Summary
- Release Year: 2000
- Genres: Card & Board Game, Quiz/Trivia
- Platforms: Nintendo 64
- Developers: Hudson Soft
- Publishers: Gradiente, Nintendo
Mario Party 3: A Joyous Celebration of Friendship and Rivalry
Released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64, Mario Party 3 is the third installment in the beloved Mario Party series. It offers a delightful blend of board game strategy, minigame chaos, and the camaraderie and friendly competition that the franchise is renowned for.
Key Features
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Eight Playable Characters: Choose from a roster of iconic Mario characters, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Wario, Donkey Kong, and newcomers Waluigi and Princess Daisy. Each character possesses unique abilities and playstyles, adding разнообразие to the gameplay.
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Duel Maps: A groundbreaking feature introduced in Mario Party 3, duel maps pit two players against each other in a race to deplete each other’s stamina to zero. These maps are filled with obstacles, traps, and non-playable characters (NPCs) that can be used to hinder your opponent’s progress.
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Item Shops: Scattered throughout the game board are item shops where players can purchase a variety of items to aid them in their quest for victory. These items range from helpful power-ups to mischievous gadgets that can disrupt your opponents.
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Multiple Save Slots: Mario Party 3 is the first game in the series to feature multiple save slots, allowing players to save their progress and return to the game later. This feature greatly enhances the replayability and convenience of the game.
Gameplay
Mario Party 3 follows the traditional Mario Party formula. Players take turns rolling a dice to move around a game board, collecting coins, stars, and items along the way. The ultimate goal is to have the most stars by the end of the game.
In addition to the standard gameplay, Mario Party 3 introduces several new elements that add depth and excitement to the experience. One such element is the duel maps. These special maps are designed for two players only and feature unique objectives and challenges. Players must use their wits and skills to outmaneuver their opponent and emerge victorious.
Another new addition to Mario Party 3 is the inclusion of minigames. These short, competitive games provide a break from the board game action and offer a chance to earn extra coins or items. Mario Party 3 features a wide variety of minigames, from classic favorites like “Mushroom Mix-Up” to new challenges like “Whomp’s Domino Rally.”
Characters
Mario Party 3 features a cast of eight playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles.
- Mario: The all-around balanced character, Mario is a reliable choice for players of all skill levels.
- Luigi: Luigi has a higher jump than other characters, allowing him to reach higher platforms and avoid certain obstacles.
- Princess Peach: Peach can float in the air for a short period of time, giving her an advantage in certain minigames and situations.
- Yoshi: Yoshi can flutter jump, allowing him to cross small gaps and reach hidden areas.
- Wario: Wario is the strongest character in the game, but he is also the slowest.
- Donkey Kong: Donkey Kong is a powerful character with a strong punch attack.
- Waluigi: A newcomer to the Mario Party series, Waluigi is a tall and lanky character with a long reach.
- Princess Daisy: Another newcomer, Princess Daisy is a speedy and agile character.
Reception
Mario Party 3 was a critical and commercial success. It received widespread praise for its innovative gameplay features, charming graphics, and addictive multiplayer experience. The game sold over 5 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling Nintendo 64 games of all time.
Conclusion
Mario Party 3 is a timeless classic that continues to entertain and delight players to this day. Its innovative gameplay features, diverse cast of characters, and charming presentation make it a must-play for fans of the Mario Party series and board games in general. Whether you’re playing with friends or family, Mario Party 3 is sure to provide hours of laughter, competition, and unforgettable memories.
Review Score
8.5/10