There’s no denying that the Mario Party series began to lose its way after it was done ruining your Nintendo 64 controllers. With four GameCube instalments released in as many years (and a total of 7 in eight years) the series was always going to enter a steep decline.
However, there have been five years since the last release. The series has had time to settle and the Wii is ready to hang up the boots, as it makes way for its predecessor, the Wii U.
Here are six reasons why Mario Party 9 will be worth a look as the Wii enters its last days.
Multiplayer Mayhem
It’s what the Wii and Mario Party do best. Nintendo know how to throw a (family friendly) party. If the Wii has thrived in one department, it’s social multiplayer gaming. They have the best options for casual gamers in Wii Sports, and hardcore with Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Mario Party 9 should come somewhere between the two, as it is designed to be played by anyone and everyone who wants to party with Mario.
Five Year Hiatus
Mario was burnt out from all his irresponsible partying after his 8th shindig, forcing him to settle down over the past five years to focus on his astronomical career. After two adventures across the galaxy, he’s ready to celebrate with friend and foe.
Fashionably Late
It feels like the Wii’s farewell has been dragging on for years, perhaps because it isn’t actually ready to say goodbye until later this year. 2011 looked desolate, but the likes of Xenoblade Chronicles and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword proved otherwise.
Mario’s 9th Party is fashionably late and will actually be one of the final games released for the system. While it won’t stand up against the likes of Zelda in the history books, it will allow the Wii to go out with a colourful bang as it is about to be replaced. Not 12 months ahead of time.
Real Friends
Remember real people? Offline multiplayer gaming has lost its way in recent times, but Nintendo won’t give up without a fight. Intense 4 player mini-games are a thing of the past with the advent of online gaming, but that’s where the Wii always set itself apart. It was a true social console that brought people together through games.
Mario Party 9 as your final Wii game will complete the revolution. We began playing socially with Wii Sports. It seems only fitting that we go out the same way.
Road Trip
Walking is for chumps. New to Mario Party 9 is the ability to drive around the game board in a special vehicle. Players take turns in the driver’s seat, adding an extra dimension to the gameplay with specific captain challenges and multiple routes to the final destination.
The Minigames
Mario Party, Minigames and the Wii are a match made in heaven. With over 80 to explore, some will become instant classics while others will be the detest of all players - but that’s all part of the Mario Party experience. Some games are meant to be loved, while others are immensely hated by everyone as they progress around the board.
If you don’t have time for a full game - and it can become the virtual equivalent of Monopoly - all minigames can be played directly in shorter bursts of time.
By Ben Salter
Are you attending the Mario Party?