Mario Party 6

"The party just keeps on getting better"

The Mario Party series got its start on the Nintendo 64 back in 1999. Since then, five more games have been released, each one adding new gameplay features to the previous one. Mario Party 6 is the latest in the series, and the third released on the Gamecube.

Gameplay - 10/10 The Mario Party games have always shone in this category, especially in the multiplayer modes. The premise is simple - each player hits a dice block to move around a large board in order to collect the most stars. The minigames are very creative and are a definite improvement over previous games. One of the more interesting features of Mario Party 6 is the microphone. The microphone allows you to play certain minigames that are controlled by what you say. Another feature that Mario Party 6 introduces to the series is the day/night system. During the nighttime, certain board events and minigames change to keep the action alive. If you decide to play alone, Solo Mode allows you to traverse a mini board in order to unlock minigames and collect stars. The gameplay is everything from previous games and more.

Story - 6/10 Much like the previous Mario Party titles, Mario and friends are faced with a bizarre situation. Stellar siblings Brighton and Twila are fighting, and it's up to you to settle their dispute. What better way to go about doing that than by playing a board game? It's not the most epic story, but it serves its purpose in giving you a reason for what you're doing.

Graphics/Sound - 9/10 Nothing special, but still good. The board tunes are fitting and the graphics look very nice, especially compared to previous games. Nothing much more to say here, just don't expect to be blown away, expect above average visuals coupled with well-placed audio.

Play Time/Replayability - 10/10 Even after collecting all the minigames and unlocking all of the secrets, this game is still immensely fun to play. Some of the minigames are very addictive, and board games are always fun with a few friends.

Buy or Rent? If you are a fan of previous Mario Party games, then this is a must-buy. The boards, minigames, and features have all been improved from previous titles, and the microphone and day/night system keep the game exciting. If you haven't played a Mario Party game before, now is a good time to start, especially if you have friends to play with. This is arguably the best of the Gamecube titles, so it's a good starting point.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/13/04, Updated 12/14/04