If I have learned anything by now, then that would be that the Nintendo 64 was meant for multiplayer games. The first Mario Party proved that niche games aimed at getting people around the TV (and console) could sell. Now that some time has passed, Hudson is back at the helm for the sequel. So what is it that we get this time around? How about themed boards, more mini-games than you can shake a Goomba at, a graphical facelift, and the same addictive play that made the first a hit. Basically, any N64 owner with some friends and time to burn should pick up Mario Party 2.

So what is the point of the game? This time around, Mario and company have created the perfect world, and dubbed it Mario Land. Being the all around bad guy that he is, Wario protests and says that it should be called Wario Land. This works everyone up, and each begins to argue why the new utopia should bear their name. Meanwhile, Bowser sees the opportunity among the ruckus to start up some trouble of his own. Fed up with our heroes fighting over an issue of vanity, Toad comes up with a compromise; whoever can beat Bowser can be the 'Super Star' and have the world named after them. And so, they set off for adventure in Mario La...er, Wario...uh...oh, forget it.

Anyway, the story works right with how the game plays. Choose a board, characters, game length, and other features before setting off. Each board (or land) has a particular theme; magic, western, pirate, etc. Characters take turns and roll dice, move the number of spaces indicated - all in the effort to reach where Toad is and buy a Star. Whoever has the most Stars at the end of all the turns wins. Sounds simplistic and much like a 'real' board game, right?

Almost. There's one thing that makes Mario Party 2 different; the minigames. Anyone who has played the first MP will know what I'm talking about. After each player has had a chance to roll and move, a mini game starts. This is where all four players duke it out for coins which will go towards buying stars. In the first Mario Party, there were about 50 games, and many return in the sequel, albeit with graphical facelifts, changed rules, and so on. Then there are the new minigames, which are just as inspiring as the old ones, plus all the games which required rotating the analog stick have been removed. I guess Nintendo received to many complaints about N64 controllers breaking. There are four types of mini games; 4 player, 2 vs. 2, and 1 vs. 3. 4 player equals out to an 'every man for himself' contest, 2 vs 2 pairs up characters, and 1 vs 3 is a bully match; it gives one player a huge advantage or disadvantage, while the other three team up. To add to multiplayer mayhem, Hudson has added special games: Battle and Duel. Battle happens when someone lands on a special green spot - players are then forced to pay an entrance fee and whoever wins gets the collected money. Duel games are special themed games such as a quick draw (Western), swashbuckling (Pirate), and brew mixing (Magic). All in all, each mini game old and new are a riot to play; there a few that get old fast, and some of my favorite games have changed rules or situations, which was a letdown. Other than that, I can't complain.

There are other ways to get and lose money as well. The blue and red spots are back; Boo returns to steal opponents' coins and stars; Chance Time (the spot where you could win big or lose it all) makes a comeback; the '?' Spaces are in full effect; and of course, Bowser's roulette is here to make life miserable. New things are abound as well; you can now buy items, use special features on the board, land on Battle game spaces, meet up with Baby Bowser, and play one player minigames that bag a free item. Buying (or winning) items has got to be the most innovative aspect to Mario Party 2. Goodies that let gamers roll 2 or 3 dice, open locked doors, and even steal other players' items are at your disposal, making the game all the more competitive. On each board, there is at least one or two special features that can send other players back to start, send yourself back to start, or change the board's conditions. The there is Baby Bowser - a minor nuisance that will steal some cash if you happen across him.

Graphically, Mario Party 2 is a leap above the original - actually, a launch from a catapult is more like it. Where the first game's character models were sparsely detailed and kind of on the chunky side, MP2 exceeds in outclassing it's predecessor. Mario, Luigi, and all the others don costumes appropriate for each land, the boards are remarkably rendered backgrounds full of vibrant colors, the new minigames are quite charming, and the old games have been given a huge graphical overhaul. Party 2's overall presentation is very bright, imaginative, and quite satisfying. My only negative observation would be that while the backgrounds are well detailed, remain static and flat like all rendered BGs seem to be these days. A bit more animation would've helped, otherwise I'm happy with the end result.

The story is cute, the premise is simple, the games are adorable, and the graphics make use of loud colors. Can you guess how the music will be? If you said 'super-duper sugary fruitiness' you'd be halfway there. Mario Party 2's tunes are popish compositions that aim towards the younger crowd. Then again, I enjoyed everything thus far, and the music is no exception. After my day's worth of competitive games that have violent undertones, games like Mario Party 2 are a joy. The music keeps reminding me why; the upbeat sweet sounds are uplifting, pleasant, and nicely composed - granted that you can stand 'happy' music. The sound effects are mostly recycled voice samples from the first Mario Party. Some new boinks may be in, but if there was, it wasn't enough for me to take notice. It didn't bother me though.

For those who are not convinced to try this after my seven paragraph rant, might I suggest a rental. This is not merely the same Mario Party with small changes, but is rather a revamped, improved, and superior in every way over the original. Now how many sequels can boast the same?

· · · Hero