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Super Mario Party Jamboree Review

Super Mario Party Jamboree

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: Switch
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $59.99 – Available Here

Overview

There ain’t no party like a Mario Party! The Switch is a platform known for its party games, and even though we already have two solid offerings, Nintendo is bringing forth Super Mario Party Jamboree, which is their largest offering yet from the franchise. This entry has a few new gimmicks, a giant roster, and even a single player mode to dive into. Is it worth the investment, or is this one party that can be passed up on? Let’s find out.

Story

There really isn’t some kind of story here, well, not really anyway. The game has an opening cutscene to explain things a bit, with Kamek creating a giant, fake Bowser to cause mayhem on the boards, which players can choose from to their liking. Sure, it’s not a narrative really, but it does add some flavour to this offering, explaining why Bowser is also playable and giving us some tidbits about the threats we are likely to see as we jump from board to board. 

Gameplay

It’s been a moment since I sat down and played a Mario Party game. Superstars was my last taste, and I had a blast with it. Jamboree however is special as it not only feels like a more focused game, but it may be the best entry in the franchise to date due to how much content is included. The basics are all essentially the same. Players roll dice to go across one of seven different boards, which all include specific themes to make them feel distinct. Mini-games are played at the end of each round and can be triggered randomly based on the spots that are landed on. Yep, it’s a battle for stars and coins, and that central element remains untouched. The gimmicks added however make this one a bit more complex. 

Jamboree buddies are the new feature this go-around and allow players to win temporary assistance from some of the roster in the game. Each character has their own perk, so you may get one character who bumps up your dice, or another that gains a discount at shops. It’s a nice little feature that really adds a new layer to the experience, adding incentive to play through multiple times. In a way, this also allows newcomers to get a little luck-based advantage, which keeps the game feeling more unpredictable as a whole. With so many characters included, and even new ones like Pauline in tow, there is more reason than ever to jump in, as everyone should be able to easily find their favourite and represent on the board itself.

The mini-games also are top-notch, with tight controls with quick, bite-size moments of competition that the series is known for. Shoot the targets, slow down foes while in races, you know the lot – but there are well over 100 here, so there will be a lot of time to master them all. If I could name one element that brings the package together, it would be the online mode itself. Sure, there is a single-player mode and it’s fine for what it is, but the online mode is what Mario Party has deserved for years, and it works so well here that it’s hard not to respect how well Nintendo can do online when they try. If I had to knock anything within the entire package, it would be a few too many practice rounds and such during these bits, but as an adult, I am patient enough to wait – though I think some may find that a bit grating.

Audio

The audio is fantastic. This is Nintendo in true form, with all of the bells and whistles from these iconic characters on full display. The soundtrack is packed and full of quality tracks, and the voice acting is superb, giving us a lot of humour during those moments of betrayal. Past entries are usually never missed here, but it’s saying something to say this one stands out even more in terms of atmosphere and campy quality.

Visuals

The boards are also vibrant, colourful, and full of animation and life. Each themed board feels like a completely new experience, and the design of the worlds are sure to be loved by those party purists who crave perfection. The cast also looks great, and let’s face it – this is what Nintendo kind of does best. It may not be graphically pushing the limits, but the performance is nearly flawless and it would be hard to find many flaws under the heavy coats of polish.

Overall

Super Mario Party Jamboree is kind of a risk for Nintendo to put out on the Switch so late in the platform’s life. We do already have two entries on the platform, and not many were asking for a new instalment so soon. That said, this may be the best iteration to date, highlighting this company’s ability to produce what they know to such an excellent degree. There is a special place in living rooms for this type of game, and Jamboree is sure to be beloved in homes for decades to come as it stands as an excellent and still innovative entry in one of the most cherished franchises of the genre. Kudos Mario, welcome back to the couch.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Summary

Excellent
9
Super Mario Party Jamboree is a slam dunk for Nintendo. In one of the finest entries from the franchise to date, these new gimmicks feel refreshing, while the booming roster help keep this party popping at all times.
Super Mario Party Jamboree is a slam dunk for Nintendo. In one of the finest entries from the franchise to date, these new gimmicks feel refreshing, while the booming roster help keep this party popping at all times.Super Mario Party Jamboree Review