Nintendo president Satoru Iwata showed up to today's Nintendo Direct address in a Luigi cap today to declare 2013 "the Year of Luigi." After more than 20 years in Mario's shadow, it's about time Luigi got his day in the sun. The company has several games in the works starring Mario's super brother.
Shigeru Miyamoto went to detail about the combat, features and co-op in Luigi's Mansion, Dark Moon. The 3DS sequel supports four-player local and online co-op where up to four Luigis can team up in a wide range of ghost hunting scenarios.
Iwata introduced a new installment for the Mario and Luigi RPG series, Mario & Luigi Dream Team. Dream Team, which takes place largely in Luigi's dreams, will feature a more confident Luigi with special powers only possible in his... Well, in his wildest dreams.
Mario Golf: World Tour, coming to the 3DS this summer, brings the usual roster of Mario characters including Bowser, Wario, Donkey Kong, and of course, Luigi. Iwata promises that the game will be appreciated by "those familiar with the sport," but will boast "straightforward controls that anyone can enjoy." Developer Camelot is said to be applying a deep knowledge of golf, and are working diligently on course design, as well as the series' trademark super shots.
That's a pretty decent selection of Luigi for the 3DS, but what about Nintendo's newest console, the Wii U? Luckily, Nintendo has something up their sleeve for that as well.
DLC for New Super Mario Bros. Wii U "will change the existing 80 plus courses into all new courses." The new courses will function as a quasi-new game starring Luigi that's being called New Super Luigi U. Notice the lack of "Bros." in that title? That's because this will be a game featured wholly unto Luigi, and Luigi alone. Still in devlopment, the content will be coming to the Wii U eShop later this year.
It's good to see Luigi getting some recognition, and Dark Moon in particular seems to show a lot of promise. We'll keep you informed as Nintendo reveals more about 2013, "The Year of Luigi."