Mario Party DS Reviews

• Party For The DS

  
  By A3W4D8XOGLWUN5 on 2007-11-20
  When it comes to virtual board games, Nintendo has really conquered that market for the past several years with the success of the Mario Party franchise. Undoubtingly, the series that started from the Nintendo 64 back in 1999, has been the dominant force in the Mario spin-off franchises. It has proven to do so well from the N64, 4 editions for Nintendo's last home console, the Gamecube, and the recent success of Mario Party 8 for the Wii, the mini-game series has still remained as popular as it has been before. The biggest glitch though has remained in the handhelds. With the faults that have occured from the Game Boy Advance edition of Mario Party, many hanheld gamers have still been anxious for something a bit more to hold on too for the party. Now, with a new version for the Nintendo DS, it has proven to be a different course.
  
  Mario Party DS brings the popular Mario board game series to a different handheld, and does deliver. There are over 70 different mini-games that range well from the simple use of the stylus, to the button mashing we all loved from before. There are five differnet boards for you to play on ranging from Toadette's Music Room, to Wiggler's Garden, the caterpillar from Super Mario 64, and many more to play with. There are also so many games to play around with that take full advantage of the Nintendo DS like more boss battles like Hexoskeleton, where you have to knock down a king-sized Dry Bones, to his knees by kicking fruits at him, to make him spill down to the floor, or the all-new Rotisserie Rampage, where one player is spinning the meat the other three players are on top of, as you try to roast them out to dry.
  
  The gameplay takes full advantage of the DS as you even use the stylus, and the microphone in a game like Blowdown, where you'd have to knockdown a giant whomp by blowing into the mike. The graphics have proven to work much better here, than the e-card and the GBA versions of Mario Party, and takes the gameplay to a whole new innovation, as was the case with the Wii version. Sadly though, there is one big disadvantage with the game, there are 5 boards to play on, a few fewer than the editions from the N64 and Gamecube versions. Nevertheless, it still remains big on the graphics, sound, and fun all in one. It takes a step in the direction DS owners have desired for the franchise.
  
  All in all, if you haven't played any edition of Mario Party before for the Gamecube, Wii, or N64 days, you'll definitely love this one for the Nintendo DS. It has so much fun at a great value in gameplay, excitement, and everything you'd expect from Mario, Luigi and company in a game that is fun and loveable in the palms of your hand. I absoluetly recommend this a whole lot, so party on down.
  
  Graphics: B
  
  Sound: B
  
  Control: B+
  
  Fun & Enjoyment: B 1/2+ for solo play; A- for multiplayer action
  
  Overall: B 1/2+
  
  

• Finally, the DS is ready to PARTY!

  
  By AT3H78FHMGH6L on 2007-11-24
  If there were ever two consoles destined for Mario Party, it's the Wii and DS. Wii owners got their version a few months ago, and now all of us DS owners are finally getting ours!
  
  I've played Mario Party since the first one originally came out for N64 years (and years...) ago, but the DS finally gives Mario Party the platform it truly needs -- the touch screen is perfect for the minigames, but there is still a great balance between touch-screen-based mingames and 'normal' minigames.
  
  The single-player Story Mode is interesting but I can only play it for a few turns at a time before I start going crazy watching the COM players to play through... but that's to be expected because Mario Party's success is dependent on getting some crazy friends together in the break room to play!
  
  That being said, I was initially disappointed because there's no Nintendo WFC capabilities (only local multiplayer), but then I realized that that was probably a smart move since no one in their right mind would sit on the Nintendo WFC and play with strangers for an hour -- we'd just be starting games over and over again when people left!
  
  So yeah... Mario Party DS is every bit a must-have for Nintendo DS as Mario Kart DS. EVERYONE who owns a Nintendo DS should at least have these two games, no excuses!
  
  

• Now that were at a Real Party, How about some snacks? (by Laura)

  
  By A2290OIJTU42QP on 2008-01-15
  Introduction:
  
  Mario Party DS is quite a hoot! This isn't the first time I've participated in the Mario Party series as I've also played Mario Party 7 (another game you should check out) for the Nintendo Gamecube. I shall disclose to you the plot, as well as the good and the bad points of this newest fiesta.
  
