"Another great Mario Party for the collection"

Mario Party 7 is the latest Mario Party game for the Gamecube, with the same Mic Feature and same concept. So how is it better? Just read and see how Nintendo has truly brought out the best in multiplayer fun!

Gameplay - 10/10

The game plays like any other board game. You hit a dice block which determines how far you get to move. You traverse the board, earning coins and setting traps for the other players while you all try to obtain Stars. The player with the most stars at the end ultimately wins. These Stars are earned by spending Coins earned in minigames, stealing them from your opponents, or randomly through board events. All in all, the game is simply a wild party like the name suggests.

Storyline – 4/10

Okay, so there is no real storyline. Mario and his pals are invited by Toadsworth to go on a giant cruise about the world, and the group accepts with everlasting interest. When they set sail, however, Bowser is angered by the fact that he wasn't invited after everything they've been through together. So, he vows to cause havoc to their vacation. This leads your Mario Party boards to be modeled after real places all over the globe, including a Japanese Mountain, some peculiar pyramids, and even a Venice-type area.

Graphics – 10/10

What else can I really say? The graphics are immaculate and have definitely improved a lot. The stars seem shinier and more valuable, water looks so much more real, and even the characters benefit from these upgrades. A perfect score is the only way I can justify Nintendo's work.

Challenge – 6/10

Mario Party is notorious for not necessarily needing a challenge. Most people buy this game for the enjoyable multiplayer experience, so it didn't need to be that hard. Veterans returning to the game will be pleased with the differing boards and unique challenges, though they may not be the hardest in the world. And new players may find this game a fun challenge.

Multiplayer Ability – 10/10

This time around Nintendo went above and beyond, allowing up to EIGHT people to partake in the same game! It may seem confusing: Four controllers, Eight people, huh? No! It's much simpler than that! Every two people share one controller, with one person using the L Button and the Control Stick, the other using the R Button and the C-Stick. There are even special Minigames specifically for eight people, so the fun doubles!

Sound/Music – 8/10

What could you expect in a Mario-based game other than happy music and cheery tempos? Nothing. So, the music may drive many nuts, but it keeps the party on a positive mood, especially good for those poor-sports who hate being creamed at this game. Also, the character voices seem improved over the other games with actual taunts instead of just the character saying their name.

Buy or Rent?

Buy for sure, it comes with the mic! And plus, with all of the multiplayer action, it is a must for large families or anybody who just wants to have a good time with their Gamecube.

Final Score – 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/26/07