Though it's a sequel, this is the ultimate MP classic!
The game plays the exact same way as the others. Game starts by rolling the dice to determine order, then characters move all about the board gathering as many stars as possible. Simple, right? HA! You wish. You've got three other opponents to worry about as well, Bowser waiting to screw you over, and so much more. It sounds like a lot, but compared to today's parties, this game isn't driven solely on luck.
The gameplay acts and feels just like a regular board game, except for the fact you can't call a certain thing like do-over, lol. You get six Mario all-stars to choose from and they all dress accordingly to the map you have chosen (no costume change on Bowser's board). All of the board have their own gimmicks, both good and bad. Take advantage of all of them, because it can either help you or screw up someone's careful plan at the last second. And with the brand-new addition of items... it makes screwing up plans easier. Though what looks like a simple board game, it takes a little luck and a LOT of strategy. Even if you win all the games, characters can get coins through other methods. Careful playing and observation of what your opponent will do next is what this game is really about.
Well, that and the mini-games! They are very fun to play, and some are more amped up versions of older games. Some are more difficult than the original game, but others just have a new feel to it. Still, there are plenty of new games stuffed in there as well, and good news for blistering hands, don't rotate that control stick! Games no longer require rotating as fast as possible, but instead, pressing buttons furiously. These games are popular with people that have turbo controllers.
I've played all of the parties so far, and it's tough to say which is truly the best. But this one is one of my favorites, hands down! If you have the chance to play this, go ahead. This party will NOT let you down. Invite your friends, wear your video game T-shirts, order some pizza, and just get ready to have a good time!