Mario Party 9
SCORE: 77
You don't make it to nine in a franchise
by being a slouch. Fans enjoy the game when you can make it to that
number. Nintendo knows how to make party games, and Mario Party 9 is no
exception. Nintendo is also not afraid to mix things up and try
something new. The biggest new thing in Mario Party 9 is all the
characters travel in the same vehicle. We take turns hitting the dice
and moving the vehicle.
This took some getting used to, and not everyone here at Family Friendly
Gaming appreciates it. The carpooling in Mario Party 9 did not bother
me. It shakes things up, and throws many strategies out the window. At
times I was hoping a computer controlled character would get a low
number so I could get the mini stars. It was my turn right after theirs.
I had real problems figuring out where the dice was going to land. Mario
Party 9 is much more random in that regard than other Mario Party games
I have played. The key to winning in Mario Party 9 is to do well in the
mini games, especially at the end of the level. Beating Bowser's bosses
will grant the player quite a few stars. There are bonus star rewards
for certain things at the end of the level as well. There are a lot of
things in Mario Party 9 that balance it out.
There is cartoon violence in the eighty all new mini games in Mario
Party 9. Not all of them though. There are some where that is not
present. Characters show their happiness, and disgust in a very visual
manner. The bright colors are neat, and I enjoyed the diverse playing
fields. Secrets are all over these games. They will help you if you run
into them.
I have pretty much grown up on Mario Bros sounds. I know them very well.
Mario Party 9 does a wonderful job of bring them back to our living
rooms. Bowser steals the mini stars, and it is up to us to get them
back. One of his minions will play along trying to win. The other two
computer characters are on your side trying to stop Bowser.
Nintendo knows unlockable content. There are so many ways to play Mario
Party 9 it is insane. Four family members can enjoy Mario Party 9 at the
same time. This Wii game is a great way for some family time. Please be
careful with competitive members of the family because there are ups and
downs in this home console title.
There is one feature in Mario Party 9 that I love. That feature is
Practice. I love practicing a mini game before the mini stars are on the
line. This is something I recommend to everyone. It is important to get
a feel for the game before putting it all on the line. The mini games in
Mario Party 9 are diverse, and fun. I had a blast playing the mini games
in Mario Party 9. As did everyone else. In fact even those who did not
like sharing a vehicle enjoyed the mini games.
The first lesson I noticed in Mario Party 9 is its better to be lucky
than good sometimes. After that I learned to stop thieves. Stealing is
wrong, especially stars. Mario Party 9 is a great game for families in
my opinion. I am personally pleased to see this franchise continue for
families. I hope to see a Mario Party 10 on the Wii U in a year or two.
The eighty all-new mini games is where Mario Party 9 shines. They are a
lot of fun, and they will challenge families. Thankfully the majority of
the mini games require some skill. We hate mini games that are random,
and luck based. There is a real balance to the levels in Mario Party 9.
If you can win the mini games you have a real strong shot at winning the
levels.
- Paul
Graphics: 78%
Sound: 79%
Replay/Extras: 85%
Gameplay: 68%
Family Friendly Factor: 75%
System: Wii
Publisher: Nintendo
Rating: ‘E’ - Everyone
{Mild Cartoon Violence}
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