Shock and Horror - Nintendo didn't develop this! However they did publish it, and Hudson Soft, best known as the developers of the insanely addictive Bomberman series, have emulated Nintendo perfectly. If not for the Hudson logo on the box and before you the game begins proper, you would never know that this wasn't created by the minds behind the characters within. All of Nintendo's famous characters - such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Peach, Luigi, Yoshi and Wario are here in a game that Hudson Soft do well. Bringing over their expertise from the Bomberman titles, Hudson have crafted Mario Party as a video game take on a traditional board game - with a Nintendo twist. Up to 4 players can compete against each other in several Boards that each reflect a major Nintendo character's identity and personality - with boards like Donkey Kong's Jungle and Mario's Rainbow Cloud board. Naturally, each board is true to the character, and each differs in how they are set, as well as the challenges that they possess. Once you have chosen your board and character, your off to start your adventure. The main aim of the game is to have the highest amount of stars at the end of either 20, 30 or 50 turns. You do this by getting to a marked star square first on the game map - but there are other ways to gain stars as well. Landing on a regular blue square will gain you some gold pieces. Landing on a red one will remove some gold. Landing on the Star square nabs you the star (as long as you have 20 gold pieces to pay for it), and then there are some question mark sqaures, which can be either good or bad. And the last square is none other than the Bowser square. You didn't think they would make a Nintendo game and not include Bowser? He's here, and he's as much a enemy as always. He will hamper your progress in mini games where you are at a distinct advantage if you land on his square, so keeping clear of him is always in your best interests. However, the game is mainly about it's mini games - of which there are a ton. Over 50 mini games will test your skill and wit, and you will be required to do all manner of things from racing down a bobsled trial, to attempting to squash a face to match one shown within a time limit. All the mini games can net you gold - but you may also lose some. Gold will become important through out the game. Not only will you need it to buy the star if you so land on the square, but you may also land on Boo's square, and steal a star from another, however, this is more costly. You may also need to pay off guards through a toll system to access different parts of the board, so naturally doing your best in the mini-games works to your advantage. This game was made to be played with friends, and it is definately where you will get the most out of it. However, failing that you can play on your own against the computer AI, but the game doesn't provide a real high level of difficulty, even on the highest setting. However, at the end of the games turns, your gold is talllied up and deposited for your personal use. This is where the challenge may sink in. There are a variety of new boards, characters and items with which to buy. There are also a few mini games not in the main adventure that can be bought, and of course, all the one's that are. There is also a quick play mode that has you competing in a stadium, but this mode feels tacked on and tedious - and doesn't offer the replay value that the main adventure does. Graphics are good, if somewhat repetitive. Characters are mostly well drawn, but there are occasional cliping and texture issues. Coming on the back of a ground-breaking title like Super Mario 64, its a shame to see that the game doesn't appear to know where it wants to stand graphically - and ends up being a mix of different styles that sometimes don't work out as well as the Developers intended. Sound is decent - but the music is pretty repetitive, as well as underwhelming. Character voicing is limited, however some phrases may draw a smile. Most of the game's dialogue is written text though, and even the dialogue has a strained feel to it - like the English translation has a dumbed down feel - it could have been much more. This is picked up however by the game's fairly good effects. Some good effects are put to great use, and people should recognise a few of them as well. Keeping to it's Nintendo origins, the characters actions speak louder than words, and the character's effects speak easily of Nintendo. It's all there sounding like it should. Gameplay is mostly stock standard mini games, which are explained lightly through a short tutorial before they begin. There are 3 on 1, 2 on 2 and all out mini games, so you may be forced to compete with a former foe. Control isn't a problem, with the game easily keeping up, and anyone who can pick up a controller should be able to play easily - the game's controls are very simple and explained well. While not terribly addictive, the game definately has a certain charm to it - which would appear to come from it's mascots. This is something the entire family can enjoy easily, and while it doesn't have a long shelf life - this is something to pull out when there are a bunch of littlie's around. Recommended for lovers of all things Nintendo, for others, there are better party games available.
The first mario party game ever and its a good one too.It has great multiplayer and has great mini games.The board games suck though they are too small.It has great gameplay,cant argue about that,has great minor graphics... Read Full Review
Mario Party is the first installment in the series, and it's a great game. The story consists of Mario and friends fighting to see who'll become the Super Star. Toad stops them and suggests they play mini-games and such,... Read Full Review
