The Year of Luigi is upon us. Mario and Luigi creator Shigeru Miyamoto, amidst a long list of Luigi-related announcements, spoke at length about Luigi's 3DS outing, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon.
Miyamoto explained that Luigi's ghost-sucking poltergust will be upgradable in Dark Moon. In addition to grabbing ghosts, the poltergust can now suck in various objects around the mansions, and will play an integral part in puzzle solving. A "dark light" device attachment will allow Luigi to scan for invisible items.
The game's Combat has also recieved a significant overhaul this time around. Instead of simply sucking up ghosts on the fly, player will now need to stun enemies with the strobulb to make them vulnerable. Some ghosts will be a bit more difficult to stun than others, however: Miyamoto explained that more difficult enemies will be equipped with objects to block the light, or even don sunglasses. A wider range of ghosts, including a thieving ghost pooch that loves gold, look to make ghost encounters fresh and engaging.
Miyamoto stressed that running the game on the 3DS will help give Dark Moon depth, "giving it the sense that this world actually exists." The 3D effect creates an "atmosphere that makes it feel as if ghosts can appear from anywhere." While it will have some creepy bits, Miyamoto promises Dark Moon will be "more of a lighthearted game, based around funny interactions with all the comical ghosts."
Additionally, Dark Moon will feature both local and online co-op for up to four players. In co-op a multi-colored set of Luigis will climb a huanted tower in "Scarescraper" mode, work together to defeat ghosts in the game's "Hunter" mode, or attempt to escape the mansion in "Climb Out" mode. That gold-grabbing dog? He makes an appearance in "Chaser" mode, where players will have to go after invisible pooches.
Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon will be released on March 24 for the 3DS.