Board game fans will be excited to have fun with our Nintendo friends in Super Mario Party: Jamboree. Available on Nintendo Switch, the game features a plethora of activities sure to please everyone. You’ll even find interactive games that use the Joy-Con motion controls. With twenty-two playable characters, seven main boards, and more than 110 mini-games, it is Nintendo’s most ambitious Super Mario Party game to date. Here is my review.
Super Mario Party: Jamboree details
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch OLED
Developer: Nd Cube
Publisher: Nintendo
Style: Party game
Available game modes: Solo / multiplayer (1 to 4 players locally and up to twenty online)
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
For years, the Mario Party franchise has provided an opportunity to have fun with friends playing a virtual board game. One of the features of the Nintendo Switch console allows sharing the Joy-Con controllers for dynamic gameplay. With Super Mario Party Jamboree, in addition to being able to play in teams of four at home, up to twenty players can compete online against Bowser. What more could you ask for? The game offers many ways to have fun. Traditional game boards are available, as well as islands with diverse activities.
Fun Mario Party games
The main game includes seven game boards where players choose their favorite character and compete joyfully. The classic mechanics remain simple. Players take turns rolling dice, and the player who ends the game with the most stars wins. Along the way, there are mini-games, item shops, and other special spaces waiting for us. This iteration includes up to 110 mini-games, which means I rarely got to play the same one in a single playthrough.
A new feature introduced in this game is the addition of a random character during gameplay. This “Jamboree” will accompany the player who reaches them on the game board for a few turns and will offer bonuses based on their identity. For instance, Yoshi can copy items, and Wario gives the player additional coins every turn. Accompanied by this second character, acquired items are also doubled, and if one reaches the star, they can buy two if they have enough coins.
Whether playing in classic mode or pro with customizable rules, Mario Party is the essence of this game. This is what brings me back to the series with each iteration alongside my friends. This new version introduces Pauline and Ninji, further varying the selection of playable characters. The boards are all different. Some will have a special feature. For example, in the shopping center, there is a sale. During this turn, items purchased are half price, even the star!
The Central Plaza is at the core of the action
The Central Plaza includes shops where you can spend the points earned. Fans can acquire customizable cards, emotes, unlock the game’s music, or get items to decorate the area. It is also where the hot air balloon is located that will take us to our next activity. Plus, keep an eye out for photography opportunities! At the data house, you can admire them and see what you are missing.
Some islands offer non-competitive activities. For example, the Toad Factory launches us into a marble game that ultimately helps to make decorative items for the central plaza. In Aerial Adventures, we attach wings to our character’s arms. By flapping the Joy-Con in each hand, we complete the tasks offered. We can also complete quests on Volcanic Island, where the tide must be considered to decide when to move. Finally, the Rhythm Cooking activity tests our sense of timing. These activities are fun once or twice for sure, but they are not what draws me back to Super Mario Party: Jamboree.
Fun with friends in exclusive multiplayer activities
Although most activities can be played solo if desired, two activities focus on multiplayer gameplay. They feature the evil Bowser in a smashing mood.
First, Koopathlon is a competition for twenty players, a first in the Mario Party series. The goal is to cross the finish line first. To get there, we complete a series of mini-games, where our performance is taken into account in our advancement on the board. Next, the game Bowser’s Brigade gathers eight players, this time in cooperative mode against the infamous Bowser. The idea is to smash boxes containing bombs. By taking them to the cannon, we can ultimately defeat Bowser. However, he won’t go down easily. He will chase us and try to burn us with his devastating breath. He will also have allies who will gladly hit us to immobilize the troops. These games are fun. I preferred Koopathlon because we play on a board. We therefore remain true to the spirit of Mario Party with a twist.
Super Mario Party: Jamboree is great fun
Super Mario Party: Jamboree is an excellent addition to the series. I really enjoy the variety of game boards. Being able to play at home or with online players means fans will enjoy the game for a long time. I don’t think I will return to the side activities after completing them, but they add a different mechanic from the main game. The title is still complete, and the vast variety of mini-games makes it a good purchase for fans of the Mario Party franchise on Nintendo Switch.
| Pros | Cons |
| Several environments available from the start | The boards can last long if playing solo against AI opponents. |
| A large number of mini-games | The side activities won’t keep me coming back for more |
| Each board offers something unique in terms of gameplay | |
| Very fun both with others and alone | |
Overall assessment for Super Mario Party: Jamboree
Gameplay Experience: 4/5
Graphics: 4.5/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting appeal / Replayability: 4/5
Overall rating: 4.25/5 (85%)
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