Ranking All Mario Party Games from Best to Worst

Overview of Mario Party Games

Super Mario Party Jamboree elevates the franchise with a refined ally system and gameplay centered on foundational mechanics.
Mario Party Superstars connects nostalgia with contemporary visuals and online features.
Mario Party 2 is recognized for its innovative themed boards, unforgettable minigames, and the introduction of items.

Mario Party has long been a title capable of either fortifying friendships or causing rifts. Known for its competitive nature, players vie for bragging rights as they strive to become the ultimate Superstar. The franchise has evolved through numerous iterations, each experimenting with diverse features and gameplay styles.

While certain entries have achieved classic status, others faltered, leading fans to overlook them. The execution of game boards, storylines, and minigame dynamics has varied widely, influencing how each title is perceived.

18 Mario Party Advance

An Unfortunate Handheld Experiment

Although it retains elements like dice rolling and minigames, Mario Party Advance largely deviates from the series’ core essence. Designed primarily as a single-player experience, players explore Shroom City, gathering gadgets and minigames to regain territory lost to Bowser.

With six distinct areas to traverse, the game attempts to deliver a mobile Mario Party experience. Unfortunately, many fans felt the final product strayed too far from the franchise’s roots.

17 Mario Party: Island Tour

Launched on the 3DS, Mario Party: Island Tour aimed to cater to longstanding fans with a new independent movement style. However, it introduced luck-driven boards and minigames that compromised strategy.

Each board is rated based on skill, luck, and minigames, yet excessive reliance on chance made some games laughably brief, with players often becoming champions in under ten rounds.

16 Mario Party: The Top 100

A Missed Opportunity for Fans

Mario Party: The Top 100 presented a compilation of beloved minigames from the series, yet many were altered, detracting from their original enjoyment. More notably, the absence of game boards eliminated an essential part of the experience, resulting in a lackluster collection.

The limited roster of playable characters further contributed to fans’ disappointment, rendering it one of the less captivating entries.

15 Mario Party: Star Rush

A Tedious Experience for Players

Despite being available on the Nintendo 3DS, Mario Party: Star Rush is often overshadowed by its peers. The design decision to restrict character selection to Toad in the main mode, Toad Scramble, limited player agency.

Players can recruit allies to assist in actions, but this mechanic proved to lack balance until refined in subsequent titles, particularly Super Mario Party.

14 Mario Party 9

A Departure from Freedom in Gameplay

Some might argue that the decline of the Mario Party series commenced with Mario Party 9. A new gameplay mechanic featured characters moving together along a linear path, de-emphasizing player autonomy. This alteration diminished the thrill of strategizing movement to collect items or land on advantageous spaces.

Though boss battles introduced a fresh dynamic, the overall lack of control, compared to former titles, alienated long-time fans.

13 Mario Party DS

Given the unique capabilities of the Nintendo DS, Mario Party DS had potential for a more engaging installment. Although its story mode offered interesting premises, it ultimately underperformed.

While featuring an impressive 74 minigames and four-player wireless multiplayer, the integration of touch controls felt underused, and the overall experience lacked memorability.

12 Mario Party 10

Bowser Party Shines While Others Falter

For the Wii U, Mario Party 10 boasted impressive graphics but retained the divisive gameplay mechanics of Mario Party 9. Players traversed a board with the goal of collecting Mini-Stars, facing off against bosses along the way. The return of fan-favorite characters plus the introduction of new ones like Spike provided variety.

The standout feature, Bowser Party, allowed four players to collaborate against one controlling Bowser, creating a unique play dynamic. Yet, the increased luck-based elements often favored Bowser, leading to uneven competition.

11 Mario Party 8

An Underrated Entry in the Series

Mario Party 8, the first Mario Party title on the Wii, successfully met player expectations. Despite the waning popularity of motion controls, its casual party-game design appealed to both gamers and non-gamers alike.

With engaging boards and a variety of solid minigames, this entry has gradually gained appreciation over time, establishing itself as a noteworthy installment within the franchise.

