Now, let’s get to the review. We’ll kick things off at the top with similar positivity GamingBiblewho also awarded Mario and gang an “exceptional” rating of 9/10.
Like someone who was a little enthusiastic Super Mario fun and wanted more than Mario Party Superstarsthis title feels like the best of both worlds and I’d be more than happy to see this become the formula used for future entries.
IGN received an equally upbeat 9/10 rating, particularly praising the board tricks and variety of game modes.
Not only does it faithfully return to the classic formula established in the Nintendo 64 entries, it confidently improves upon it with a fantastic set of boards that introduce unique and memorable mechanics.
Techradar gave the game a 4/5 rating, likes the 20-player Koopathlon mode, but feels expectedly let down by the single-player content.
Super Mario Party Jamboree doesn’t break new ground, but instead takes the best of the series’ past and present to create a grand celebratory package, best experienced at gatherings where the real magic (and carnage) happens.
Keeping the good times coming, VGC also gave Jamboree a 4/5. While the outlet wanted some improvements to balancing and Buddy tricks, it praised almost every other element of the game.
It still hasn’t managed to shake some of the core issues of the series (especially when it comes to balancing the game for younger and less experienced players), but judging by previous entries it stands out as a top-notch offering.
Things fall gently with GameSpot6/10 user review, which found the number of game modes to be a little overblown despite the fun of the core game.
The new modes are largely misses, the tantalizing promise of 20-player online play falls a bit flat, and the few new minigames are a mouthful. That said, the new cards are the best original cards in years, and Jamboree promises to continue to be great when you have some friends over.
While in the minority, Eurogamer rounded out the spectrum of opinion and gave Jamboree a slightly lower score of 2/5, struggling to find fun in the luck-based minigames and unlockable content.
I get that all’s fair in love and war and all that, but when the path to victory seems to lie so firmly in random chance rather than hard-won ability, it can’t help but feel a little arbitrary as a result.
