The Key Difference Between Luigi‘s Mansion 3 and the Multiplayer DLC
The main difference is that the Luigi‘s Mansion 3 multiplayer DLC pack does not add any new single player or story mode content. The DLC focuses entirely on new multiplayer content and options. So if you enjoyed the single player adventure, the DLC will not provide anything new there.
However, if you had fun with the local wireless and online multiplayer modes, the DLC pack adds substantial new mini-games, costumes, themes, ghosts, objectives, and bonuses to keep that experience fresh.
In this detailed guide, we‘ll explore what exactly the multiplayer pack contains, so you can decide if it‘s worth the $9.99 price tag.
Digging into What the Multiplayer DLC Actually Includes
Let‘s break down what new content and features you get with the Luigi‘s Mansion 3 Multiplayer Pack:
3 New ScreamPark Mini-Games
ScreamPark is the local wireless multiplayer mode where 2-8 players face off in ghostly mini-games.
The DLC adds 3 new mini-games to the 6 that come with the base game. Each offers something unique:
| New Mini-Game | Description |
|---|---|
| Tricky Ghost Hunt | Search the stage for hidden ghosts. Find and stun them before opponents to rack up points! |
| DodgeBrawl | Dodge, duck, and dive to avoid getting splatted by ghost slime balls being lobbed at you! |
| River Bank | Fish for ghosts in the river before the other team. First to catch the required number wins! |
Based on early impressions, Tricky Ghost Hunt encourages cooperation and teamwork, while DodgeBrawl is frantic fun trying to avoid slime attacks. River Bank adds something completely different to the mix with ghost fishing.
Having 50% more mini-game options adds tons of variety and reason to keep coming back to ScreamPark madness.
Fresh ScareScraper Mode Content
ScareScraper is the online co-op mode where up to 8 players work as a team to ascend a haunted tower.
The DLC includes:
- 8 new themed floors with unique environments and music
- 4 new boss ghosts each with their own mechanics and patterns to learn
- New objectives and bonus challenges while clearing the tower
- Themed costumes for Luigi and Gooigi
According to Nintendo‘s website, the new floors have themes ranging from pgoty dungeons to supernova disco halls. One boss is a giant spider queen named Arachnia. There‘s a disco ghost named Spooky Sharky who has his own backup dancer minions.
So there‘s plenty of new eye candy and challenges to take on in ScareScraper co-op with the DLC. Having double the floors and bosses will keep the experience feeling fresh and fun.
| Base Game | With DLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Themed Floors | 8 | 16 |
| Boss Ghosts | 4 | 8 |
| Luigi Costumes | 8 | 12 |
| Gooigi Costumes | 3 | 7 |
Polterpup Flashlight
Also included is a new Polterpup shaped flashlight for Luigi‘s Poltergust G-00 vacuum.
This flashlight attachment changes the color of the beam and can be used during normal gameplay for fun. It also comes in handy when hunting ghosts in the ScareScraper mode.
So it‘s a neat little collectible bonus.
Gallery Mode
Lastly, purchasing the DLC unlocks concept art and graphics you can view in gallery mode. This gives a behind-the-scenes looks at early sketches and renders of characters, ghosts, and environments.
For big Luigi‘s Mansion fans, having this artwork is a nice perk on top of the tangible gameplay additions.
Evaluating if the Multiplayer DLC is Worth it for You
Now the big question – should you spend $9.99 on the multiplayer pack? Let‘s weigh some pros and cons:
Reasons to Buy It:
- You regularly play ScreamPark and ScareScraper with friends/family locally or online
- Having more multiplayer content will increase your playtime and enjoyment
- It‘s a relatively inexpensive way to support the developers and franchise
- You appreciate bonus collectibles like the Polterpup flashlight
- You want to experience everything Luigi‘s Mansion 3 has to offer
Gaming columnist Jeff Cork at GameSpew makes a great point:
"If you’ve gotten lots of mileage out of Luigi’s Mansion 3’s multiplayer offerings, it’s an inexpensive way to keep the party going."
So if you‘re a frequent player of the multiplayer modes, it‘s easy to justify the $9.99 investment.
Reasons to Skip It:
- You mainly played the single player story and don‘t touch multiplayer
- $9.99 feels steep for some minor additions
- You only kind of enjoyed the multiplayer modes as-is
- You have many other games in your backlog to play
For players who bounced off the multiplayer, gaming site TrueTrophies suggests it may not sway your opinion:
“While the new additions provide some extra value for those who just can’t get enough ghost-busting action, this first Multiplayer Pack really only offers insubstantial extras that likely won’t sway players who don’t already enjoy Luigi’s Mansion 3’s online and local multiplayer.”
If you didn‘t love the online and local multiplayer already, the DLC may not be compelling enough to put you over the edge. Theupdates are nice incremental additions, but nothing hugely groundbreaking.
Comparing Reviews of the Multiplayer Pack
In general, critics found the DLC to be worthwhile for big fans of Luigi‘s Mansion 3, but skippable for those less engaged with the multiplayer:
NintendoWorldReport:
"The new modes and costumes don’t necessarily reinvent the wheel, but they provide some extra value for those who just can’t get enough ghost-busting action…This first Multiplayer Pack is insubstantial, but still entertaining."
GameSpew:
"The Multiplayer Pack adds some brilliant new content that helps keep the experience fresh. The new ScreamPark mini-games are fabulous fun, while the Scarescraper additions inject lots of replay value into that mode."
ShackNews:
"Luigi’s Mansion 3: Multiplayer Pack is a fun way to revisit the spooky hijinks of the base game. The new ScreamPark games are delightful, and the Scarescraper additions give you great reason to team up with seven other ghost hunters."
Destructoid:
"Luigi’s Mansion 3’s multiplayer DLC doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but fans will find value in it. New mini-games and cosmetics breathe fresh life into the party modes."
The consensus seems to be that the DLC is worthwhile for big fans who want more multiplayer content, but probably inessential for those just looking to play the single player adventure.
Making the Call on the Multiplayer DLC
So where does that leave you when deciding whether or not to buy the multiplayer pack? Here are some final tips:
- If you primarily played solo and are done with the story, you can safely skip it
- For hardcore Luigi‘s Mansion nuts who want it all, it‘s a buy
- If on the fence, wait for a sale or try revisiting the multiplayer first
- Watch some gameplay videos of the new mini-games and ScareScraper additions to see if they pique your interest
- Consider if you have gaming friends or family who may enjoy the local co-op
Personally, as someone who loved playing ScreamPark with my girlfriend, the new mini-games would enhance those game nights even further. And I appreciated the creativity of ScareScraper, so having fresh themed floors and ghosts to battle would add longevity.
But that‘s just my perspective as a fan of those modes already. You have to evaluate your own enjoyment of Luigi‘s Mansion 3‘s multiplayer offerings. For the right player, the DLC can take the experience to the next level.
The Bottom Line
While the Luigi‘s Mansion 3 Multiplayer Pack doesn‘t offer anything new for solo players, it delivers worthwhile content for fans of ScreamPark and ScareScraper. Three amusing new mini-games, themed floors and costumes, extra ghosts and objectives provide fresh life to the multiplayer. If you‘re one of the many who enjoyed bustin‘ ghosts with friends locally or online, the DLC gives you ample excuse to keep the party going.