Mario Party

"Yea… I know, Mario’s Having a Party! Take One"

Personal Intro
I LOVE multiplayer games, so this is right up my street.
Mario party is a great multiplayer party game that really sums up to how a real multiplayer should feel and look. I even went out and bought a N64 because I knew how addictive this game was even in 2004! There’s nothing better than inviting some mates over to play random mini-games that are fun and challenging. A few beers, some sweets and this game is all you need.

The Idea
The idea is simple, four characters go round the board, (8 in total with different themes and gameplay) taking it in turns to hit the rolling dice, move the spaces, decide the directions, collect the coins that pay for the stars you need to collect. It doesn’t matter how many coins you have a star will beat it. Use different tricks to take stars and coins from other people too! Its total back stabbing competition!! After everyone’s had their go you get treated to a mini-game and the type of game is determined by the colour spaces you landed on. There are three types of game. 4 player, where everyone faces everyone. 2 on 2, where the players are split into two teams of two to face each other. 1 on 3, where it could be 1 player picking on the other three or all three picking on one!! The last is a one-player game that can be gotten by landing on a special space anytime during the game. All games are fun! Theres not doubt about it.
After the selected amount of turns have been taken all the stars and coins are looked at to see who wins and three extra stars are given out for the most mini-games won, the most coins collected and the most “?” spaces landed on. That makes all the difference. You even get to keep all the coins and stars you collected! S you can buy stuff in the shop!

Graphics
You shouldn’t expect much from an N64 game anyway but these are as good as the graphics get. Grainy at worse, there isn’t too much detail to take away the fun factor but more than enough to make you feel this game has really be thought about. Top N64 Graphics!

Sound
Not too much sound really needed. The sound of you stepping on each space is satisfying and didn’t get on my nerves at all. The sound of a mass of coins coming your way is brilliant too! All the characters have their own grunts but instead of voices, text is used. The music is tradition and only what I can describe as chinky. There are so many bits of music that even go with the feel and mood of the mini game. What I mean is, If the mini game is one where you have to be slow and careful then the music will be moody and slow too.

Controls
Controls are easy and explained on everything you do! I’m surprised they don’t remind you to breath regularly too. Each game lets you know how to play, which buttons and even lets you test it all out before you start! This makes the game very very easy to get a hang of and before you know it you wont even need the explanations.

Cut Scenes
Not many in this game. Only ones are when you meet special characters throughout the game. Hardly even cut scenes really.

Loading
Loading is perfect, fast and doesn’t stall the game play. Loading before and after mini-games are so quick you wont even have time to take about it.

Single Player/Multi Player
Defiantly a multiplayer. Invite them friends over now! Of course, you can still play this game on your own with three computer characters that can have whatever difficulties as you like but it’s not as fun. There’s nothing better than beating a friend at a game and then having a good old laugh about what happened afterwards.

Frustration
Some of the games do seem to come from Frustration alley. Slot Car derby 1 & 2 will get right on your nerves but after that you should be alright. You will be better at some games than others but so will your mates. The computer one “easy” is a push over most of the time. Just have another handset at hand in case someone does smash theirs.

Life Span
You should be playing this for along time. The only thing that may you stop playing is getting the sequels! This game is very reliable to not crash too.

Extras/Unlockables
Lots of stuff to unlock and buy! Music, A taking parrot along with different types of dice you can throw during the game (All of which can be turned off or on when you like). Theres also two extra boards to unlock, three secret mini-games plus all the mini-games to buy.

Pros/Cons
+ Great Fun, Even on your own!
+ Fantastic Loading times
+ Everything explained and very clear
+ Good Extra features

- Some what frustrating in parts.
- Maybe not enough mini-games to stop the odd repetition throughout one game
- Graphics are as good as you might get but that doesn’t mean they don’t look a bit dated for some people.
- No voices as such.

Overall
Mario party is one to get, Buy it! It is pretty cheap now too. Collect the whole series and start at this one! Overall I gave this a very good 9 because they have a few bits to sort out to make this game perfect.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/09/04