Couldn't It Take Less Time?
Written: Mar 07 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Can be fun for a while
Cons: Takes too damn long to actually finish
The Bottom Line: If you have a few hours, this might be good for you.
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| LoneWOlf316's Full Review: Mario Party 2 for Nintendo 64 |
That's the question that was rolling through my head when I first played this game (it was the 3rd game I bought for my N64). I knew that the first game would take up to three hours (I've gone through that already) to finish. But, I thought that Nintendo would have improved the game. Hell, I am all for party games, but I have gotten into fist fights because my friends and I were getting sick of each other and this friggin game.
The premise is a bit weak. It seems that all of the characters from the first "Mario Party" game are doing it again. Only this time, it is on stage in front of an audience. You are the audience.
Just like before, you are on a mission to obtain stars and become the superstar of the level. Also like before, you can steal coins and stars from your opposition (I love playing dirty) and add a little zing to the game.
A big change from the original game comes from the levels with which you play the main party game. Rather than having boards themed after one of the six characters, each level is based after a type of movie (western, space, mystery, etc.) and all of the players are dressed for said genre.
The game plays the same way as the first. You jump on the die and move the number of spaces you rolled. But, a fun change has been added.
You can now obtain objects that you can use during gameplay. For the "rolling" process, there are special mushrooms that you can get to give more more dice on that turn (no, not magic mushrooms. Mario mushrooms). There are also keys which can open locked doors, dueling gloves (which will bring up the duel. I'll explain later.), and other assorted goodies to help you along the way. But, with the fun, comes a longer game.
The way to obtain the objects is a very simple one. You are thrown into a special mini-game (one tailored for the board you are playing) where you have a chance to get your special items. These take only about 30 seconds, but it feels like someone is getting the opportunity for an item every 5 turns or so. But, with fun comes time.
Earlier, I mentioned dueling. This is another thing that has been custom built for the board. You challenge another player (or they challenge you) to a duel (thus the name duel). These duels are all about timing. Whether it's a quick draw contest, or a sword fight, timing is vital. Before the duel, a wager is made, and both participants have to have the coins going into it. And, to the winner goes the spoils. And the loser goes to the poor house fast.
The mini-games are back, and better than ever. Most of the original mini-games are there, but there are some slight rule changes. In games like "Hot Rope Jump", it was concluded when the first person bailed. Here, you have to be the last man (or woman) standing. So, those of you with marginal talent won't make it up against seasoned veterans of the "Mario Party" world. Even, with the best part of the game (the mini-games), there has been a change.
At certain points in the game, a Battle Mini-game will be called. Here is where the computer selects a number of coins (10, 20, 30, or 40) and takes that number from all four players. Then, just like in the duels, it's winner take all. Well, sorta.
In these special mini-games, whomever gets first and second place will split the winnings. Of course, the overall winner gets more, but that was something you should have known a while ago.
Overall, loyal reader, this game is an excellent party game. That is, if you have about three hours to blow. But, if you just want to play the mini-games, you can go to the special area where it's nothing but mini-games. So, whichever you want to play, you might actually have some fun.
Trust me on this one. You'll thank me later.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID: LoneWOlf316
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Member: Emer Prevost
Location: Black Creek, Wisconsin
Reviews written: 256
Trusted by: 25 members
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