Mario Party 6 (Nintendo GameCube, 2004)

Mario Party has become such a prominent Nintendo title. Every single one sells wonderfully and becomes an instant hit; but, has Nintendo pushed this game past its prime already? Mario Party 5 was probably the best release to date for this long running series. Mario Party 6 alters many elements which might make it difficult for some players to enjoy. First, there is a change in the gameplay as far as the turn rotations go. Every three turns, day turns into night and vice versa. This change not only alters the scenery, but will change many spaces on the board. For example, the Donkey Kong bonus space now becomes a Bowser punishment space. Nintendo also added a microphone to alter some of the mini-games - great idea, but there aren't enough games that utilize this unique and actually fun feature. The final problem I have with this title is that there is only 2 true game boards, such as the previous titles had. This edition has game boards that require special feats to be accomplished. The island, for instance, will have a DK boat and a Boswer boat that rotate every few turns and you will have to get the right rolls on the die in order to get to the ship with the star, and not the one that punishes you. The others have weird challenges and unfortunately, you cannot turn them off. This is still a decent game, though, because it retains much of what made Mario Party a success. The mini-games are always fun and, of course, playing with your friends is always a good time. The solo mode is slightly different, but most people never even play that mode because of the fact that this game is clearly a multiplayer game. Also, you can unlock numerous things in a store. The stars you earn go into a bank which you can use later to purchase extras - but, none of them are really anything to speak of. If Nintendo would have stuff to its original Mario Party game plan, they would have another smash hit on their resume. Instead, we end up with a sub par title....it's a shame too, because this was such a winning series up until this point. If you haven't played the previous titles, you might find it to be great - because you're not comparing it to previous games. Children will love this game no matter what, because it's definitely right up a child's alley, but adults will find themselves strangely addicted to this game at times as well. Let me close by saying, even though I feel it could have been better, I still find myself constantly playing with my friends.

"Party 'Til the break of dawn." This statement can be found on the back of a Mario Party 6 case and it's true for a couple of reasons. First of all, This game is so fun and crammed with tons of all new mini-games that it really could be played from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. without ever getting boring. The statement is also true because of the theme of Mario Party 6 which revolves around two new hosts, Twila (the moon) and Briton (the sun). On each board the day/night changes every three turns. This change changes all kinds of events on the boards as well as the host. The mini-games can even change from day to night. This feature just might even change the rules of a certain mini-games. So, in a way, the characters in the game really do "party 'til the break of dawn" multiple times. Now, believe it or not, there's tons more that can be said about Mario Party 6. This game features a new character, Toadette, who can be purchased at the Star Bank. Oh yes, the Star Bank. When you accomplish certain things in the game you will earn stars. These stars are then put in the Star Bank. At the Star Bank, you can purchase all kinds of things from new boards to secrets about the game to mini-game options. The Star Bank is a very very nice feature that Nintendo added to the game because it makes Mario Party 6 more challenging to fully beat. Now with the Star Bank out of the way I'll tell you about the new mic feature. Mario Party 6 comes with a mic that can be used in mic mode or in party mode for certian mini-games. The mic can be used to direct your character or attack others. There's also other options you can do with the mic like a trivia type thing. The mic was a great idea and it adds a nice twist to the game. Now for new ways of winning. Most boards now have a new way to get stars. Are you confused? Good. I'm afraid I'm going to make you buy the game to figure out what these new ways of winning are. There's just one more topic I'd like to talk about: Orbs. Mario Party 6 now calls capsules orbs. Some are only for youself, some are only for landing on, and some are for passing. This new system is a big step-up from Mario Party 5. You can also now purchase certain orbs so that you can have the orbs that you truly want. Nintendo really improved here. Well, I guess I shouldn't bore you any further. Mario Party 6 is an amazing game that was changed up quite a bit compared to other Mario Parties. It's loads of fun. Enjoy yourself as you "Party 'til the break of dawn!"

Wow! It's my favorite Mario Party. The solo mode is its most unique and amazing feature. There's also the mic mode which is so fun to play with family and friends! I wish I could get more people than my girlfriend and I to play, because it's so fun when we're 4! In addition, all the games are very fun to play and the day/night twist in party mode is just great! That's why I consider it the best of all Mario Party games.

Mario Party has been a classic series to look forward to from Nintendo, from the colorful and creative game boards to the hyperactive mini-games, the Party can go on for hours. With the introduction of Mario Party 6, a new element is introduced to the gameplay, your voice. There are several games that are featured with the Microphone included, which plugs into the unused memory card slot for the Nintendo Gamecube. This game evokes you to use eye-to-mouth coordination to shout out commands and answers as you thrive your way with your voice box. If the microphone was not enough for gamers, the gaming system completely changed. The storyline presents a battle between Day and Night, fighting for which one rules supreme. While playing on the gameboard, the time of day will switch to night, and vice versa. Special features are unlocked or locked depending on the board, creating a special race against time to earn more coins and stars while seeing the sites the Mario Universe has to offer.

With the child-like storybook quality that goes with any game labeled Mario, Mario Party 6 lends the idea of cooperation in an effort to bring Night and Day together by collecting as many stars as possible to fill the Star Bank. In the process, each character is settled on their choose of various gameboards each with the ability to lift you to the honor of First Place or the ever dreaded Last Place.

My favorite board is one called Faire Square. In your effort to gather coins to trade for stars, you find yourself able to run a loop that with the right orbs and enough money encourage the growth of your Star Bank. On this board you are able to buy as many as five stars at once and under the right conditions, on this board, it is a treat to see that you have gained over 100 stars in a single game.

Even though the other board don't offer this luxury, half the fun is play with the other players, whether human or CPU. There are different spaces ranging from duels with other players to Donkey Kong Bonuses.

Out of all the Mario Party games I have played, Mario Party 6 is my favorite.

Level 2: Need to aquire Microphone.