The choice to keep skill trees and character upgrades out of Luigi’s Mansion 3, Nintendo’s latest puzzle-based adventure, was a natural decision, according to several developers behind the project. The massively successful newest entry in the Luigi’s Mansion series, which released on Nintendo Switch in October of 2019, introduced several new item upgrades and tools for the titular plumber to make use of while facing off against the plentiful perils of the Last Resort Hotel.
Since the series’ introduction alongside the Nintendo Gamecube in 2001, Luigi’s Mansion has consistently utilized clever new additions to evolve the signature ghost-busting action. Surprisingly, however, this has never included any additional character upgrades or skill trees for Luigi – a feature which could be considered my many players to be a natural evolution of the game’s formula. Instead, new features, such as the ability to launch plungers and ward off swarms of enemies with a new Burst mechanic, have been assigned to the ever-evolving equipment, like Luigi’s trusty Poltergust G-00 vacuum cleaner.
According to a recent tweet from Kotaku’s Stephen Totilo, one developer provided insight into the reasoning behind this deliberate decision, saying, “Upgrades and skill trees aren’t very Luigi. He’s a reluctant hero who already has the skills and bravery needed to tackle any problem.” Rather than viewing a skill tree as the measurement of progress, the developers see the game’s overall progress as the measurement, with players assisting Luigi in overcoming his fears, nervousness, and the many obstacles set before him. “Cleaning, destroying, and collecting are engaging, Zen experiences that everyone is familiar with since childhood,” the developers add, saying, “it is compelling even if there is no other reason other than the act itself.”
Previously, in Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon on Nintendo 3DS, developers gave Luigi a new means of exploration by including the chargeable Strobulb, which could unleash a brighter flash than the standard flashlight when capturing ghosts, as well as the Dark-Light Device which could uncover hidden or missing objects within the game’s environments. These tools, as the developers see them, are ways for players to expose Luigi’s true talents, or skills, simply by performing the fun and familiar tasks that make up the base experience of the series.
While it’s true that it could be interesting to see additions like character-building skills and upgrades that could bolster Luigi’s ghost hunting abilities, for now, the wholesome response that Luigi can only progress through players working to help him overcome his weaknesses will have to suffice. Those in need of more time with Luigi can look forward to the upcoming multiplayer DLC expansions for Luigi’s Mansion 3 which will release later this year, further proving that more Nintendo titles deserve to have paid DLC.
Next: Luigi’s Mansion 3 Review - Way Better Than Hotel Mario
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is available now on Nintendo Switch.
Source: Twitter
