Mario Party review

A New Era of Board Games

The main Mario Party mode is a collection of whimsical virtual board games fueled by competitive minigames. Up to four players can engage, rolling dice to navigate diverse game boards. Unlike its predecessor, Mario Party 10, where minigames were scarce, Super Mario Party enriches each turn with a minigame, bringing zest to every move.

The game boards are designed with branching paths, leading to ever-moving star spaces. While they might not be as intricate as those from the franchise's golden years, they offer enough variety to keep the experience interesting. That said, the limited selection of four boards means the fun can get stale sooner than desired.

The Minigame Melange

Minigames are the heart of Super Mario Party, breaking up the board game segments with bursts of competitive action. These minigames range in quality, but plenty of them are engaging and fun. The only downside is the inclusion of filler content that might not hold your interest for long.

Winning these minigames is crucial as they reward you with coins, which you need to buy stars. This makes every minigame a pivotal moment that can drastically influence the game's outcome.

Precision and Creativity with Joy-Cons

One of the most remarkable features of Super Mario Party is its innovative use of Joy-Con controllers. Every player must use a single Joy-Con, which paves the way for unique 3D rumble effects and various motion controls.

However, while the motion controls are generally better than their Wii-era counterparts, they can still be hit-or-miss. If you find tasks like shaving ice or piloting a plane through tilting controls frustrating, this aspect might not sit well with you.

Strategic Elements in Gameplay

Allied characters, or Allies, bring an interesting strategic twist to Super Mario Party. Recruiting Allies offers three big advantages: they aid your dice rolls, participate in some minigames, and provide unique dice blocks. Each character's dice block has different probabilities, adding another layer of strategy to the game.

Switching between regular, special, and Ally dice blocks at will allows for a nuanced gameplay experience. However, it might have been better if the game allowed you to see characters' unique dice blocks during character selection.

Partner Party: The Real Showstopper

The standout mode in Super Mario Party is Partner Party, where strategy meets camaraderie. This mode recycles maps from Mario Party but turns the board into a grid setup, demanding more strategic planning from players.

The inclusion of a partner means each turn requires discussion and teamwork, adding a competitive edge. My friends and I often found ourselves planning multiple turns in advance, which significantly ramped up the complexity and excitement of the game.

The Wildcard: Bonus Stars

As with past titles, Super Mario Party features bonus stars awarded at the game's end. These can be both a boon and a bane, as they introduce an element of randomness that can drastically alter the game's results.

While some bonus stars can be earned for well-deserved milestones, like most coins or most minigame wins, others are awarded based on random criteria. This unpredictable feature can frustrate players, as it often feels like dumb luck decides the winner.

Secondary Modes: Hit or Miss

Super Mario Party offers additional modes like River Survival and Sound Stage, though they don't hold the same allure as the primary modes. River Survival is a cooperative game mode with a series of unique minigames. Its cooperative nature might appeal to younger children but lacks the competitive edge many expect.

Sound Stage, a rhythm game mode, has its set of exclusive minigames. While they provide a fun diversion, the reliance on motion controls can make them feel inconsistent and less enjoyable than button-based alternatives.

Graphics and Presentation

Super Mario Party shines bright with its vibrant and colorful graphics. The game stays true to the Mario aesthetic, making every board and minigame a visual treat. Character animations are lively and add to the game's overall charm.

The boards are beautifully designed, and the minigames are visually dynamic. The attention to detail elevates the experience, making each session a delight to watch and play.

Solo Play and AI

Super Mario Party supports single-player mode, allowing you to compete against AI-controlled opponents. However, the game’s charm lies in multiplayer interactions. Playing solo can feel less engaging and lacks the thrill of human competition.

AI players serve their purpose but don't replicate the unpredictability and excitement that come with playing with friends. For the best experience, it's recommended to play with other human players whenever possible.

Soundtrack and Audio Effects

The game's soundtrack is upbeat and fits perfectly with the party atmosphere. Each board and minigame comes with its themed music, adding to the immersion.

Sound effects are spot-on, complementing the gameplay and enhancing the overall experience. The audio design is polished and contributes significantly to the game's lively vibe.

Replay Value

Super Mario Party offers a decent amount of replay value, especially when playing with different groups of friends. The variety of minigames and strategic elements keep the game intriguing for a while.

However, the limited number of game boards means that players could eventually exhaust all the game has to offer. Adding more boards through updates or future expansions could significantly boost its longevity.

Final Thoughts

Super Mario Party for the Nintendo Switch brings a unique blend of fun, strategy, and unpredictability. It excels in creating a competitive and engaging environment, especially in its Partner Party mode. The integration of Joy-Con controllers shows creative prowess, though motion controls might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

While the limited number of game boards and unpredictable bonus stars might be drawbacks, the overall experience is enjoyable, especially with friends. Super Mario Party remains a fantastic addition to any multiplayer gaming collection, promising hours of laughter and friendly rivalry.