I'ts good enought for me
Walking around on a large game board, playing random, button-mashing mini-games doesn't exactly sound too interesting, at least in a video game. In fact, it's probably one of the last games you'd want to pick up, based solely on the description. However, throw in some famous Mario characters, fun mini-games, and that classic Nintendo charm, and you've got yourself a game. If you've played and loved any of the past Mario Party games, then you'll be right at home with Mario Party 4.
Think of Mario Party 4 as one giant board game. You walk around as one of eight classic Mario characters, and try to collect the most coins and Stars. During each turn you'll roll a die, and move further along the board, based on what you role. On your way you might encounter a shop, coins, a Koopa trying to con you, or even a mysterious Ghost Train. In between turns you play a brief, simple mini-game with the other players on the board. Whoever has the most coins or Stars at the end is declared the winner. Pretty simple, right? Wrong. There are so many possibilities on the board, and so many mini-games that it's very hard to feel like you're playing the same thing over and over. If you've got a few friends over, even better. The multiplayer is the true heart and soul of the game. The single player can get boring, especially since the CPUs are easier than trying to find a cab in New York City, but it's a good experience nonetheless.
The mini-games are truly what the game is about. At the end of each turn, all four players get together and play a small game. They're very fun, and straightforward. They're simply button-mashing and timing, save for a few more complicated games. However, there just isn't a very big improvement here from the past Mario Party games. They're rather easy, and often it's just a case of who can hit the "A" button the fastest. Despite this, the games can be quite fun, and provide a great experience on multiplayer.
Nintendo is well known for adding polish to their games. Great, appeasing visuals, and great sound. Mario Party 4 falls slightly below the standard of polish that has been previously set, but it's far from being an eyesore. The graphics are quite impressive, and the character models are quite good. The levels are nothing spectacular, but there are some nice effects, and the mini-games look quite good. The same goes for sound. It's good, just not great. Some fine music, and some minor, mediocre voice acting, but on the whole Mario Party 4 has a good amount of graphical and audio polishing.
If you're looking for a simple, fun game then Mario Party 4 is right up your alley. It should be easy to get cheap, and if you have people to play it with, you'll be hooked. However, there are a few obvious drawbacks in the game. The gameplay can be a bit repetitive, and it's a bit too easy, but it's truly fun and that's what really counts. It's just like "The Simpsons": more of the same, but somehow it's still great, and you just keep finding yourself watching it. This game can be enjoyed by all age groups, and is worth at least a rental. Party time!