Luigi has it rough. He's often relegated to player two while his older brother basks in the spotlight. And when he finally gets his moment as the leading man, he gets trapped in a dusty old mansion filled with everything that terrifies him. The poor guy can't catch a break.
The Luigi's Mansion series may be the green plumber's worst nightmare, but it's an absolute dream for action-adventure fans. This spooky Mario spin-off has some of the most eerie environments, thrilling combat, clever puzzles, and captivating exploration in the Nintendo universe. Luigi has starred in several ghost-hunting adventures over the years, but which ones are the best?
Updated on July 9, 2024, by PJ Molloy: Luigi's Mansion 2 HD is out, but how does it compare to the other games in the series? Is it better than the original? We've updated our ranking to answer those questions.
6 Luigi's Mansion Arcade
A Spooky On-Rail Shooter
Imagine if Nintendo, Capcom, and Sega teamed up to make a Luigi's Mansion first-person shooter. That's the arcade game in a nutshell. It's an on-rail adventure based on Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon for Nintendo 3DS. Instead of holding a gun, the controller is a vacuum that you point at the screen to suck up ghosts and collect items.
There are three unique mansions to explore, and it's up to you to defeat the barrage of spirits before they get enough to cause damage. The goal is to get as many points as possible by racking up combos and vacuuming treasure. You can even grab a friend for two-player co-op.
Should You Play Luigi's Mansion Arcade?
There's no reason not to play it if you come across one at an arcade. It's a blast to battle ghosts with a friend, and holding the Poltergust creates a unique sense of immersion. However, compared to other games in the series, this one is understandably lacking in content and can be completed in about 30 minutes. Don't feel the need to go out of your way to find it unless you're a die-hard Luigi's Mansion fan.
5 Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon
The Most Divisive Luigi's Mansion Game
Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
Platform(s) 3DS Released March 24, 2013 Developer(s) Next Level Games
While Dark Moon is often considered divisive by Luigi fans, it still deserves a nod for reviving the series after 12 years of dormancy. This long-awaited sequel took the gameplay, tone, and level design in a whole new direction, for better or worse.
Luigi explores five unique mansions, ranging from a mummy-infested clock tower to a haunted snowy cabin. The combat is fast-paced and engaging, thanks to the new Strobulb mechanic, which lets you unleash a powerful burst of light to stun ghosts and deal extra damage. The downside is the mission-based structure, which kicks you out of the mansion and makes you reenter every time you complete an objective.
Should You Play Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon?
Dark Moon is the best Luigi's Mansion game if you need something to play in short bursts. However, the pacing really bogs down longer play sessions, and the overall linearity and lack of portrait ghosts make exploration and bosses feel subpar compared to other titles. It's a solid 3DS game, but there are better options.
4 Luigi's Mansion 2 HD
A Faithful Remaster Of Dark Moon
Luigi's Mansion 2 HD
Platform(s) Switch Released June 27, 2024 Developer(s) Tantalus Media
Luigi's Mansion 2 HD remasters Dark Moon for Nintendo Switch with revamped visuals, a higher resolution, and a vastly improved lighting engine. Plus, the addition of the C-Stick is an excellent touch and creates a much more intuitive control scheme.
However, as nice as those changes are, they don't fix the issue at the game's core. The mission-based structure kills the pacing and robs you of any sense of exploration. It's hard to follow your curiosity when you get booted out of the level or flat-out told where to go every few minutes.
Should You Play Luigi's Mansion 2 HD?
There's no doubt that Luigi's Mansion 2 HD is the best way to play Dark Moon, given that it's far more accessible, better looking, and features a polished control scheme. However, if you don't like the 3DS version, the remaster does nothing that will change your mind.
3 Luigi's Mansion 3DS
Take The Original Luigi's Mansion On The Go
Luigi's Mansion
Platform(s) 3DS , GameCube Released November 18, 2001 Developer(s) Grezzo
Luigi's Mansion for 3DS adds a fresh coat of paint to the original. New features include overhauled graphics, a boss rush mode, achievements, and the ability to play through the entire game co-op. You can even unlock the Hidden Mansion, a more difficult campaign originally exclusive to the PAL version of the GameCube title.
It should be noted that this game is best played on a New Nintendo 3DS since the C-Stick can mimic that of the GameCube controller. If your 3DS model doesn't have a C-Stick, the alternative control scheme may take some getting used to.
Should You Choose Luigi's Mansion 3DS Over The Original?
It all boils down to preference. If you want to play the original Luigi's Mansion on the go, this remake is a fine choice. The quality of life updates and new content are nice touches, even if they don't drastically change the experience. However, sticking to the original is better if you don't want to be limited to a small screen and clunkier controls.
2 Luigi's Mansion 3
The Most Creative Luigi's Mansion Game
Luigi's Mansion 3
Platform(s) Switch Released October 31, 2019 Developer(s) Next Level Games
Luigi's Mansion 3 is the perfect entry point to the series, thanks to its accessibility and outstanding level design. This game combines the best elements of the first two titles while providing massive improvements and new creative ideas.
Luigi is trapped in a haunted hotel, with each floor containing a unique theme, including an Egyptian pyramid, a medieval castle, and a wrecked pirate ship. The combat is more action-packed than ever, thanks to the new slam attack, which lets you tackle ghosts to the ground. To top it all off, the missions are gone, allowing you to explore the hotel without interruptions.
Should You Play Luigi's Mansion 3?
Luigi's Mansion 3 strikes the perfect balance between the puzzle-solving, exploration, and boss fights from the original with the thrilling, fast-paced combat of Dark Moon. It's a must-play Nintendo Switch game and a fantastic addition to the series.
1 Luigi's Mansion
The Best Luigi's Mansion Game
It's hard to overstate the importance of the original Luigi's Mansion as a piece of Nintendo history. The translucent effect of the ghosts still looks incredible and has yet to be replicated. Plus, this game cemented Luigi's personality as a charming scaredy-cat whose love for his brother encourages him to face his fear.
While the combat is not as complex as future titles, it's arguably the most satisfying in the series. Every fight is a fierce wrestling match between you and the ghost, with an intensity unique to this game. Finally, the puzzles and exploration are cleverly implemented, rewarding you when you finally discover a portrait ghost's weakness or find a well-hidden secret.
Should You Play Luigi's Mansion?
Luigi's Mansion is a top-tier Mario spin-off. The gameplay, atmosphere, and controls hold up remarkably well. Not to mention, this game features one of the best performances by Charles Martinet. Overall, it's an iconic action-adventure game that's worth revisiting time and time again.
