Video Game Review: Mario Party 4

Mario Party 4

Graphics:	5
Sound:	6
Story:	None
Fun:	4
Controls:	7
Overall:	5

The Mario Party series has always been fun in some ways. Tony Hawk could keep it's ground after 4 titles, but four versions for this particularly sub par series is a little too much. I had high expectations for this game, and it isn't distustingly bad, but if you want to save money even on a rental, you better steer clear. Fun is mostly brought by four player titles, and it is only once in a while that developers come out with a bad four player title. Playing multiplayer with your friends is always fun, but this game is slow, long, annoying, nearly impossible, and it is all based on luck. If I seem like I am in a bad mood, it is because I got fourth place every time playing with my brothers. Strangley, and it not by coincidence, the person going third always seems to have an advantage and wins. Computer players kick your trash even on easy mode, and they make the best moves every time. The mini games, although new, are pretty stupid and boring, and are over in an instant. Some mini games are fun for the split second you are able to play them, like skiing down a mountain while a giant avalanche is chasing you. There are several modes, party mode, story mode, mini game mode, etc. The mini game mode is a waste since there are only two or three games that hold any interest, let alone compells you to want to keep playing it. The board games are few, uninspired ( I hate that word), and similar, unlike the previous versions. The one thing that takes the game down the most is it's incredible length. Not in overall gameplay, but just clearing one board. Players seem to take forever to finish there turns, the use of items slows the game down imensly, and the size of the gameboards is boring. Put all of this together, and you get a, well, unsatifying game. The graphics are simple, and don't seem like much of an improvement over the N64 versions. They stink. Even thought five is a little less than average, I still don't like them. The controls are exactly like the first game easy to use, but since the controls switch for each mini game, it is confusing. I don't care for reviewing the sound. It too, seems pulled right out of the first games. Are you sure we shouldn't try it? My brothers liked it. They aren't little either. Since you can change the length of the game and choose if you want the mini games hard or easy, you can adjust it to your liking. This game sure will have mixed opinions.

"Less is more and four is too many for this series" -Niloc

Archive note: The original publication day is unknown; this review existed by March 30, 2003.