Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mario Party Advance marks the first time the party franchise jumps to a handheld, and it leans heavily into a single-player format. Instead of the usual four-player competition across multiple boards, you’ll explore one sprawling map—Shroom City—as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Yoshi. Each character starts in a different quadrant, and you’ll use die rolls to navigate various districts, from the tranquil Flower Fields to the bustling Market Plaza.

As you land on board spaces, you trigger quests that range from collecting specific items to conquering quick-fire mini-games. Completing objectives awards you with stars, which are essential for unlocking boss encounters with Bowser in special arenas. Along the way, you’ll gather Gaddgets—quirky toy-like devices that serve as both rewards and extra diversions for when you want a break from the board game action.

Beyond the core single-player campaign, Nintendo packed in several side modes. In Play Mode, you can revisit unlocked mini-games and Gaddgets at your leisure. Party Land offers duel-style matchups via link cable, while Challenge Land peppers in skill-based trials that reward coins you can spend in the in-game shop. Finally, the Bonus Board transforms the cartridge itself into a fully automated board experience, handling dice rolls and events for you.

Graphics

On the Game Boy Advance, Mario Party Advance presents surprisingly crisp visuals. Character sprites are colorful and detailed, with clear expressions that match their personalities. The map of Shroom City is laid out in bright pastel tones, making each district instantly recognizable even on the GBA’s modest screen.

Mini-games feature simple but effective backgrounds and animations. While you won’t see the lush 3D worlds of console Mario Party titles, the developers made the most of the hardware’s 2D strengths. Animations are smooth, especially during dice rolls and quick-time events, giving you that satisfying feedback you expect from Nintendo’s party lineup.

Menus and UI elements are straightforward and easy to read. Icons for stars, coins, and Gaddgets are neatly arranged, and tooltips pop up promptly when you hover over options. The overall presentation feels polished, and the vibrant color palette helps maintain visibility even under less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

Story

While Mario Party Advance isn’t a narrative-driven RPG, it weaves a loose story through its quest structure. Shroom City is in need of assistance, and each resident you help adds a bit of character to the world. From helping Toad find his lost hat to racing Goombas in a mini-game showdown, the tasks are simple but charming.

Choosing your character isn’t just cosmetic—it changes your starting point on the board, slightly altering the order in which you tackle challenges. This small twist adds replay value, as you’ll face different routes and quest sequences depending on whether you play as Mario or Peach. Boss battles with Bowser serve as climactic plot beats, rewarding a successful board run with animated confrontations.

Though there’s no deep dialogue or dramatic arcs, the story framework provides just enough motivation to keep you rolling the dice. It’s a lighthearted backdrop built around exploration and collection rather than a heavy narrative, making it ideal for pick-up-and-play sessions on the go.

Overall Experience

Mario Party Advance offers a unique twist on the long-running series by centering on a solo adventure. Its single-player focus allows for bite-sized board sessions, perfect for handheld gaming. Unlockable mini-games and Gaddgets keep the experience fresh, giving you reasons to revisit Play Mode after your main journey ends.

The game does sacrifice some of the multiplayer chaos that fans adore, but Party Land’s link-cable duels and Challenge Land’s skill tests help fill that gap. If you primarily play Mario Party for solo mini-game marathons or enjoy collecting quirky items, you’ll find plenty to love here. The Bonus Board feature is a clever addition, essentially letting the cartridge referee another round whenever you like.

In the end, Mario Party Advance stands as an engaging portable outing with Nintendo’s hallmark polish. While it won’t replace a full console party night, it’s a delightful on-the-go alternative packed with charm, variety, and just enough depth to keep you rolling those virtual dice for hours. For gamers looking to expand their Mario Party fix beyond the living room, this GBA entry is a solid pick-up.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10