One of the most venerated series in the Mario franchise, Mario Party keeps entertaining fans almost twenty-three years after its December 1998 premiere. Although Mario Party games were never critically acclaimed darlings, they have received mostly positive reviews throughout their run.
More recent offerings skew more mixed-to-negative, but the sales keep coming. Indeed, in 2014 Nintendo reported cumulative sales of 39.6 million copies worldwide, a testament to the enduring popularity of Mario and friends. And while critics often complain about the repetitiveness and safety of the game's formula, their continued success is the biggest proof of that old saying, "If it's not broken, don't fix it."
Updated on July 3rd, 2021 by Melody MacReady: Infamously known as the ender of friendships, Mario Party games were almost a yearly tradition for fans. They were released for the Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and now the Nintendo Switch. However, with that yearly release date, it comes with a similar problem that Call Of Duty games often face; less time to polish the game leads to the games feeling stale and dried out.
That being said, Mario Party games still managed to survive, especially after they received a reboot with Super Mario Party. Now with the announcement of Mario Party Superstars, fans should look back at the history of the franchise and see what the new game will be pulling from.
Mario Party Advance (2005) - 54
The first Mario Party game to hit a handheld console is not only the worst of the handheld titles but is often considered the worst Mario Party game of all time. Even the animated sprites and art style of Mario Party Advance seemed lazily
It was critiqued for every aspect from the boards to the minigames being watered down that Mario Party Advance felt like a shell of what Mario Party should be. Even to the point that the game felt very anti-multiplayer which defeats the purpose of the series. This is why it has earned a Metacritic score of 54.
Mario Party: Island Tour (2013) - 57
The first 3DS title did not fair much better. Mario Party: Island Tour suffered from many of the same aspects as Mario Party Advance but managed to be even easier.
It can be enjoyed with friends for one game or two but many agreed that Island Tour lost all appeal rather quickly. Even the boards and minigames were not even memorable with some nearly unplayable due to poor motion controls.
Mario Party: The Top 100 (2017) - 59
Fans were excited: a compilation of the most iconic minigames of the Mario Party franchise remade with a modern art style? Mario Party: The Top 100 should have been the biggest comeback of Mario Party. Sadly, it was yet another disappointing 3DS title that left fans underwhelmed.
While the remastered minigames look nice, they were nerfed. Challenging minigames of the past were made easier and streamlined thus removing anything that made them fun in the first place.
Mario Party 8 (2007) - 62
Mario Party 8 was the first of two Mario Party games for the Nintendo Wii; it adds two playable characters, Hammer Bro. and Blooper. The story revolves around the Star Carnival, hosted by a character named MC Ballyhoo along with his talking hat, Big Top. Aside from the classic Party Mode, Mario Party 8 also features a single-player mode called Star Battle Arena.
Mario Party 8 is the ninth best-selling Wii game, with nearly 8 million copies sold, and the best-selling Mario Party console game. It received negative reviews, though, with many criticizing the repetitive nature of the game and lack of originality compared to the previous entry.
Mario Party 7 (2005) - 64
And speaking of the prequel, Mario Party 7 is the last installment for the GameCube. Birdo and Dry Bones appear as unlockable characters, with Toadsworth as the game's host. Up to eight players could play together, an innovative feature at the time.
Reviews for 7 were mixed-to-positive. Critics praised the multiplayer mode but reacted negatively towards the long waiting times when playing against the computer, poor microphone implementation, and similarity to previous games. It received "mixed or average reviews" on Metacritic, with a 64 Score.
Mario Party 10 (2015) - 66
Released in 2015 for the Wii U as the first and only game for the system, Mario Party 10 introduced Rosalina, Spike, and Bowser, although Birdo, Koopa Troopa, Shy Guy, and Magikoopa were absent. The game introduced the Bowser Mode and the amiibo Party.
Reviewers once again criticized the lack of originality and simplicity of the game's mechanics. Some also disliked the "everybody wins" approach of the game, saying it took away the sense of competition. It received an average score of 66 on Metacritic. It would mark the series' end before being rebooted with Super Mario Party.
Mario Party: Star Rush (2016) - 68
Mario Party: Star Rush was only given average reviews upon release but it is far from terrible. The 3D effects on the boards and minigames were praised, more effort was put into the said minigames, and it managed to provide a fun multiplayer experience.
Still, the fatigue and lack of originality in the franchise were still present in Mario Party: Star Rush, leading to fans abandoning the game early on.
