Is Mario Party Superstars Worth It? An In-Depth Look
The Mario Party series has been a staple in Nintendo gaming for over 20 years. With the recent release of Mario Party Superstars, longtime fans of the franchise have wondered whether this new entry delivers the same magic as previous titles.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at what Mario Party Superstars has to offer to help you decide if it’s worth picking up.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Mario Party Superstars combines the best boards, minigames, and online play from previous Mario Party titles into one definitive package on the Nintendo Switch.
With fun multiplayer action and high nostalgia value, it’s absolutely worth it for Mario Party fans.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
For fans of the iconic Mario Party series, Mario Party Superstars offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane. This much-anticipated game brings back the classic elements that made the franchise so beloved, while also introducing new features to keep things fresh and exciting.
Reimagined Classic Boards
One of the highlights of Mario Party Superstars is the inclusion of reimagined classic boards. Fans will be delighted to revisit iconic locations from past Mario Party games, such as Peach’s Birthday Cake and Space Land.
These boards have been beautifully recreated with updated graphics and new interactive elements, adding a fresh twist to familiar gameplay.
Each board has its own unique theme and mechanics, ensuring that no two games are ever the same. Whether you’re navigating treacherous obstacles or strategically planning your moves to collect stars, the classic boards in Mario Party Superstars offer a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation.
100 Memorable Minigames
Another reason why Mario Party Superstars is worth it is the inclusion of 100 memorable minigames. These minigames are a mix of fan favorites from previous Mario Party titles, carefully selected to provide a diverse and enjoyable experience for players.
From frantic button-mashing challenges to clever strategy-based games, there’s something for everyone in Mario Party Superstars. Whether you’re playing with friends or against AI opponents, these minigames will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Online Play
One of the most exciting features of Mario Party Superstars is the ability to play online with friends and players from around the world. This opens up a whole new level of multiplayer fun, allowing you to challenge opponents from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re teaming up with friends to take on the competition or testing your skills against strangers, online play in Mario Party Superstars adds a new dimension to the gameplay experience. It’s a great way to connect with other fans of the series and enjoy the game together, no matter where you are.
Gameplay and Modes
Familiar Mario Party Gameplay
One of the main draws of Mario Party Superstars is its familiar gameplay. Fans of the series will be delighted to know that the game stays true to its roots, offering the classic board game-style gameplay that has made Mario Party a beloved franchise.
Players take turns rolling the dice, moving around the board, and participating in various mini-games to earn coins and stars. The game features a variety of boards, each with its own unique theme and set of challenges.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, Mario Party Superstars offers a fun and engaging gameplay experience.
Single Player and Multiplayer Options
One of the great things about Mario Party Superstars is that it offers both single-player and multiplayer options. If you prefer to play alone, you can enjoy the game’s single-player mode, which allows you to play against computer-controlled opponents.
This mode is perfect for those times when you want to relax and enjoy some Mario Party fun on your own. On the other hand, if you’re looking for some friendly competition, you can invite friends over or connect online to play with up to four players.
The multiplayer mode adds an extra level of excitement and unpredictability, as you never know what your opponents will do next.
Customizable Rules and Settings
Another great feature of Mario Party Superstars is its customizable rules and settings. The game allows you to adjust various settings to tailor the experience to your liking. You can choose the number of turns, adjust the difficulty level of the AI opponents, and even customize the types of mini-games that will be played.
This level of customization ensures that every game is unique and allows you to play the way you want. Whether you prefer a quick and casual game or a more intense and strategic experience, Mario Party Superstars has you covered.
Graphics and Sound
When it comes to evaluating whether Mario Party Superstars is worth it, one of the crucial aspects to consider is its graphics and sound. Nintendo has made significant improvements in this department, creating a visually appealing and immersive gaming experience.
Updated Visuals and Animations
Mario Party Superstars features updated visuals and animations that enhance the overall look and feel of the game. The character models are more detailed, and the environments are vibrant and full of life.
