Though many say it isn't, Mario Party 3 is actually the best of the series! Read on...
Anyways, let's start with the gameplay...and I'll make it easy on you...read my Mario Party 2 review for the meat and potatoes of it. Still though, what's the third game in any series without it's changes. The game now allows you to hold three items instead of one (AWESOME idea) and now the game features 20 different items instead of about 10 or so. While many people are quite annoyed with that, I say... I'm not. 20 items that can screw up anyone's plan make the strategy for this game just plain unbelivable. Of course, some of the items are abusive, such as the Cursed Mushroom or the ever-popular Reverse Mushroom. If you knew how to play those, you've got control of the game. Other than that, it's a great addition. And speaking of great additions, Daisy and Waluigi have both joined the fray as well. The sad part is they're not playable in Story Mode... =(
The mini-games have gone from simplistic to...a little more challenging. Even on Easy, the AI is pretty good! This is the only party that I've seen a decent AI from, and I love a challenge! They now have a few new tricks for mini-games, such as pogo ball bouncing, golf, and a puzzle party even! The games appear to be more difficult, but most of them are really fun, for example, most never tire of M.P.I.Q.
The game is presented beautifully, and it's been underrated so many many times. I'm not sure why, because this game also features Duel Boards, which were one-on-one fights to destroy your opponent and knock their HP to 0. With a new concept like that, a better challenge overall, and two brand new characters (not to mention Luigi FINALLY sounds like he should), the game offers everything a party should. The only weaknesses of this game I think are the cheapness of some items and the Game Guy Games, just about everyone hated those. That's it though, the rest of the game is marvelous! Bravo Hudson! Thank you for this wonderful Mario Party!