Mario Party review

## Roll the dice: engaging gameplay The main attraction of Super Mario Party is its plethora of vibrant and engaging board games, punctuated by a wide variety of competitive minigames. The traditional Mario Party mode allows one to four players to roll dice and traverse various game boards filled with branching paths. In this mode, players aim to collect stars, but it’s the frequent minigames, not just the board mechanics, that add layers of excitement. Unlike Mario Party 10, where minigames were restricted to specific spaces, Super Mario Party ensures you end each turn with a challenging, fun minigame. ## Strategic moves: allies and dice blocks A critical element that revitalizes the strategic component of the game is the introduction of recruitable Allies. These characters not only provide bonuses to your dice rolls but also contribute to certain minigames, giving you an edge over opponents. Each character comes with a unique dice block, introducing an additional layer of strategy. For example, Mario's block has more chances to roll a 3, while Wario's offers higher values but with a risk. However, the inability to view these unique blocks during character selection is a noticeable oversight. ## Partner party mode: a cooperative twist My favorite mode turned out to be Partner Party, where players team up and navigate the game board in a more tactical manner. The grid-based layout allows you to choose your path, gathering stars and Allies while coordinating with your partner. ## Minigames: the heart of the party Winning in Mario Party and Partner Party primarily hinges on your performance in minigames. These activities are crucial for earning coins, which you can then use to buy stars. Various minigames require different skill sets and often feature an element of randomness. ## Game boards: fun but limited The game boards in Super Mario Party are less linear and more dynamic, thanks to branching paths and moving star spaces. However, the simplicity of these boards might not meet the expectations of long-time fans who enjoyed the intricate designs of Mario Party 5 and 6. ## Other game modes: mixed reactions Besides the main modes, Super Mario Party also offers River Survival and Sound Stage. River Survival is a cooperative mode with its own set of minigames. It is more suited for younger audiences, as it lacks the competitive edge that appeals to more experienced players. ## Controller constraints Every player is required to use a single Joy-Con controller. This restriction allows developers to implement creative minigame mechanics but can be disappointing for those who prefer the Pro Controller or the Joy-Con Grip. ## Replayability: a double-edged sword While the core gameplay mechanics and minigames offer immense fun, the limited number of game boards can affect replayability. Nevertheless, the inclusion of different modes and the randomness of bonus stars keep each game session fresh. ## Latest articles © 2026 Thegamereview.org - All Rights Reserved