Unlock Luigi In New Super Mario Bros. DS: A Complete Guide

by Benjamin Cohen 59 views

So, you're eager to unlock Luigi in New Super Mario Bros. DS, huh? Well, you've come to the right place, guys! This guide will walk you through the steps to get Mario's green-clad brother playable in your game. Let's dive in!

Unlocking Luigi: The Lowdown

Unlocking Luigi in New Super Mario Bros. DS is a rewarding challenge that adds a fresh twist to the gameplay. Unlike his more cautious brother, Luigi boasts higher jumping abilities, allowing him to reach platforms and secrets that Mario might struggle with. However, this comes at a cost: Luigi's slippery movement can make him a bit harder to control, especially for newcomers. But don't let that discourage you! Mastering Luigi's unique style is part of the fun.

The Two Paths to Luigi

There are two main methods to unlock Luigi, catering to different playstyles and levels of commitment. Whether you're a completionist seeking to conquer every challenge or a player who enjoys a more direct approach, there's a path for you. We'll explore both in detail, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Why Unlock Luigi?

Before we get into the "how," let's talk about the "why." Luigi isn't just a cosmetic change; he offers a distinct gameplay experience. His enhanced jump opens up new possibilities for exploration and speedrunning, while his slippery handling demands a more deliberate and precise approach. Playing as Luigi adds replayability to New Super Mario Bros. DS, encouraging you to revisit levels and discover new strategies.

Method 1: The Completionist's Route - Star Coins and World 9

This method is for those who love to explore every nook and cranny of the game. It requires dedication, patience, and a keen eye for hidden secrets. If you're up for the challenge, this is the most satisfying way to unlock Luigi.

The Star Coin Quest

The first step on this path is to collect all the Star Coins in the game. There are three Star Coins hidden in each level, scattered throughout the eight main worlds. Some are easy to spot, while others require clever platforming, secret passages, or power-up mastery to obtain. This task alone will test your Mario skills, but the reward is well worth the effort.

Unlocking World 9

Once you've gathered all 240 Star Coins, you'll unlock World 9, a hidden world filled with challenging levels. This is where things get really interesting. World 9 is designed to push your abilities to the limit, featuring intricate level design, tricky enemy placements, and demanding platforming sections. It's a true test of your Mario mastery.

Beating World 9

To unlock Luigi via this method, you need to complete every level in World 9. This is no easy feat, guys! You'll need to utilize every trick in your book, from wall jumps and ground pounds to shell kicks and power-up combinations. Patience and persistence are key here. Don't be afraid to retry levels multiple times, learn from your mistakes, and adapt your strategies.

The Luigi Reward

After conquering the final level of World 9, you'll be greeted with a special message: Luigi is unlocked! Now you can select him as your playable character at the start of a new game or when continuing from a save file. Congratulations, you've earned your green-clad hero!

Method 2: The Direct Approach - Losing Eight Times

If you prefer a more straightforward method, or you're simply eager to play as Luigi without the Star Coin hunt, this method is for you. It's a bit unconventional, but it gets the job done. However, be warned: it involves deliberately failing… a lot.

The Eight-Loss Rule

The key to this method is to lose eight times in the same level. That's right, you need to intentionally die eight times in a single level. The game's mercy system kicks in after a certain number of deaths, offering you an assist block with a Super Guide. But we're not aiming for the Super Guide; we're aiming for Luigi.

Choosing Your Level

Select any level you find easy to access and quickly die in. World 1-1 is a popular choice, as it's the first level of the game and relatively short. You can simply run into enemies or fall into pits to expedite the process. Just make sure you don't accidentally complete the level!

The Deliberate Demise

Lose eight times in your chosen level. Each time you die, you'll be returned to the map screen. Simply re-enter the level and repeat the process. It might feel a bit tedious, but trust me, it's a much faster route than collecting all those Star Coins if you're not into that.

Luigi's Arrival

After your eighth demise, the game will offer you the Super Guide. Ignore it! Instead, exit the level and return to the main menu. Now, when you start a new game or continue from a save file, Luigi will be available as a playable character. Huzzah! You've unlocked Luigi through the power of… well, losing.

Luigi's Unique Abilities and Playstyle

Now that you've unlocked Luigi, it's time to explore his unique abilities and playstyle. As mentioned earlier, Luigi's higher jump and slippery movement make him a different beast than Mario. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

The High Jump

Luigi's most notable trait is his enhanced jumping ability. He can jump significantly higher than Mario, allowing him to reach platforms and secrets that would otherwise be inaccessible. This opens up new avenues for exploration and speedrunning.

The Slippery Slide

However, Luigi's high jump comes with a trade-off: his slippery movement. He tends to slide a bit when he lands, making him less precise to control than Mario. This can be tricky to master, but it also adds a layer of challenge and skill to his gameplay.

Mastering Luigi's Movement

To effectively play as Luigi, you need to adapt to his slippery nature. Try short, controlled bursts of movement rather than long, continuous runs. Use his high jump to your advantage, but be mindful of your landing. Experiment with different techniques, such as wall jumps and ground pounds, to find what works best for you.

Luigi Power-Ups

Luigi can use all the same power-ups as Mario, such as the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Mini Mushroom. However, his unique abilities can influence how these power-ups are used. For example, his high jump can make it easier to collect distant power-ups or reach secret areas while powered up.

Tips and Tricks for Playing as Luigi

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you master Luigi's gameplay:

  • Practice your landings: Luigi's slippery movement can make landings tricky. Practice short jumps and controlled landings to improve your precision.
  • Use the high jump to your advantage: Luigi's high jump is his greatest asset. Use it to explore levels, reach hidden areas, and skip challenging sections.
  • Be mindful of momentum: Luigi's slippery movement means he carries more momentum than Mario. Use this to your advantage for longer jumps, but be careful not to slide off platforms.
  • Experiment with power-ups: See how Luigi's unique abilities interact with different power-ups. You might discover new strategies or shortcuts.
  • Don't give up! Luigi can be challenging to master, but he's also incredibly rewarding to play. Keep practicing, and you'll soon be gliding through levels with ease.

Conclusion: Luigi Awaits!

So, there you have it, guys! Two different ways to unlock Luigi in New Super Mario Bros. DS. Whether you choose the completionist route or the direct approach, the green-clad hero is waiting to join your adventure. Embrace his unique abilities, master his slippery movement, and get ready for a fresh and exciting take on this classic Mario game. Happy jumping!