Mario Party 8
by Scott Leslie
Platform: Wii
Publisher: Nintendo
ESRB: E (Everyone)
Developer: Hudson
The Mario Party franchise makes its debut on Wii with the much anticipated Mario Party 8. The game does a great job of delivering the awesome party experience that's been available in the previous seven games. However the similarities these games share could become monotonous to veterans of Mario Party.
Since the beginning of the series all the games have been quite identical aside from new boards or a new side mode. This is not to say that the game is bad; however one might become bored of the sameness. Like the other games you, or you and your friends, make your way around differently themed boards playing mini-games each turn for coins, and trying to collect the most stars. Of course the best way to play this game is with friends, increasing the competitiveness when stealing each other's coins or stars.
There has been one interesting change to the way the game is played and that is through the Wii remote. A large number of mini-games are now played using the remote's unique motion control, giving them a new, fun feel (and a bit of exercise).
If you've been a fan of Mario Party from the beginning you'll enjoy this one as well, if you haven't played Mario Party before and like competitive multi-player action then chances are good you'll really love this game.
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