The Mario Party series has been a cornerstone of multiplayer gaming, offering engaging board game experiences combined with a variety of mini-games. With the Nintendo Switch, the series has introduced several titles, each bringing unique features and gameplay mechanics. This article aims to address common queries about these games, providing insights to help you choose the one that best suits your preferences.
Super Mario Party for Nintendo Switch
Released on October 5, 2018, Super Mario Party marked the series’ debut on the Nintendo Switch. Developed by NDcube and published by Nintendo, the game was designed as a “complete refresh” of the franchise, revitalizing classic gameplay elements while introducing new features.
Gameplay and Features
- Party Mode: A return to the classic board game format where up to four players compete to collect stars.
- Toad’s Rec Room: An innovative mode that allows players to pair two Nintendo Switch consoles, creating a unique, connected play area for specific mini-games.
- Online Play: Super Mario Party introduced online multiplayer, enabling players to enjoy mini-games with others worldwide.
Boards and Maps
The game features four distinct boards, each with unique themes and mechanics:
- Whomp’s Domino Ruins: A jungle-themed board with various traps and shortcuts.
- King Bob-omb’s Powderkeg Mine: Set in an explosive mine, players must navigate carefully to avoid detonations.
- Megafruit Paradise: A tropical island board divided into four sections connected by bridges.
- Kamek’s Tantalizing Tower: A luxurious tower where stars are sold at a premium.
Dice Mechanics
Each character in Super Mario Party has a unique dice block with different number distributions, adding a strategic layer to the game. For example, Bowser’s dice block includes high-risk, high-reward numbers, while Yoshi’s offers more balanced options.
Unlockable Characters
Players can unlock additional characters by completing specific in-game challenges:
- Dry Bones: Unlocked by reaching the end of the River Survival mode.
- Diddy Kong: Unlocked by completing the Chestnut Forest world in Challenge Road.
- Pom Pom: Unlocked by completing the Salty Sea world in Challenge Road.
- Donkey Kong: Unlocked by completing three different routes in River Survival.
Mario Party Superstars for Nintendo Switch
Released in 2021, Mario Party Superstars serves as a celebration of the series’ history, featuring remastered content from previous entries.
Gameplay and Features
- Classic Boards: The game includes five boards from the Nintendo 64 era, each meticulously remastered for the Switch.
- Mini-Game Collection: A compilation of 100 mini-games from past titles, offering both nostalgia and variety.
- Full Online Support: Unlike its predecessor, Super Mario Party, this title offers full online functionality for both board games and mini-games.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
The latest addition to the series, Super Mario Party Jamboree, was released on October 17, 2024. This installment promises to be the most comprehensive, featuring over 110 mini-games, new online and offline modes, and extensive customization options.
Critical Reception
- Super Mario Party: The game received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its return to form and variety of mini-games. IGN noted its “sheen of quality” and engaging gameplay.
- Mario Party Superstars: This title was lauded for its nostalgic value and compilation of classic content. IGN described it as “an amalgamation of some of the best boards, minigames, mechanics, and quality of life improvements from the whole series.”
- Super Mario Party Jamboree: Early reviews highlight its comprehensive content and innovative modes. Polygon stated that it “wraps up the series’ run on the Nintendo Switch with a strong finale,” combining the best elements of its predecessors.
Sales Performance
- Super Mario Party: As of March 2024, the game has sold over 18 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch.
- Mario Party Superstars: By March 2024, it had sold approximately 12.89 million copies globally, reflecting strong commercial success.
- Super Mario Party Jamboree: While specific sales figures are not yet available, early reports indicate a positive reception and strong initial sales.
Community Feedback
Players have expressed varied opinions across the titles:
- Super Mario Party: Some users appreciate the fresh mini-games and modes, while others desire more content and online features.
- Mario Party Superstars: Praised for its nostalgic appeal and polished gameplay, though some long-time fans feel certain classic elements are missing.
- Super Mario Party Jamboree: Early community feedback is positive, with players enjoying the new modes and extensive mini-game selection.
