Super Mario Party: Jamboree Review

Super Mario Party Jamboree takes the long-standing Mario Party franchise to new heights, combining classic board game antics with fresh minigames, unique game modes, and a significant online multiplayer expansion. Developed and published by Nintendo, Jamboree marks the thirteenth home console entry in the Mario Party series and is the third installment on the Nintendo Switch. With a roster of 22 playable characters, seven diverse boards, and a staggering 112 minigames, Nintendo has labelled Jamboree as “the biggest Mario Party to date.” For fans, this title offers a blend of nostalgia and innovation, bringing back popular boards and characters while introducing new modes that take advantage of the Switch’s Joy-Con controllers.

For newcomers and veterans alike, Super Mario Party Jamboree is designed to be an inclusive experience catering to solo players, couch multiplayer enthusiasts, and online competitors. Beyond the typical party antics, the game offers a mission-based single-player mode and an extensive hub area called the “Party Plaza,” a centralized space for customization, music, and character selection. The game also includes revamped motion-controlled modes and a more competitive “Pro Rules” setting, providing a heightened challenge for those who want to test their skills.

With positive reviews and early commercial success, Jamboree has been praised for its colourful presentation, expansive multiplayer functionality, and polished mechanics. Critics have cited it as one of the series’ best entries, and it’s currently the highest-rated Mario Party title on Metacritic. However, the game hasn’t been without its detractors—some reviewers have questioned the randomness of specific modes, suggesting that luck plays too large a role in determining outcomes. Nevertheless, Jamboree is a spirited addition to the franchise, filled with joy, competition, and the iconic Mario charm.

Setting and Story

While Super Mario Party Jamboree doesn’t follow a traditional narrative, it is set within a vibrant Mario-themed world that is the perfect backdrop for its chaotic party gameplay. The hub area, known as the “Party Plaza,” acts as a central space where players can access various game modes, explore settings, customize their experience, and select from an extensive roster of Mario characters. This lively plaza, filled with decorations, NPC interactions, and access to game data, helps create a cohesive environment that feels like the heart of the game. Players can even unlock new customization options as they progress, making the Party Plaza a personalized hub for every player.

Jamboree also brings back several fan-favourite boards from the series’ history, each with its unique theme, hazards, and opportunities. Notably, Mario’s Rainbow Castle and Western Land return, bringing back classic elements with updated visuals and mechanics that fit seamlessly within the modern Mario Party aesthetic. Each board is designed to keep the competition unpredictable, with unique spaces and events that can aid or hinder players, adding to the overall excitement. The boards are easy to navigate but have enough strategy and challenge to keep things interesting, significantly when the “Pro Rules” mode is enabled, reducing the reliance on luck.

The addition of “Jamboree Buddies” introduces another fun twist to the game’s setting. Modelled after ten of the available characters, these buddies appear on the board after a set number of turns. Players can gain abilities by securing a Jamboree Buddy, adding a new layer of strategy as they choose between moving toward stars or attempting to snag a buddy for temporary advantages. Each buddy has unique abilities that can impact gameplay, such as Waluigi’s coin-stealing ability, giving players an edge in specific situations and adding a bit of personality to each board.

The single-player “Party Planner Trek” mode further enhances the game’s world by incorporating simple tasks and missions, as players become party planners helping various NPCs in need. These missions, ranging from item-fetching quests to boss minigames, add depth to the overall setting and provide players with a sense of progression. The boss minigames, where players deplete a large enemy’s health bar, feel like mini-adventures, giving the game a light narrative touch. While not a story-driven title, Jamboree brings a cohesive, entertaining environment that feels like a celebratory Mario universe.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The core gameplay of Super Mario Party Jamboree remains true to the series’ roots, combining a board game format with a plethora of engaging minigames. In its primary mode, aptly named “Mario Party,” up to four players (AI or human) compete to collect stars while navigating colourful, interactive boards. Each turn ends with a minigame, and these games serve as a fun way to gain coins, which can then be spent on items or stars. The game offers a range of turn options from ten to thirty, making it customizable for quick sessions or longer, more strategic games. While luck plays a role in traditional Mario Party fashion, including the “Pro Rules” mode helps shift the focus toward skill, minimizing luck-based elements for a more competitive experience.

