Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mario Party DS captures the classic board‐game spectacle of the series and brings it to the handheld with surprising depth. Players take turns rolling a die and moving their character—Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Princess Daisy, Toad, Wario, or Waluigi—around themed boards in search of elusive stars. The strategic placement of items, the unpredictability of special board spaces, and the race to the star location keep every turn fresh and full of tension.

Between each roll, the heart of the experience lies in its 74 unique mini-games, ranging from fast‐paced races to quirky touchscreen challenges. Many mini-games exploit the DS’s dual screens, stylus, and even microphone, requiring you to blow, tap, slide, or rotate the console in creative ways. This variety ensures no two rounds feel the same and provides a level of tactile engagement that’s rare in handheld titles.

Whether you’re facing off against three human opponents in local download play (one cartridge required) or taking on computer-controlled rivals, the balance between chance and skill feels just right. Free-for-all contests, 1 vs. 3 showdowns, and 2 vs. 2 team bouts rotate unpredictably, and victory hinges not only on dice luck but on your mini-game prowess and board tactics. Hours can slip by as players jockey for position, deploy mushroom boosts, or sabotage rivals with well-timed warp blocks.

Graphics

On the Nintendo DS hardware, Mario Party DS offers bright, colorful visuals that stay true to the series’ cartoon aesthetic. Character models are bold and expressive, with crisp sprites on the top screen complemented by helpful map and item indicators on the touch-sensitive bottom screen. The dual-screen setup is utilized thoughtfully, keeping the action clear and controls intuitive.

Each board boasts a distinct theme—from haunted graveyards to sun-drenched beaches—with playful details that come to life during key events. When a star appears, or a Bowser event triggers, dynamic animations and splashy cut-ins add excitement without overtaxing the DS’s modest hardware. Even on the original DS and DS Lite, the frame rate remains steady, and load times between mini-games are minimal.

Mini-games themselves shine with imaginative design: a fishing challenge where you drag the stylus to hook fish, a microphone-driven blowout contest, or a dance-off that tests your timing. Each one feels polished, with clear visual cues and responsive animation. Though not a powerhouse in 3D rendering, the game’s art direction and smooth performance more than make up for technical limitations.

Story

True to Mario Party tradition, there’s no sprawling narrative driving Mario Party DS—its story is in the competition itself. That said, each board has a light framing theme (haunted pirate ship, desert oasis, candy factory) that ties mini-games and special events together, giving players a loose sense of progression as they navigate from start to star.

Brief animated sequences punctuate key moments—such as Bowser’s dramatic entrance or the awarding of bonus stars—which add flavor without bogging down the action. Character banter is minimal but charming: a triumphant “Here we go!” from Mario or a mischievous cackle from Waluigi. These touches keep the mood upbeat and Echo the series’ playful spirit.

For players seeking a story-driven campaign, Mario Party DS won’t satisfy that craving. However, those looking for a lighthearted backdrop to social mayhem will appreciate how each board’s theme provides context for the mini-games and events. In essence, the “story” here is the joyful chaos of four Mushroom Kingdom icons battling for stardom.

Overall Experience

In solo mode, Mario Party DS offers engaging single-player challenges against AI opponents and a Puzzle Swap mode that encourages collection and trading of tokens. It’s a solid way to practice mini-games or hone your board tactics before facing real friends. Yet the game truly shines in local multiplayer: download play means only one cartridge is needed, so impromptu four-player sessions are a breeze.

Replay value is exceptionally high. With eight characters, multiple boards, 74 mini-games, and bonus star awards for achievements like “Most Mini-Game Wins” or “Most Coins Spent,” each session feels distinct. The unpredictable mix of luck and skill fosters plenty of laughter, friendly rivalry, and the occasional dramatic comeback.

For families, casual gamers, and series veterans alike, Mario Party DS strikes a near-perfect balance between accessibility and depth. Its intuitive use of the DS’s unique features, robust selection of mini-games, and seamless multiplayer support make it a standout title in the handheld library. If you own a Nintendo DS and enjoy party games, Mario Party DS is a must-have for any social gathering or solo diversion.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10