Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review: Nintendo Switch Brings Evershade Valley to Life

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review: Nintendo Switch Brings Evershade Valley to Life Luigi’s Mansion has always been a standout series for Nintendo and its green-clad hero.

Released on June 27, 2024, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD revives the Nintendo 3DS classic Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon for a new generation on the Nintendo Switch.

Developed in collaboration with Next Level Games, this remaster updates the atmospheric ghost-hunting adventure, giving both longtime fans and newcomers a chance to explore the haunted mansions of Evershade Valley in stunning high definition.

Originally launched in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon quickly earned acclaim for its inventive puzzle design and charming take on Luigi’s nervous antics.

In this sequel, Professor E.

Gadd calls upon Luigi to recover the shattered Dark Moon shards and restore order to the once-friendly ghost population.

Equipped with the Poltergust 5000 vacuum, Luigi faces a series of unique mansions teeming with mischievous spirits and environmental hazards. As is tradition for the franchise, Luigi’s journey in Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is marked by his hesitant heroism.

Rather than eager bravery, Luigi reluctantly steps into danger, visibly afraid but determined to help.

Professor E.

Gadd repeatedly nudges Luigi into action, outfitting him with advanced gear like the Poltergust 5000, which not only sucks up ghosts but can startle them with a strobe light and uncover hidden secrets.

Mastery of these mechanics is essential, as players navigate haunted corridors, solve intricate puzzles, and capture a variety of spectral foes. The gameplay progression in this HD release mirrors the original’s rising challenge curve.

Early encounters serve as an introduction, but soon escalate to complex battles requiring players to manage multiple ghosts while avoiding traps and environmental threats.

Boss fights, a hallmark of the series, force players to experiment with strategy and timing, turning frustration into satisfaction once their patterns are mastered.

Each mansion overflows with secrets and collectibles, offering plenty of reasons to revisit areas and aim for higher completion rankings. While Luigi's Mansion 2 HD shines with its visual overhaul—offering cleaner textures and atmospheric lighting on the Nintendo Switch—some elements originally designed for the 3DS, such as 3D-centric visual cues, can feel out-of-place when transitioned to a flat display.

The absence of features like two-player co-op, found in Luigi’s Mansion 3, may disappoint some, but the expanded multiplayer suite offers alternative replay value.

Multiplayer modes such as Hunter, Polterpup, and Rush let up to four players team up locally or online to tackle ghostly challenges and time attacks, giving Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD additional legs as a party or family game. Despite a few drawbacks, namely the lack of significant new content compared to Luigi’s Mansion 3 and some repetitious moments driven by narrative pacing, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is a strong entry for the franchise on Nintendo Switch.

It delivers a rewarding single-player experience that expertly blends spooky exploration with lighthearted humor, as well as a robust set of multiplayer modes for those wanting more.

For Switch owners who missed the original or want to revisit Evershade Valley with improved visuals and controls, it remains a captivating showcase of Luigi's unique brand of heroism. In summary, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD boasts a vibrant remaster that both honors the original and benefits from the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch.

While Luigi’s Mansion 3 sets a higher benchmark regarding content and innovation, this HD release is well worth the return trip for new players and nostalgic fans alike.

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