Welcome to yet another exciting deep dive into the world of gaming brought to you by the team at Gameryard. Today, we’re setting our sights on a franchise that has been an integral part of our gaming community: Mario Partys Ranked. Over the years, the Super Mario series has given us countless memorable gaming experiences, and we at Gameryard have been there every step of the way, sharing news, reviews, and in-depth analyses on each release.

Ranking Every Mario Party Game: A Comprehensive Overview

When we think of nostalgic party video games, one franchise leaps to the forefront of our minds: Mario Party. Over the years, the Super Mario series has given us countless memorable gaming experiences, from exciting solo adventures to the quintessential multiplayer mayhem of Mario Party. Since its debut in 1998, the series has spanned over two decades with numerous installments, each one bringing its unique charm, challenges, and of course, the usual high-spirited chaos.

In this article, we’ll rank all the Mario Party games, starting from the first to the most recent. Whether you’re a fan of the originals or the more recent iterations, this comprehensive ranking will certainly spark some nostalgia or encourage you to give a missed title another shot.

Methodology

To rank these games, we’re considering several factors:

Gameplay Mechanics: How well does the game play? How smooth are the controls? Are there innovative elements introduced?
Minigames: Are the minigames fun and engaging? Do they offer a good mix of strategy, skill, and chance?
Board Designs: Are the game boards aesthetically pleasing? Do they offer strategic depth?
Replay Value: Is the game enjoyable even after many playthroughs?
Innovation: Did the game introduce new elements or improve upon existing ones?

The Comprehensive Ranking

1. Mario Party 6 (GameCube)

Why it’s Number 1

Day and Night Mechanics: Mario Party 6 introduced a day/night cycle that affected the game board and the minigames. This simple but significant change added a new strategic layer to the series, making each turn more unpredictable and engaging.
Great Minigames: From the frantic ‘Snow Brawl’ to the intense ‘Catch You Letter’, MP6 offers some of the most enjoyable and competitive minigames in the series.
Fair Orb System: The capsule system was reworked into the orb system, which allowed for more strategic usage of items.

2. Mario Party 4 (GameCube)

Why it’s Number 2

Innovative Minigames: MP4 has some of the most creative and fun minigames in the franchise. ‘Booksquirm’ is an iconic example that tests players’ dexterity and quick thinking.
Balance and Accessibility: MP4 finds a good balance between luck and skill, making it a great choice for both seasoned players and newcomers to the franchise.

3. Mario Party 2 (N64)

Why it’s Number 3

Thematic Boards: Each board is based on a specific theme and outfitted with costumes to match. The unique aesthetic of each board makes the game more immersive.
Classic Minigames: MP2 brought back some of the best minigames from the original while introducing new ones that would become fan favorites, like ‘Hexagon Heat’ and ‘Shell Shocked’.

4. Mario Party 3 (N64)

Why it’s Number 4

Introduction of Duel Mode: This new mode brought an extra layer of strategy and competitiveness to the series.
Wide Variety of Minigames: With 71 minigames, MP3 offers an excellent mix of fun and strategy.

5. Mario Party 7 (GameCube)

Why it’s Number 5

8-Player Minigames: MP7 was the first to introduce 8-player minigames, making it the go-to game for larger gatherings.
Interesting Game Boards: The boards in MP7 are thematically diverse and filled with exciting events.

6. Mario Party 5 (GameCube)

Why it’s Number 6

Dream Dependent Boards: The game boards in MP5 are each based on a different dream concept, bringing a whimsical feel to the game.
Super Duel Mode: This unique mode introduced a whole new level of customization, where players can build their own vehicles and compete in battles.
Capsule System: The capsule system, while criticized for its randomness, added a unique twist to the traditional gameplay mechanics.

7. Mario Party 8 (Wii)

Why it’s Number 7

Wii Remote Usage: MP8 was the first Mario Party game for the Wii and used the Wii remote in a variety of ways, which was innovative at the time, although some of the motion controls were hit-or-miss.
Interesting Board Themes: From a haunted house to a carnival, the game boards in MP8 offered a fresh aesthetic.

8. Mario Party (N64)

Why it’s Number 8

The Original Classic: The game that started it all has a special place in the ranking. It introduced the basic format that would be followed by all subsequent Mario Party games.
Memorable Minigames: While some minigames were notoriously punishing (like the infamous ‘Tug o’ War’), others like ‘Bumper Balls’ and ‘Shy Guy Says’ remain fan favorites.

