On the contrary, I felt eager to keep trying until I could overcome all the challenges the game threw at me. Even when it gets tough, the game never feels unfair or unbalanced. But most importantly, you’ll have a huge amount of fun doing so.

You’ll need your wits about you to beat them. That’s not to say the bosses aren’t challenging, however. Once you reach the first boss, you’ll have picked up plenty of tricks along the way, so you’ll be ready to take him on. Experiment using the vaccuum on different items around you, as there are lots of hidden goodies to find in each stage. The face buttons allow you to run, jump, dodge enemies, and access different functions on the Poltergust, some of which you unlock as you progress through the game. The L and R shoulder buttons control your primary weapon, the Poltergust vaccuum: R to vaccuum up, L to blow items away. Flipping between the different control methods is seamless and never feels awkward or like a chore. The game also makes use of stereoscopic mode where you move the 3DS to look around you, for example. The game is mostly played using the buttons but there are times when you’ll need the stylus, too. Gameplay is intuitive and simple to get to grips with, so I’m sure even novice gamers would have no problem learning the ropes.

The sound effects are brilliant and just perfect, and the music is always atmospheric and catchy. The 3D effect is beautiful, especially when turned up to maximum, and even more so when viewed on a 3DS XL. The first thing you’ll notice is the graphics: they are a delight. If you’ve been following Satoru Iwata and co’s Nintendo Direct presentations on 3DS’ eShop, you will know that it certainly is the “Year of Luigi.” Luigi’s Mansion 2 is one of a number of games released in 2013 where Mario’s younger brother steps into the limelight.

Even though this 3DS game is a direct sequel, it isn’t necessary to have played the original Luigi’s Mansion on GameCube, as the storyline is completely self-contained.

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