The MagazineCanada

Developed by Next Level Games and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS, this anticipated Luigi adventure is set to land next year and invites players into another lighthearted ghost-hunting journey. Rather than a single spooky manor, the game presents several mansions to explore, each offering distinct layouts, clever puzzles, and a fresh batch of friendly frights that keep the tone playful rather than grim. Luigi again leads the charge, navigating spectral corridors with a sense of curiosity and courage, while the game’s design emphasizes exploration, puzzle solving, and timing rather than frantic action. A central feature is the map view on the bottom screen, which serves as a constant guide as players switch between rooms and sweep through multiple mansions. The two-screen layout is not just a cosmetic flourish; it is a practical tool that helps players keep track of where they have been, where they still need to go, and what challenges lie ahead, all without losing the flow of the adventure. As players thread through winding staircases and hidden passageways, the map reveals interconnected paths, secret rooms, and optional puzzles that reward careful exploration with coins, keys, or other collectibles that unlock new areas or shortcuts. The design invites players to plan ahead, test different routes, and return to rooms with new insights, ensuring that each mansion feels lived-in and full of character rather than a series of isolated puzzles. Graphically, the game adopts Nintendo’s bright, approachable aesthetic, balancing spooky atmosphere with charm and humor. The ghosts and characters wink at players with cartoony expressions, while lighting, shadows, and sound design create a sense of place that remains accessible to younger players and entertaining for older fans who grew up with the franchise. The audio accompanies the action with creaks, gusts of wind, and playful chimes when a capture succeeds, enhancing the sense of accomplishment without tipping into intensity. On the 3DS hardware, the stereoscopic 3D depth adds a tangible feel to corridors, stairwells, and puzzle rooms, and the handheld’s touch controls make it natural to interact with the map, draw a route, or trigger quick actions during a tense moment. The development team at Next Level Games has focused on responsive controls, smooth camera movement, and refined ghost-catching mechanics to ensure the experience remains approachable yet satisfying as brains and reflexes are tested. Nintendo’s involvement underscores a commitment to polish, stability, and broad accessibility across North American audiences, including Canada and the United States, where fans have long embraced the series for its friendly scares and clever puzzle design. The game is positioned to be a standout addition to the handheld library, offering a dense, atmospheric, yet family-friendly adventure that fits neatly into busy schedules while delivering moments of discovery that feel earned. Early impressions from previews highlight a welcoming entry point for newcomers and a satisfying continuation for longtime followers, with a pacing that balances exploration, puzzle-solving, and light action, and with a sense that Luigi’s journey through every mansion will gradually reveal more about the world he inhabits and the ghosts he pursues. Overall, the title promises a compact, content-rich experience that honors the series’ roots while embracing the capabilities of the 3DS, and it carries the essential promise of delivering steady, enjoyable thrills next year, capped by the familiar thrill of a completed ghost-catching moment that leaves players grinning and ready to begin again with a new mansion.