Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mario Party 7 picks up the familiar blend of board-game strategy and frantic mini-game action that fans of the series have come to love. Each turn begins with players rolling a die and moving their token around one of the themed game boards, collecting coins along the way. After every round of turns, participants face off in one of 86 unique mini games, ranging from races and puzzles to timing challenges and reaction tests. Victory in these mini games earns you additional coins, which are the currency used to purchase stars—the ultimate objective in each board.

The introduction of orbs adds an extra layer of strategy to standard board play. You can spend coins at special spaces to buy orbs that inflict status effects on your opponents or grant you temporary advantages—freezing rivals in place, swapping items, or even stealing coins remotely. Hidden bonuses and Bowser Spaces pepper the boards as well. Landing on a Bowser Space forces you into a boss-like mini game or randomized penalty, keeping everyone on edge as fortunes can change in an instant.

Mario Party 7 also expands the multiplayer experience by supporting up to eight players in a single session. To accommodate this, two players share each controller—one manipulating the left analog stick and the Z button, the other taking the right analog stick and R trigger. While the setup can feel cramped, it encourages collaboration and friendly rivalry. There’s also a single-player “Story” mode where you face CPU opponents in a series of boards, but the game truly shines when played with friends around the TV.

Graphics

Visually, Mario Party 7 remains consistent with the bright, whimsical style that defines the series. The GameCube hardware pushes slightly sharper textures and smoother animations compared to its Nintendo 64 predecessors, making characters and environments feel more polished. The cruise ship-themed boards boast vibrant ocean backdrops and animated deck features—like moving lifeboats or a playful seal show—that bring each play space to life.

Character models for Mario, Peach, Yoshi, and the rest of the roster are rendered with charming expressions and colorful costumes that pop against the board surfaces. Mini games frequently transition you into close-up environments—like a haunted cabin or a lava-filled cavern—each with its own palette and effects. While these segments can look simple by modern standards, they capture the playful spirit of Nintendo’s design philosophy.

Special effects are used sparingly but effectively. Sparkles announce star purchases, coins gleam as they spill out of a winner’s purse, and Bowser’s dramatic entrance shakes the screen when you hit a Bowser Space. Performance remains steady throughout most of the action, even in hectic eight-player matches, ensuring that the eye candy never comes at the cost of smooth gameplay.

Story

Mario Party 7’s narrative is minimal yet serviceable—it exists mainly to frame the party action. The setup finds Mario and his friends boarding a luxury cruise ship to unwind after countless adventures. Unfortunately, Bowser infiltrates the getaway, wreaking havoc in classic villainous style. The suggested solution? Challenge him and your buddies to a grand Mario Party, and may the best plumber win the day.

Between boards, brief cutscenes show Bowser huffing and puffing, while the heroes regroup and plan their next roll of the dice. These interludes are lighthearted, underscoring the overall tone of friendly competition rather than a high-stakes conflict. The story never overshadows the gameplay, but it provides enough context to make each board feel like part of a larger cruise-ship romp.

Each mini board can be seen as a “leg” of the cruise itinerary, complete with themed events and surprises. Bowser mini games and penalty sequences serve as narrative bookends, reminding players of the overarching rivalry. In the end, the story’s simplicity is one of its strengths—it lets you dive straight into the party without cumbersome plot distractions.

Overall Experience

Mario Party 7 is a standout party game that offers tremendous replay value. With 86 mini games, multiple boards, and a variety of orbs to collect, each session feels fresh and unpredictable. The combination of luck and skill ensures that newcomers and series veterans alike can have their moments of glory. Casual gamers will appreciate the easy-to-learn mechanics, while party veterans will enjoy mastering the nuances of each mini game.

The eight-player mode is a particularly fun twist, ideal for large gatherings or gaming parties. Controller sharing can be cramped at first, but it quickly becomes part of the laughter and camaraderie. The inclusion of the microphone for voice-activated mini games enhances the experience with silly shout-outs and adds another dimension to competition.

Ultimately, Mario Party 7 delivers a joyous multiplayer experience that captures the essence of social gaming on the GameCube. Its colorful presentation, vast mini-game selection, and flexible player options make it a must-own title for anyone looking to host a fun game night. If you’re seeking a lighthearted, competitive romp featuring all your favorite Nintendo characters, this cruise is worth booking.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10