Super Mario Party Jamboree Review
Board game fun meets unexpected chaos
Super Mario Party Jamboree revives and elevates the Mario Party experience on the Nintendo Switch, blending nostalgia with new gameplay elements. Building on Super Mario Party and Superstars, Jamboree offers more maps, improved animations, and a host of fresh minigames while preserving the classic mechanics. The game has been designed with a large selection of multiplayer modes, online support, and unique game boards that appeal to fans of all ages. With over 110 minigames and a mix of classic and new content, Jamboree aims to be the definitive Mario Party experience, packed with character interactions, board surprises, and strategic twists.
Gameplay 8
Super Mario Party Jamboree stands out by enhancing the familiar formula while introducing deeper strategic options and fun variations. Players select a Mario character and compete on themed boards to collect stars, but Jamboree introduces “Pro Rules,” allowing for more tailored, skill-based gameplay that minimizes chance-based frustration—a welcome change for competitive players. Though the number of free-for-all minigames has decreased compared to Superstars, the additional co-op, 1v3, and 2v2 modes help maintain variety. However, some players have expressed that the minigame selection can feel repetitive over extended play sessions, particularly in comparison to earlier titles.
The overall gameplay flows smoothly, and with the return of the dice mechanics, seasoned players will recognize the strategic undercurrents that accompany each roll. There’s a greater focus on long-term board strategy and calculated item usage, which introduces a sense of competitive depth that was sometimes missing in earlier games. With expanded online play and various multiplayer options, the game provides a balanced experience that remains engaging even in single-player mode. Nonetheless, the limited post-launch support and lack of variety in mini-games hold it back from fully embracing its potential.
Graphics 9
Visually, Jamboree is vibrant and polished, blending Mario’s iconic art style with dynamic and colorful backdrops. Each game board has a unique look and feel, from lush forests to haunted castles, each rendered in meticulous detail to enhance the playful atmosphere. The animations are smoother than in previous entries, with character expressions and movements enhanced to reflect the game’s chaotic tone. Even though the Switch’s hardware limits graphic fidelity, Jamboree maximizes its capabilities by maintaining a stable frame rate, fluid transitions, and creative visual effects that immerse players in Mario’s whimsical world.
Each minigame boasts tailored backgrounds and visual cues, designed not only to entertain but also to provide hints for victory. Effects like shimmering stars and dust trails add to the sense of competition and drama, which enhances the overall party experience. Although the graphical upgrades are largely cosmetic, they play a significant role in setting the game apart from its predecessors.
Storyline 6
Like most Mario Party games, Super Mario Party Jamboree prioritizes gameplay over storytelling. The loose premise sees familiar Mario characters embarking on a competitive journey across various whimsical locations, with stars and coins as their prizes. While story development is minimal, the interactions between characters add personality, with players often encountering surprise challenges or friendly sabotage. These elements create an immersive, albeit simple, plot structure that keeps players focused on the gameplay rather than narrative progression.
The lack of a deeper storyline might be a missed opportunity to introduce more character-driven moments, especially as players spend extended time with each board and character. Despite the narrative simplicity, Jamboree leans heavily on nostalgia and humor, encouraging players to make their own memorable moments during gameplay.
Multiplayer 8
Multiplayer is the backbone of Super Mario Party Jamboree, offering both local and online options. While local multiplayer shines, especially with the Switch’s portability, the online functionality has been a divisive feature. When functioning smoothly, online matches provide an exciting way to connect with friends remotely. However, players have noted occasional lag and connection issues, which can disrupt the flow of play, especially in competitive games.
The game’s co-op minigames add a cooperative twist that helps balance the often cutthroat nature of Mario Party. One standout multiplayer addition is the “Party-Planner Trek,” where players can team up in a more structured game mode, adding variety to the usual free-for-all gameplay. Unfortunately, the online matchmaking system lacks customization, meaning players are often matched in unbalanced games, and it lacks an option to filter for friends-only games. While these multiplayer features provide countless hours of entertainment, the occasional connectivity issues can undermine the otherwise smooth experience.
Issues and Community Feedback
The reception of Super Mario Party Jamboree has been generally positive, with players praising its enhanced graphics, innovative rules, and character selection. However, feedback often highlights the limited number of free-for-all minigames, which many players find repetitive after multiple rounds. Additionally, the lack of post-launch content or DLC is seen as a missed opportunity for expanding the game’s variety and longevity. Online functionality is another area of concern; while the inclusion of online play is appreciated, the game’s reliance on stable connections and occasional lag issues have frustrated players.
Conclusion 8
Super Mario Party Jamboree is a vibrant, entertaining entry in the Mario Party series, merging nostalgic elements with new features for a well-rounded, fun experience. Its updated graphics, strategic board options, and engaging character interactions make it a standout title, though occasional online issues and a limited minigame roster hold it back from perfection. For fans of party games, Jamboree remains a highly recommended addition to the Nintendo Switch library, offering hours of memorable gameplay.
Pros and Cons
- Engaging multiplayer
- Polished graphics
- Varied boards
- Limited minigames
- Online connectivity issues
- No DLC support
Player Quotes
“My kid and I have a blast, though we run into a lot of the same minigames too often.”
“It’s got the best boards yet, but I wish they’d add more variety in minigames.”
“Playing with friends online is a treat, but the lag can be a killer sometimes.”
Please note that this review is based on the feedback and sentiments of players on various Reddit threads and does not represent the views of all players.