Mario Party DS

A portable party on the go

Mario Party DS, released in 2007, brought the classic Mario Party formula to the Nintendo DS, giving players the opportunity to enjoy the series on the go. Despite the limitations of the DS’s small screen, the game successfully captured the essence of Mario Party with a collection of fun, competitive mini-games and board-game elements. As with previous entries, players could team up with friends for multiplayer mayhem or tackle the challenges solo, but the portability of the DS added a new layer of convenience, making it a perfect fit for on-the-go fun.

Mini-games and strategic gameplay

The game introduced a variety of boards and mini-games, all presented in vibrant, colourful graphics that made the most of the DS’s capabilities. The boards were typically smaller than those on console versions, but they still offered a fun mix of classic spaces and unique elements that kept gameplay fresh. Players could engage in traditional dice-rolling action, collect stars, and strategically use items to outwit their opponents. One of the standout features was the inclusion of a story mode, where players could collect mini-stars across different levels, adding a bit more depth to the experience than just the party game action.

Multiplayer mayhem

What truly made Mario Party DS stand out was its multiplayer functionality. The game supported both local wireless play and single-cart multiplayer, allowing friends to join in the fun even if they only had one copy of the game. This was a big selling point for handheld gaming at the time, as it enabled spontaneous multiplayer sessions without the need for multiple copies. With its accessible controls, simple but engaging mini-games, and fun party atmosphere, Mario Party DS was a strong addition to the series that showed just how well Mario Party could translate to a portable platform. It remains a nostalgic title for many who enjoyed it on their DS during the height of the handheld’s popularity.

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