Luigi's Mansion

- Reviewed on 3DS -

Luigi's Mansion released on September 14th, 2001. 

Luigi’s Mansion originally haunted GameCube consoles on September 14th, 2001. Fast forward seventeen years, and on October 12th, 2018, it made a spooky comeback on the 3DS—giving me the perfect excuse to relive one of my all-time favorite Nintendo games.

This one’s close to my heart and definitely one of the best in the Mario universe.

This review WILL have Major Spoilers so keep that in mind before continuing...

So, Nintendo’s big move was finally giving Mario’s brother Luigi his own spotlight. 

But instead of a typical platformer, they flipped the script and turned it into a ghostly adventure—a charming little horror game with plenty of personality.

The premise is simple yet clever: Luigi wins a mysterious mansion in a contest he never entered. 

The catch? It’s all a trap set by King Boo, who wants to add Luigi to his ghostly gallery after being trapped by Professor E. Gadd.

The mansion itself is a character—a sprawling, creaky old place filled with dark hallways, flickering lights, and a haunting, almost playful atmosphere. 

Every room feels alive with eerie creaks, distant ghostly moans, and the occasional ghost zooming by just when you least expect it. 

It’s spooky, but in that Nintendo way where it’s creepy without ever being truly scary—perfect for all ages.

The 3DS port nails that atmosphere flawlessly. The graphics might be a bit dated by today’s standards, but they’ve aged like fine wine, with detailed textures and lighting effects that make the mansion feel like a living, breathing maze. 

Shadows dance, chandeliers swing, and those little ghostly wisps add just the right touch of mystery.

The music is unforgettable—mixing creepy melodies with playful tunes that fit the game’s quirky personality. 

It sets the tone perfectly, whether you’re sneaking through a dim hallway or facing off against a giant boss.

Gameplaywise, the 3DS version runs silky smooth, no lag or frame drops to complain about. 

Controls do take a moment to get used to—since this was originally designed for GameCube—but the learning curve is worth it.

You explore the mansion in sections, each ending with a unique boss battle—from the mischievous ghost baby Chauncey, to towering Boos, all the way to an epic showdown with (SPOILER) Bowser.

Capturing ghosts is a satisfying back-and-forth dance. 

First, you stun them with your flashlight, then use the Poltergust 3000 to vacuum them up. 

Ghosts vary in toughness, with regular one's going down quickly and bosses requiring careful timing and strategy.

But Luigi’s Mansion is so much more than just ghost hunting. 

The collection system is addictive—you’ll find keys, Mario-themed outfit parts for the fortune teller ghost, money, and jewels that multiply your end-of-level rewards. 

Exploring every nook and cranny is rewarding and adds tons of replay value.

The 3DS’s bottom screen is a game-changer here. 

You get instant access to your map, objectives, money count, and collected items—no pausing required. 

Plus, the Gameboy Horror returns with intuitive motion controls, adding immersion and a cool touch that makes you feel like you’re really there.

Luigi’s Mansion may show its age in some mechanics, but it’s timeless in charm and creativity. 

The way it balances lighthearted humor with spooky tension is masterful, and the story—especially Luigi’s role as the unlikely hero saving Mario—makes it a standout in the Mario universe.

If I had to sum it up, Luigi’s Mansion on 3DS is a masterpiece of atmosphere, gameplay, and nostalgia.

Pros: 

    - Perfectly preserved and enhanced port of the GameCube classic
    - Captivating, spooky yet playful atmosphere
    - Smooth gameplay and responsive controls once adjusted
    - Memorable and catchy soundtrack
    - Deep exploration and rewarding collectibles
    - Fun and challenging boss battles
    - Multiplayer adds replay value
    - Immersive use of 3DS features like the bottom screen and motion controls

Cons:

    - Controls take a little time to get comfortable with
    - Some Boos can be frustratingly tough to catch
    - Occasional minor glitches

My Rating for Luigi's Mansion (on 3DS):

5 / 5


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Disclaimer

All Reviews, Ratings, Pros, Cons, and Opinions Shared on this Blog (Press A Reviews) are my (Connor Butler) own Thoughts and Feelings.



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