Super Mario Party Jamboree Review (Nintendo Switch)

Super Mario Party Jamboree brings the beloved Mario franchise back into the spotlight with a fresh, exciting twist on classic mini-games and multiplayer fun. Whether you're hosting a game night or enjoying solo play, this game promises hours of entertainment with vibrant visuals, dynamic game modes, and familiar characters. In this review, we’ll explore everything from gameplay mechanics to multiplayer features, helping you decide if Super Mario Party Jamboree is the perfect addition to your collection. Let’s dive into the world of Mario and see how this party stacks up!

Color Splash

Mario Party games are known for their superb and vibrant colors. Their biggest essence pins upon colorful aesthetics that dominate every corner of the game. In the game, you’ll notice the vibrant hues and energetic visuals that create a perfect party atmosphere. From the moment you roll the dice, the game comes alive with bright, bold colors that make each board and character pop off the screen.  

Interestingly, each board feels like it is carefully curated to match the theme. Do you love the sun-soaked shades of a tropical island? Or the Pastel delight of a candy-coated course? Super Mario Party Jamboree has got you covered. The color explosion isn’t just for show. It enhances the player’s experience, making the game feel more lively.

The mini-games, on the other hand, are vibrant spectacles of color with sparkling effects. The glowing icons keep the action fast-paced and fun, which is exactly how Super Mario Party fans love it. This visual appeal isn’t just a treat for the eye. It's part of what makes the game feel like a true celebration. From the spinning colors of the dice to the intricate board designs, everything is infused with the unmistakable Nintendo charm. 

Fresh Fun

The masterful blending of fan-favorite elements with new mechanics truly sets Super Mario Party Jamboree apart from its predecessors. It creates an experience that feels both fresh and familiar. The core remains familiar. You still roll dice, move across the board, collect stars and dominate the mini-games. 

Now, here is the catch. Unlike its predecessors, Jamboree includes a number of tweaks to keep things exciting. For instance, the addition of Jamboree buddies introduces a race to specific spaces where players can earn temporary partners. Of course, that comes with some added advantage. The partners provide extra stars, items and bonuses. However, these buddies are only available for a limited time, adding a sense of urgency to the race.

Additionally, the homestretch event, triggered in the last five turns, also shakes things up. Players can receive items, trigger extra star spaces, or even double the coins earned. This mechanic ensures that even if you are behind, you still have a shot at turning the game around in the final moments. These small changes and new mechanics create a more rewarding experience. Ultimately, we appreciate the devs' efforts to ensure each session is filled with surprises and endless fun.    

For those looking for an even greater challenge, Super Mario Party Jamboree introduces Pro Rules. This is a brand-new mode that takes the competition a notch higher. This mode strips away many of the random elements that make Mario Party so chaotic, offering a more strategic, hardcore version of the game. Pro Rules limits games to 12 turns, reduces the number of items sold at shops, and even removes Chance Time spaces. You must use more of your skills and strategies.

Bigger and Better

One of the highlights of Super Mario Party Jamboree is the sheer variety and creativity of its boards. With seven boards to choose from, Jamboree offers more than any of its predecessors on the Nintendo Switch. Each board is meticulously crafted, with unique themes, mechanics, and strategic elements that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.

The five original boards are full of vibrant creativity. They offer dynamic environments that not only look fantastic but also challenge players in new ways. Take Rainbow Galleria, for instance. It is set in a multi-level shopping mall complete with escalators, lifts, and shops that can drastically change the direction of the game. The unpredictability of these elements forces players to adapt and rethink their strategies on the fly. 

Goomba Lagoon introduces a changing landscape where the tides shift the layout of the board. This mechanic keeps players on their toes, as the path to victory can suddenly change. When that happens, it forces you to adjust your game plan. Boards like these showcase how Jamboree excels at blending fun with strategy, making each playthrough feel unique.

In addition, Jamboree also brings back two nostalgic boards from earlier games, including Mario’s Rainbow Castle and Western Land. These classic boards have been updated to fit seamlessly with the newer entries. Undoubtedly, Jamboree creates a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation. It's no surprise that every game feels like a new adventure.

Non-Stop Action

It goes without argument that mini-games have always been the heart of any Mario Party game. Consequently, Super Mario Party Jamboree delivers that in fashion. With an impressive array of mini-games on the table, there's never a dull moment. You can race to the finish line, solve puzzles or outmaneuver opponents in fast-paced action. It wins the award for the most engaging game of the year, thanks to its stream of challenges. 

One of the most exciting additions is the new 20-player mini-game mode. It spices up the chaos and excitement, making it a fan favorite. Interestingly, this mode allows for larger groups to join in the fun, making it a perfect choice for a cooperative multiplayer experience. The expanded player count brings a fresh twist, making it feel bigger and more unpredictable.

Each one is designed to offer a perfect definition of short and sweet. The mini-games offer moments of intense competition that spark like fireworks, keeping things more exciting than ever. Ultimately, the game blends what we love about the classics and takes it up a notch, allowing you to enjoy the fun with friends. 

Speaking of classics, Super Mario Party Jamboree offers an impressive roster of characters. The list includes some of the classic fan favorites that have been with the franchise from the start. The familiar faces of Mario, Luigi, Bowser, and Peach are joined by newer additions, giving players more variety when choosing their character. This expanded roster adds another to the fun, as each character brings their own unique vibe to the party.

The Party Crasher

With all the buzz surrounding Super Mario Party Jamboree, no one expects or hopes for the game to have any flaws, which is completely understandable. The excitement is real, and it sets high expectations. However, like any game, Jamboree isn't without its hiccups. 

One of the biggest disappointments comes from the minigame selection. In the game, nearly half of the mini-games are locked behind side modes. Many players don't check them out, and as a result,  the number of mini-games feels significantly smaller. 

Additionally, the pacing of the game can drag occasionally. The long turns, frequent event interruptions and certain mini-games that extend the action cause the lagging. For faster action enthusiasts, this slower pace might be frustrating. 

The Pro Rules sound great and complex. Of course, a good number of players enjoy complex gaming experiences. However, complexity is not everyone’s cup of tea. It may diminish the fun for players who prefer the chaotic Mario Party vibe. 

The best thing is that these minor flaws don’t stop the party from being a blast. The colorful boards and exciting minigames make it easy to overlook the bumps along the way. Ultimately, the party goes on, and the fun never stops.

Verdict

Overall, Super Mario Party Jamboree is a fantastic addition to the Mario Party series and arguably one of the best entries in recent years. It successfully blends the charm of classic Mario Party games with new mechanics that add excitement to each match. The return to the traditional board game format, combined with beautifully designed boards, creates an experience that is as strategic as it is fun.

While not every aspect of the game is perfect, Jamboree still offers an enjoyable and satisfying experience that will keep players coming back for more. With the addition of Pro Rules, hardcore players can dive deeper into the strategic side of Mario Party. Similarly, casual players will still find plenty to love in the game’s chaotic and unpredictable fun.

Super Mario Party Jamboree delivers hours of entertainment and excitement. You can take the party locally to your friends or compete online. It’s a party worth attending, and it just might be the best Mario Party game on the Switch yet. With that in mind, will you roll the dice and collect those stars? Well, the decision is yours.