Developer: Hudson
Publisher: Nintendo

Genre: Party

Year released: 2003

Number of Players: 1-4 simultaneously

The fifth game in the Mario Party series (the second on the GCN) introduces several new features. There are several new mini-games, new boards, new modes, and more. Donkey Kong is no longer a playable character, but instead has his own space on the board (it's basically the opposite of a Bowser space). He is replaced by three new characters: Toad, Boo, and Koopa Kid. And returning from MP2 are the duel mini-games.

Visuals: (83%)
The graphics are pretty much the same as in Mario Party 4, just slightly better.

Sounds: (74%)
As in MP4, the music and sound effects aren't too exciting.

Gameplay: (81%)
Unlike MP4, which introduced over 50 new mini-games, Mario Party 5 features over 70 new mini-games! And also unlike MP4, most of these games are based on skill, not luck. Which is a relief to us players who get screwed over by cheating computer players. Well, the cheating AI is back, but that is pretty much unavoidable. Anyway, items are no longer bought from shops, but instead given to you by capsule machines when you pass them. I must say, the capsule system isn't that great, but there are a bunch of new items. Mario Party 5 seems kinda slow paced. Maybe it's just me, but it was more noticeable in 5 than in past games. But, when playing with three other human players, you may not notice.

Replayability: (80%)
MP5 is a party game for multiplayer action, and like past MP games, the single player mode isn't that great. But, it is better than MP4's excuse for a one-player mode. You compete against three Koopa Kids in the different boards.

Personal Score: (83%)

Bottom Line:
MP5 is better than 4, but if you weren't a fan of the series before, this game isn't going to change your mind.

Final Score: (80%) B-

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