9. Mario Party: Island Tour (3DS)

Why it’s Number 9

Portable Party: Island Tour was the second Mario Party game for a handheld console, and it utilized the 3DS capabilities quite effectively.
Innovative Boards: The game boards did not follow the traditional style. Instead, each had its own set of rules and win conditions, offering a refreshing twist.

10. Mario Party 9 (Wii)

Why it’s Number 10

Major Gameplay Shift: This installment saw the introduction of the car mechanic, where all players move together in a vehicle. While it added a unique element of strategy, it also removed a degree of individual control, making the game feel more luck-based.

11. Mario Party: Star Rush (3DS)

Why it’s Number 11

Simultaneous Gameplay: Star Rush introduced the concept of all players moving at the same time, speeding up gameplay and reducing downtime.
Toad Scramble: This mode, where everyone plays as a different colored Toad, was an interesting addition that offered a new style of play.

12. Super Mario Party (Switch)

Why it’s Number 12

Return to Roots: Super Mario Party saw a return to the traditional gameplay after the controversial car mechanic in the previous two console releases. This was a welcome change for many fans.
Switch Integration: This game utilized the unique features of the Nintendo Switch, such as the Joy-Con motion controls and the console’s portability, which was appreciated by many fans.

13. Mario Party 10 (Wii U)

Why it’s Number 13

Introduction of Bowser Mode: In this innovative mode, one player takes control of Bowser and competes against the others. While it was an exciting concept, the execution was not as refined as it could have been, often leading to imbalances.
Amiibo Integration: This was the first Mario Party to integrate with Amiibo, allowing players to use their favorite figures in the game. The execution, however, was somewhat underwhelming.

14. Mario Party DS (DS)

Why it’s Number 14

Pocket-Sized Fun: Being the first handheld Mario Party game, it offered a surprisingly deep experience for a portable game, boasting an impressive roster of 74 minigames.
Dual Screen Usage: The game made clever use of the DS’s dual screens in many of its minigames.

15. Mario Party Advance (GBA)

Why it’s Number 15

Single-Player Focus: Unlike other entries, this game focused on the single-player experience, which was a significant departure from the party game roots.
Gaddgets: The game introduced “Gaddgets”, mini-games and small toys that players could collect. Despite being an interesting addition, it wasn’t enough to compensate for the lack of a solid multiplayer experience.

16. Mario Party: The Top 100 (3DS)

Why it’s Number 16

Best of the Best: The Top 100 brought together the best 100 minigames from all the Mario Party games up until its release. This was a great concept in theory, but the lack of a traditional board game mode was a major letdown.
Nostalgia Factor: Despite its flaws, this game can provide a nostalgia trip for long-time fans, offering them a chance to revisit their favorite minigames.

17. Mario Party 9 (Wii)

Why it’s Number 17

Controversial Changes: The introduction of the car mechanic, where all players move together, was a significant change that was not well-received by many fans.
Stunning Aesthetics: Despite its gameplay flaws, Mario Party 9 was visually stunning, with vibrant boards and detailed character models.

18. Mario Party: Island Tour (3DS)

Why it’s Number 18

No Online Play: Despite being released during an era where online multiplayer was becoming the norm, Island Tour lacked an online multiplayer mode, which was a major drawback.
Innovative Board Ideas: The game deserves credit for introducing unique board concepts, with each board having different rules and end goals.

Conclusion

From its inception on the Nintendo 64 to its latest iterations on the Nintendo Switch, the Mario Party series has provided countless hours of fun, laughs, and yes, occasionally a bit of frustration. Whether you agree or disagree with this ranking, one thing is certain: Mario Party has been a staple of the multiplayer gaming scene for over two decades, and it isn’t going anywhere soon.

The magic of Mario Party lies in its ability to bring people together, creating a shared experience that’s fun, chaotic, and unpredictable. It’s a series that has evolved with time, trying new things (with varying degrees of success), and continuing to engage its fanbase with innovative minigames and interesting game mechanics.

Over two decades of Mario Party, and we’re still as captivated by the series as we were when the first game debuted. Whether it’s the competitive chaos it brings to our gaming parties or the fun it offers in solo play, Mario Party continues to be a franchise we return to time and time again. It’s a testament to the series’ quality that we at Gameryard can dedicate such extensive retrospectives to it.

The magic of Mario Party lies in its ability to bring people together, creating a shared experience that’s fun, chaotic, and unpredictable. As we at Gameryard continue to cover the latest in gaming news and reviews, we’re looking forward to what the future holds for this iconic franchise. Here’s to many more Mario Party games in the years to come. Keep an eye on Gameryard for all the latest updates and deep dives into your favorite games!