Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD: A Polished Yet Flawed Remaster on the Nintendo Switch

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, the latest remaster by Nintendo, brings the 2013 3DS original to the Nintendo Switch. While it enhances the visual experience, it also inherits some limitations from its predecessor. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of the game, capturing the essence of Luigi's ghost-hunting adventure.

This meticulous remaster amplifies the visuals and atmosphere but struggles to overcome the restrictions inherent to the 3DS. Join us as we examine whether this title is a must-play or merely a nostalgic indulgence.

A Visual Upgrade

From a visual standpoint, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD shines with enhanced graphics, making the spooky and atmospheric settings even more engaging. The textures are sharper, the lighting effects are improved, and every corner of the haunted mansions looks better than ever.

Despite these improvements, the game still feels tied to its original format. The polished aesthetics do not fully compensate for the repetitive nature of the gameplay that becomes evident as you progress.

The Silliness Quotient

The Luigi’s Mansion series has always embraced a cartoonish take on the survival horror genre, and Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is no exception. This light-hearted approach remains one of the game’s most endearing qualities, adding a layer of charm and humor to Luigi’s ghost-busting endeavors.

However, this playful tone also detracts from creating genuinely compelling gameplay hooks. While the spoof-like scenario is amusing, it can sometimes feel like a gimmick rather than a driving force behind engaging gameplay mechanics.

The Poltergust 5000 Conundrum

One of the game’s standout features is the Poltergust 5000, an all-in-one ghost-hunting device. Resembling a vacuum cleaner with shoulder straps, it serves both as Luigi’s weapon and puzzle-solving tool, offering a blend of functionality and comedy.

Yet, the novelty of the Poltergust 5000 wears thin quickly. Its complex and cumbersome interactions soon highlight its limitations. What starts as a clever concept turns into a repetitive task, making players wish for simpler, more intuitive controls.

Puzzle Mechanics

The Poltergust 5000 also plays a central role in the game’s puzzle mechanics, which are a mixed bag. While some puzzles are straightforward and accessible, others rely heavily on trial and error, leading to a less satisfying gaming experience.

This inefficiency is compounded by the game’s tendency to rely on hidden paths and concealed mechanisms. These elements fit the haunted mansion theme but often come at the expense of meaningful and rewarding gameplay.

The Control Scheme

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD attempts to merge a dual-stick setup with a fixed camera perspective, aiming for a modern control scheme. However, this hybrid approach can feel awkward and unintuitive, hindering the fluidity of the gameplay.

While players may eventually adapt to these controls, they never feel entirely natural. The game struggles to balance modern controls with its classic presentation, leaving gamers with a sense of disjointedness.

Mission Structure

The game’s mission-based structure, originally designed for short bursts of handheld play on the 3DS, feels out of place on the Switch. Each mission typically lasts around 20 minutes, creating frequent interruptions that disrupt the game’s pacing.

These intervals detract from the immersion and exploration that define the Luigi’s Mansion experience. The constant teleportation in and out of missions prevents a seamless adventure, making the experience feel disjointed and repetitive.

Repetitive Environments

Another drawback is the game’s reliance on recycling environments. Although some changes are cleverly implemented, such as altering a room’s state between missions, these variations do little to mask the underlying repetition.

This reusability was a necessary concession for the 3DS, but it feels outdated on the Switch. The repetition becomes increasingly apparent, affecting the game’s overall appeal and sense of progression.

No Checkpoints

Surprisingly, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD retains the lack of checkpoints from the original game. This means that players must restart entire missions upon failing, potentially losing significant progress.

This oversight can lead to frustration, especially when missions stretch beyond 20 minutes. A few strategic checkpoints would have greatly enhanced the gameplay experience, providing a sense of security and accomplishment.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD offers a visually enhanced yet fundamentally flawed remaster. While its spooky, atmospheric presentation is appealing, the gameplay remains hampered by its 3DS roots.

Fans of the original and Nintendo enthusiasts may find joy in revisiting this title, but it doesn’t quite capture the magic of top-tier Nintendo releases. Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is a quality reskin, but it showcases Nintendo’s inventiveness at only a moderate level.