  
  Plot:
  
  It's raining sky crystals, and one falls near Mario. The next day, Mario tells all of his friends about it. During this gathering, Kamek brings an interesting note from Bowser. Apparently, Bowser wants to apologize for being a jerk, and throw a big feast for the crew. Who could resist? In other words, the characters aren't that bright (I mean, come on! Would you really go to a villain's house for dinner? Bowser has kidnapped Peach herself at least a dozen times!), and they accept the invitation. The invitation was an elaborate trap, as a big cage falls over the crew, as they arrive. Using his sceptor, Bowser shrinks the crew into "Mini" heroes, takes the sky crystal they have, and wisks them away. Now, everyone wants to be the hero, and this is where you come in: play as Mario, Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, or Toad, and travel through a garden, a piano room, a jungle, a library, and Bowser's own lair. Your goals are to outshine the other heroes, collect all of the sky crystals, and defeat Bowser once and for all. Good luck!
  
  
  Bad Points:
  
  1. Not enough girl characters. Out of all eight characters, only two are female. While this topic is on the table, there aren't as many characters (male or female) to choose from as Mario Party 7.
  
  2. Some mini games require luck. I don't like this.
  
  3. Some mini games just stink, and others require you to work with a COM or two (if you're playing solo). While these minigames can be fun, If your luck is bad, and your partner/partners stink, you may be in trouble. That's just not fair.
  
  4. There are certain spaces on the game boards where you get five coins while someone else gets five coins. You get to choose who you want to be your friend. When I'm playing and someone else lands on such a space, I'm never their friend... Besides, giving coins to a COM opponent is just stupid.
  
  
  Good Points:
  
  1. Most of the minigames are fun and addictive.
  
  2. Most of the minigames are hillarious! They really took advantage of the fact you're tiny. Rubber Ducky Rodeo anyone?
  
  3. The boards are fun, with various traps and rules to keep you from being bored.
  
  4. Some of the bosses may be challenging, but not to the point of frustration. They're relatively simple once you get the hang of it, and they're quite a bit of fun themselves.
  
  5. Unlike Mario Party 7, you don't have to buy your rewards with milage points. All you do is get a certain number of points to get rewarded with something. This saves time, and helps keep away repetition.
  
  6. The boss trophies are comical.
  
  7. The mini games take great advantage of the stylus and the mike.
  
  
  Conclusion:
  
  That's all I can say. Overall, this is a very staightforward game that's great for dull moments. It should be noted that you don't have to save, but the game saves automatically, every time you complete a minigame (this is true in story mode as well). So when you want to quit, just play the mini game (that always occurs) at the end of the turn, wait until the end of it, and when you see the board again turn it off. Or, if the current turn isn't going well, just turn the DS off and you'll start that one turn over again (providing you've played at least one turn and minigame by this point). If you like this game, look into Mario Party 7. Have fun!
  
  

• AMAZING!

  
  By A3E6ZNTLJL6NWK on 2007-12-06
  I got this game for my two kids (12, and 15) for Chanukah this year. They love it, with great minigames, and fun characters, they played it for hours yesterday. Five stars
  
  

• I love this game, but.....

  
  By AVCVH2IM0RODY on 2007-11-28
  This is my first experience with Mario Party. I love the concept, and when the COM players are taking their turns, it's a good excuse to go to the bathroom or whatever.:) But I am frustrated because I have beaten the first world but cannot get past the plant-the one where you have to drop bombs into it's mouth. I've spent probably an hour a day since I got the game trying to beat it. I even started another game as a different player thinking the character I was using wasn't the right one for the task: Same results. I'm sure I'll get through it but it is driving me crazy!
  Otherwise, I love the game. The mini-games are easy but not so easy that you win every one, and it's nice having new games to learn with Mario and friends. I also like that you can practice the games as many times as you want to before you take on the other characters.
  
