Just about everybody, gamer or not, knows who Mario is. This gaming icon has achieved a level of cultural status akin to Mickey Mouse, and has starred in a countless slew of Nintendo games ranging from 2D and 3D platformers to sports titles. Yet, his younger, taller brother Luigi doesn't seem to get nearly as much representation when it comes to featuring in games, despite his similarly popular status.
Outside of Nintendo's "Year of Luigi" event, and a smattering of typically lesser-known titles, the brother of Mario hasn't gotten a lot of love from the Big N, usually taking the "sidekick" role, if he's featured at all. Yet, there are some titles in which he takes center stage, most notably the recent release of the critically acclaimed Luigi's Mansion 3 on Switch. So let's take a closer look at some games starring (or co-starring) the often neglected sibling of Mario and cover his 10 best games.
10 Dr. Luigi - Metacritic Score: 65
The Dr. Mario series can somewhat be described as a fun, Nintendo-branded version of Tetris with a color-coded, pill-shaped twist. While each entry in this series has introduced a significant new element or two (like the online functionality of Wii's RX), this Luigi-themed sequel tends to be more of a marginal step up.
The biggest "addition" to the typical formula of matching colored pills to viruses comes in the form of "Operation L," where Luigi tosses two capsules joined together to form an "L." You've also got the somewhat awkward "Virus Buster" which utilizes the Wii U's touch controls. These prove interesting for a bit, but the novelty tends to wear off compared to the tried-and-true default mode. It doesn't help matters that this is pretty limited on the multiplayer front for a puzzler.
9 Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam - Metacritic Score: 76
This 3DS RPG is something of a bizarre crossover, as it essentially features too spinoffs or offshoots from the original epic Mario RPG and meshes them into one hodgepodge of a game. And it's frankly a little odd to see two versions of Mario and Luigi - one of which is made of paper - occupying the same space at once.
Still, despite the oddities and somewhat average narrative here, the actual gameplay of Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam does retain that charming, appealing formula the series is known for, with some interesting twists. The combat is as satisfying as ever, and there are a number of fun minigames intermixed to keep things feeling fresh.
8 New Super Luigi U - Metacritic Score: 77
Apparently the Wii U is Luigi's calling. It's perhaps fitting, considering this console had similarly been neglected by Nintendo. While those who played NSMB U might find the lack of new content to be a bit of a turn off, this is a pretty well-crafted and fun 2D platformer on its own merit. Sure, there's quite a bit of recycled content from its predecessor, but you do get to control the floatier, higher-jumping Luigi, who feels similar to his Mario Bros. 2 form.
You've also got the addition of the new player Nabbit, as well as an overall dialing up of the difficulty and frantic pace of the stages. It's a little odd that Nabbit actually replaces Mario in this one, but hey - it's not like Luigi's brother hasn't had plenty of his own games to shine in!
7 Luigi's Mansion - Metacritic Score: 78
Fans weren't quite sure what to think when hearing that Nintendo's new GameCube wouldn't launch with a Mario game, but instead a Luigi-centered title. Not only this, but the game would be a departure from typical platforming, venturing more into the realm of a tamer, "Nintendo-fied" version of survival horror, with adventure and puzzle elements.
Even more interesting was the game's unique mechanic of sucking up ghosts using the pressure-sensitive triggers, an act that, coupled with amusing animations and rumble, was both satisfying and fun. While this original rendition lacked the depth and extra features its sequels ran with, it still made for an interesting twist on the more typical Mario platformers.
6 Mario & Luigi: Dream Team - Metacritic Score: 81
This action-RPG is unique for a number of reasons - and not just because it features Luigi in a major role, or its lighthearted, cheeky humor. While this game is pretty familiar as far as the fun time-based combat goes, the very premise of this title is a strange one. In a sort of Mario version of Inception, Dream Team features gameplay that actually resides inside the dreams of Luigi.
These stages feel like a trippier version of oldschool 2D Mario. They feature the bizarre concept of a dream version of Luigi who can jump in and bust out various abilities. This game is a weird one, to be sure, but this is part of its draw.
5 Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time - Metacritic Score: 86
This delightful RPG series makes its way onto the DS in emphatic fashion, bringing more of that fun, accessible gameplay from the GBA original and adds some new, even more colorful twists. From the unique premise of Mario and Luigi traveling back in time and meeting their past selves, to the enhancements of the DS features, this '05 sequel is definitely a leap from the original.
Much like Paper Cut, the weird concept of having two sets of Mario and Luigi is utilized in the battle system in a unique way, providing extra firepower. Despite its cute cartoony style, this game can be deceptively in-depth and even tricky at times.
4 Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon - Metacritic Score: 86
The announcement of a Luigi's Mansion sequel was a bit out of left field, given that it had been over a decade since the release of the first entry. Just like with the original, Nintendo fans weren't quite sure of what to make of this, especially being on the 3DS. But the doubts were mostly put to rest, as Dark Moon managed to shine as a more-than-worthy sequel.
Not only were the visuals and environment sizes amped up, but the game also utilized the 3DS' palette of distinct features quite cleverly, providing a more unique and engaging feel. The game featured an array of different scenarios this time, and even had some enjoyable online features, a trait that its successor would run with full-throttle.
3 Luigi's Mansion 3 - Metacritic Score: 86
Luigi's Mansion is back again, and better than ever here. This recently released iteration for Switch really feels like this series has come into its own, with visuals that look near Pixar-level, larger, more detailed settings (a multi-floored hotel this time), and an even more solid, robust online mode. You've got additions like the satisfying ability to do a ghost-body slam with your vacuum cleaner, along with more intricate puzzles and objectives.
Not only are there a myriad of new game modes, but you and a friend can even engage in some fun local co-op, with your companion taking on the role of the morphable Slimer-esque "Gooigi." Yes - that is his real name.
2 Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga - Metacritic Score: 90
It might feel a bit archaic to dust off your old GBA and play this 2D game now, but at the time, the concept of a cartoony game that co-started Mario and Luigi was a pretty novel concept. And besides, the entertaining gameplay, rewarding battle system, and charming dialogue still mostly holds up today. Classics never die, and you can definitely count Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga in that category.
And how can you dislike a game that comes with an enhancing "stache" statistic, which can land you item discounts at shops?
1 Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story - Metacritic Score: 90
Third time's the charm, as they say - at least according to Metacritic. While the Mario & Luigi series has been pretty consistently great, this third entry on the Nintendo DS is arguably the peak in terms of gameplay, narrative, and innovative mechanics. The visually appealing cell-shaded graphics take on a Paper Mario look, while the dynamic gameplay feels pretty close to Mario RPG at times.
Even better and in an amusing role reversal, you actually get to play as Bowser for some portions! Seeing this massive reptile in battle is an entertaining endeavor that the other games can't quite match.