The Final Word game review

Mario Party -- Nintendo

R.I.P.
If you're looking for a great family game, this is right on target. This game lasted us several months of family game nights. Just set the game to the maximum number of moves (50) for a game and enable the option to save the game after every round. So, we would frequently play around 10 or more rounds a week, and one puzzle board would last us several sessions.

The game was a lot of fun, and is not all just about every one for them self competitive. A big part of the title is the mini-games you play at the end of each round. Based on the color of the space you're standing on, the game pairs everyone into teams, which can 1 on 3, 2 on 2, or everyone on their own.

The game is very compelling and really keeps you coming back to explore the other boards available. After you complete a board, you advance the overall story, and have the opportunity to unlock items which you can apply to the game boards as play modifiers. These can help spice up a game on the advanced boards by introducing things such as random stars to players, or random money bonuses.

With the right modifiers in place it can become really competitive, and you can have a game where someone is a clear leader for the whole game and have everything flip in the last round.

Graphics and sound are good, but the it's the playability of the game that really is the key selling point. If you're looking for a game for family game night, this may be the title to get those kids to sit down with you to share in some laughter and conversation, and hanging out. If you only have money in the budget for one game though, skip straight to Mario Party 2... but if you can afford it, I really recommend you get both 1 and 2.

(10/2002)