Luigi has it rough. He’s often relegated to player two while his older brother basks in the spotlight. And when he finally gets his moment as the leading man, he gets trapped in a dusty old mansion filled with everything that terrifies him. The poor guy can’t catch a break.
The Luigi’s Mansion series may be the green plumber’s worst nightmare, but it’s an absolute dream for action-adventure fans. This spooky Mario spin-off has some of the most eerie environments, thrilling combat, clever puzzles, and captivating exploration in the Mario universe. If you want to see the Luigi’s Mansion games ranked, buckle up for a ghostly journey through Nintendo’s creepiest series.
The Luigi’s Mansion games are ranked based on pacing, creativity, level design, and gameplay. Almost every title in the series is worth playing, but only some make excellent use of all these elements.
5 Luigi’s Mansion Arcade Is A Spooky On-Rails Shooter
The Most Unique Luigi’s Mansion Game
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Launch Date |
Spring 2017 |
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Console |
Arcade |
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Developer |
Capcom |
Imagine if Nintendo, Capcom, and Sega teamed up to make a Luigi’s Mansion first-person shooter. That’s the arcade game in a nutshell. It’s an on-rails adventure based on Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon for Nintendo 3DS. Instead of holding a gun like most arcade shooters, the controller is a vacuum that you point at the screen to suck up ghosts and collect items.
As Luigi explores three unique mansions, it’s up to you to defeat the barrage of spirits before they get close enough to cause damage. The goal is to get as many points as possible by racking up combos and vacuuming treasure. You can even grab a friend to play through the entire game multiplayer.
Should You Play Luigi’s Mansion Arcade?
There’s no reason not to play it if you find one at an arcade. It’s a blast to battle ghosts with a friend, and holding the Poltergust adds a unique sense of immersion to the experience. However, compared to other Luigi’s Mansion games, this one is understandably lacking in content and can be completed in about 30 minutes. Don’t feel the need to go out of your way to find it unless you’re a die-hard Luigi’s Mansion fan.
4 Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon Revived The Series
The Most Divisive Luigi’s Mansion Game
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Launch Date |
March 20, 2013 |
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Console |
Nintendo 3DS |
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Developer |
Next Level Games |
It may be the most divisive Luigi’s Mansion game, but all Luigi fans owe gratitude to this sequel for reviving the series after 12 years of dormancy. Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon, also known as Luigi’s Mansion 2, took the series in a new direction, for better or worse.
Luigi explores five unique mansions, ranging from a mummy-infested clock tower to a haunted cabin on a snowy mountain. The new Strobulb mechanic lets you unleash a powerful burst of light to stun ghosts and deal extra damage, ensuring the combat is fast-paced and engaging. However, what hinders the game is the mission-based structure, which kicks you out of the mansion and makes you reenter every time you complete an objective.
Should You Play Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon?
Dark Moon is the best Luigi’s Mansion game if you need something to play in short bursts. The heavy emphasis on missions makes it ideal to quickly pick up and play. However, the pacing makes longer play sessions drag, and the overall linearity and lack of portrait ghosts make exploration and bosses feel subpar compared to other titles. It’s not a bad game, but there are better options.
3 Luigi’s Mansion 3DS Remakes A Beloved Classic
A Great Way To Play The Original Luigi’s Mansion
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Launch Date |
October 12, 2018 |
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Console |
Nintendo 3DS |
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Developer |
Nintendo, Grezzo |
While most people would have preferred a remake for the Switch, Luigi’s Mansion for Nintendo 3DS adds a new coat of paint to the original. New features include overhauled graphics, a boss rush mode, achievements, and the ability to play through the entire game co-op. You can even unlock the Hidden Mansion, a more difficult campaign originally exclusive to the PAL version of the GameCube title.
One of the best additions is the new gyro controls, which feel intuitive and satisfying. It should be noted that this game is best played on a New Nintendo 3DS since the C-Stick can mimic that of the GameCube controller. If your 3DS model doesn’t have a C-Stick, the alternative control scheme may take some getting used to.
Should You Choose Luigi’s Mansion 3DS Over The Original?
It all boils down to preference. If you want to play the original Luigi’s Mansion on the go, this remake is a fine choice. The quality of life updates and new content are nice touches, even if they don’t drastically change the experience. However, sticking to the original is better if you don’t want to be limited to a small screen and potentially clunkier controls.
2 Luigi’s Mansion 3 Is A Must-Play For Switch Owners
The Most Creative Luigi’s Mansion Game
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Launch Date |
October 31, 2019 |
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Console |
Nintendo Switch |
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Developer |
Next Level Games |
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is the perfect entry point to the series, thanks to its accessibility and outstanding level design. This game combines the best elements of the first two titles and provides massive improvements to create the series’ most creative experience.
Luigi is trapped in a haunted hotel, with each floor containing a unique theme, including an Egyptian pyramid, a medieval castle, and a wrecked pirate ship. The combat is more action-packed than ever, thanks to the new slam attack, which lets you tackle ghosts to the ground. To top it all off, the missions are gone, allowing you to explore the hotel without interruptions.
Should You Play Luigi’s Mansion 3?
If you own a Switch, do yourself a favor and check out Luigi’s Mansion 3. It strikes the perfect balance between the puzzle-solving, exploration, and boss fights from the original with the thrilling, fast-paced combat of Dark Moon. If that wasn’t enough, the visuals are stunning, making it one of the most graphically impressive Switch games. It’s the best Luigi’s Mansion game by Next Level Games and a must-play.
1 Luigi’s Mansion Is A Masterpiece
The Best Luigi’s Mansion Game
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Launch Date |
November 18, 2001 |
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Console |
GameCube |
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Developer |
Nintendo EAD |
It’s hard to overstate the importance of the original Luigi’s Mansion as a piece of Nintendo history. The translucent effect of the ghosts still looks incredible and has yet to be replicated in the series. This game cemented Luigi’s personality, and the first time you step into the eerie, gothic mansion was truly a defining moment for the GameCube.
The combat is not as complex as future titles, but arguably the most satisfying in the series. Every fight feels like a fierce wrestling match between you and the ghost, with an intensity unique to this game. The puzzles and exploration are the best in the series, and it always feels rewarding when you finally find a portrait ghost’s weakness or discover a well-hidden secret.
Why You Should Play Luigi’s Mansion
Luigi’s Mansion is the video game equivalent of required reading if you like 3D Nintendo games. The gameplay, atmosphere, and controls hold up remarkably well. Not to mention, this game features one of the best performances from Charles Martinet in the Mario universe. Luigi’s Mansion is an iconic action-adventure game that’s worth revisiting time and time again.