Mario Party 5

"Best Mario Party yet!"

Introduction: Mario’s back for the fifth installment of the Mario Party games. This one features new characters, boards, and mini-games, so grab your friends!

Story: There is a very simple story in this game. There is a place called Dream Depot, where everyone’s dreams are stored. The place is run by a group of stars, called the Star Guards. Bowser, Mario’s classic nemesis, has broken in and is terrorizing everyone’s dreams! The Star Guards invite Mario and his pals in to stop Bowser before he can turn everyone’s dreams into nightmares. (6/10)

Gameplay: This game is, simply, a virtual board game with twists that can only happen in video games. The goal is to have the most stars at the end of the game. These can be obtained by passing certain spaces on the board. At the beginning of a turn, each player will, in succession, hit a virtual dice block and move forward the number of spaces on the die. Different spaces on the boards do different things. At the end of a turn, the players will play a mini-game. These mini-games are very varied and go from collecting flowers to throwing bombs at each other. They are very competitive and will likely have you screaming at your friends. You will often have to form alliances, with 4 player games, 1 vs. 3 games, 2 vs. 2 games, and duels. The object of the mini-games is to win coins which can be used later on to trigger events and buy items that can be used against other players.

Mario Party 5 seems to take some of the best things in the series and combine them for a fun experience. For example, duel games (special games that pit one player against another) are back, as well as different and special items. Unlike all the other Mario Parties, the items do not need to be bought. You are automatically given one when you pass a special space on the board. They can be thrown onto spaces so anyone who lands on it will experience the event. They can also be used on yourself for a price.

There are several other games you can play, such as an ice hockey game, a card game, a volleyball game, and a game where you build Mario-themed combat vehicles and pit them against each other. While fun, these aren’t as good as the main game.

The only real problem, be it a major one, is that the game is a lot less fun when you are playing it on your own as opposed to with friends. There is a story mode, but it is short and unexciting.(8/10)

Graphics: The graphics in this game are nothing special. They look almost identical to those in Mario Party 4. With games out that can show us how well the Gamecube can perform, Mario Party 5 simply does not live up to cutting-edge standards. The graphics are average. The framerate stays consistent, there are no slowdowns at crucial parts of the game. (6/10)

Sound: The sound in Mario Party 5 fits well with the party theme. Everything sounds like it should. The music is a form of happy jingle. There are no moving musical scores, but should there be? (7/10)

Play Time/Replayability: If you’re on your own, you might breeze through this game in about 10 hours. However, this game was made to be played multiplayer. With friends you’ll have fun for countless hours. (9/10)

Final: Mario Party 5 takes many good things from the series and puts them together for the best Mario Party yet. While the graphics and sound were not what they could be, the game is still very entertaining to people of all ages. (8/10)

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/03/04