After playing Mario Party Superstars in 2021, I thought I had experienced the pinnacle of the Mario Party series. The game felt like a perfect culmination of all the best elements the franchise had to offer. However, Nintendo surprised us with a new installment, Mario Party Jamboree, set to release in October.
Initially skeptical about the need for another Mario Party game on the Nintendo Switch, I was quickly won over during an hour-long demo of Jamboree. While it may not match the perfection of Superstars, the game introduces enough new ideas to warrant another round of fun on the board.
Familiar Fun
During the demo, I played on the Mega Wiggler’s Tree Party board, encountering new playable characters like Pauline and Ninji. The board was filled with classic Mario Party gimmicks, including a Piranha Plant that steals coins and a giant Wiggler that can alter player paths. Despite a setback in my quest for the star, the familiar dice-rolling and item-buying kept the gameplay engaging.
Exploring some new minigames like Light-Wave Battle and Arch Rival showcased the game’s refined design and motion controls. The competitive nature of these games added a fresh layer of excitement to the experience.
One standout minigame required teamwork akin to Overcooked, enhancing the cooperative aspect of the gameplay. These creative moments highlighted the enduring appeal of Mario Party’s multiplayer fun.
New Modes
While Jamboree offers familiar gameplay elements, it also introduces innovative modes to diversify the experience. Koopathon, a 20-player online mode, challenges players with solo-coin collecting minigames and large-scale group challenges reminiscent of Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout.
The most unique mode, Bowser’s Kaboom Squad, shakes up the traditional formula by introducing an 8-player co-op experience where players must team up to defeat a giant Bowser. These refreshing modes provide a different perspective on the Mario Party universe.
Despite the missed opportunity to incorporate retro boards into Superstars, Jamboree compensates with its expanded content, featuring seven boards, over 110 minigames, and additional in-game rewards. The game’s emphasis on variety and creativity ensures a fulfilling gaming experience.
While Jamboree may not surpass the classic board game format, its innovative modes offer a welcome change of pace. Nintendo’s commitment to reinventing the series keeps Mario Party fresh and exciting for longtime fans.
Mario Party Jamboree launches on October 17 for Nintendo Switch.
