Parents' Guide to

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon

By Chad Sapieha, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Light scares, clever puzzles make for a fun adventure.

Game Nintendo 3DS 2013
Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

Community Reviews

age 6+

Based on 4 parent reviews

age 7+

Fun

This is a game that my son has spent quite a bit of time playing and he has really enjoyed it. He would occasionally get scared at certain parts of the game but never actually frightened or to the point of really being afraid; I think just mode anticipation of going into certain areas, etc. This is a cute game with known Mario characters and I would recommend it overall.

This title has:

Easy to play/use
1 person found this helpful.
age 7+

A Christian Review

I am Christian, and I let my son play this game. He is ten. I bought it with lots of worries, but I watched him play, and found nothing wrong with it. The ghosts aren't Demons from hell. They're just little spooks. They're like creatures, that just so happen to be called Ghosts. It's far different from something like Ghostbusters. In the long run, it's similar to Pokemon. And Luigi doesn't have to go into a Haunted Mansion, but he does for the sake of his brother. You help him do it. I highly recommend it.

This title has:

Great role models
1 person found this helpful.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (15 ):

There's loads to love about Luigi's second solo outing. The game's world is bursting with personality and is just begging to be explored. And the fun puzzles contained within -- such as figuring out how to burn away cobwebs or engage two pressure plates at once to start a motor -- are always fair and make sense within the context of the situation. Plus, sucking up ghosts -- a bit like reeling in a fish, ending with a rubbery popping sound -- can be quite satisfying. However, the most endearing part of it all is Luigi himself. Timid but lovable, you can't help but root for Mario's little brother as he tiptoes around dark rooms. He even occasionally hums along to the game's score to work up a little courage. He's adorable.

The only thing that puts a damper on the experience is an interface that proves occasionally irksome. Without a second analog joystick to control the camera or help with aiming, players may end up a little frustrated. Still, it's no deal breaker. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon is a blast, and quite unlike anything else on Nintendo's handheld.

Game Details

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