From the moment Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD booted up on my Nintendo Switch, I was hit with that familiar mix of cozy and creepy that only this series seems to pull off so effortlessly. Luigi, Nintendo’s most anxious hero, is back in action, trembling flashlight in hand, and honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Originally released as Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon on the Nintendo 3DS, this HD remaster brings Evershade Valley to life in a way that finally feels worthy of a big screen. The jump to Switch instantly gives the game more presence, letting its spooky charm breathe.
Visually, the HD upgrade is noticeable right away. Textures are sharper, lighting is richer, and the environments feel far more atmospheric than they ever did on the 3DS. Mansions feel larger, darker, and more alive — or, well, more undead.
Luigi himself looks fantastic. His exaggerated animations, wide-eyed fear, and dramatic flinches sell every single ghost encounter. Watching him nervously shuffle through hallways never gets old, especially when something unexpected pops out of a vase.
The premise remains simple but effective. After the Dark Moon shatters, ghosts across Evershade Valley become hostile, and it’s up to Luigi to restore peace one haunted location at a time. It’s a structure that leans into bite-sized missions rather than one continuous adventure.
This mission-based design clearly reflects the game’s handheld roots. While it keeps the pacing accessible and easy to pick up, it can feel a little segmented when played on Switch. Still, each mission feels thoughtfully designed and satisfying to complete.
Exploring the various mansions is easily one of the game’s strongest elements. From icy mines to abandoned laboratories and eerie clockwork estates, each location has its own personality and puzzle identity that keeps things fresh.
Puzzle-solving is where Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD truly shines. Using the Poltergust to interact with the environment, uncover secrets, and manipulate objects feels intuitive and playful. It’s less about brute force and more about curiosity.
Ghost combat remains lighthearted rather than intense. Encounters focus on timing, positioning, and using the environment to your advantage. It’s approachable for all skill levels, while still offering enough challenge to stay engaging.
The Poltergust itself feels great to use with modern controls. Aiming and maneuvering ghosts is smoother on Switch, even if it takes a short adjustment period for returning players.
Ghost designs are full of character. Some are mischievous, others downright annoying, and a few are surprisingly creepy. Each one feels like it was designed to mess with Luigi — and by extension, the player.
Boss fights are creative and memorable, often requiring clever observation rather than raw skill. They feel like puzzles wrapped in combat, which fits the game’s overall design philosophy perfectly.
Audio design deserves a special shout-out. The music swells and softens depending on your actions, building tension when danger is near and easing off when things calm down. It adds a huge amount of personality to every room.
Sound effects are equally charming. From Luigi’s nervous humming to the clatter of furniture being sucked into the Poltergust, everything feels carefully tuned for immersion.
Professor E. Gadd returns as the quirky mentor figure, delivering dialogue that balances humor with just enough urgency to keep the story moving. His eccentric personality remains a highlight.
Treasure hunting adds an addictive layer of completionist fun. Searching every corner for gems and collectibles makes exploration feel rewarding and encourages players to slow down and soak in the atmosphere.
The ScareScraper multiplayer mode returns and remains an absolute blast. Teaming up with friends to clear haunted floors transforms the game into a chaotic, laughter-filled experience.
Multiplayer adds longevity, especially for players who enjoy cooperative challenges. It’s a great way to experience the game beyond the main story.
That said, this is very much a remaster, not a remake. Players looking for new story content or major gameplay overhauls may come away wishing for more.
The price point might feel steep for those who played the original extensively, but for newcomers, this is the definitive way to experience Luigi’s Mansion 2.
Performance on Switch is solid, with smooth gameplay and stable visuals. Whether docked or handheld, the game feels comfortable to play.
The pacing occasionally feels repetitive, especially during longer play sessions, but the charm usually carries it through.
This remaster does an excellent job of preserving the soul of the original while making it accessible to a modern audience.
Luigi’s Mansion has always thrived on personality rather than spectacle, and that remains true here.
Every mansion feels like a haunted playground, full of secrets waiting to be uncovered.
There’s something incredibly comforting about Luigi’s fearful bravery — he never wants to be there, but he always shows up.
That emotional contrast is what gives the game its heart.
By the time the credits rolled, I felt like I’d revisited a spooky storybook rather than just finished a game.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD may not reinvent the series, but it lovingly preserves what made it special. For fans of charming horror, clever puzzles, and Nintendo’s softer side, this remaster is well worth the visit.
Game Information
Title: Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Tantalus Media / Next Level Games
Original Release Date: March 2013 (Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon)
HD Release Date: June 27, 2024
Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch
Score: 8.0/ 10
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is keep moving forward — even when every ghost tells you to run.”