Super Mario Party Review
Super Mario Party is the eleventh main entry title in the Mario Party series. Developed by NDcube and published by Nintendo, Super Mario Party was released on the Nintendo Switch on October 5, 2018. This title feels like a complete refresh of the franchise for the better. There are many new gameplay mechanics that have been added as well as revitalized familiar mechanics, new intricate boards to choose from, and the biggest roster of characters to choose from, at 20.
The biggest gameplay change that Super Mario Party brings to the table is in the use of the Joy-Con controllers. One Joy-Con controller is needed for each player, which means the only way to play this game is with each side of the Joy-Con controller. This game cannot be played on handheld or with pro controllers. At first this mechanic came off quite frustrating, especially for those who are used to the pro controllers. It definitely takes a couple of full games to get used to it. This feature has its ups and downs, however. Super Mario Party utilizes the joy-cons during the minigames very well. During minigames, the Joy-Con can be held vertically or horizontally depending on the game. In addition to this, the game features motion gaming. With the one Joy-Con controller you have access to a wide variety of ways to play minigames. One turn off with this was use of motion controlled minigames. The motion sensor can be a little of when playing which could make you lose the minigame.
This Mario Party installment contains five different ways to play including Party, Partner, Team, Rhythm, and challenge mode. These different modes create new ways to play the game. Partner Mode, for example, pins two characters against the other two, where they must work as a team in order to collect stars and coins. Super Mario Party contains 80 minigames featuring a variety of free-for-all, 1 vs. 3, 2 vs. 2, team, co-op games, and rhythm games. Each minigame is very creative and beautifully designed. I found the rhythm the least entertaining and most difficult to play. However, there were some rhythm games that were fun like “All-Star Swingers”, where the player must hit baseballs and softballs to the beat trying to hit homeruns.
Super Mario Party features the largest roster of playable characters in the Mario Party series. This game features many returning characters including Mario Luigi, Yoshi, Peach, Daisy, Rosalina, Wario, Waluigi, DK, Koopa Troopa, Hammer Bro, Dry Bones, Shy Guy, Boo, and Bowser Jr. The characters who make their debut to the roster in this title include Diddy Kong, Pom Pom, and Monty Mole. Super Mario Party also allows players to play as bowser for the first time. For the first time Mario Party choosing a character can be difficult because each character has a unique die that can be used when adventuring through the board. For example, Mario’s character die has the numbers; 1,3,3,3,5, and 6, while Luigi’s die has the numbers; 1,1,1,5,6, and 7. Some characters have the option to roll for the chance of gaining coins and even losing coins. In addition to the character specific die, the player can collect different characters to join their party. This allows you to use their character specific die, as well as giving you a boost to your initial role.
Super Mario Party is much different than any other installment in the Mario Party franchise. These changes make the game feel more authentic than its predecessors, especially the later titles for the Wii and Wii U. This title does not feel like just another cash grab sequel with a few new minigames. Super Mario Party is a must play, especially with a group of your friends. The different game modes and characters create hours of fun.
