Next generation "board game" not boring.

Recently purchasing a WII (not owning any previous "Mario Party" versions), this was one of the games we chose for our package (among 4 "bundled") and I couldn't be happier--this is by far our favorite which over 3 MONTHS, we've played the most. I am amazed by the variety that keeps it "new" everytime you play this game. It's true, the graphics are a little "crude" compared to the PS3 (or even PS2 for that matter) in that they're a little blocky/boxy (I totally expected the graphics of WII to blow away the now 6+ year old PS2 technology--in regards to the graphics, by comparison, some of the other games we own, the other games DO have much better graphics and seemingly a faster "response" time than Mario Party 8--they look and run a bit smoother is the only way I can describe it) and I was initially disappointed that there are actually only 6 "boards" total to play. And, evidently, anyone that's owned the previous "Mario Party" versions (although I don't think they used the WII remote, which puts a NEW "spin" on the game) might be disappointed.

Your "goal" for most of the games is to try to collect the most stars, which on some boards are free and on others, you have to purchase them with coins you collect during the game. Sounds simple and boring, right? Some board layouts may change during play, or if an opponent lands on just the right square at the right time (such as when you're one space from getting the star), or changed into one that will actually take a star from you, coins or send you back to the start (within a few spaces of the "goal") and place the goal (or an opponent) right in front of the next star---ripped from your hands. Other spaces themselves change in that one person can land on it, and it will produce coins or free candy, and the next person to land on it gets coins taken away.

You (and your opponents) can purchase candy along your journey (or land on spots which award you such), which can range from offering a chance to shake 3 dice, to moving to another players space and rolling (after a spin on the dart/roulette wheel, very handy when the opponents are near the star and ruthlessly send you back to the beginning with "blowaway" candy), to zapping unlucky foes of coins or stars. Each board also offers one "bonus" space that if you land on it, you get transported to a semi-safe bonus mini-path that is filled with coins and a free star at the end (if an opponent doesn't land on the same, and use "blowaway" candy to send you back to the start). On some games, you will be lucky enough to simply land on a space that gives you a free star or lots of coins. In some games, you'll land on a space that gives you coins from all of the opponents.

At the end of each round, (or if a player lands on one of the VS spaces) you will all compete in one of the various "mini-games" that range from using the WII remote to the fullest extent to lasso barrels (use the remote just like a lasso to grab rotating barrels and fling them behind you), cranking up a flag, flipping a chimp from side to side avoiding dropping coconuts, decorating a cake, solving puzzles, hitting baseballs, climbing a rotating tower, fighting opponents to stay on top of a crumbling mountain (or iceberg)row a boat (use the remote to paddle your 1 oar on the side of the boat while your teammate controls the other and try to avoid obstacles), shoot targets, shake a can of soda (shaking the remote like a soda can), "whack a mole", balance on a tightrope or jump rope using the contoller to balance your character (or twirl the rope as I'm usually lucky enough to get) or simple "luck" games such as choosing the right string to cut with a pair of scissors to avoid being hurdled into space. The mini-games (in Party mode) can be either 1 vs 3, 2 vs 2 or everyone for themselves and any combination of the players. In some games, all players have to ante up coins from 5 to 50 (which is usually good for me as I'm broke and my opponents have all the money at least giving me a shot at their coins).

There is so much variety to the mini-games that it's rare to play the same mini-game twice in a game (although you'll no doubt have ones you'll cringe when the ones you suck at turn up)In all honesty, I don't know how many mini-games there are, but it has to be in access of 30 games (plus you can purchase additional games with earned tickets in the "fun bazaar").

There is also "Chump Charity" which is given out just prior to the last 5 turns (you can choose anywhere from 15 to 50 turns I think) and gives the last place competitor either coins or candy. It also places bonus coins on all the squares, especially the red ones that typically take money away. This can definitely even up the playing field as I've been in last place, been given "duelo" candy (which allows you to shake 2 dice and duel the first opponent you meet) and won *2* stars from an opponent who used this candy on me (hehe..I LOVE the soda-shaking game). You can also choose the playing level of the computer opponents from easy to hard (to extra hard once you have enough coins to purchase that option at the "fun bazaar").

Unless you choose to turn the option off, there are random "bonus stars" awarded at the end of the game which count for your star total. These can be from buying the most candy, to moving the most spaces, to winning the most mini-games to landing on the most green or red squares. It's often been to my dismay that I'll have the most stars, then lose in the bonus star round. You can also divey up free stars in the beginning, and adjust the difficulty settings to help even up the playing field.

Up to 4 people can play this game simultaneously, or any combination therein. We have 2 remotes, so that limits us (3 players can't compete in the mini-games without a 3rd remote). However, there are a lot of variations.

Battle Royale: everyone for themselves (the computer will provide the opponents up to 4 players total) or two humans with two computer opponents.

Tag battle: 2 vs 2. Either you and a friend against two computer opponents or seperate teams with a computer teammate.

Duel battle: you against a friend or a computer opponent.

Or "Star Battle" which is you playing against the computer to complete all 5 boards to unlock the sixth (not as easy as one might think, the computer has excellent strategy and gets progressively tougher).

I and my mate are total hypocrites as in we'll tell our 6 year old "it's just a game, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose" then when we play, we're complaining about the game "cheating" or "that's not fair" just as much, probably even moreso......except for a more colorful vocabulary and we don't stomp off to our bedroom, but I have been on the verge of tears playing this against my mate who kicks my butt everytime and uses "duelo" candy on me, and then gets the games I suck at and HE always wins........ (WAY different circumstances). But it's just a game right? Haha.

Beyond that, you can also play another small tangent of mini-games against opponents such as "tic tac toe" where you and an opponent (real or computer) take turns competing in mini-games (of your choice) and each time you win you get to drop a ball in a tic-tac-toe square (another competition within the competition). There are at least 5 variations of this, but we've only done the "tic-tac-toe" game (and he beat me, getting all of HIS best games, of course...)

I absolutely love this game and all ages can compete equally, from my 6 year old to my 43 year old, which is an added bonus. Plus, the variety of mini-games fully utilize the WII controller, the random variations (or changes) make this a game we love to play over and over HUGE "replay" value because it's always going to be different, even when you THINK you have a "strategy" or have blown away the competition, it's anyone's game. You can be in dead last or way beyond everyone in the lead and the last bonus star will fall just right...

The graphics are a little lame, and having to click through the same text boxes all the time is a little tedious, but the gameplay itself is a "MUST HAVE". The characters all have annoying phrases such as Daisy's, "I'm the winner!" and you can purchase more heckling voices if you choose. There isn't a lot of talking. It makes full use of the unique WII controls that sets this game system apart from the now competitively priced (and better graphics) of the PS3 or XBox. The only reason people should purchase the WII is for the totally unique experience of the controllers and being physically involved/connected with the game.

Finally, being an original PS2 owner, from when it was introduced, and a mother AND competitive, I'm very VERY happy for this new alternative to a stagnant family board game (such as Monopoly) and a non-violent EVEN playing field for both me and my young son (meaning we can both play "ALL OUT" and I don't have to try to lose or I can adjust either his team/com level or a "handicap" to even the playing field even more) that it's an absolute "must have" for anyone purchasing a WII system for their whole family to enjoy. With the purchase of additional remotes, up to 4 people can participate either as teams or individually.