Luigi's Mansion 2

I have been replaying Luigi's Mansion 2 over the last few days (well, I never actually finished it- I got really close, and then got stuck. I will beat it this time). I really enjoy the humour of this game, and the fact that Luigi gets to be the protagonist!!!

Throughout this game, Luigi must traverse multiple haunted mansions at the request of Professor E. Gadd, to clear out some agitated ghosts, and help him with his research. You are equipped with several of E. Gadd's clever gadgets, including the Poltergust 5000, to suck up the ghosts, and the Dual Scream, a tricked out DS that allows E. Gadd to communicate with Luigi.

The game is very enjoyable for a number of reasons. First, and I think foremost is, that like the protagonist, it doesn't take itself too seriously. While exploring the mansions (and not just as you leave him to idle while you take a bathroom break), Luigi can sometimes be heard humming along to the game's background music. The ghosts, affected negatively by the loss of the Dark Moon, are merely mischievous, and not quite malicious. And E. Gadd always takes the time to say strange things to Luigi, and make jokes. Oh, and he transports you around with something he calls the Pixelshifter, which to me, just looks like a giant Etch-a-Sketch.

                                           

Aside from the main story, which takes place in multiple smaller chapters, there are extras that you can attempt to complete. For instance, find all of the Boos in each mansion (there is one per chapter), and you unlock a bonus level, in which you must collect all of the ghosts as quickly as you can. You can also attempt levels again in order to get a perfect score, by catching more ghosts, taking less damage and time, and finding more treasure. Luigi reacts differently at the end of the chapter, depending on the score that you achieve. And of course there is the Thrill Towers, a haunted area exclusive to the game's multiplayer. You can play online, locally and also with Download Play.

Exploring each haunted mansion is a lot of fun, and while this world may be drab compared to other Mushroom Kingdom titles, it still has plenty of charm, in the environments, the music, and of course, the characters. Seeing Luigi overcome his fears in order to help the Professor and do right by the usually friendly ghosts is endearing. And, the game is just a lot of fun.

If you like Mario games, and you want to see Luigi have his time in the spotlight (and also if you played and enjoyed the first Luigi's Mansion game, which I unfortunately have not had the chance to do), then I suggest that you give this game a try!