Imagine merging the lighthearted humor of classic Scooby-Doo episodes with the spectral antics of Ghostbusters and placing it within the delightful universe of Super Mario. If you thought of anything other than the beloved Luigi’s Mansion franchise, chances are you’re in the wrong spot. Originally debuting as a launch title for the Nintendo GameCube, the Luigi’s Mansion series has evolved into a well-regarded trilogy within the action-adventure realm. Following the acclaim of Luigi’s Mansion 3, Nintendo has decided to remaster its predecessor, Luigi’s Mansion 2, updating the innovative sequel from the 3DS for the Switch, allowing it to reach a new generation of players. Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is set to launch on June 27, 2024, but does this update still hold value a decade after its initial release?
Picking up from the events of the original Luigi’s Mansion (GCN), our unfortunate hero, Luigi, finds himself in a sticky situation yet again. After indulging in a delightful nap following a plate of cookies and milk, Professor E.Gadd, the eccentric scientist, interrupts him via a TV call, urgently seeking his assistance once more. E.Gadd explains that numerous ghosts in Evershade Valley (the main setting for Luigi’s Mansion 2) have turned aggressive. The professor equips Luigi with the Pixelator, a nifty gadget that teleports him to E.Gadd’s lab. Here, Luigi learns about the troubling fragmentation of the Dark Moon, a celestial object that usually keeps the nearby ghosts docile. With E.Gadd’s expertise in the supernatural, the improved Poltergust 5000 (a modern ghost-busting device), and the duel-scream (serving as both a map and communicator), Luigi embarks on a mission to retrieve the Dark Moon fragments to restore order in Evershade Valley. While the storyline of Luigi’s Mansion 2 may be straightforward, it features witty and engaging dialogue throughout.
The Poltergust 5000 serves as the cornerstone of Luigi’s abilities. At its base, it acts as a flashlight, but it can also function as a strobe light to hit switches, a dark-light to uncover hidden secrets, and most importantly, a vacuum for capturing ghosts. Unlike the original game’s necessity for camera controls, the right joystick now directs the aim of the Poltergust 5000. The controls in Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD have been markedly refined from the 3DS original, adapting the gameplay seamlessly to the Nintendo Switch interface. Players have the option to use motion controls for aiming and adjusting viewpoints, which can also be disabled in settings if desired.
Unlike the singular expansive mansion of the first Luigi’s Mansion, Luigi’s Mansion 2 features five distinct mansions to explore. Each mansion comprises various levels, with E.Gadd utilizing the Pixelator to teleport Luigi to different missions. After each assignment, Luigi returns to the bunker to gather data on ghosts captured and receive guidance for upcoming tasks. This bunker serves as the central hub, granting players easy access to a level selection screen and E.Gadd’s Vault, where players can review their entire collection gathered during their adventure. While the level-based design creates a linear experience, it still allows for opportunities to explore.
Each level is packed with environmental puzzles, ghosts to catch, hidden gems, and numerous secrets, including hidden Boos that unlock bonus levels when all are located within their respective mansions. Upon completing a level, players receive a rating ranging from 1 to 3 stars based on clear times, ghost captures, health lost, and treasures collected (consisting of coins, gold bars, and cash for upgrading Poltergust abilities). Players will encounter various types of ghosts, some requiring extra effort to capture; most will first need to be stunned by the Poltergust’s strobe. Once players attach to a ghost (or multiple), they must maneuver in the opposite direction of the ghost’s movement to deplete their health. This mechanic is engaging and evolves throughout the game.
As noted previously, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD does not add any significant new features. However, with the closure of 3DS online services earlier this year, the HD version is currently the sole platform to enjoy the online multiplayer ScareScraper mode (previously known as Thrill Tower on 3DS in Europe). This mode is separate from the main campaign and can be accessed at E.Gadd’s bunker after completing the first four levels. Players can choose to play online with friends or fellow ghostbusters globally (a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is necessary). Additionally, local wireless play with up to four players, each with their own Switch and game copy, is an option.
ScareScraper supports up to four players, with each participant controlling a Luigi in different colored outfits. It features three game modes: Hunter Mode, Rush Mode, and Polterpup Mode. In Hunter Mode, players collaborate to catch all ghosts swiftly. Rush Mode tasks players with finding the exit before time expires, collecting timepieces as they go. Finally, Polterpup Mode challenges players to locate hidden pawprints and capture all Polterpups using their dark-light device. Each mode offers three difficulty settings (Normal, Hard, and Expert), and the number of floors can be adjusted to complete 5, 10, or 25, with an infinite mode unlocked after clearing 25 floors. Boss ghosts appear at every fifth floor, encouraging competition as players can see their scores at the end of each level.
Despite being primarily cooperative, ScareScraper fosters a bit of friendly competition with players’ total scores showcased after each round. The online multiplayer aspect of Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is essential not to miss; all game modes greatly enhance the fun factor, particularly with a great crew. Although my test run of ScareScraper lasted only an hour, I experienced zero internet lag and am excited for the game’s public launch to explore everything it has to offer.
The transition from the 3DS’s 800×240 resolution to the Switch’s 1280×720 is nothing short of astonishing, making playing Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD feel like a revelation. The enhanced resolution brings improvements in lighting, textures, character models, and even animation fluidity. What could easily have been a simple transfer job from Nintendo has been carefully executed, ensuring the game stands out—not merely as a rehash. While Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD maintains a more simplistic style compared to Luigi’s Mansion 3, it still appears stunning in both docked and handheld modes. The game operates consistently at a stable 30fps with no noticeable drops throughout my gameplay experience.
Even though it lacks extensive new content, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD remains brilliantly entertaining, elevating the original 3DS hit with upgraded visuals and enhanced quality-of-life features. While those who played the original might question its necessity, it’s an essential addition for Switch owners keen to dive into Luigi’s Mansion 3’s predecessor. With an engaging single-player experience and the thrilling online co-op ScareScraper mode, this sequel is better than ever on the Switch and surpasses expectations.
8.5/10
A review copy of Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD was provided by Nintendo UK.