Ever since the Nintendo 64 era of gaming, the Mario Party series has been a staple of party games. With its collection of mini-games, boards, and iconic characters, Mario Party has kept its enjoyable nature over the years. Let’s take a close look at the Mario Party Games Ranked From Best To Worst. For these rankings, we will use the scores the games have been given on Metacritic.
Mario Party Superstars (80 – Switch)
Mario Party Superstars, released in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch, is a celebration of the series’ history, bringing back fan-favorite boards and mini-games from the Nintendo 64 era. This installment aims to capture the magic of the early Mario Party games while introducing modern quality-of-life improvements.
Mario Party (79 – N64)
The original Mario Party, released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64, marked the inception of the beloved franchise that has brought countless hours of joy to players around the world.
Super Mario Party (76 – Switch)
Super Mario Party, released in 2018 for the Nintendo Switch, brings the party back with a blend of modern gameplay mechanics and nostalgic charm. The game returns to the series’ roots by emphasizing strategic movement across dynamic boards while introducing innovative features like character-specific dice blocks and cooperative team modes.
Mario Party 3 (74 – N64)
Mario Party 3, also on the Nintendo 64, continued the series’ tradition of board-based party fun. With new game modes, Duel Boards, and a unique storyline, the game adds depth to the familiar formula. The introduction of duel mini-games and the ability to collect and strategize with items on the board added layers of tactics to the party madness. Mario Party 3’s blend of strategy, chance, and competitiveness maintains its appeal to both newcomers and long-time fans.
Mario Party 9 (73 – Wii)
Mario Party 9, released on the Wii in 2012, brought a significant departure from the traditional formula by introducing a vehicle-based gameplay mechanic. Players now traverse the board together in a vehicle, participating in collective mini-games after each round. While the change was met with mixed reactions, Mario Party 9 attempted to inject fresh gameplay elements into the series, creating a cooperative party experience that offered a break from the norm.
Mario Party DS (72 – DS)
Mario Party DS, released in 2007 for the Nintendo DS, offers the fun of the series in a portable format. The game brings the party game to the handheld platform, allowing you to party on the go. Mario Party DS introduces new items, boards, and touch-screen mini-games that make use of the DS features. With its handheld charm and the ability to play with friends using local wireless.
Mario Party 6 (71 – GameCube)
Mario Party 6 brought day and night dynamics to the series in 2004. With the addition of the Sun and Moon orbs, the game introduces a new twist to the gameplay. The microphone accessory can also be used in specific mini-games, it adds an interactive dimension to the party experience.
Mario Party 4 (70 – GameCube)
Mario Party 4 marked the series’ transition to the GameCube in 2002. With its updated graphics and expanded mini-games, the game continues to deliver a variety of challenges and activities. The addition of the Mega and Mini Mushroom items introduced new strategic elements to the series, allowing you to manipulate the board and their opponents in unique ways.
Mario Party 5 (69 – GameCube)
Mario Party 5, also on the GameCube, was released in 2003. Introducing new game modes such as Super Duel Mode and the introduction of capsules as items, the game innovates while staying true to the core party mechanics.
Mario Party: Star Rush (68 – 3DS)
Mario Party: Star Rush, released in 2016 for the Nintendo 3DS, takes a different approach by shifting away from the traditional turn-based gameplay. The game emphasizes simultaneous movement for players, allowing for a more dynamic and fast-paced party experience. By eliminating the waiting time between turns, Star Rush keeps the action engaging and encourages strategic thinking on the fly. The game’s Toad Scramble mode and innovative use of Amiibo figures introduce fresh gameplay dynamics to the series.
Mario Party 10 (66 – Wii U)
Mario Party 10, released for the Wii U in 2015, continued the series’ tradition of offering a mix of board-based strategy and mini-games. The game introduced the Bowser Party mode, allowing one player to take control of Bowser and engage in a cat-and-mouse chase against other players. This innovative mode added a new layer of tension and excitement to the series, as players collaborated to outwit the menacing Bowser.
Mario Party 7 (64 – GameCube)
Mario Party 7, released on the GameCube in 2005, invited players to a cruise ship carnival adventure. The inclusion of eight-player mini-games and the Mic Mini-Games mode expanded the multiplayer chaos. The game’s unique gameplay boards and vibrant visuals contribute to its festive atmosphere, creating a cruise ship party that offers something for everyone.
Mario Party 8 (62 – Wii)
Mario Party 8 made its debut on the Nintendo Wii in 2007, capitalizing on the console’s motion controls. While introducing motion-based mini-games and interactive stages, some fans felt the series lost a bit of its charm and strategy in the transition.
Mario Party: Island Tour (57 – 3DS)
Mario Party: Island Tour, released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, transports the party experience to a tropical paradise. Its portable nature allows for spontaneous multiplayer fun, making it a must-have addition to the series for those seeking a party adventure on the go.
Mario Party Advance (54 – GBA)
Mario Party Advance, released in 2005 for the Game Boy Advance, offers a unique twist on the traditional Mario Party formula. As a handheld entry, the game adopts a different structure by allowing players to complete various quests and challenges in a virtual board game world. While departing from the board-based movement of its console counterparts, Mario Party Advance maintains the spirit of mini-games that the series is known for.
Mario Party 2 (Unrated – N64)
Released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64, Mario Party 2 is often regarded as the pinnacle of the series. Building upon the success of the original game, Mario Party 2 introduces new boards, mini-games, and an enhanced gameplay formula that refines the party experience. With its diverse array of boards ranging from space exploration to a Western showdown, players are immersed in charming settings filled with strategy and surprises.
If you enjoyed these rankings, why don’t you check out our ranked page? Here you can see all the games we have ranked. Please let us know what series you would wanna see us rank in the comments or on Twitter/Discord! September is Mario Month, so make sure to check that page for Mario content every day for this month.
