Publisher: Nintendo
Ages: six and up.
Parental
Advisory:
None
Something of a virtual board game for the Game Cube, Nintendo's Mario Party 6 lets players roll dice to chase stars and coins and play fun mini-games. It's a fantastic game that encourages several to play at a time. In fact, it's one of the few console games on the market that's better when one is playing with others. On the other hand, if you have an earlier version of the game, there's probably not much that's new that will make the upgrade all that worthwhile.
This year's version emphasizes day and night. As the sun rises and sets, every three turns, the ever-changing boards transform and offer new characters and mini-games. Players will find barriers that rise to redirect their paths and spaces that move or disappear. One board, for example, switches directions, and some even flip upside-down. New microphone-based voice control comes into play during quizzes and allows players to give orders to characters in some mini-games. The voice control here works well and offers a fun new twist.
The game offers some 80 fun mini-games. There are three-on-one, two-vs.-two and four-player mini-games. Of course, the game is populated with the popular Mario characters that include Donkey Kong, Bowser and more. The great thing about this game is that almost anyone, even video game challenged parents, can play it. And luck is often a factor in winning games, almost equal to having high-level coordination.
Graphics are good, but not state of the art. Also, the game serves little violence so it's great for families. Here at Daytrum, we welcome games that encourage several to play together. And for this, Mario Party 6 is one for families to consider.
2/3/05 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
