to the 3DS. The transition to a larger, higher-resolution screen enhances the action-packed gameplay. The visuals are closer to Luigi’s Mansion 3, with significant improvements over Dark Moon, especially in resolution. While the game is a remaster that enhances the original’s visuals, it retains the core mechanics intact.
The absence of a dedicated second screen for mansion maps is a drawback in the Switch version. It was convenient in the 3DS version to have the map always visible, but now players have to pause the game regularly. Nevertheless, the overall improvements in graphics and gameplay make Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD a worthwhile experience on the Switch.
### Robust Content
Luigi’s second adventure expands significantly upon the original game. With five mansions to explore and an additional multiplayer area, the game offers substantial longevity and a variety of mechanics, puzzles, and exploration elements. The haunting atmosphere created by the mischievous ghosts under the reign of King Boo sets the stage for Luigi’s ghost-catching escapades, spanning across different themed challenges in each mansion.
From raising the essential money for equipment improvement, detecting specters, to the final boss, each mansion is unique and holds its own challenges and ghosts that inhabit it. There are a handful of missions, some more time-consuming than others to solve, but most of them are quite fun to do. At the end of each mansion, a part of the moon awaits Luigi as he rebuilds the peculiar Dark Moon and approaches the ultimate challenge.
Luigi is not alone in this batch of events. Professor E. Gadd is the typical “mad scientist” who accompanies him, teleporting Luigi to various points where there are traces and signs of ghostly activity, producing a frenetic laugh whenever this happens. More than that, Professor E. Gadd developed the Poltergust 5000, a powerful machine to carry on his back and capable of terrorizing ghosts due to its enormous suction and trapping power. The Strobulb is essential to stun them when they reveal themselves and come out of the shadows.
The dark light, a complementary accessory, allows to reveal secret doors, hidden ghosts, and hidden objects, especially the boos. This array of equipment results in full interaction. Sometimes this interaction happens with elements of the scenario, using the vacuum cleaner to spin fans, move carpets, pick up buckets of water, and even stoke the flames. It is all these different and fully rotating mechanics that make exploration as challenging as it is fun. Of course, if we only think about the time to complete the mission and move directly to the goal, we miss half of what can be explored.
Sucking ghosts is often a challenge that also requires interaction with objects scattered throughout the scenario. This is what happens in the boss fights, with creatures that become stronger as they go through several phases of transformation (usually from the easiest segment to the most difficult). There are many ghosts that create additional difficulties, throwing books or setting traps in Luigi’s path. Although it may incur some damage, regenerating hearts abound. It cannot be said that it is a particularly difficult game but it is quite challenging and clever in the confrontations.
Similar to what happened in Dark Moon, a sixth mansion is dedicated to the multiplayer component so that one can compete with other players up to a maximum of four, via online or through a local network. The ScareScraper is a mansion composed of multiple floors (of varying difficulty and divisions) and with challenges for various players. The tasks require coordination, activation of mechanisms, and trapping of ghosts only possible with several characters in activity and in a coalition of efforts. Highlight to the translation of the text of the game in European Portuguese. A game of this size in our language is always an asset for the little ones.
### Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD: A Spooky Switch Upgrade
If you missed out on Luigi’s Mansion 2 on the 3DS, fear not! The HD version for the Switch brings a fresh look to this ghostly adventure. With improved graphics, enhanced textures for Luigi, and better lighting effects, the game now shines on the big screen or in handheld mode.
### Switch Upgrades
One of the biggest advantages of playing Luigi’s Mansion 2 on the Switch is the use of two analog sticks for smoother control and equipment handling. The added vibration feature adds to the immersive experience, especially during intense specter encounters. And let’s not forget the absence of a second screen dedicated to maps, which is not missed at all in this upgraded version.
### Familiar Yet Refreshing
While Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD doesn’t introduce new content or mechanics, it still offers a satisfying mix of action, exploration, and puzzles. With a variety of mansions to explore and collectibles to find, this game keeps you entertained from start to finish. So, if you’re looking for a fun and spooky adventure on your Switch, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is a solid choice!
About the Author