Whether you’re exploring the lush landscapes of Peach’s Birthday Cake or navigating the treacherous waters of Pirate Land, the graphics will captivate you.
Furthermore, the animations in Mario Party Superstars are smooth and fluid, bringing the characters and their actions to life. From Mario’s iconic jumps to Luigi’s comical stumbles, every movement is visually satisfying and adds to the enjoyment of the game.
The attention to detail in the graphics and animations is truly remarkable, making Mario Party Superstars a feast for the eyes.
Remastered Music and Sound Effects
In addition to the enhanced visuals, Mario Party Superstars also boasts remastered music and sound effects. Fans of the series will be delighted to hear familiar tunes that have been given a fresh update.
The soundtrack is catchy and enjoyable, perfectly complementing the gameplay and setting the mood for each mini-game and board.
The sound effects in Mario Party Superstars are crisp and well-designed, adding an extra layer of immersion to the gaming experience. Whether it’s the satisfying “cha-ching” of collecting coins or the jubilant cheers from the characters, the sound design in this game is top-notch.
Is It Accessible for New Players?
One of the most important factors to consider when deciding if Mario Party Superstars is worth it is its accessibility for new players. Fortunately, the game has made significant efforts to cater to players of all skill levels, making it a great option for both newcomers and experienced gamers.
Easy to Pick Up and Play
Mario Party Superstars is designed to be easy to pick up and play, even for those who have never played a Mario Party game before. The controls are intuitive, and the gameplay mechanics are straightforward, allowing players to quickly get the hang of things and start having fun.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, you’ll find it easy to jump into the game and start enjoying the party atmosphere.
Assist and Handicap Options
To further enhance accessibility, Mario Party Superstars offers assist and handicap options. These features allow players to adjust the difficulty level of the game according to their skill level, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience.
Whether you’re playing with friends, family, or even on your own, you can tailor the game to suit your abilities and preferences. This inclusivity makes the game a great choice for players of all ages and skill levels.
Good Entry Point for Newcomers
Mario Party Superstars serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers to the Mario Party series. It features a collection of classic mini-games from previous titles, offering a nostalgic experience for long-time fans while introducing new players to the franchise’s beloved gameplay.
With its mix of familiar and fresh content, the game provides an opportunity for new players to dive into the world of Mario Party and discover what makes it so enjoyable.
What Critics Are Saying
Reviews Praise Updated Content
Some Criticism on Lack of New Ideas
While critics mainly celebrated the classic content, some reviews pointed out the lack of brand new boards and minigames as a missed opportunity. The Eurogamer review concluded “this is a package devoid of surprise” beyond the improved graphics.
Similarly, GameSpot wrote that more originality in the board designs and minigames “would have elevated an already great package.”
Seen as Nostalgic Crowd-Pleaser Overall
While some critics wanted more new content, the overall reception is that Mario Party Superstars delivers exactly what fans want – a nostalgic, polished collection of classic Mario Party boards and minigames.
According to TheGamer, it’s a “must-own” for those who want to “re-experience some of the best entries in the series.” As noted in Destructoid’s 9/10 review, Superstars is “bursting with quantifiable fun” that both long-time fans and newcomers can enjoy.
Conclusion
After reviewing everything Mario Party Superstars has to offer, it’s clear the game delivers a hefty dose of multiplayer fun and nostalgia for longtime Mario Party fans. The collection of classic boards, minigames, characters, and online play provide endless hours of party action.
While some critics point out the lack of brand new content, the remastered boards and minigames remain as entertaining as ever. For anyone looking to revisit the glory days of Mario Party with family and friends, Mario Party Superstars is absolutely worth picking up.
In summary, with its focus on bringing back the most iconic Mario Party boards and minigames, Mario Party Superstars is a must-have title for Switch owners seeking to recreate the magic from their childhood parties. It may not convert new players, but it will delight veteran fans.
