Luigi's Mansion 3 - 2019
In the bustling studio of Next Level Games (NLG), we were no strangers to adapting to new hardware and embracing fresh challenges. After the successful release of Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, the anticipation was palpable. We were all eagerly speculating about our next big project, and the Wii-U seemed like the obvious choice. The Wii-U, with its unique controller that had its own screen, presented a fascinating challenge: could we create a game with asymmetric gameplay where players had different experiences based on the controller they used?
A Surprise Announcement
We brainstormed and conceptualized numerous ideas for a Luigi's Mansion game that would take full advantage of the Wii-U’s asymmetric gameplay. However, everything changed when we received an email announcing that representatives from Nintendo Japan were coming to Vancouver with prototypes of a new piece of hardware. The secrecy surrounding this visit was intense. Only a select few knew what was going on behind closed doors, leaving the rest of us to speculate wildly.
When the day finally arrived, the atmosphere in the studio was electric. The demonstrations were brief but incredibly impressive. Nintendo was unveiling the Nintendo Switch, a handheld console with the graphical power to enhance its impressive library of intellectual property. It featured a beautiful touch-enabled screen, unique rumble capabilities, and was portable enough to take anywhere. We were ecstatic. Our minds raced with possibilities as we prepared to embark on the development of the next Luigi's Mansion game for the Nintendo Switch.
Early Pre-Production and Innovations
In the early stages of pre-production, I collaborated closely with the character development team at NLG. One of our primary goals was to innovate in terms of character rigs and animation techniques. I proposed using a freeform deformer (FFD) that could be pre-animated and applied to any object in the world. This idea aimed to streamline our animation process by having a set of base animations that could be applied globally, rather than creating unique animation trees for each object Luigi interacted with.
The engineering department was intrigued and began exploring ways to implement this in our proprietary NLG engine. My proof of concepts in 3DSMax were promising, and I was hopeful that this innovation would make it into the final game.
Enhancing Luigi and the Ghosts
Another major endeavor was up-resing Luigi as a character to incorporate more advanced facial expressions and next-gen shaders. This was a challenging task, as every change had to be approved by the Nintendo Character Group to ensure consistency across their beloved IP. Despite these hurdles, we managed to implement significant improvements, and the final look of Luigi in the game was something we were all proud of.
We had more creative freedom with the ghost characters. Each ghost featured unique squash and stretch rigs, which, when combined with the talents of our animation department, truly brought them to life. The animations in Luigi's Mansion 3 are some of the best ever seen in a Nintendo title, thanks to the dedication and skill of our team.
Key Gameplay and Plot Elements
Luigi's Mansion 3 centers around Luigi, Mario, Princess Peach, and three Toads, who are invited to the luxurious Last Resort hotel. This turns out to be a trap set by the ghostly owner Hellen Gravely and King Boo. Luigi must navigate through various themed floors of the haunted hotel to rescue his friends, who are imprisoned in paintings. The game's setting transitioned from a mansion to a hotel to enhance three-dimensional exploration, allowing for diverse themes across different floors.
Key gameplay mechanics included the Poltergust G-00, which introduced new abilities such as Slam and Burst, and Gooigi, a gooey doppelgänger of Luigi. Gooigi added cooperative gameplay elements and unique puzzle-solving opportunities, making the game more engaging and dynamic.
Development Challenges and Innovations
One of my responsibilities during production was ensuring that the animated cut-scenes were set up correctly for our animators. This involved meticulously planning and organizing each scene so that the animators had everything they needed to bring the story to life. The cut-scenes were a critical aspect of the game's narrative, adding depth and emotion to the player's experience.
Supporting the unique rumble capabilities of the Nintendo Switch was another exciting challenge. We wanted players to feel a tactile connection to the game, making every ghost capture and Poltergust G-00 interaction immersive. This required extensive testing and adjustments to ensure the haptic feedback was finely tuned.
Reception and Reviews
Upon its release, Luigi's Mansion 3 was met with critical acclaim. Reviewers praised the game's creativity, engaging gameplay, and charming visuals. According to Nintendo Life, the game received a 9/10 rating, highlighting its gorgeous graphics, solid multiplayer options, and the sheer fun it offered. Minor criticisms included the lack of connectivity between floors and occasional slowdowns during busy scenes, but these were far outweighed by the positive aspects.
IGN lauded the game's creativity and cooperative gameplay, while GameSpot highlighted the charm, polish, and enjoyable puzzle-solving elements. On Metacritic, Luigi's Mansion 3 holds an average score of 86/100, reflecting generally favorable reviews from critics.
The community reception was equally positive. Players appreciated the return of Luigi in a game that balanced humor, spookiness, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The introduction of Gooigi and the expanded use of the Poltergust G-00 were particularly well-received, adding layers of strategy and fun to the game.
