Mario Party DS

"Bring the Party to the Nintendo DS"

Mario Party has been around nearly 10 years and now it makes a splash on the Nintendo DS. In this new experience you can now play through the board and over 50 mini-games with the touch screen. You can join for the fun with Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and all their friends.

The story starts when Mario and the gang get tricked Into Bowser's mind games. He Invites them to his castle In a attempt to put their issues aside but what he really wants is another try at capturing the gang. He uses his almighty star wand which shrinks the gang, and they are set out to find 5 shards. This is where you select from 1 of the 8 playable characters to take you through story mode. Along with cameo appearences of Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Koopa Trooper, Toadette and Kamek. The story is quite comical and Is pleasurable to go through.

Graphics aren't brilliant In this game, as the resolution isn't particually good in 3D DS games. But of course you've got to give it credit for trying, after all we don't need another 2D Mario Party like Mario Party DS do we? The graphics do resemble the first original Mario Party on N64. Nice bright, colourful elements will satisfy young children

Ok, more into what this game delivers and what exactly it does. The mini-games vary, some you use touch screen, some use original buttons and some use the mic. I'm not going to comment on every single mini-game but they all have their purpose and most of them are exciting especially the mini-games which record your record. They are many fresh new mini-games but also upgraded mini-games from the previous series which can get a little dull.

The Board Games in my opinion are very enjoyable, but I have to single out a couple such as Wiggler's Garden which Is very bland. Like Mario Party 8, each board is different. Bowser's Pinball Machine is very good at amusing its players. However one criticism is that they are only '5', yes '5' boards which are nothing compared to the boards in other series. Not 1 unlockable board which Is something this game lacks. If you do get bored (like me) at playing over these 5 boards they is always Puzzle Mode which is enjoyable, and you can always play with a mate. However, unlike the other Mario Party games, It will be more expensive to play multiplayer as you'll need another DS (only one cartridge needed though ^^). As the other series just needed a extra controller.

You fight a boss at the end of every board, and I think they have some of the best boss battles through the whole of Mario Party.

The sound Isn't spectacular but the sound effects for the characters are humorous, realistic as always. The music to the mini-games aren't too bad, some are very annoying though. The music to the Boards are nothing special.

The best thing about Mario Party games is that you can replay them over and over again and they is a slim chance you get bored. They is so much you can do. Complete story mode with all 8 characters (to be fair it does repeat its self and can get tiring and boring)- but, they is mini-game mode and puzzle mode which is very entertaining. However playing with a friend brings much more pleasure playing the game.

This brings me to my final point. They Is many unlockables such as models and badges. But they are no unlockables what are worth a lot to you, none which are worth playing for. Playing hard to get, if you like. I bet you have all been in the position where you've been glued to the game getting fustrated when you've lost a level which is they key to a new event or a exciting new character. In this game the only good unlockables are the Puzzle Mode challanges.

Story- 7/10
Gameplay- 7/10
Graphics- 8/10
Sound- 7/10
Controls- 9/10
Replay Value- 8/10

Pros:
+ Tons of components to the game
+ Extremely fun on multiplayer mode
+ 60+ mini-games each one unique

Cons:
- Harder access to multiplayer
- Only a small number of Game Boards

Overall this Is a very fun game for kids, a little repetative but long lastabilty and many elements to the game. However much harder access to multiplayer than it has been for previous Mario Party games!

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 12/26/08

Game Release: Mario Party DS (EU, 11/23/07)