Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Nintendo Switch Review

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Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD brings back our green-clad hero, Luigi, to save the day once more. Armed with the Poltergust 5000, Luigi’s mission is to retrieve the shattered pieces of the Dark Moon. King Boo has escaped his prison, causing havoc by stirring up ghosts across five spooky mansions. These diverse environments keep the story fresh, offering unique and amusing moments as Luigi bumbles his way through each haunted house.

Although the story isn’t groundbreaking, the charm and humor make it engaging. Luigi’s cowardly yet determined persona adds a layer of fun, and the game’s narrative is packed with quirky surprises that will keep you smiling. It’s a delightful journey that fans of the original and newcomers will both appreciate.

One area of the story where many people complain about is the mission structure. Each time E. Gadd sends you into a mansion you typically have an objective or two, and sometimes that can open up into a new section of the mission. But more times than not the game will pause your progress to have E. Gadd call you on the Dual Scream device and bring you back to his bunker. I wasn’t bothered by it all that much, but ultimately it slows things down, whereas Luigi’s Mansion 3 felt great as it kept you moving floor to floor, room to room.

The original 3DS version had its quirks, especially with aiming the Poltergust without a secondary analog stick. Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, however, adopts control schemes from Luigi’s Mansion 3, making ghost-busting smoother and more intuitive. Say goodbye to awkward claw grips and hello to seamless controls!

The gameplay involves solving puzzles, capturing ghosts, and exploring the haunted mansions. The Dual Scream device adds a layer of strategy, helping you to see where you need to go and which rooms you have access to. The level-based design keeps the experience varied even though many of the objectives are essentially fetch quests for keeps to open up doors. With up to 30 hours of gameplay, including the return of the Scarescraper mode for multiplayer fun, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD shines with its enhanced visuals. The environments are detailed and vibrant, breathing new life into the haunted mansions. I would have liked them to give Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD the same upgraded graphics of Luigi’s Mansion 3, but alas, we will have to wait for any true visual upgrades. The lighting has been rebalanced, creating an immersive atmosphere that makes ghost-hunting feel even more thrilling. Motion controls and rumble features add a tactile sensation, making the game feel more substantial.

The attention to detail in the graphics makes each mansion a joy to explore. Whether you’re navigating the spooky halls or uncovering hidden secrets, the visual improvements enhance every moment. It’s a feast for the eyes that complements the gameplay perfectly.

The sound design in Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is top-notch, with eerie echoes and spooky tunes setting the perfect haunted atmosphere. Luigi’s humorous voice acting adds to the charm, making his reactions to ghosts both funny and endearing. The music shifts seamlessly between lighthearted and creepy, keeping you on your toes as you explore each mansion.

Sound effects play a crucial role, from the creaking of floorboards to the ghostly wails that keep you alert. The audio experience ties everything together, making the game not just visually but also audibly immersive. Playing the game with headphones on is almost a must-have. As you creep along, hearing the various tracks will help immerse you in the haunted mansions and ghostly inhabitants you will encounter.

The Scarescraper mode returns, allowing you to team up with friends or family for some cooperative ghost-hunting. While it requires everyone to have a copy of the game, it’s well worth it for the fun, spooky challenges. Working together to clear floors of ghosts or hunt down Polterpups adds a social element that enhances the overall experience.

Playing locally or online, the multiplayer mode offers a range of activities that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. It’s a great way to extend the fun and enjoy Luigi’s antics with others. I do wish the Nintendo Switch version of Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD had local co-op on one Switch similar to Luigi Mansion’s 3.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is a fantastic remake that breathes new life into a beloved classic. With improved controls, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay, it’s a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Whether you’re revisiting Evershade Valley or experiencing it for the first time, Luigi’s spooky adventure is one you won’t want to miss. If you have played the game already and are looking at the selling price as a point of contention, you aren’t alone. Nintendo usually gets away with the Nintendo Tax and many gamers complain about it from time to time. Just know, that whatever you decide to do, say it with your wallet by either waiting for a sale, or purchasing this one. Get ready to bust some ghosts and have a spooktacular time!

Rapid Reviews Rating

4.5 out of 5

4.5