By: Devyn Nguyen, Edward Nguyen
Super Mario Party, the eleventh installment in the Mario Party franchise, is a delightful romp, serving as a fun and polished party game for the Nintendo Switch.
While the Switch has no shortage of couch co-op titles, Super Mario Party is one you will definitely want to pick up. Nintendo has always produced video games to a high standard, and with Mario practically being their poster child, you already know that this game is a safe choice.
There are two main game modes available: Party Mode and Partner Party. In both modes, players are pitted against each other in a large virtual board filled with coins, hazards, and stars. The goal of the game is to collect the most stars in a certain amount of turns. Players are required to roll dice to move spaces, running amok across the field and often clashing with others to get ahead.
Super Mario Party comes after a long and somewhat disappointing era of Mario Party games, with the last few being particularly criticized for random and unfair mechanics. While this one isn’t perfect, it is still an improvement over the last two, removing certain annoying elements, such as empty gimmicks, as well as the infamous group travel mechanic. It also is able to add an edge of originality to the franchise’s typical gameplay.
Players are able to enjoy the game online or in person alongside friends with up to four players in a single game. Each player is able to select a character that comes with a unique die that only that character has.
Whomp’s Domino Ruins, King Bob-omb’s Powderkeg Mine, Megafruit Paradise, and Kamek’s Tantalizing Tower are the four maps available for players, with Kamek’s Tantalizing Tower requiring players to unlock it through completion of the other maps. Hopefully, more maps will be added in the future.
One problematic factor of this game are the controllers. While this is admittedly more due to the system itself, it is still a little uncomfortable and awkward using these tiny controllers, especially as the game binds every player to a single joy-con. In addition, the overall random nature of the game is still present, and is just as frustrating as it has been in its predecessor’s gameplay. Luck plays a huge factor in earning stars, which is likewise frustrating, considering earning stars is the entire method of winning.
Super Mario Party features a plethora of minigames in addition to the main party mode. After each round is completed, every player will be set into a minigame playing with or against each other in hopes of gaining greater rewards, adding a team factor to an already hectic board. These minigames add a nice variability to the party mode, keeping the game interesting. The minigames are of higher quality as compared to previous Mario Party games.
Super Mario Party is a satisfactory addition to the franchise, filling the role of a competitive, well-designed party game for the Switch. While it is not without its flaws, such as limited map selection and the hindrance in playability due to the Switch’s joy-cons, it is still an improvement over the last few installments, and overall serves as a staple to any Nintendo Switch owners.