10 Mario Party 3

The Grand Finale of the N64 Trilogy

One of the defining features of Mario Party 3 was its engaging story mode, where players collected Star Stamps to save their world from the clutches of the Millennium Star. Unique 1v1 bouts and character partnerships added depth to the mini-game confrontations.

This installment introduced Waluigi and Princess Daisy, and balanced skill-based and luck-oriented challenges more effectively than earlier titles.

9 Mario Party 4

Groundbreaking 3D Graphics Enhanced the Franchise

Mario Party 4, the first GameCube title, marked a significant leap in graphics, featuring immersive 3D visuals and numerous beloved minigames. Some board designs may feel prolonged, yet they are enhanced by engaging themes and soundtracks.

The game laid the groundwork for subsequent GameCube sequels, cementing its place as a pivotal moment in the series’ evolution.

8 Mario Party 7

An Entry That Pushed Mechanics to a New Level

Mario Party 7 often sparks debates over whether its predecessor or itself reign supreme. The addition of 8-player functionality enabled thrilling team-based competition while achieving a more balanced blend of skill and luck in its minigames.

While requiring a unique microphone for certain segments limited some gameplay aspects, the enduring fondness for many of its minigames speaks to the quality of this fan-favorite GameCube edition.

7 Mario Party 6

A Unique Concept Impeded by Hardware Requirements

Mario Party 6 introduced an innovative day-night cycle, impacting gameplay through changing board dynamics and opportunities. However, requiring a rare microphone for several minigames can detract from the experience, especially for those lacking access to the peripheral.

The voice-controlled actions enhanced gameplay but came at a cost, limiting accessibility and enjoyment for players.

6 Mario Party 5

An Immersive Party Experience

With immersive boards inspired by dream themes, Mario Party 5 signifies the creative zenith for the franchise on the GameCube. Players take on Bowser’s Koopa Kids, gathering coins through engaging mini-games and utilizing a capsule mechanic that would influence later installments.

The variety of gameplay elements and well-crafted minigames culminate in an experience many fans regard as the definitive Mario Party entry on the system.

5 Mario Party

A Game That Tests Friendships Over Two Decades Later

The original Mario Party pitted characters from the Mario universe against each other in a quest for coins, stars, and dominance. Its legacy continues to resonate, attracting new players to a title that transcends generations.

Despite the historical issues with player handling fatigue, the game remains an innovative party experience celebrated long after its initial release, inspiring many franchise imitators.

4 Super Mario Party

The Refreshing Reboot Fans Needed

Launched for the Nintendo Switch in 2017, Super Mario Party marked a return to form, revitalizing the franchise after previous entries struggled. It introduced character-specific dice for added strategy along with innovative multiplayer experiences made possible by the console.

Returning to established board styles enhanced the authenticity of the Mario Party experience, rekindling the excitement long-time players craved.

3 Mario Party 2

An Excellent Sequel That Refined the Formula

Continuing the creative spirit of its predecessor, Mario Party 2 introduced themed boards and character costumes, enhancing the visual appeal and immersiveness. Its refined minigames built upon beloved classics, and the introduction of an item system allowed for greater strategic depth.

Overall, this sequel not only improved upon the first game but laid the groundwork for essential gameplay elements that are now staples in the franchise.

2 Mario Party Superstars

The Ultimate Nostalgia Ride

Mario Party Superstars surpasses The Top 100 by masterfully combining cherished minigames from all ten previous mainline titles with classic boards from the series. This delightful assembly of nostalgia infuses the game with a sense of familiarity that resonates deeply with long-time fans.

Modern visuals and streamlined online support enhance the experience, ensuring that it feels fresh while honoring its heritage, making it a standout choice for any party.

1 Super Mario Party Jamboree

The Culmination of a Reboot

Super Mario Party Jamboree represents the blossoming of the series reboot, enhancing gameplay with the introduction of Jamboree Buddies, a more equitable ally system that retains the essence of the original while fostering camaraderie.

Drawing elements from both Super Mario Party and past minigames, this title boasts the most extensive roster of characters in the franchise, establishing itself as a fan favorite. Enthusiasts are eagerly speculating about potential DLCs that could further expand its offerings.

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