  
• An "adult" review
  By A1Z0LTKUA6F94D on 2008-02-16
  Maybe I'm not the target audience, but I'm a 29 year old who got this game with a DS for Valentines day (my husband rocks!), anyhow, I think that the story mode is kind of boring because you have to wait for 3 coms to take their turns before you go, it would be better if I knew someone I could play this with, but I don't. The mini games themselves are pretty decent, there are a few that just I just can't seem to win ever, but alot of them are fun to just try and beat my previous time. The puzzle games are fun for a few rounds, but they seem to get too fast too soon, so you can't play very long, but maybe I just need practice. Overall, if you're older I'd only get it if you had someone to play with or it's cheap!
  
  
• I live in Indiana. You live in Georgia. Wanna play? Sorry, we can't.
  By A1Y0ELCT3B70L2 on 2008-01-18
  I am simply amazed as to why Nintendo did not make Mario Party for the DS wi-fi compatible. To me(no matter how fun this game is), this defeats the purpose for even making this title for the DS. How great would Mario Kart be without wi-fi? What about Bomberman Land Touch? They wouldn't. They would just be ...ok.
  
  Sure, you can play others who have a DS nearby...but we live in an online world today! Gamers want to challenge other gamers around the globe! Hopefully Nintendo realizes this glaring omission and puts out a wi-fi Mario Party for the DS in the near future.
  
  
• A very entertaining game!!
  By A132KE7ZA0BQEK on 2008-03-10
  I bought this product for my five year old son. He has many video games for his Nintendo DS and this is the one he plays the most. This is a game with a lot of fun activities inside (races, puzzles, find an object, etc.). The graphics are very good and the games are very well made (interesting, fun, clever, etc.). I've tried to buy this video game from game stores and it was very difficult to do so. It was sold out for quite a long time. If you can find it at Amazon, buy it and save time and money.
  
  
• Terribly boring
  By A3UF2RHPHUVEB0 on 2008-04-27
  I am a huge fan of the Mario Party games, and this was beyond disappointment. It was boring, over quick, and with only 5 boards to choose from, you get no where fast. Also the other little items and badges you receive, serve no purpose, at least to me. I wish with the advancement of the Nintendo DS, they would come out with more challenging games. Or at least more games for adult children.
  
  
• The Coolest Mario Party!!
  By A1A3T5H0AM7B1T on 2008-01-10
  My 6 year old son LOVES this game!! He and his sister use one cartridge and play against each other on their DS's. They love looking at the trophies they win, and they say the games in mini game mode are a lot of fun. My kids HIGHLY recommend this game to Mario fans!
  
  
• This Game Is Hours Of Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  By on 2007-12-25
  Pros: This game is a complete sucess.It is hours of fun with many different minigames including many touch screen games. I would most recomend it to ages 6-14. But it is completely addicting. It is a great game and can be played with up to four players over Nintendo Wi-fi
  
  Cons(If any): The games can sometimes drag on for a little while but thats the only bad thing.
  
  
• Disappointing
  By A3D3M13QPE58W5 on 2008-07-17
  This was quite a disappointment. I guess I was hoping for a game similar to Super Mario Bros but this was not even near that. There were many boards where I just had to sit and watch while the game played on it's own (as 3 other players). I got bored with it. I also did not like the mini games very well as some of them it seemed I could not control the results very well.
  
  
• 7 yr old son LOVES it
  By A9MU3GDL8A4R8 on 2008-07-22
  My 7 yrs old son loves this Nintendo DS game over any of his other games, and he has about 7 others (including MarioKart and DiddyKong Racing). It's definitely a must have.
  
