Grab some friends and a few controllers and go to town.
In the game, you have a few themed areas to play on such as "Pirate Land" or "Space Land". You would then choose from one of six characters which will then be outfitted in the clothes suited for the land, like pirate outfits and space suits. The game works sort of like a board game where you would hit a numbered dice and move based on the number on the dice. Once all four people have moved, you will randomly be given a mini-game based on what colored space you land on. You would all compete for a lot of coins and you would use these coins to obtain stars. The one with the most stars at the end of the game wins.
The game allows you to play up to four players. It's essential to play this game with other people, otherwise it's going to get really boring really fast. If you do end up with computer characters you can adjust their difficulty. You also have the option to have a bonus at the end of the game for the winner. While the goal of each board game is to collect the most stars, the game has the same tiny plotline in which you must defeat a different themed Bowser.
There are a total of 65 mini-games to be had in Mario Party 2, 43 of which are brand new while the rest make a return from the first game. Each mini game is quirky and fun its own way and the structure is set differently. The mini games are based on what colored spaces you land on. If all four characters have the same colored space then it's a free for all mini game. But if one person has a different color from the rest then it is 3 against 1. If it's split in half then it's 2 on 2.
The controls work very well for each game and the set up for a lot of the games is rather creative. Throughout the game you are given opportunities to gain items, such as mushrooms to increase the number of spaces you can move, Boo bells that will summon a boo to help you summon a boo to help you steal coins and stars from another player, and skeleton keys to reach certain areas. The game even includes a tournament arena and a small area to revisit games you completed.
Like any other Mario game the graphics are very pleasing to look at. The atmosphere of the game is still just as charming and colorful as the first. The mini games are very well designed and creative. The music is also great as well, featuring plenty of upbeat and catchy tracks like any other Mario title. The various sound effects that came from previous Mario titles also work very well.
PROS:
-Colorful graphics with a charming atmosphere
-Excellent control
-A large variety of fun and creative mini-games
-Great music
-Best when played with friends
-Beats normal board games
CONS:
The overall concept is the same with previous titles, as with the future titles. Even though I personally wouldn't recommend a title after the third game, you can still find plenty to enjoy in this classic.
I know that some people will find a few things that they didn't like in the game, which can be understandable. But personally I find nothing wrong with this game, and it is definitely a great family game that really anybody can enjoy.