It’s a party at Mario’s! We were able to test Super Mario Party Jamboree extensively and are giving you our most objective opinions on it! A game that will offer you long gaming sessions with family or friends!
With an array of game modes, over 110 mini-games, and options to play locally, solo, and online, in this party there’s plenty to do.
A recap to understand everything!
Super Mario Party Jamboree begins with a lengthy recap of all of its islands. A fairly long summary that could make you lose patience but important to follow because the game is so overflowing with content that it becomes essential to better understand the universe and what awaits you. So as not to get lost between the islands and the different games that you can enjoy.
Be careful not to get lost between the islands
Let’s get to the heart of the matter! This game offers us seven boards, each rated by stars according to its complexity. Among them, five are new while two others return, redesigned both aesthetically and gameplay compared to the first versions of the series. We have a great range of challenges, ranging from the most accessible to the most tricky, without forgetting predictable experiences and others completely chaotic.
The objective? Finish with more stars than your three opponents, whether you play locally, online, or against the AI. An AI that will take over in games lacking players.
As always, success depends on a clever mix of strategy and skill in the mini-games, but also, let’s face it, a good dose of luck.
Challenges for everyone!
Each tray is distinguished by its own identity. From the simplest, like Mario’s Rainbow Castle, a tower that rises on cloud stairs that you climb, with event boxes that change the character at the top, whether it’s a Toad selling a star or a Bowser, present in several modes and here offering a negative “star”; to the more elaborate, like Goomba Island, where the tide rises and falls each turn, blocking passages and trapping less foresighted players on islets until the next tide.
Each board has an exclusive object that adds a touch of humor, playing on the principle of antagonizing the other participants. For example, on one of the boards, a Mega Wiggler serves as a shortcut, but can be moved with a bell, even if players are already on it. Certain objects can also be teasing towards oneself: on the Dice Throwing Circuit board, where you advance in a kart, there are special dice allowing you to cross several squares, but they do not stop, even if the we pass in front of a star.
An element to disrupt your games
Each board with its exclusive objects and new general objects is designed so that the games are always rich in laughter and frustration. Two elements in particular contribute to this atmosphere. On the one hand, Bowser: on each board, certain squares allow the villain of the Mushroom Kingdom to interrupt a good streak, by removing coins or stars from the players, or even redistributing everyone’s coins equitably.
The other element: Your allies. On the board, emblematic characters like Mario, Donkey Kong and Waluigi appear. When a player walks past them, a themed mini-game is triggered, referencing classics like Mario Kart, Luigi’s Mansion, or Donkey Kong. These mini-games, longer than usual, give an advantage to the first player, but it is the winner who wins the companion for three rounds. Each ally grants various bonuses such as an additional die, cheaper items in stores, or the possibility of buying two consecutive stars when arriving at one. In addition, the squares you land on activate twice, including Bowser’s, for even more surprises!
Manage your games!
At the start of a game, you will be able to configure several items. You will have the option to set the number of rounds, up to a maximum of 30, and choose whether you want to include mini-games with motion control. You can also determine if bonus stars will be present.
In addition to the traditional parts which follow the Festive rulesnews Competitive rules were introduced. In this mode, mini-games that rely entirely on luck are eliminated, and the locations where stars can appear are clearly marked on the board. The bonus star is also clarified from the start, along with other adjustments.
Although the game retains its chaotic and random aspect, this set of rules allows for greater emphasis on skill, board knowledge and strategy, making the quest for victory a little more calculated.
Regarding the diversity of the boards, their design, as well as the objects and the new mechanics, this delivery is undoubtedly the most successful on Switch. However, certain aspects could still be improved. For example, it would be ideal to be able to fast-forward the turn of AI-controlled characters, in the same way that we can speed up transitions. In addition, the possibility of saving one or more games in progress to resume them later would be a very welcome addition.
An online mode with slight drawbacks
One of the strong points of Super Mario Party Jamboree is undoubtedly its complete online mode which allows you to immerse yourself in the world of Mario Party. In this mode, you can play classic games. A mode that can make sessions a little longer. Each round, event and mini-game requires a little patience, but if you prefer, you can also opt for the mini-game mode which will allow you to have fun without waiting.
