Summary
- Release Year: 2007
- Genres: Adventure, Card & Board Game, Puzzle, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, Wii U
- Developers: Hudson Soft, Nintendo
- Publishers: Nintendo
Mario Party DS: A Pocket-Sized Party Extravaganza
Released in 2007 for the Nintendo DS, Mario Party DS is the eighth installment in the beloved Mario Party series. This handheld iteration brings the classic party game formula to a new level with its innovative use of the DS’s dual screens and touch controls.
Gameplay
Mario Party DS follows the traditional Mario Party formula of a board game-style map with minigames scattered throughout. Players take turns rolling dice to move around the board, collecting coins and stars while trying to avoid obstacles and Bowser’s minions.
The game introduces several new features that take advantage of the DS’s unique capabilities. For example, the bottom screen displays a map of the board, while the top screen shows the current player’s position and the upcoming spaces. Players can also use the touch screen to interact with the environment, such as drawing paths for their characters to follow or using items to sabotage their opponents.
Single-Player Campaign
In addition to the traditional multiplayer mode, Mario Party DS also features a single-player campaign mode called “Solo Mode.” In Solo Mode, players control Mario as he travels through five different worlds, each with its own unique theme and boss battle. Along the way, Mario must collect crystals and stars while avoiding obstacles and enemies.
Minigames
Mario Party DS features a wide variety of minigames, each of which utilizes the DS’s unique features in creative ways. For example, one minigame has players using the touch screen to guide a ball through a maze, while another has players blowing into the microphone to power up a fan.
Characters
Mario Party DS features a roster of 10 playable characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Wario, Waluigi, Rosalina, Toad, Toadette, and Bowser. Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles, adding to the variety of gameplay.
Reception
Mario Party DS was a critical and commercial success, selling over 9 million copies worldwide. Critics praised the game’s innovative use of the DS’s features, its charming visuals, and its wide variety of minigames. However, some criticized the game’s lack of online multiplayer and its repetitive gameplay formula.
Legacy
Mario Party DS is considered one of the best Mario Party games ever made. Its innovative use of the DS’s features helped to revitalize the series and set a new standard for handheld party games. The game’s success also led to the development of several sequels, including Mario Party 9, Mario Party 10, and Mario Party: The Top 100.
Conclusion
Mario Party DS is a classic party game that offers a wide variety of fun and challenging gameplay experiences. Its innovative use of the DS’s features, charming visuals, and wide variety of minigames make it a must-play for fans of the series and party games in general.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
