Super Mario Party Review Nintendo Switch

While the 2018 game Super Mario Party on the Nintendo Switch received positive reviews for its return to classic-style gameplay and motion-controlled minigames, it was criticized for its slow pace, small number of boards, and lack of Pro Controller support. In contrast, the 2021 release, Mario Party Superstars, offers faster gameplay with retro boards and minigames, supports Pro Controllers, and features a more robust online mode. 

Super Mario Party (2018)

The 2018 release was praised for bringing back the original, free-roaming board game style of earlier instalments while incorporating unique features that utilize the Switch’s hardware.

Pros

• Unique gameplay mechanics: The game includes unique character-specific dice blocks that offer a new layer of strategy. For example, Donkey Kong’s dice block has a higher chance of rolling a “10” but also a chance of rolling a “0”.
• Excellent minigames: With 80 new minigames, reviewers praised the variety and the creative use of the Joy-Con’s motion controls and HD Rumble features.
• Varied game modes: Beyond the standard board game, modes like the cooperative River Survival and the rhythm-based Sound Stage offer different playstyles.
• Return to form: The game was widely welcomed as a fresh, fun take on the classic Mario Party formula, resetting expectations for the series after years of mixed-reception games.

Cons

• Slow pacing: Many critics found the overall pace to be slower than previous games. The game also suffers from luck-based bonus stars at the end of matches that can negate strategic gameplay.
• Limited content: With only four boards, the main Party mode gets repetitive quickly. Some critics also found the boards to be too small and simplistic.
• Joy-Con only: The game is not compatible with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or handheld mode, requiring each player to use a single Joy-Con controller.
• Restricted online play: At launch, the online functionality was extremely limited. While a later update added more online options, some minigames, like those in Sound Stage, still can’t be played online.

Mario Party Superstars (2021)

Released in 2021, Mario Party Superstars was designed as a “greatest hits” compilation, featuring remastered classic boards and minigames from earlier entries in the series. 

Pros

• Classic nostalgia: The game brings back fan-favorite boards and 100 minigames from the Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Wii eras.
• Modern convenience: Online multiplayer is fully integrated, allowing for more players to join in from anywhere. The game also allows you to save mid-game.
• Better hardware support: Unlike Super Mario Party, this game supports Pro Controllers and handheld mode, as there are no motion-control-only minigames.
• Faster, more balanced gameplay: The pacing is generally quicker, and the boards are larger and more complex. Items and stars are more balanced, preventing game-breaking advantages.

Cons

• Less new content: The game features no new boards or minigames. For players who prefer new content over nostalgia, this can be a drawback.
• Fewer characters: The playable roster is smaller than in Super Mario Party. All characters use the standard dice block, removing the strategic character-specific dice.
• Randomness and lucky spaces: While balanced better than Super Mario Party, some players feel the game still relies too heavily on luck with “lucky spaces”.

Key takeaways for consumers

Ultimately, your choice depends on your preference. If you and your friends or family want a fresh, motion-heavy party experience, Super Mario Party is the choice. For a faster-paced, classic experience that can be played with any controller, Mario Party Superstars is the better option.