Luigi: Best New Super Mario Bros. DS Guide
The world of New Super Mario Bros. DS is a vibrant and challenging playground, filled with hidden secrets and formidable foes. While Mario is the undisputed star of most Mushroom Kingdom adventures, his lankier, green-clad brother, Luigi, holds a special place in the hearts of many players. For those eager to experience the game through the eyes of this beloved character, understanding how to get Luigi on New Super Mario Bros. DS is the first step. While you don’t “unlock” Luigi in the traditional sense as a playable character from the outset, his presence is intrinsically linked to a specific gameplay mechanic and the subsequent enjoyment of the game. This guide will delve into how to make the most of Luigi’s unique attributes and navigate the Mushroom Kingdom with him.
Embracing Luigi’s Unique Gameplay Style
The primary way players interact with Luigi in New Super Mario Bros. DS is through a special mode that unlocks after you have successfully completed the main game. Once you’ve conquered Bowser and rescued Princess Peach, a new option appears on the title screen: “Luigi.” Selecting this option doesn’t just change the character’s appearance; it fundamentally alters the physics and controls of the game, offering a distinctly different experience.
Luigi’s signature characteristic in this iteration is his significantly higher and floatier jump. This allows him to traverse gaps that might seem impossible for Mario and reach platforms that are out of his brother’s immediate grasp. However, this enhanced aerial mobility comes at a cost. Luigi is also more susceptible to wind currents, and his acceleration and deceleration are slower. This means that controlling his momentum becomes a crucial skill to master. Players will need to learn to anticipate his movements, using his longer airtime to their advantage while carefully managing his drift. This shift in gameplay can be incredibly rewarding, demanding a new set of strategies and reflexes even for seasoned Super Mario Bros. veterans.
Navigating the Mushroom Kingdom as Luigi
Playing as Luigi in New Super Mario Bros. DS transforms familiar levels into fresh challenges. The higher jump opens up new pathways and secret areas that might have been overlooked in a Mario play-through. For instance, certain pipes or ledges that were previously unreachable can now be accessed with a well-timed, perfectly executed Luigi jump. This encourages a re-exploration of the game’s environments, potentially uncovering more Star Coins and hidden 1-Up Mushrooms than before.
However, Luigi’s floaty nature can also make precise platforming more demanding. Landing on small platforms or navigating tight corridors requires a deeper understanding of his jump arc and drift. Players will need to practice short hops versus full jumps, and learn to use the direction buttons to subtly adjust their trajectory mid-air. Enemy encounters also feel different. While Luigi’s jump is higher, his overall agility is somewhat compromised. This means that timing your jumps to stomp on enemies becomes even more critical, as misjudging a landing could send you hurtling into danger.
Mastering Luigi’s Hovering Capabilities
One of Luigi’s most distinctive abilities, which becomes more apparent in his dedicated mode, is his ability to hover slightly after a jump. While not as pronounced as in some later Super Mario titles, this subtle buoyancy offers a significant advantage. It provides a brief window of control in the air, allowing players to correct minor errors in their jump trajectory or extend their reach to grab onto ledges.
This hovering mechanic is particularly useful in levels with significant horizontal movement or when dealing with moving platforms. By holding down the jump button, players can prolong Luigi’s time in the air, giving them a better chance to align their landing or avoid obstacles. Mastering this aspect of Luigi’s movement is key to conquering some of the game’s more challenging sections and discovering all of its secrets. It requires a delicate touch and a keen sense of timing, rewarding patient and strategic play.
Replaying Favorite Levels with a Green Twist
The true joy of getting Luigi on New Super Mario Bros. DS lies in the fresh perspective he brings to the entire game. Every level, from the grassy plains of World 1 to the volcanic lands of World 8, feels like a new adventure. The familiar enemy patterns and environmental hazards present unique challenges when tackled with Luigi’s distinct physics. This re-invigorates the gameplay, offering a substantial amount of replay value for those who have already mastered the game as Mario.
For players looking to achieve 100% completion, Luigi’s unique abilities can be invaluable. Certain Star Coins might be hidden in areas that are significantly easier to reach with his higher jump. Furthermore, certain boss battles, particularly those involving aerial maneuvers, might feel more manageable with Luigi’s extended air time. This encourages players to revisit every nook and cranny of the Mushroom Kingdom, armed with a different set of tools and a renewed sense of exploration.
In conclusion, while Luigi isn’t an unlockable character in the traditional sense at the beginning of New Super Mario Bros. DS, his presence after completing the game offers a compelling and challenging new way to experience this classic title. Understanding his unique jumping mechanics, mastering his floaty movement, and utilizing his hovering capabilities are all essential for any player who wishes to truly get Luigi on New Super Mario Bros. DS and conquer the Mushroom Kingdom with a green flair. The game transforms from a familiar quest into a delightful exercise in adapting to new challenges, proving that even in the Mushroom Kingdom, sometimes a change of perspective – and a taller jump – is all you need.