Super Mario Party Jamboree kicks off with Kamek welcoming players to a bigger, bolder Mario Party, and it doesn’t take long to realize that this confident opening statement isn’t just hype. The latest entry in Nintendo’s 25-year-old dice-rolling, star-swiping series is not only its biggest, but also one of its best. Jamboree is the true sequel to 2021’s Mario Party Superstars that I had been hoping for, and a faithful follow-up to the classic Mario Party games from the Nintendo 64 and GameCube eras.
The game’s boards are some of the most impressive in the series, its lineup of minigames celebrates Mario’s history in delightful ways, and its new rule options are impressively flexible. While its side modes may be a bit uneven, Jamboree successfully iterates and improves upon the tried-and-true formula so well that it feels like it was pulled from an alternate timeline where Mario Party never lost its way. This might just be the strongest set of boards we’ve ever seen in a Mario Party game.
There are seven gorgeous boards to choose from, each with its own unique twists. From Rainbow Galleria, where recurring flash sales reduce the price of items and stars, to Goomba Lagoon, where shifting water levels open and close branching paths, every board is packed with fun mechanics. Board-specific items add another layer of strategy, such as Roll’em Raceway’s Turbo Dice, which lets you roll four dice blocks in a single turn but at the risk of skipping everything in your path—including stars.
Each board’s design encourages satisfying risk-and-reward decisions, keeping players on their toes with new strategies to consider every turn. There’s still plenty of luck involved, as evidenced when I went from first to last on the final turn of the game, but that’s part of the fun. Jamboree nails the balance of self-determination and fate that has always been at the heart of Mario Party—losing a game you deserve to win, and stealing a victory you didn’t earn, is all part of the chaotic joy.
For those seeking a more competitive experience, Jamboree introduces a new Pro Rules mode that reworks the gameplay to reduce luck-based events, offering a more strategic approach. Item shops now have limited stock, bonus stars are revealed before the match starts, and players vote on which minigame to play. These changes create a far more competitive atmosphere, which I found refreshing compared to the standard party rules.
Pro Rules are an entirely optional mode, so for players who still enjoy the randomness of the traditional Mario Party experience, that option is still available. Additionally, players can tweak various game settings in standard party rules, adjusting turns, bonus stars, minigames, and more. I do wish there were a few more customizable options—specifically, the only way to play with three bonus stars is by setting the game to 30 turns—but it’s still a welcome feature that lets you tailor the experience to your liking.
Online play is also supported, and during a session hosted by Nintendo ahead of the game’s launch, the experience ran smoothly. Another standout feature is the large roster of 22 playable characters, which brings plenty of variety to the table. Some charming character-specific interactions add an extra layer of personality—like when Boo visits a Boo and remarks that it’s like looking in a mirror, or when Bowser Jr. visits Koopa’s shop and is greeted as “Your Majesty” by the faithful Troopa.
The boards are only half the equation—Jamboree also boasts an awesome lineup of minigames. While there aren’t as many minigames in the main Mario Party mode as I would have liked, the 110 total minigames in the game are a great mix of new and returning challenges. Highlights include working with a partner to cut sizzling steaks in half, trying to take a photo that perfectly matches a reference, and surviving endless falling sandwiches. There are also some returning fan-favorites, like Jump the Gun. Even the motion minigames are more enjoyable than I expected, and you can choose to turn them off if you prefer.
One of the standout new features is the introduction of Jamboree Buddies—special allies that you can recruit during longer, more complex minigames. These showdown minigames, which celebrate different characters in the roster, are some of the best moments in the game. Each Jamboree Buddy you recruit doubles every action you take—buy two stars, or visit Bowser twice if you land on his space. These new mechanics add a fun twist to the gameplay and showcase Nintendo’s love for their own history.
In conclusion, Super Mario Party Jamboree is a wonderful celebration of the series’ legacy. Its variety of boards, flexible rules, and fun minigames make it one of the best entries in the franchise. Whether you prefer a more chaotic, luck-driven experience or a more competitive challenge, there’s something here for everyone. Jamboree is a true Mario Party for both old fans and new players alike.
Jamboree Buddies only stick around for a few turns, so you need to make the most of their powers and character-specific abilities before they leave, adding another layer of strategy to the mix. My only issue with Jamboree Buddies is how easily they can be stolen by other players. You can fight hard to win one, but all it takes is another player passing by to swipe them away. Then, at the results screen, the Buddy that betrayed you shows up, waving a flag with your face on it as if nothing happened. I know what you did, Wario, so stop acting like we’re all good. At first, it was frustrating to lose a long minigame for nothing, but I eventually got used to staying alert and protecting my Buddies, even if losing them is sometimes inevitable.
The game’s runtime is at an all-time high for Mario Party. In the early rounds, it took my group of four roughly two hours to finish a 15-turn game, though that time shortened as everyone got more familiar with the minigames. I don’t mind the long play sessions because I’m always having fun, but it is a big time commitment. Still, I much prefer this over the watered-down Mario Party titles we’ve seen in recent years. Plus, there’s an option to save and quit, allowing you to return to your game later if you run out of time.
The big new side modes are Koopathalon and Bowser Kaboom Squad, both attempts to offer solo players something else to do online, but their quality can vary. Koopathalon is a marathon of single-player minigames, played against 19 others simultaneously. The minigames are fun, but there are only nine of them, so after a few runs, I was left feeling like I had seen everything it had to offer. Meanwhile, Bowser Kaboom Squad is a cooperative mode where you team up with seven other players to take down an imposter Bowser. It gets repetitive quickly, and the cooperative minigames are incredibly frustrating when playing with strangers you can’t communicate with.
Party Planning Trek is Jamboree’s take on a story mode, but it’s similarly forgettable. Beyond that, there’s a trio of motion control modes, with Rhythm Kitchen—a Rhythm Heaven-inspired game—being the clear standout. None of these side modes are more than small distractions, but they’re harmless enough, and their mixed quality doesn’t take away from how fantastic the main party mode remains.
In conclusion, Super Mario Party Jamboree is an amazing follow-up to Mario Party Superstars and easily one of the best games in the series. Not only does it return to the classic formula of the Nintendo 64-era entries, but it also improves on it with a fantastic set of boards that introduce unique and memorable mechanics. It’s the most flexible Mario Party has ever been, with plenty of ways to customize your game, including the brilliant new optional Pro Rules, which reduce luck-based elements and ramp up the strategy for those who want it.
The wonderful maps are complemented by a great mix of new and returning minigames, along with character-specific challenges that steal the show. While I would have liked a few more minigames in the rotation, these side offerings may not have much staying power. However, when partying with friends and family—locally or online—Super Mario Party Jamboree boldly completes the series’ redemption arc and earns its place as the newest superstar in the franchise.