Ready to party with your favorite Mushroom Kingdom friends? Super Mario Party offers a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique playstyle and special abilities. Whether you prefer the balanced approach of Mario and Peach, the high-risk high-reward of Wario and Waluigi, or the consistent movement of Yoshi and Rosalina, there’s a character for everyone in this fun-filled party game. Let’s dive into the details of each character’s dice block and how to unlock the hidden characters.
Super Mario Party: A Guide to the Playable Characters
Mainstay Characters
These are the characters you’ll see in almost every Mario Party game. They’re familiar faces with well-balanced stats, making them a good choice for both beginners and experienced players.
| Character | Special Dice Block | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mario | 3, 3, 3, 3, 5, 6 | The all-around balanced character. A safe and reliable choice for any player. |
| Luigi | 1, 2, 2, 5, 6, 6 | Luigi’s dice block offers more high rolls, but also a chance of only moving one space. |
| Peach | 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6 | A well-rounded character with a slightly higher chance of rolling a four. |
| Daisy | 2, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6 | Similar to Peach, but with an even higher chance of rolling a four and five. |
| Wario | 1, 1, 1, 5, 5, 5 | Wario’s dice block is a gamble. You could roll three ones, or move five spaces three times in a row. |
| Waluigi | 1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 7 | The opposite of Wario, Waluigi offers consistent movement with a chance of a lucky seven. |
| Yoshi | 1, 3, 5, 5, 7, ? | Yoshi’s dice block includes a mystery space, which could be anything from a zero to a six. |
| Rosalina | 2, 2, 4, 4, 6, 6 | Rosalina’s dice block offers consistent movement with a good chance of landing on a four or a six. |
Unlockable Characters
These characters are usually hidden and need to be unlocked by completing specific challenges or meeting certain conditions in the game. They often have unique dice blocks and abilities.
| Character | Special Dice Block | How to Unlock |
|---|---|---|
| Diddy Kong | 1, 3, 3, 3, 5, 7 | Play through Challenge Road. |
| Donkey Kong | 1, 1, 1, 5, 8, 8 | Collect five gems in a single game of River Survival. |
| Bowser | 0, 0, 0, 4, 4, 10 | Purchase all five items from the shop in Partner Party. |
| Bowser Jr. | 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 9 | Collect 1,000 coins total across all game modes. |
| Pom Pom | 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3 | Complete the Master difficulty in all Rhythm Recitals. |
Post-Launch DLC Characters
These characters were added to the game after its initial release as paid downloadable content (DLC). They bring new gameplay mechanics and strategies to the party.
| Character | Special Dice Block | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Birdo | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | A versatile character with a standard dice block. |
| Kamek | 1, 1, 5, 5, 5, ? | Kamek’s dice block focuses on either low or high rolls, with a mystery space. |
Super Mario Party Characters
| Character | Description | First Appearance | Playable in Super Mario Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mario | The courageous plumber and hero of the Mushroom Kingdom. | Super Mario Bros. (1985) | Yes |
| Luigi | Mario’s taller, more cowardly brother. | Super Mario Bros. (1985) | Yes |
| Peach | The beautiful princess of the Mushroom Kingdom. | Super Mario Bros. (1985) | Yes |
| Daisy | The tomboyish princess of Sarasaland and Peach’s best friend. | Super Mario Land (1989) | Yes |
| Yoshi | A friendly dinosaur and Mario’s loyal companion. | Super Mario World (1990) | Yes |
| Rosalina | A mysterious cosmic being who watches over the stars. | Super Mario Sunshine (2002) | Yes |
| Wario | Mario’s greedy and mischievous rival. | Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (1992) | Yes |
| Waluigi | Wario’s tall and lanky partner-in-crime. | Mario Tennis (2000) | Yes |
| Donkey Kong | A powerful gorilla and occasional rival to Mario. | Donkey Kong (1981) | Yes |
| Diddy Kong | Donkey Kong’s mischievous monkey sidekick. | Donkey Kong Country (1994) | Yes (Unlockable) |
| Bowser | The Koopa King and main antagonist of the series. | Super Mario Bros. (1985) | Yes |
| Bowser Jr. | Bowser’s mischievous son. | Super Mario Sunshine (2002) | Yes |
| Koopa Troopa | A common footsoldier in Bowser’s Koopa Troop. | Super Mario Bros. (1985) | Yes (Unlockable) |
| Hammer Bro. | A Koopa Troopa who throws hammers. | Super Mario Bros. (1985) | Yes (Unlockable) |
| Dry Bones | A skeletal Koopa Troopa. | Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island (1995) | Yes (Unlockable) |
| Shy Guy | A shy and timid enemy who hides in masks. | Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988) | Yes (Unlockable) |
| Boo | A friendly ghost who loves to play pranks. | Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) | Yes (Unlockable) |
| Pom Pom | A shy Boo who wears a big blue hat. | Super Mario Party (2018) | Yes (Unlockable) |
Note: This table only includes the playable characters in Super Mario Party. There are many other characters in the Mario Party series who appear as non-playable characters or bosses.
