Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: HudsonSoft
System: Wii
Genre: Party game
Release date: Available now
Review by: Christopher Troilo

Since the explosion of Wii Sports as the new must-play game at social gatherings, video game makers are racing to release the next great party title for the Wii. Mario Party 8, Nintendo’s latest installment of the popular series, wants to be this game. To be succinct however, Mario Party 8 will provide most gamers with only moderate amounts of entertainment, occurring mostly when players feel the need to take a break from superior Wii party offerings.

Mario Party 8 has a very basic premise in terms of story. Mario and his friends are attending a carnival, with the ringleader being an animated fellow named MC Ballyhoo, who serves as your host for the duration of the game. Ballyhoo invites the Mario characters to partake in the Star Battle, from which the winner will receive the Star Rod, a trinket that just so happens to be Bowser’s latest object of affection. When Bowser tries to swipe the game’s trophies, it’s up to the gang save the carnival.

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