One of the standout features in Jamboree is the implementation of “Jamboree Buddies,” a reimagining of the ally mechanic from Super Mario Party. After a few turns, players encounter these buddies on the board, triggering minigames to win their assistance. Each buddy offers unique perks, such as the ability to steal coins or activate specific spaces twice, adding strategic depth as players decide whether to go after stars or secure the advantages that buddies provide. This mechanic is particularly enjoyable as it encourages players to interact with different characters and adds an extra layer of unpredictability.

Minigames are as central to the Mario Party experience as ever, and Jamboree does not disappoint with its impressive library of 112 minigames. These games range from quick, reflex-based challenges to more skill-driven competitions using motion and traditional button controls. With the option to turn off motion-controlled minigames, Jamboree allows players to tailor their experience, which is a welcomed addition for those who prefer the simplicity of button controls. The minigames are varied and well-designed, with a mix of cooperative, 1-vs-3, and free-for-all modes that keep each session fresh.

In addition to the classic modes, Jamboree introduces several unique motion-control minigames and challenges, such as “Rhythm Kitchen,” where players cook in time to the beat, and “Paratroopa Flight School,” which lets players simulate flying by flapping Joy-Con controllers. These motion-based modes add a fun, physical element to gameplay, particularly in a party setting. Jamboree offers a robust content selection with features like Boss Rush mode and the “Minigame Bay,” where players can play standalone minigames or themed sets. The game’s controls are responsive, and the variety of gameplay mechanics ensures players of all skill levels can enjoy the party.

Multiplayer and Replayability

Super Mario Party Jamboree shines brightest in its multiplayer offerings, making it the ultimate party game for local and online play. Up to four players can jump into the primary “Mario Party” board game mode, but the game also caters to larger groups with its new multiplayer-focused modes. For instance, the “Koopathlon” mode allows up to twenty players to compete in a race around the board, with players collecting coins and facing off in themed minigames. Players encounter a unique Bowser minigame every few rounds that can set them back if they lose, adding a layer of unpredictability to the race. This large-scale mode is perfect for family gatherings or online groups looking for an exciting, competitive experience.

Another standout mode, “Bowser Kaboom Squad,” combines cooperative play with lighthearted chaos. Eight players team up in this mode to take down the Imposter Bowser by gathering bombs and items through minigames. It’s a refreshing departure from the typically competitive nature of Mario Party, giving players a chance to work together against a common enemy. The mode’s cooperative design and the unpredictable nature of minigames make for a delightful experience that balances teamwork with the fun of party gameplay.

Jamboree offers extensive online multiplayer options for players who can’t gather in person. From the classic “Mario Party” board game mode to more extensive group activities like “Koopathlon” and “Bowser Kaboom Squad,” almost every mode is accessible online. Players can set up private lobbies with passcodes, making it easy to play with friends, or they can join public matchmaking for a more spontaneous experience. Online leaderboards add an extra layer of competition, allowing players to track their performance in minigames and aim for high scores. This flexibility in multiplayer settings ensures that Jamboree has something to offer for any party scenario.

Beyond its variety of modes, Jamboree holds substantial replayability due to its sheer content volume. With seven distinct boards, 112 minigames, and multiple game modes, there’s always something new to try. The mission-based “Party Planner Trek” mode gives solo players a reason to return as they unlock rewards and complete NPC missions, while modes like Boss Rush and Minigame Bay encourage mastery of specific minigames. With its wide selection of characters and mechanics that keep gameplay fresh, Jamboree is a game that players can return to repeatedly, whether for a quick session or a full-on party marathon.

