Super Mario Party Jamboree Review

Super Mario Party Jamboree Review

The Mario Party series encompasses the numerous factors that make Nintendo a household favorite. With its focus on local multiplayer, accessibility, and simple yet engaging fun, the franchise has remained a staple in Nintendo’s lineup since 1998. While each installment adds something fresh, they all stay true to this core philosophy, and Super Mario Party Jamboree is no exception. Though rooted in traditional gameplay, Jamboree introduces modern features that have been notably absent in recent titles. Will these changes mark the step forward the series desperately needs, or will it stumble onto the dreaded Bowser square?

Those familiar with the series will know exactly what to expect with the main mode in Super Mario Party Jamboree. With up to four players, you wander around a board collecting stars and sabotaging your opponent’s as much as possible. Whether through landing on special spots on the board and via the plethora of mini-games, there are ample opportunities to mess with other players which leads to a hilarious and joyous time with Mario and his pals.

Minigame Madness

The heart and soul of any release in the series rest squarely on the quality of the minigames. With over 110 frantic multiplayer battles, Jamboree offers a staggering range of activities that will appeal to players of any age. A mix of traditional and motion-control-focused minigames creates joyous moments, inviting and encouraging participation across all age groups. Each match’s simplicity allows players to quickly grasp the objective. The embedded practice mode in the UI provides the chance to test-run a minigame before diving in, making the experience more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Each board is full of charm with delightful flourishes that bring a smile to your face. As you venture around the board you can land on particular spaces to initiate an environmental change, stifling the progress of your opponents. At certain points, an ally can appear which creates a mad dash to gain their help. Every partner has specific benefits designed to give you an edge in the competition adding a refreshing twist to the formula. Another new feature is the addition of Pro Rules which basically reduces the element of luck from the game. This informs you of bonus stars prior to you starting, altering the condition of spaces and much more. Nintendo gives you much more control, even allowing you to remove motion-controlled minigames so that you can personalize the experience to suit your company.

That’s Not All folks!

In addition to the traditional board game, you can also participate in various other manic modes. Koopathlon is a 20-player battle where your score on minigames will determine your position in a race. Each lap adds new twists, making this fast-paced battle perfect for quick online sessions. However, if you prefer teamwork then there’s also Bowser’s Kaboom Squad. In this, you team up with 7 players to collect bombs and blast Bowser. You will need to locate crates and work together to break and carry the goods to the location without being hit. Your performance on minigames at the end of each round will also reward you with an item to aid you in your objective. While a nice addition, I can’t see this becoming a fan favorite. Smashing creates and carrying bombs quickly gets repetitive and due to this, I think players will drop off this mode.

The game features several engaging motion-control-specific activities. Paratroopa Flight School is where you spread your arms and flap to guide your avatar through the air. You can team up with friends to carry a character or compete against each other, collecting and stealing Para-Buddybuds along the way. Another fun mode is Toad’s Item Factory, which requires collaboration to navigate a ball through various obstacles. Finally, Rhythm Kitchen offers a cooking-themed, timing-based challenge where players shake or point their Joy-Con in sync with the music. While Toad’s Item Factory is the highlight, all these activities serve as enjoyable distractions that enhance the overall experience.

A Quick Blast

If don’t have time to play a length board game or can’t be bothered with the waggle, then you can just jump to Minigame Bay. This vibrant hub offers a variety of quick and engaging minigames that cater to all interests. Here, you can participate in Daily Challenges that test your skills and provide rewards, or team up with friends to compete against one another in friendly rivalry. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted competition or a way to unwind with casual gameplay, Minigame Bay has something for everyone.

Super Mario Party Jamboree marks a significant advancement for the series. With customizable gameplay options, you can tailor your experience by removing elements you don’t enjoy, making it more accessible for everyone. Nintendo has also integrated more online features, allowing you to engage with friends and other players even when they aren’t physically nearby. While some of the additional modes might feel a bit weaker than others, the overall variety provides plenty of ways to enjoy this party.

***A Nintendo Switch code was provided by the publisher***