Mario
A playable contestant in the party board game.
Documented for this version
Control Stick | Move a character or cursor. The exact use varies by board and minigame. |
|---|---|
A | Confirm selections and perform context-sensitive actions. Function varies by minigame. |
B | Cancel or perform a context-sensitive secondary action. Function varies by minigame. |
Minigames use different controls; read the on-screen instructions before starting.
Some minigames require rotating the Control Stick, a mechanic associated with the original Nintendo 64 version.
How it plays
Players choose a character and board, then take turns rolling a virtual die and moving along branching spaces. Blue and Red spaces change coin totals, while Event, Item, and Bowser spaces can alter the board or a player's resources.
After each round, the game selects a four-player, one-versus-three, two-versus-two, or other minigame format. Coins earned in minigames help players buy Stars, and the player with the most Stars at the end wins. The game includes board play, minigame practice, and a solo-oriented Minigame Island mode.
Plan your run
Track the Star's location and plan movement around the board rather than spending coins without a purpose. Minigame performance is usually the most reliable way to build a coin lead.
Pay attention to branching paths and event spaces. A route that is longer can still be better if it avoids Bowser or gives access to useful coin and item opportunities. In the final turns, prioritize reaching the Star over collecting small coin bonuses.
Meet the cast
A playable contestant in the party board game.
A playable contestant in the party board game.
A playable contestant in the party board game.
A playable contestant in the party board game.
A playable contestant in the party board game.
A playable contestant in the party board game.
The host who explains board events and helps run the game.
A disruptive character who appears in board events and minigames.
Before you begin
Learn each minigame's rules before risking coins in competitive play.
Do not rotate the analog stick aggressively; use controlled movements in stick-rotation minigames.
Watch the remaining turn count because the Star's position and board routes matter more near the finish.
Mario Party is a party board game developed by Hudson Soft and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It combines a traditional dice-driven board race with short action, puzzle, timing, and sports-style minigames based on the Super Mario universe. Up to four players compete to collect coins and Stars while moving around themed boards. Most turns end with a minigame whose rules depend on the teams formed that turn. The game was well received for making multiplayer competition accessible and lively, although its original control-stick rotation challenges were criticized for causing discomfort. It established the structure that defined a long-running Nintendo party series.
Catalog entry maintained by EmuGamers Editorial Team
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0