So what do other releases say about the game? Well, to kick things off, God is a Geek awarded the game a 9/10 and echoed our sentiments that the Switch version is the best way to play the game, but also went one step further and called it “Perhaps the best of three Luigi’s Mansion games”:
“Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is a remake with a modern look and no real bells and whistles to speak of otherwise. But that doesn’t make it a bad game, far from it, actually. And if you’ve never had a chance to experience this rather lengthy experience before, you’re getting the best version along with a multiplayer offering that’s readily available and a great amount of fun. Arguably the best of the three Luigi’s Mansion games, whether you think , that it’s an overrated odd choice for a remake doesn’t change the fact that it’s a hugely enjoyable game with plenty to do, knowing that there’s no extra content and that this is an opportunity for those who missed it on the 3DS to experience it. it’s for the best and you’ll be fine.”
VGC was also full of praise with their 4/5 star review, calling it “another strong Nintendo remaster”:
“Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is another strong Nintendo remaster that doesn’t mess with the original too much, but provides enough improvements (especially in terms of visual detail) to make it a worthwhile release.” The controls still aren’t perfect, and Luigi’s Mansion 3 is the better game, but the sheer charm crammed into every crevice means it’s still worth a look.”
IGN’s 8/10 review reiterated that the Switch version is the best way to play Luigi’s Mansion 2, but noted that it still falls short of the heights of Luigi’s Mansion 3:
“With vastly improved graphics and a more flexible twin-stick control setup, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is undoubtedly the definitive version of Luigi’s second haunted adventure.” If you’re new to the series – or maybe you only got involved with Luigi’s Mansion 3 and are working your way back – then there’s plenty of ghost-hunting and puzzle-solving fun to be had in Luigi’s Mansion 2’s five haunted houses HD, however, if you were a fan of the original Nintendo 3DS version and were hoping for more dramatic gameplay changes or additions, then you may be a little disappointed. What’s more, playing this remaster after the third game might cast its limitations in an unfavorable light, but Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is a great installment in Nintendo’s ghost-baiting series, even if it’s not the best you can play on Switch.”
Destructoid awarded the game 7/10, praising the improved visuals but criticizing the unconvincing mission structure:
“It would be extremely difficult not to be enthralled by the graphics and animation Luigi’s Mansion 2, with the passion behind them practically palpable. Even the central focus of solving puzzles and catching ghosts is fun in its own right. However, I can’t overstate how much of the joy is siphoned from its strict adherence to completely linear chapter progression. It’s like a hospital painted in vibrant colors. It does a lot to freshen things up, but you can only do so much to make up for the sterility.”
Gamespot referred to the game as an odd entry in the series, stating that it was “neither a pioneering nor a refined third entry” in its 7/10 review:
“Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon on 3DS was a surprising revival for an unconventional game. Now that we have Luigi’s Mansion 3, the series has become more relevant, and the second game is neither a pioneer nor an advanced third entry. This makes Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD an oddity – less important than some other Switch remakes, but an interesting middle step in the evolution of the Luigi puzzle series, with its own charm and place in the series’ history.”
Finally, TechRadar was a bit more critical of the experience with its 3/5 star review, stating that the upgrades likely won’t justify the price point for returning players:
“Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is a simple port of the 3DS game with some minor visual upgrades. It won’t win over those who didn’t like the original, but it’s a solid experience for everyone else.”