  
• Unfair Program
  By AXL4UKSCENHFP on 2008-08-06
  This game would be a lot of fun, except for the fact that the program is designed to intentionally screw you over. Being a Mario Party game much of the game is up to change. Where the stars fall, what number on the dice block you hit, things like that. But the program for the game always favors the computer on those chances. It always puts the stars right in front of the AI players. It always rolls a higher number for the AI players and leaves you in the dust. It's also off balance with the mini games. I've been playing MP games for a long time and have gotten quite good at the mini games. There was a duel mini game that I had played a few times and had gotten very good at and had beaten the computer everytime. But by "chance" I had to duel with the computer and lost all my stars when suddenly the AI player got really good and beat me without blinking. This happened right at the end of a game so I was SOL and had to start all over again. It's also dissapointing that there are no bonus stars. Traditionally when you complete a game, bonus stars are given for most coins, most mini games won, etc. This presented an oppourtunity for a player to still win through skill even if they weren't able to come up with enough stars on the board. But with that option gone, the game is more chance than ever, and like I said the program is written to favor the computer nine times out of ten. It's frustrating to say the least when your opponents all have seven stars and rolling ten every time and you don't have any and can't roll above a three. What a letdown. If you can handle being repeatedly beaten up by the computer then go ahead. Otherwise, save your money. I wish I had.
  
  
• Excellent game but don't pay the high price!
  By A1ECIT04VL1HOP on 2008-01-06
  Hi, I just wanted to say that this is a great game and anyone who is a fan of the Mario Party games will enjoy it. However, just because Amazon may be currently out of stock doesn't mean you should pay ridiculous prices from third party sellers! They should be ashamed. Just go into Target or something and they have tons of them on the shelves. Don't over pay!!!
  
  
• Gift for Grandson
  By A214OOVNDKWC28 on 2008-01-07
  
  Grandson likes the game. Everything works well. Only complaint is with the snail mail USPS which took twice the amount of time that Amazon said it would, but it still arrived in time for Christmas.
  
  
• What A Wonderful Party This Is!
  By A1B1OEZR3NS9OV on 2008-03-01
  Mario party DS is everything you could have ever wanted from the actual console version, plus more. The interaction of the DS touch screen that is integrated into the game is just simply amazing! Mario Party DS does have a story mode, which allows the single player mode to be even more interactive. The story mode itself isn't really in depth as I would have liked it to be, but at the same time too much dialogue may ruin a game. The story mode also isn't all that long. There are about 5 levels and each level is only about 10 turns long, so it will not take very long to complete the story mode. Nevertheless there are still tons of mini-games that will keep you occupied days on end. After the terrible Mario Party 8 on Wii, this is just a breath of fresh air!
  
  OVERALL RATINGS:
  
  PRESENTATION OF GAME: A-
  GRAPHICS OF GAME: C
  SOUND OF GAME: B+
  GAMEPLAY OF GAME: A+
  LASTING APPEAL OF GAME: A-
  
  OVERALL SCORE = A-. 5/5 STARS.
  
  
  
• Awesome
  By A1QSVT2QBGRK6N on 2008-03-10
  If you love all of the original Mario Party games you will love this one. You can play story mode or party mode for a quick game. The mini games are great. You can also play with other people with one game card. You can not go wrong with this game!
  
  
• A Must Have
  By A23LGNEMHOXOXT on 2008-03-17
  If you own a DS then you have to buy this game. This is the best mini game for the DS out there. A must have.
  
  
• Just plain FUN
  By A8D3L8CQGD9RX on 2008-04-28
  Having played most of the Mario Party line, including the newest on Wii I was excited to play the DS version. It DID NOT disappoint. Even tho i very recently played the newest version, the DS version is a lot of fun. Single Player mode is fun, and gets you used to the minigames. Multiplayer, is ofcourse, what the game is really about. My Wife, who is not usually a big video game fan, couldn't put it down. I strongly suggest this for anyone, but especially people who have friends/family that they can do the multiplayer with.
  
  
• Translates well to DS
  By A1E3TWWRB1Q7CS on 2008-10-06
  Many years ago I played this game on Nintendo 64. When I bought myself a Nintendo DS as a treat, I was happily surprised to learn that they had made an edition of Mario Party for it. And also to my surprise, the game translated beautifully from console to hand-held.
  
  Good:
  -Graphics are unbelievably clear and liquid.
  -Frequent auto-saves ensure you won't lose your place.
  -Mini-games are FUN, I have come across some old favorites.
  -Numerous ways to play; from the classic board-game setup to new individual 'puzzle games'.
  -Lots of bang for your buck, you won't get bored easily.
  
