Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Can Redeem The Series’ Most Misunderstood Game

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This June will see the release of , bringing Nintendo's fresh take on the 3DS staple to the Switch. is a remake of the second installment in the series,. The sequel was released 12 years after the original on GameCube, and was an unexpected surprise when it was first announced at E3 2011. The game fared well with critics, garnering an above-average reception. Players also warmly received the game, bringing in roughly 6.5 million unit sales, making it the twelfth best-selling game on the 3DS.

However, wedged between the original game and the celebrated, the important role of in the series is often forgotten or misunderstood. Various ideas regarding exploration and gameplay mechanics were introduced in the 3DS title, and while some were successful, others were not. Many of the core mechanics that are standard in the series today originated in. Despite this, the game is often written off as a weaker installment. The game will soon find new life on the Switch with, and it may even redeem the misunderstood.

The coming release of Luigi's Mansion 2 HD on Nintendo Switch shows a historical pattern that may be a sign of what is in store for a future console.

(also known as nearly everywhere outside the United States) shook up the formula of the original game. Instead of a single haunted mansion, introduced five spooky locations, ranging from clock towers to haunted mines. Many criticize the game for its structural design, which relies more on puzzle-solving to progress as opposed to exploration, which was core to the first game. The first utilized an almost Metroidvania style, rewarding a player's exploration and backtracking to unlock new discoveries. In contrast, offers a much more linear storyline with traditional boss and mini-boss encounters.

While the game's structure is a valid critique, it shouldn't overshadow the valuable features that brings to the series. Luigi’s trusty Poltergust 3000 is upgraded to the 5000 model vacuum, introducing significant enhancements.