Summary
Vast improvement. Something EVERY sequel needs to do!
The Good
So, I did in fact play Mario Party 1, and it was a good game. Fifty turns was a little painful at times, but I could do it. The game being a hit, it was only a matter of time before more would be cranked out.
Thankfully, there were improvements to the formula, while keeping what worked. This made it a great sequel, and my all time favorite Mario Party. The amount of characters stayed the same, 6: Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong, Yoshi, Peach and Wario.
But what they did do was add in a new feature to the game that would add more strategy. You see, in the first game, everything that happened on the board was complete luck. Which was fine with me, I like that element, but sometimes the game could be very cruel with the luck factor.
This time, in the second game they added in what are called: Items. These are purchasable, via an in game store on each of the boards. They can range from bad effects to other players and even warp you strait to the star (what you still need to collect the most of to win the game). This help to add in some strategy, which items to get and which ones to hang onto, or use right away.
They also added in duels, battle mini games and more effects when the last five turns roles around. Once again, all adding up to your strategy to win the game. Yes, there is still luck, but the game doesn't focus entirely on it this time. There's even more story, each board has a different objective and Bowser is a different Villain to fight on each of the game boards.
The Bad
Well, the game can kind of be a bit redundant. Especially if you put it on fifty turns, but this can be said about any board related game, virtual or physical.
And that is the only complaint I have. It's a small one too.
The Bottom Line
If you like board games, and have never touched any Mario Party game, I suggest starting with this one. It was original with new features added in from the last, and has more mini games. Overall, it is a excellent party game.
