Mario Party: Island Tour

Mario Party: Island Tour is the first from the legendary series to visit the 3DS. The game follows the format of Mario Party 9 but differs from the formula. It offers various boards that have a unique gameplay and different play times. The game is indeed, a fine addition to the franchise that is well-capable of challenging all Mario Party fans. Why? Let’s discuss.

Plot (2/5)
Island Tour doesn’t trick you or keep you confused as all it simply does is invite you to the party. Upon selecting Party Mode, you have the option to choose from six new game boards with an extra board which can be unlocked later on. Each board offers a unique experience.


Gameplay (4/5)
Solo Players can access multiple options such as Collectables, StreetPass Mini-games as well as Browser’s Tower.

Browser’s Tower is the main attraction of the solo mode. It provides you good company when you have no one around to play with, offering you a gimmick-filled challenge in which you have to make your way to the top of the tower while facing computer players on each level. After every five levels, the Browser sends a boss that you have to battle. If you conquer the tower you earn new rewards.

Furthermore, Download Play is the main attraction of the game which provides room for up to four people to play Party and Mini-game modes.

On one of its boards, the game simply requires the collection of Mini Stars. But other boards do offer special features such as boosters and bonus cards that can be used as well as event spaces on the dice. The variety of challenges each board offers is a welcome feature as it ensures you enjoy every board with more than just a theme change.

Inventive mini-games that use the 3DS’ console features such as the gyroscope keep things unique and interesting. They are all easy to understand, although the overly repeated directions and controls might tick you off at times in modes that have a number of mini-games, specifically due to the fact that they cannot be skipped. The versatility of the game doesn’t end there as you can also play the mini-games in a variety of other modes, such as Time Attack and Hot-Air Hijinks.

The collectables turn into Mario Party Points, which can be used to buy bubbles that include board game areas and characters. Unlocking bubbles and earning points are both very simple and can be completed quite easily.

Final Thoughts
Mario Party: Island Tour is a brilliant addition to the 3DS’ library, with crisp graphics that utilize 3D quite well and an exciting soundtrack that fits each mini-game and board. The only area where it lacks is an online multiplayer mode. Apart from that, each mode of the game is easy to pick up, master and play with friends anytime. In short, Mario Party: Island Tour offers you exactly what you would wish for in a portable party game and is a well-suited party game to the 3DS, something which was long overdue.