That said, there are a few downsides. Wait times can sometimes be longer than desired, which can be frustrating. But, the variety of game modes more than makes up for that. You can play solo with friends, form two teams for epic battles, have fun locally with up to eight players, or engage in one-on-one duels.
For us, this flexibility is a big plus. However, it must be admitted that we also experienced some instabilities during our online sessions but most of the time, everything works perfectly.
Overall, despite a few imperfections, Super Mario Party Jamboree’s online mode makes the experience even more fun, allowing you to share moments of competition and camaraderie with friends and players around the world.
Never-ending mini-games!
While scenario design is essential, mini-game design is even more crucial. With over 110 events available, it’s important to note that they are spread across many game modes. However, in traditional Mario Party mode, the number of events that can appear is limited, meaning you risk to see repeated mini-games after only two or three playthroughs.
The repetition of events will depend on your play style at Jamboree. If you play primarily on the boards, which are the richest and most complex mode, and with the same group of people, the experience can quickly become monotonous. On the other hand, if you alternate with different groups or explore other modes, repetition will be less of a problem.
Before each mini-game, it is possible to practice on a screen where the controls are explained, which makes it easier to master the different events.
The quality of the mini-games is generally excellent. The majority of them use simple button controls, while some use the Joy-Con gyroscope. Several mini-games offer original and fun ideas, while making references to other titles in the series. However, among this vast selection, there is some contrast: games based on spotting differences or memorization can feel a little slow, and some using motion controls lack precision.
The mini-games come in several formats: events where four players compete, duels and one-on-three competitions, the latter being those which are repeated most often. Despite these few reservations, the content remains varied, interesting and above all fun.
As far as content goes, the traditional Mario Party mode is only part of the Jamboree experience. A sort of campaign that can be completed in just over two hours. In this mode, you will have to rebuild the boards by advancing through five of them and helping the characters who live there. This involves small missions, such as delivering an item or repairing an item of scenery, interspersed with mini-games. This mode seemed quite basic and lacking in challenge to us. If it had been longer or more ambitious, it could have provided an enriching experience.
Verdict
Super Mario Party Jamboree is positioned as the ideal game for evenings with friends and family gaming sessions. With more than 110 mini-games, a multitude of modes and the possibility of playing locally, solo or online, this title offers a rich and dynamic experience that will captivate all gamers.
Right off the bat, the game offers a rundown of the islands that may seem lengthy, but it’s crucial to understanding the depth and diversity of the content on offer. The seven plateaus, each with their own complexity and unique challenges, bring real freshness. Between the new ones and the redesigned classics, you will be constantly surprised by the game mechanics, special objects and interventions of emblematic characters, like Mario and Waluigi.
Victory relies on a clever mix of strategy and skill, all enhanced with a good dose of luck. Whether you’re trying to collect more stars than your opponents or manage the hazards of the boards, each game is a true festival of chaos and laughter. Exclusive items and innovative mechanics make each session unique, with memorable moments thanks to Bowser’s interruptions or themed mini-games that spice up the gameplay.
The online mode is another major advantage. Although it sometimes suffers from slowness and instability, it allows you to compete with players from all over the world. All this with the aim of increasing the competitive aspect of the game. Waiting times can be frustrating. However, the richness of the game modes more than compensates for this small drawback. In addition, the ability to play accelerated mini-games adds a dimension of speed. Ideal for those who want to dive straight into the action.
In terms of mini-games, they are generally well designed and varied, even if there is a tendency towards repetition. Especially in the traditional mode. But adding a training mode before each event makes it easier to get started and allows you to fully exploit the potential of each challenge.
Finally, the campaign mode, although pleasant, remains a little simplistic and could gain in depth to offer a more engaging experience.
In summary, Super Mario Party Jamboree succeeds in combining the nostalgic charm of the series with modern innovations, creating a festive and competitive experience perfect for gamers.
The Connect Rating: 17/20
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