The Nintendo Switch continues to be a great platform for fans of the Mario Party franchise, with the latest entry, Super Mario Party Jamboree, maintaining the series’ tradition of offering new minigames while also bringing back nostalgic elements from earlier games. Jamboree stands out as one of the most comprehensive Mario Party titles to date, featuring over 100 minigames. While this number alone may not seem groundbreaking, the game introduces a wide variety of single-player and multiplayer modes, along with both new and returning maps.
The first Super Mario Party game had a unique appeal, particularly with its integration of JoyCon motion controls, offering a fresh experience for players. Its successor, Super Mario Party Superstars, catered to long-time fans by compiling many popular minigames and maps from earlier entries in the series. Now, Jamboree represents a significant step forward, aiming to fulfill two objectives: reintroducing classic minigames with new twists and offering a fresh collection of gameplay modes. A key new feature, as suggested by the title, is the addition of “Jamboree” sidekicks, who assist players by providing various bonuses during the party games.
Some may argue that simply increasing the quantity of content does not necessarily improve the quality. However, as a long-time Mario Party fan, I found that more content was exactly what I wanted. I did not expect a major leap in innovation for the series, but I was pleased with what Nintendo delivered. Although I spent considerable time with the first Super Mario Party due to its novelty on the Nintendo Switch, I now find myself even more engaged with Jamboree, thanks to its excellent improvements and extensive content.
Some of the new maps in Super Mario Party Jamboree are enjoyable, while the remastered retro maps offer a refreshing update with their new visuals. Each map in Jamboree features a unique gimmick that adds variety to the gameplay. For example, in the Mega Wiggler’s Tree Party stage, players can hop on Wiggler to take a shortcut, but the dynamic changes when a bell is used to wake Wiggler, altering its position on the map. These gimmicks succeed in making each map feel distinct and add an element of unpredictability, keeping the experience fresh with each playthrough.
One feature I particularly appreciated was the option to disable motion-controlled games for those who prefer playing on the big screen with traditional controls. If I recall correctly, this was not possible in the first Super Mario Party game, which required motion controls. The ability to use a Pro controller is a welcome addition, offering more flexibility in how the game can be played. I found the new minigames quite enjoyable, and even the returning ones were fun. The minigames are divided based on player counts, such as 1 vs. 3 or 2 vs. 2, and are further categorized into motion-controlled and traditional minigames. The motion-controlled games worked surprisingly well, with the JoyCon accurately translating my movements to the screen, making the experience smooth and responsive.
A new gameplay feature in Super Mario Party Jamboree is the introduction of Jamboree Buddies. These characters from the Mario Party franchise randomly spawn on the map and disappear after a few turns. If a player manages to reach one, it triggers a new minigame mode called Showdown Minigame. In this mode, players participate in a small event hosted by a character and play through a series of minigames that involve a shadow version of that character. Although these games last longer than traditional minigames, I found them enjoyable and never felt that they overstayed their welcome.
Winning a Showdown Minigame grants players an advantage offered by the Jamboree Buddy, which varies depending on the character. Some Buddies help players navigate the map more easily, while others can set traps for opponents, aiding in the quest to reach the end. This feature adds an interesting dynamic to the board game experience. While it may not be essential for enjoyment, players familiar with earlier Mario Party games may recall that those games sometimes felt restricted in their outcomes. This new gameplay mode adds a refreshing element to the experience.
With more than 100 minigames available, some inevitably feel less engaging or even tedious. I maintain that playing Mario Party games is always best with friends or partners. In the company of others, the flaws of certain minigames are less noticeable. However, playing alone can lead to a repetitive experience over time. While the game allows for adjustments to the AI difficulty, I struggled to find a perfect balance; the AI often felt either too easy or too challenging.
While Super Mario Party Jamboree offers a good variety of minigames, players need to explore different modes to access them all. The party mode features about half of the available minigames, while others are scattered across various modes, such as Bowser’s Kaboom Squad. In this mode, players team up with up to eight participants to take down an imposter Bowser, which includes its unique minigames. Other modes, like Rhythm Kitchen and Toad’s Item Factory, as well as motion-controlled games like Paratrooper Flight School, also add to the mix. Additionally, there is a Minigames Bay option for those who simply want to enjoy the minigames without engaging in the main game modes.
I appreciated the number of playable characters available right from the start. While only 20 characters are initially unlocked, the remaining characters can be accessed by completing certain gameplay modes. Fortunately, unlocking them does not take long, so I did not feel the need to grind excessively for them.
Super Mario Party Jamboree strives to provide something for everyone. Its wide array of game modes caters to various types of players, and the new board maps offer enjoyable experiences with unique twists that change the dynamics of gameplay. I found it to be the perfect farewell to the Nintendo Switch, reigniting my passion for the Mario Party franchise and solidifying my status as a lifelong fan.
Super Mario Party Jamboree stands out as one of the best entries in the Mario Party franchise, offering a vast array of content for both single-player and multiplayer experiences.
