Review: Super Mario Party Jamboree

Super Mario Party Jamboree, the third Mario Party outing on the Nintendo Switch feels like the most expansive entry yet attempts to cater to both long-time fans and newcomers.

Here’s why it’s a must-have this festive season…

Jamboree’s gameplay is a delightful fusion of classic and modern. It boasts seven boards, including five brand-new ones and two remastered fan favourites (Mario’s Rainbow Castle and Western Land).

Some are locked behind a ‘micro-transactionless’ battlepass, which is very refreshing as I tire of modern games that try and monetise everything. Each board is intricately designed, offering a mix of strategic challenges and whimsical mechanics, from shifting pathways to random event spaces.

My only criticism is that the games on the boards run long, feature length movie long when sometimes I want to play the length of a tv show, so I hope Nintendo introduces a patch to shorten the minimum amount of turns.

My son and I have to always split our sessions with a break or some other type of activity because it’s a lot. Thankfully there are alternative modes like Minigame Bay which provide bite-sized bursts of fun, but the little guy loves the boards.

Minigames remain the heart of the experience, with over 110 to choose from. These range from motion-control challenges to rhythm-based contests, ensuring something for everyone.

While some games feel recycled, they’re polished enough to stay enjoyable. A notable highlight is the Rhythm Kitchen, a cooperative rhythm mode that injects freshness into the lineup. For those seeking more structure, the Party-Planner Trek single-player mode is a standout.

The game also introduces Jamboree Companions, temporary allies who join you for a few turns, altering the traditional ally system from earlier games.

Visually, Jamboree is a treat. I love the vibrant, detailed environments and personality on display. Boards like Rainbow Galleria showcase impressive lighting effects, while photorealistic touches in minigame assets, like sizzling steaks, add unexpected charm.

The Mario Party franchise thrives on its pick-up-and-play appeal, and Jamboree is no exception. Its intuitive controls and varied modes ensure that players of all skill levels can join the fun.

Multiplayer shines, whether locally or online, with robust matchmaking. That said, the reliance on chance in some board mechanics may frustrate competitive players, but for families, this unpredictability often results in memorable moments.

The game also introduces a pro rules mode for those who want to minimise the randomness or luck aspect of previous games. While I appreciate the choice and recognise its importance for retaining players who can be sore losers, I much prefer the chaos and curveballs associated with traditional rules.

At its core, Jamboree is packed with content. Between its extensive character selection, minigame roster, engaging boards, and diverse modes, the game offers hours of replayability. While some side modes feel underwhelming, they still add variety to the package.

I own the two previous Mario Party games on the Nintendo Switch and the one thing that keeps standing out about Jamboree compared to those is that this has a compelling single-player offering so while better with friends, shouldn’t be dismissed if no one wants to play with you.