  Bad:
  -One level was incredibly hard to beat and I couldn't go on to the next board game until it was cleared; though I realize this is an issue of skill, it took months!
  -I'm on the last board and there are a few of the old mini games that I loved that have yet to appear. Hopefully they just aren't unlocked yet! There's gotta be Hot-Rope-Jump, right?
  
  
• fun
  By A3AJHPUGYUT1L0 on 2007-12-24
  It's much like teh console party games, but it's alot more interactive. it's fun to play by your self, but its best enjoyed when four people play. they also giv you a mini game option that you can do to get high scores. the more high scores you get, the more "trophies" you get.
  
  
• Mario Party DS
  By A3OK7ENLPITWHI on 2007-12-26
  Son really enjoys it! Have to tell him to shut it off! Great condition and quality. Fast service
  
  Thanks
  
  
• Great Fun
  By A2D07WXMT2RLDI on 2007-12-28
  This game is a great version of Mario Party. It has fun and unique minigames that you would expect from a Mario Party game. I was also pleasantly surprised to find the wireless gameplay only requires one copy of the game and does not seem to have any features disabled! We were able to play a full game of Mario Party with all the minigames off one copy of the game, something that is rare since DS download play is normally watered down when only using one copy of a game. The multiplayer is quick to load with only a couple of seconds required to get each minigame started. Another great Mario Party game from Nintendo!
  
  
• Great option for 6-10 yrs chds
  By AT5T6RQYXBA3V on 2007-12-28
  This was a great buy for keeping my 2 soon (7 and 10 years, boys) playing while traveling... very good graphics, easy to play, I recommend
  
  
• Very Happy little boy
  By A1333O7GR49KJI on 2007-12-28
  My nephew was thrilled when he openned this on Christmas morning. He has been playing with it alot and is getting better daily.
  
  
• Funny, action-packed, yet frustrating at times
  By A3EGRBFUJKQK6S on 2007-12-28
  I bought this game for my 7-year old and 11-year old sons. They enjoy it, but there are some levels that are frustrating at times. It doesn't deter them..I can't get thier heads out of the game!
  
  
• This game is SOOOO addicting
  By on 2007-12-30
  This game is really fun and addicting. Out of all the games I have, this one is my favorite because it isn't very hard, and the minigames are fun to play. There is also a feature where you can do a party with up to 3 of your friends, and they don't even have to own the game. I would not reccomend buying this game on amazon unless you can find it with free shipping and less than $40 though. I found mine at GameStop for $35, but I only had to pay 20 because I traded in two of my games, and there was an after-christmas sale going on. One thing I dont like is unclear directions. Some of the minigames I still havent been able to figure out. There are many things you can unlock, like badges/boss trophies/board features/etc... You can play a party with a computer controlled character on your "team" or you can play with just yourself against a computer controlled character, or you can have four players on one board (you and three com. controlled peoples) if you dont have a friend. Story mode is a mode where it tells you the story of mario/bowser trying to find things called sky crystals, and then you can play different game boards trying to find the most stars. (Then whoever wins becomes the "superstar", then they get to beat the boss of that level. If you accidentally click start then lose against the boss, it will let you try again, luckily). Over all, I highly reccomend this game for anyone who has a DS.
  
  
• Great Deal! Fun also =D
  By AB6ATCV8HZMSY on 2007-12-31
  Man im so happy to get this for 29.99 + free shipping from amazon.. the shipping came so fast too! 70 minigames+ and wifi with friends? what a great deal for 30 dollars! i cant believe it is being sold for 50+ because of its rarity, so yeh i feel like i got a real good deal and yeh ima go back to playing it =D
  
  
• My kids love it!!
  By A3A2KIQPP78IU5 on 2008-01-01
  My kids have been playing Super Mario Brothers and got Mario Party for Christmas. They love it! It's enough different than Super MB. My son is 6 and likes it because of all the different games and you get to choose them. My 10 year old girl is stuck on it also!
  
  

• Mario Kart DS
• New Super Mario Bros.
• Nintendo DS Lite Crimson / Black
• Nintendo DS Lite Cobalt / Black
• The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass