Bibliographic Information:
Title: Mario Party Superstars
Developer: NDcube
Release Date: October 29, 2021
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Age Rating: E for Everyone
Genre/Format of the Title: Party, Action Game
Awards or Honors: No awards as of publication of this post.
Plot Summary: Mario Party Superstars is the newest addition to the Mario Party series. As in previous iterations of the game, you get to go through a board game with 4 players total, selecting one of ten playable characters. Each player takes a turn to roll a die which will determine the number of spaces your character will move. As in all of the previous Mario Party games, the objective is to collect the most stars before the end of the game. After each player has rolled, you compete in a mini-game, which rewards coins that you need to purchase the stars you are after.
Critical Evaluation: The game mechanics haven't really changed: if it isn't broke don't fix it, right? Older players will appreciate the throwbacks to Nintendo 64 (N64) and GameCube minigames: this newest version takes the best minigames from the N64 and GameCube and updates the graphics for the Switch. Older players will be able to immediately jump in and begin playing as the layout will be incredibly familiar. For new players, there are many opportunities for the game to explain all the rules and options available to you as a player. One element that sets this version aside from previous games is the option to play with others (not friends) online. Unfortunately, this online play is limited to one person. The game is the most enjoyable in multiplayer mode, where you are playing with three other friends. You can either play with friends live, or you can invite them to play online by creating a lobby and having them join. Another difference to keep in in mind is the changes to the playable characters: the ten playable characters lack individual stats and the unique dice (from the previous Mario Party game) have been removed from the game. Overall, Mario Party Superstars is a fantastic party game that serves as a nostalgia trip for older players and a great introduction for a new, younger generation of fans.
Creative Use for a Library Program: Mario Party Superstars PARTY!
Photobooth: Staff and teens will cosplay as their favorite Mario Party character and have a photo
booth for pictures.
Switch 4-Player Games: We will also have a Switch available for 4-player games.
Mario Party Cookies: Teens will create their own Mario-themed cookie cutter-stencils using our 3D
printer. Staff will provide ingredients to make cookies. Stencils will be used to bake cookies at the
library. Frosting will be provided for decoration.
Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer: It's time for the newest Mario Party! Gather a group of friends and play the updated, revamped minigames from the N64 and GameCube on the Switch! Or connect online and run through one of the five board games with fellow fans. Watch out for Bowser and those red spaces! Will you be able to collect the most stars before the last turn?
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: Games can become super competitive and the game mechanics allow you to steal resources from other players. Concerned parents may worry that their child, if left unattended to play with other teens, may get targeted and bullied. Some beginner players may not know all the rules and be taken advantage of when playing. I would also argue that while a new player may get picked on a little, it's also a good way to learn and get better at the game (as long as they aren't maliciously being targeted). I would try and ease parents' concerns by letting them know that all game events are supervised by staff to ensure that bullying does not occur. The whole point of video game events is to have a space for our teens, all teens, to have fun.
Reason for Inclusion: The Mario Party series has a long history, with the first game being released in 1998 for the N64, and a total of twelve games being released since (Coulson, 2021). This incredibly popular series is a key member of Nintendo's lineup of games. Our library always has a copy of the newest Mario Party game as it is one of the easiest games to play as a group. In my experience, teens that do not enjoy Mario Kart have issues with the fast pace and in-your-face energy. I've found Mario Party to be a good alternative, multiplayer game for teens who want a more relaxed competitive strategy game. As far as party games go, this is one of the most accessible options that works for all ages.
Enhancements
Official Game Trailer