Luigi : le frère de Mario et héros de l'ombre de la série

Luigi: Mario's brother and the series' unsung hero

1492 mots | Temps de lecture : 7 minute(s)

Luigi is Mario’s younger brother, but above all, one of the most endearing characters in the Super Mario universe. Long perceived as the “player 2,” he has gradually established himself as a hero in his own right, endowed with his own personality, his own adventures, and a loyal fan base. Brave despite his fears, Luigi has become the favorite anti-hero of players worldwide.

Summary

The origins of Luigi

Luigi first appeared in 1983 in the arcade game Mario Bros., designed as a multiplayer version where the second player controlled a green clone of Mario. This was a practical choice, dictated by the technical limitations of the time, but Nintendo quickly gave him more personality.

Beginning with Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988), Luigi became more than just an alternative skin: he jumped higher than Mario, but with less precision. This asymmetrical gameplay became a constant and marked the beginning of his individualization as a playable character in his own right.

Appearance and distinctive traits

Luigi is recognizable by:

  • His green cap adorned with the iconic "L".
  • His green shirt and blue overalls, similar to Mario's but more fitted to his slender figure.
  • His thin mustache and expressive face, capable of reflecting a wide range of emotions: fear, surprise, joy, sadness.

Physically, he is taller and thinner than his brother, which influences his gameplay (higher jumps, longer slides). Mentally, Luigi is reserved, sensitive, but deeply loyal.

Luigi in Mario games

Luigi was long confined to the role of "second player," but he is playable in many main games:

  • Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988) – First game where he has his own abilities.
  • Super Mario Galaxy – Playable after completing the game with Mario.
  • Super Mario 3D World – Playable from the start, with his distinctive gameplay.
  • New Super Luigi U (2013) – An extension entirely centered on Luigi, with more technical levels.

In these games, Luigi often embodies a more subtle challenge: his higher jumps allow for more exploration, but require better mastery.

The Luigi's Mansion series: a hero in the dark

Luigi's true solo consecration arrived with Luigi's Mansion on GameCube in 2001. He then became a reluctant hero, embarking on a paranormal adventure to save his brother:

  • Luigi's Mansion – Luigi explores a haunted mansion armed with the Poltergust 3000.
  • Dark Moon (2013) – He confronts ghosts in several mansions with humor and clumsiness.
  • Luigi's Mansion 3 (2019) – The latest acclaimed installment, with a hotel as the playground, and the support of Gooigi, his gelatinous version.

These games offer Luigi a unique depth, blending comedy, fear, and emotion, all in an atmosphere inspired by animated films or haunted houses.

Luigi in spin-offs and crossovers

  • Mario Kart – Present in all installments. He went viral in Mario Kart 8 with the famous Luigi Death Stare.
  • Mario Party – A recurring figure, often associated with luck (or bad luck!).
  • Super Smash Bros. – Present since the original episode, with an unpredictable combat style.
  • Mario & Luigi (RPG) – These games feature a hilarious and touching brotherly dynamic.

Luigi's voice and its evolution

Luigi has been voiced since 1997 by Charles Martinet, also the voice of Mario. His voice is more fluty, trembling, often punctuated by small whimpers or screams of fright. This vocal contrast with Mario reinforces their difference in character, while making Luigi infinitely more endearing.

“The Year of Luigi”: official recognition

In 2013, Nintendo officially declared “The Year of Luigi” to celebrate the character’s 30th anniversary. This special year included:

  • The launch of New Super Luigi U.
  • The release of Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon.
  • Consoles and collector’s items bearing his likeness.

This event marked official recognition of Luigi’s major role in Nintendo’s history.

Personality: an anti-hero with a big heart

  • Shy, but ready to do anything to help his loved ones.
  • Clumsy, but never ridiculous: his blunders make him more human.
  • Deeply loyal to Mario, but also to the inhabitants of the Mushroom Kingdom.
  • Often in the background, but capable of shining when brought into the spotlight.

Why is Luigi so loved by fans?

  • He is human: his fears and doubts are universal.
  • He is unintentionally funny: his expressions and reactions are often comical.
  • He is loyal: despite everything, Luigi remains true to his mission and his family.
  • He has managed to evolve: from a simple clone to a hero in his own right, Luigi has earned his status over time.

Anecdotes about Luigi

  • In Super Mario 64, a long-standing rumor claimed he was hidden in the game ("L is real 2401").
  • Luigi is invisible in some games (Super Mario Galaxy) until a goal is met.
  • In Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Luigi embarks on his own parallel adventure, told with humor.

Fact Sheet: Luigi

First Appearance Mario Bros. (arcade, 1983)
Type / Role Mario's younger brother, playable character
Distinctive features Green cap with "L", green outfit, slender silhouette
Gameplay Jumps higher than Mario, less traction (from Super Mario Bros. 2, 1988)
Solo Series Luigi's Mansion (GameCube, 2001), Dark Moon (2013), Luigi's Mansion 3 (2019)
Voice Actor Charles Martinet (Luigi's voice since Mario Kart 64, 1997)
Special Feature "The Year of Luigi" declared by Nintendo (30th anniversary of the character, from Feb. 2013 to March 2014)
Peluche Mario - Bébé Luigi - 14cm

🍄 Want to extend the adventure? Discover our Luigi products in the store.

FAQ

  • When did Luigi first appear?
    In 1983 in the arcade game Mario Bros., originally as a green Mario clone (recolored palette) for the second player.
  • What's the gameplay difference between Luigi and Mario?
    Since Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988), Luigi jumps higher than Mario but with less traction, and his jumps are floatier and longer.
  • What is the Luigi's Mansion series?
    It is Luigi's solo series, launched on GameCube in 2001, where he explores haunted places with the Poltergust. It also includes Dark Moon (2013) and Luigi's Mansion 3 (2019).
  • Who voices Luigi?
    Charles Martinet, who also voices Mario; he has lent his voice to Luigi since the international version of Mario Kart 64 (1997). Luigi's characteristic timid and trembling voice became particularly prominent starting with Luigi's Mansion (2001).
  • What was "The Year of Luigi"?
    Announced by Nintendo in February 2013 (and running until March 2014), "The Year of Luigi" celebrated the character's 30th anniversary, with games like New Super Luigi U and Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon.

Conclusion

Luigi is no longer just Mario’s brother. He has become an iconic figure in his own right, representing discreet courage, perseverance, and emotion in a universe often dominated by action. Through his unintentional humor, his sensitivity, and his ability to triumph despite his fears, Luigi has won the hearts of players. He embodies the idea that even heroes in the shadows deserve the spotlight.

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