I bought the game on Friday (day it launched here), here are some impressions. I'll be quick, as I am at work - and have more coding to do :P
...
- last MP I played/owned was MP4 on the GC (1st MP on GC)
- played 3 (full) games so far (lost every one, except for the tag game against the PC). Average about 2.5hrs each.
...
Presentation - 9:
Probably the strongest part of the game, I think this pretty much nails the presentation of the game. Lots to look at, lots of effects, etc. They very obviously had a heap of work to do for this game - and most of it is done very well. There is a massive amount of content in general.
Graphics - 7
The graphics are generally good. The camera seems a little too pulled back for my liking (characters look a little small), and its a pity the game doesn't run in full widescreen. Generally though, the graphics do a great job of conveying the gameplay. The levels are well modelled, and have a heap of variety. Puts the levels in MP4 to shame.
Fun Factor - 7
Mario Party - this is what counts, right?
The game is half-nailed IMO. We have played two levels so far, and they are both very different in terms of enjoyment:
- DK/Jungle level: I found this level to be too large, slow and boring. Very few events, and generally just not interesting at all. Its too large, and keeps the players away from each other. Gameplay is the simple "get to the star first".
- Koopa Town (Hotels): This level is really enjoyable. The gameplay revolves around "buying" hotels. As you buy one, you earn any stars from that hotel. But the catch is, other players can put in extra money (more than you), and can "steal" the hotel (and stars) from you. So there is quite a bit of strategy involved. Heaps better than the Jungle level anyway.
In general, the core of the game is the same. I don't like the use of candy (why not just have items?) - and I miss the "Big/Small" mechanic from MP4. Still, some of these new items are pretty cool - and I like the dueling.
But the biggest miss IMO - in MP4 there are Bowser mini-games, which are really fun (someone gets fried!). Or he steals your money - or stars - etc. Now summoning Bowser does something REALLY boring - it moves a star (at least in the level I played). Boo. Biggest sadness of the game.
Minigames - 6
Have to admit, I found many of the minigames disapointing. Firstly - there is no nun-chuck used in the game (AFAIK). So for games where you move around, you use the dpad on the Wiimote to do this. Boo!
Many of the games have been dumbed down - and are overally simple. A few are pure luck, and some seem unbalanced (3 vrs 1 - and impossible for one team or the other).
Also a general whinge about a couple of the "movement" games controlled by Wiimote. Hovercraft & "shooting balloons on wings". I just can't control the craft - at all. Very sucky.
But even with all that annoyingness - some of the games ARE fun, and quite creative. And the "non-gamers" that played with me, seemed to enjoy the game a lot (as its a lot simpler than even MP4).
Longevity - 10
I am really surprised by just how much is in this game. Single player, party mode, tag-team mode, mini-games, unlockables, etc. AI players, human players, switch in the middle of a game, etc...
Unlike MP4, every level is quite different - and plays differently. Much more of an interesting experience than say MP4.
If someone wanted to buy ONE casual title for the Wii (to play with multiple people) - I couldn't recommend this more. They may well still be playing it by the time the NEXT MP arrives.
On the other hand, single-player (or hardcore) gamers will want to keep away from this.
...
Overall - 7
An adequate start for the MP series on the Wii. If they can tighten up the Wiimote controls, add (online) multiplayer and be a little more creative/risky with the board rules - they will have a serious hit on their hands.