Graphics and Sound

Super Mario Party Jamboree delivers vibrant and polished visuals that make each board, character, and minigame feel alive and engaging. The visual style is colourful and cartoonish, true to Mario’s world, with bright, inviting graphics that maintain the iconic Mario aesthetic while elevating it with smooth animations and lively details. Each board is uniquely themed, from the whimsical design of Mario’s Rainbow Castle to the Western-inspired Western Land, and they’re packed with interactive elements and visual effects that keep players engaged. Character animations are smooth, with each character having expressive reactions that add charm to every move and minigame.

The game’s HUD and interface are clean and accessible, designed to provide players with the necessary information without cluttering the screen. The Joy-Con controllers’ vibrations add a tactile feel to the game, especially in motion-based modes where players interact with the world through movements. Combined with the bright visuals, these responsive controls give Jamboree a refined look and feel that stands out even among other Mario Party titles. Each environment, from boards to minigame settings, feels carefully designed, giving players a satisfying visual experience that adds to the game’s celebratory vibe.

Sound plays an equally important role in Jamboree’s party atmosphere. The soundtrack is cheerful and varied, with tunes that match the tone of each board and minigame. Familiar Mario themes are woven throughout the soundtrack, with upbeat, catchy compositions that keep the energy high. Each board has unique background music that enhances the immersive experience, while sound effects from character actions, item interactions, and in-game events are well-timed and impactful. When it’s time to celebrate or suffer a setback, the music shifts in tempo, adding a layer of excitement or tension to each player’s experience.

Voice clips from characters add an extra layer of charm, with Mario’s enthusiastic “Let’s a go!” and Waluigi’s sassy quips giving fans more of what they love about these iconic characters. This is the first Mario Party title to feature new voice actors for some characters, including Kevin Afghani as Waluigi, who steps into the role with a fresh yet familiar take. The new voice acting is seamless, blending with the sound design to create an engaging audio experience that fans of the series will appreciate. The graphics and sound make Super Mario Party Jamboree a visually and audibly delightful expertise, creating an immersive world that enhances every chaotic, fun-filled moment.

Final Thoughts

Super Mario Party Jamboree is one of the best installments in the Mario Party franchise, delivering an experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. With a wide variety of gameplay modes, including the single-player “Party Planner Trek,” massive multiplayer modes like “Koopathlon,” and the classic board game format, Jamboree offers something for every kind of player. Its vast array of minigames, characters, and boards ensures that players will find plenty to enjoy, whether playing solo, with friends, or online. Nintendo has skillfully combined classic Mario Party charm with innovative new features, making this title a must-have for any Switch owner.

Adding “Jamboree Buddies” and the revamped motion-based modes add new strategic and interactive layers that engage the gameplay. These mechanics encourage players to think on their feet and adapt their strategy, especially in more competitive settings like “Pro Rules.” The care and attention to detail in each mode, combined with the customization options and unlockable content, ensure that players will find plenty of reasons to return. Even with a few modes that might not appeal to everyone, Jamboree maintains a balance that keeps each game session lively and unpredictable.

From a technical standpoint, Jamboree excels with its vibrant graphics, responsive controls, and charming sound design. The polished visuals and expressive animations make each game mode and board feel lively and immersive, while the soundtrack captures the playful spirit of the Mario universe. Introducing new voice actors, including Kevin Afghani’s take on Waluigi, brings fresh energy to beloved characters, ensuring they continue to resonate with fans. The attention to audio detail, from the music to sound effects, creates an environment that is as entertaining to watch as it is to play.

In conclusion, Super Mario Party Jamboree delivers a joyful and dynamic party experience that has raised the bar for future Mario Party games. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer looking for a fun and accessible multiplayer experience, Jamboree has something for everyone. Its engaging mechanics, wide range of content, and seamless multiplayer options make it a standout title on the Nintendo Switch and an essential addition to any game night. With endless ways to play and plenty of surprises, Super Mario Party Jamboree celebrates everything that makes Mario Party great.

We prepared this review with a digital copy of Super Mario Party Jamboree for the Nintendo Switch version provided by Nintendo.