## Super Mario Party Jamboree Review: More Party, Less Punch
The Nintendo Switch is once again getting another dose of Mario Party mayhem with Super Mario Party Jamboree. This latest installment marks the third time Nintendo has brought the franchise back to basics, following the lukewarm reception of some experimental entries. Since 2018’s Super Mario Party, Nintendo has wisely focused on strengthening the core board game experience, and Jamboree continues that trend. However, with a third Mario Party game on the Switch, it’s clear that Nintendo understands the need for more than just familiar fun. Jamboree aims to deliver, overflowing with content and introducing new twists on the classic formula.
## Strategic Boards: A Feast for the Eyes (and the Brain)
At its heart, Jamboree remains a classic Mario Party experience – roll the dice, move around the board, collect stars, and battle it out in bite-sized minigames. But Jamboree takes the formula to the next level with its strategic depth. The seven boards, including two classic returns and five brand new creations, are the most complex and engaging in the series’ history.
Take Goomba Lagoon, for instance. This seemingly simple beachside board surprises with its hidden depths. Changing tides, coin-fishing distractions, treasure chest minigames, zipline shortcuts, and even a lava-spewing volcano transform the experience into a dynamic and unpredictable play space.
The maps, especially when played in the longer 30-turn mode, allow for more strategic depth. In Rainbow Galleria, a three-floor mall, players can earn coins, spend them wisely, and utilize strategic shortcuts like stamp stations and flash sales to gain an advantage.
Jamboree also introduces a clever Buddy System. During certain rounds, characters like Waluigi or Donkey Kong appear on the board, providing temporary buffs and adding a fun layer of strategy to the gameplay. This system adds a dynamic element, encouraging players to collect buddies and utilize their unique powers.
However, the limited rule customization options feel like a missed opportunity. While players can adjust the number of turns or disable motion controls, the ability to create custom rules sets, especially with the complexity of the new boards, would have been a welcome addition.
## Minigames: A Mixed Bag of Hits and Misses
Jamboree boasts an impressive 112 minigames, the largest collection in a single Mario Party game. However, the number can be misleading. These games are spread across various modes, including quick item minigames, versus battles, buddy challenges, and more. This means that the core board game features fewer unique minigames than recent entries, leading to some repetition.
The minigames designed for the board game are a mixed bag. Some are uninspired, relying on familiar themes like running away from obstacles or completing simple quizzes. A few stand out, like Hot Cross Blocks, where players strategically select blocks to build bridges, and Gate Key-pers, a logic puzzle that requires players to match keys with doors.
While the core minigames might not always hit the mark, the minigames featured in the side modes often shine. Buddy Challenges, for instance, are longer experiences that pay homage to individual characters. Donkey Kong’s challenge is a rhythm game reminiscent of Donkey Konga, while Waluigi’s takes place in a pinball machine. These challenges, while they might extend the length of a round, are consistently fun and engaging.
Bowser’s Kaboom Squad, an eight-player side mode, features its own set of large-scale multiplayer challenges that stand out as some of the best in the package. Players work together to defeat Bowser, completing various tasks like repairing a leaky pipe or assembling a juice line. The cooperative design is surprisingly strategic and offers a unique experience.
## Beyond the Board Game: A Universe of Extras
Jamboree is bursting with extra modes, extending the gameplay experience beyond the board game. This abundance of content, inspired by the success of Splatoon 3, allows players to earn coins and unlock collectibles through various challenges. Some of these modes are genuinely new and enjoyable, while others feel like first drafts, hinting at potential future developments.
The single-player story mode, inspired by Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s World of Light, is a surprising addition. Players can explore the five new maps, completing minigames and fetch quests. While not revolutionary, the mode effectively introduces players to the map features and serves as a great option for those who want to enjoy Mario Party solo.
Modes like Bowser’s Kaboom Squad and Koopathalon offer glimpses into the future of Mario Party. Bowser’s Kaboom Squad, a cooperative PVE experience, feels like a promising concept with potential for future expansion. Koopathalon, a fast-paced mode where players complete minigames to move across a board, captures the energy of Switch mass multiplayer experiences but feels slightly underdeveloped.
## Motion Control: A Double-Edged Sword
Jamboree embraces motion controls, but the results are mixed. Rhythm Kitchen, a Rhythm Heaven-inspired game, utilizes the Joy-Con effectively, allowing players to create food in sync with the beat. However, other modes like Toad’s Item Factory and Paratroopa Flight School fall short. While they offer unique gameplay, the inconsistent motion controls can be frustrating and difficult to master.
## Final Verdict: A Step Forward, but With Reservations
Super Mario Party Jamboree is packed with content, offering an abundance of modes, minigames, and challenges. It showcases the evolution of the franchise, incorporating new ideas and exploring different gameplay avenues. However, while the abundance of content is admirable, the quality of the minigames and the limited rule customization options for the board game leave room for improvement.
Jamboree shines with its strategic boards, unique buddy system, and engaging side modes. But, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the focus on quantity might have come at the cost of quality in certain areas. Ultimately, Jamboree is a step in the right direction, showcasing the potential of the Mario Party franchise. With a little refinement, it could become truly unforgettable. However, for now, it’s a party that is more fun in parts than as a whole.
