The Super Mario games are a staple of Nintendo. They offer a plethora of fun, engaging adventures for players to embark on, ranging from RPGs to racing games. With this great variety, the franchise has installments that appease different audiences, branching well beyond its protagonist, Mario. In particular, there are a lot of games that actually do not focus on Mario, featuring side characters as protagonists.
Among such games, Mario's brother, Luigi, has one of the best series in the franchise as he hunts for ghosts in a haunted mansion to save his brother. Luigi's Mansion started in 2001 with a GameCube game, receiving sequels and remastered versions with some of the greatest adventures not only in the Mario world, but also the gaming universe. However, not all these games are equal in terms of quality. Here's how they stack up against each other.
6 Luigi's Mansion Arcade
Metascore: N/A
- Released: June 2015
- Platforms: Arcade
- Genre: First-person shooter arcade
This arcade version of the game is a thrilling and enjoyable ride to go with a friend at an arcade, despite not being at the same level as the console games. In a first-person shooter style, 1–2 players can compete by hunting ghosts in a classic atmosphere and a recognizable vacuum.
Even though it provides a lot of fun with unique gameplay, the arcade game lacks the depth and narrative that the console games have. But it's still worth the quick competition, especially for fans of the series or the character, as it can be fully completed in about 30 minutes.
5 Luigi's Mansion (3DS Remake)
Metascore: 74
- Released: October 2018
- Consoles: 3DS
- Genres: Action-adventure
Even though the original Luigi's Mansion is considered one of the best iterations of the series, its remake for the 3DS was not as well received due to its adaptation to the handheld device's small screens. While it keeps one of the best endings in the Mario franchise, the port to the 3DS makes the game feel clunkier.
It does include new controls that can be incredibly satisfying and great graphics that make it more immersive. However, it lacks the GameCube luster and affordance that comes with the C-Stick. It's still an amazing start to the series, but it fails to give the same feel as the original installment.
4 Luigi's Mansion 2 HD
Metascore: 78
The newest addition to the franchise is the remastered version of the second game of the franchise for the Nintendo Switch, one of the best Nintendo devices. The remaster offers better graphics, extra gameplay possibilities, and a similar feel. However, it may not rank as high as the original game because it does not bring much else to the table. There are no additional ghosts, levels, or even a couch co-op version.
Does Luigi's Mansion 2 Have Multiplayer?
Here's what players need to know about Luigi's Mansion 2 multiplayer mode.
Not only that, but the new version did not seem to change any of the more polarizing aspects of the game. The game definitely enhances the original experience of Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, including some of its most iconic elements. Unfortunately, it does not have many additions for old players, and it suffers from being released after Luigi's Mansion 3.
3 Luigi's Mansion (GameCube)
Metascore: 78
This is a fan-favorite Luigi's Mansion game for a reason, launching a spin-off franchise based on Mario's sidekick in a haunting adventure. Sucking ghosts in a vacuum cleaner and getting scared alongside the scaredy-cat Luigi, players embark on a journey to save Mario in a game that has aged surprisingly well.
Mario: 8 Games That Have Aged The Best
These classic Mario games can still be enjoyed today despite their advanced age.
While the combat and the modes are not as complex and developed as later installments, it has a unique intensity that makes it the most rewarding game in the series. This certified classic has many aspects that make this series amazing, marking a defining moment for the GameCube as well.
2 Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (3DS)
Metascore: 86
The most polarizing game in the series, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon is a "lighter" adventure compared to the first game in the franchise. Yet, it still managed to shine. The game was able to revive the series after over a decade of no games, bringing the series in a new direction as Luigi explores five mansions, each with its own character and unique elements.
7 Best Themes & Songs In Nintendo's Mario Franchise, Ranked
Nintendo's Mario franchise has some of the most memorable video game music of all time.
Even though it does not have as many outright scary elements as the original game, it is definitely one of the best horror games on the Nintendo 3DS. It brings a new way of interacting with the series, with its mission-based structure and uniquely eerie chapters. These aspects may hinder the pacing and linearity at a certain point, yet it deserves credit for bringing a new take to the series.
1 Luigi's Mansion 3
Metascore: 86
Bringing together the best elements of all the other games in the series and improving on them, the third installment is not only the best Luigi's Mansion game, but also Luigi's best solo adventure. Its accessibility is reflected in its easy gameplay, with some great new mechanics and an amazing art style.
Trapped in a haunted hotel, Luigi embarks once again on a scary yet humorous journey to save his brother, which includes different themes based on each floor. The puzzle-solving, boss fights, visuals and exploration just make Luigi's Mansion 3 an action-packed adventure deserving of the Nintendo Switch. The game all the best aspects of the series, while offering innovation of its own.
8 Tallest Mario Characters, Ranked
These Mario characters don't even need to snack on a Mushroom power-up to be considered tall.