Mario Party 5 (2003) - 69
Released in 2003 for the GameCube, Mario Party 5 excluded Donkey Kong and added Toad, Boo, and Koopa Kid to the roster. Mario Party 5 also introduced a one-on-one versus mode where players battle each other using custom-made vehicles. Players buy parts by using points earned during the Party or Minigame Modes.
Reviewers praised the group quality of the game, saying it could be a fun game to play with friends. They, however, criticized the music, lack of improvement on the graphics, and overall playability. Reviews for the fifth game were decidedly more mixed, as evidenced by its 69 average score on Metacritic.
Mario Party 4 (2002) - 70
The first Mario Party game released for the GameCube, Mario Party 4 does not feature any new characters in comparison to its prequel. It introduced a battle mode that allowed players to pair up and compete against each other in the standard Party Mode. The game includes multiple hosts, including Toad and Koopa Troopa, and is the last to feature Donkey Kong as a playable character. He'd eventually return on Mario Party 10.
Reviews both praised and criticized the game's improved visuals, with some calling them an improvement over the previous entries, while others considered them simple and lacking in comparison to Super Smash Bros. Melee. The minigames drew a similarly divisive response and the game ultimately achieved a 70 score on Metacritic.
Mario Party 6 (2004) - 71
Aside from Toadette, Mario Party 6 features no new characters in comparison to its prequel. Newly-introduced characters Brighton and Twila, who depict the sun and moon respectively, serve as the hosts. Mario Party 6 famously introduced the day and night concept to the franchise.
Reviewers were mostly kind towards Mario Party 6, although signs of fatigue began to show. Still, the game received mainly positive reviews, with critics noting that the formula, though tired, still managed to offer entertainment value for loyal fans. It received an average score of 71 on Metacritic.
Mario Party DS (2007) - 72
Utilizing the microphone and touch screen, Mario Party DS took full advantage of the system to provide a unique Mario Party experience. Mario Party DS earned praise for its thrilling minigames, unique maps, and beautiful sprite animation.
The game remains the definitive handheld experience, coming the closest matching the same quality as some of the beloved console titles.
Mario Party 3 (2000) - 73
The last Party game for the classic Nintendo 64, Mario Party 3 introduced Princess Daisy and Waluigi to the roster of playable characters. The Millennium Star replaces Toad as the host, and Mario Party 4 is the first game in the series to feature a single-player story mode.
This third entry received negative comments for its lack of new content compared to its prequel. Its single-player mode also drew criticism, but the overall game received positive reviews for its consistency and entertainment value. While still receiving "mixed or average reviews," Mario Party 3 did manage to receive a 74 Metacritic score.
Mario Party 9 (2012) - 73
The second Party game for the Wii, 9 was a significant improvement compared to its prequel, at least according to reviewers. Yellow Toad and Blue Toad replace Ballyhoo and Big Top as the hosts, while a Green Toad is also featured. 9 also introduced the car mechanic that would carry on to 10.
9 was severely criticized for its overreliance on chance and lack of strategy, as well as its length. The game, however, also received overall praise and was considered the best Party game since the Nintendo 64 heyday. On Metacritic, it received the same 73 average score as Mario Party 3.
Mario Party 2 (1999) - 76
The sequel to the original game, Mario Party 2 introduced items to the franchise, as well as three different modes, Battle, Item, and Duel. Toad once again serves as the host and the game features the same roster of characters as the original with no new additions.
Mario Party 2's minigames received praise, with reviewers noting they were more fun than the ones in the first entry. Because of its similarities to the original, however, some reviewers recommend only purchasing it if the original had not been played. With a 76 on Metacritic, it is the third best-rated game in the series.
Super Mario Party (2018) - 76
The first and so far only Party game for the Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Party features the largest roster of playable characters in the series that includes classic staples to the franchise and new additions like Monty Mole, Pom Pom, and Bowser Jr. The car mechanic disappears and players go back to navigating the board individually.
The callback to traditional Mario Party gameplay received acclaim as well as the increased competitiveness of the game's mechanics, although some did criticize the lack of an online board game mode. It is one of only two games in the series to receive a "generally favorable reviews" score of 76 on Metacritic.
Mario Party (1998) - 79
They say nothing beats the original, and in the case of Mario Party, it's true. The first game introduced the classic roster of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, DK, Yoshi, and Wario, as well as the basic game mechanics. Toad served as the first host and the game features eight different boards.
Released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, Mario Party received positive reviews from critics, who praised the game's unique and social concept, as well as its entertainment value. With a 79 score on Metacritic, Mario Party is certainly one of those classic games that hold up to this day.