Commercial Success
The game was a commercial success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide by early 2021. This made it one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch. Its strong initial sales and continued popularity underscored its appeal to both new and longtime fans of the series.
Awards and Recognitions
Luigi's Mansion 3 was nominated for several awards, including Best Family Game at The Game Awards 2019. It was also recognized for its excellence in animation and family-friendly gameplay, further cementing its status as a standout title in the Luigi's Mansion series.
Reflections on Luigi's Mansion 3
Working on Luigi's Mansion 3 was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. The game's development journey was filled with challenges, innovations, and moments of sheer joy. Collaborating with such a talented team and contributing to a game that received such high praise was incredibly fulfilling.
The transition from the Wii-U to the Nintendo Switch brought its own set of challenges, but it also opened up new opportunities for creative exploration and technological advancement. The innovations we implemented in character rigs, facial animations, and environmental interactions helped elevate the game to new heights.
Looking Back and Future Impact
Looking back, I'm incredibly proud of the work we did on Luigi's Mansion 3. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The game's success is a reflection of the dedication and passion of everyone involved in its creation, and I'm honored to have been a part of such a fantastic project.
Luigi's Mansion 3 continues to be a console seller for the Nintendo Switch, attracting new players and delighting longtime fans. Its engaging gameplay, charming characters, and innovative mechanics make it a standout title in the Nintendo library. For me, it will always hold a special place in my heart as one of the greatest games I have ever worked on.
The Broader Impact on My Career
The success of Luigi's Mansion 3 was not just a personal achievement but also a significant milestone that influenced my subsequent career trajectory. After the game's release, I found myself reflecting on the journey that brought me to this point. From my early days at Electronic Arts, working on titles like Need for Speed: High Stakes and FIFA Soccer, to the challenges and triumphs at Next Level Games, each experience had built upon the last, honing my skills and shaping my professional philosophy.
The creative solutions we developed for Luigi's Mansion 3, such as the advanced character rigs and the innovative use of the Poltergust G-00, set new benchmarks for me personally. These innovations informed my approach to future projects, pushing me to continue exploring the boundaries of what was possible in game development.
Lessons Learned and Applied
The emphasis on gameplay-first design, a principle deeply ingrained through my work with Nintendo, became a cornerstone of my approach to game development. This philosophy was evident in every project I touched thereafter, whether it was the detailed rigging and animation work on Captain America: Super Soldier or the collaborative efforts on Metroid Prime: Federation Force.
Luigi's Mansion 3 also reinforced the importance of teamwork and communication. The seamless integration of various gameplay mechanics, character animations, and environmental interactions was a direct result of the collaborative spirit at Next Level Games. This experience underscored the value of fostering a positive team environment and clear communication channels—lessons that I carried forward into my roles at Ubisoft and Relic Entertainment.
Moving Forward: From NLG to Relic Entertainment
When I eventually moved on from Next Level Games to Relic Entertainment, the skills and experiences from Luigi's Mansion 3 were instrumental. At Relic, I faced new challenges, such as integrating outsourcing workflows and leading large teams on ambitious projects like Age of Empires IV. The innovative mindset and collaborative techniques honed at NLG proved invaluable as I navigated these new terrains.
Working on Age of Empires IV, for instance, required a deep understanding of technical art and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality—principles that were ingrained in me during the development of Luigi's Mansion 3. The successful integration of art outsourcing at Relic was a testament to the lessons learned and applied from my time at NLG, particularly the importance of clear communication and robust pipeline processes.
Luigi's Mansion 3 was more than just a successful project; it was a pivotal moment in my career that encapsulated the essence of what it means to be a game developer. The innovation, collaboration, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defined this project continue to drive me forward. As I look to the future, I remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in game development, always drawing on the rich experiences and lessons learned from my time at Next Level Games.
The journey from the early days of exploring 3D animation at Vancouver Film School to leading major projects at Relic Entertainment has been filled with incredible opportunities and challenges. Each step along the way has been a building block, contributing to a fulfilling and dynamic career. And at the heart of it all, Luigi's Mansion 3 stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through passion, innovation, and teamwork.
As I continue to create and innovate in the world of gaming, I am reminded of the impact that each project has on the broader trajectory of one's career. Luigi's Mansion 3 not only showcased my abilities as a technical artist and producer but also highlighted the importance of adaptability and forward-thinking. The lessons learned from this project will undoubtedly continue to influence my work and inspire me to achieve even greater heights in the gaming industry.
Reflecting on the journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities I've had and the incredible teams I've worked with. The experiences from Luigi's Mansion 3 will forever be a cornerstone of my career, guiding my path and fueling my passion for creating unforgettable gaming experiences.
Meta:
Paul Goad. Game Development Credits. Luigi's Mansion 3, Vancouver Film School. Full time Classical Animation program
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