Key Characters
The Super Mario Party for Nintendo Switch boasts a colorful cast of characters, offering players a diverse selection of their favorite personalities from the Mario series. Each character adds a unique dynamic to the gameplay experience.
Mainstay Playable Characters
Characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Daisy are the staple heroes that enthusiasts have come to love. Known for their iconic designs and central roles in the series, they’re available from the get-go for immediate party action.
- Mario: The universally recognized plumber and hero of the Mushroom Kingdom.
- Luigi: Mario’s slightly less famous, but equally courageous, green-clad brother.
- Peach: The regal and kind Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom.
- Daisy: The spirited and energetic ruler of Sarasaland.
Extended Roster
The roster expands to include additional fan favorites, each with their own distinct flair. Characters like Yoshi, Wario, Waluigi, and Rosalina join the lineup, ensuring that players have a range of personalities to choose from. Yoshi is known for his friendly demeanor and helpful nature, while Wario and Waluigi are recognized for their mischievous antics. Rosalina, guardian of the cosmos, brings a touch of mystery and elegance.
Unlockable Characters
Some characters, such as Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dry Bones, and Pom Pom, are unlockable as players progress through the game. They come with unique Dice Blocks that can give players an edge in the game’s various modes.
- Donkey Kong: This powerful primate can be unlocked for some barrel-throwing fun.
- Diddy Kong: The swift and nimble nephew of DK, adds speed and agility to the gameplay.
Hosts and Allies
Characters like Toad and Toadette take on the role of helpful hosts, guiding players through the board and announcing events. Their cheerful presence keeps the party atmosphere alive and ensures that the rules are followed.
- Toad: The Mushroom Kingdom’s loyal attendant and guide.
- Toadette: A joyful Toad who often assists in explaining game objectives.
Antagonists and Enemies
No celebration is complete without a bit of conflict, and characters like Bowser, Goomba, Boo, and Bowser Jr. are just the right fit for opponents. While they often play the role of adversary, in Super Mario Party they’re just as likely to help players win as any other character.
- Bowser: The king of the Koopas regularly tries to outplay Mario and his friends.
- Goomba: Although usually a minor nuisance, Goomba is ready to prove his worth on the board.
Guest Appearances
The game occasionally features special guest appearances. Characters like Monty Mole, Shy Guy, and Koopa Troopa are cult favorites who might not be in the spotlight but still earn their place at the party with their unique charms.
- Monty Mole: This little digger brings a touch of subterranean style to the game.
- Shy Guy: The masked mystery who might just surprise you with his party tricks.
Gameplay Mechanics
Super Mario Party brings exciting twists to the traditional Mario Party formula with a range of game mechanics centered on board gameplay, mini-games, items, and various modes of play. Strategies play a crucial role in navigating these elements effectively to win.
Boards and Locations
Super Mario Party features vibrant boards like Party Plaza, Chestnut Forest, and Salty Sea. Each board has its unique layout, obstacles, and theme. Players navigate these boards to collect coins and stars, often influenced by the roll of a dice block.
Minigames and Challenges
The heart of the action, minigames come in many varieties, from solo sprints to team-based challenges. Players compete for coins, which are key to purchasing stars. The Challenge Road mode ups the ante, putting players’ skills to the test across a series of increasingly difficult minigames.
Items and Collectibles
Throughout the game, players can obtain items that grant advantages, such as movement bonuses or interference with opponents. Crucial collectibles include stars—the main goal for winning the game—and coins, used to buy stars and items. Gems and party points are rewards for completing specific objectives, adding to the incentives.
Modes of Play
Players can dive into different modes like Party Mode for classic turn-based play and Partner Party for team-based strategy. River Survival mode introduces cooperative play with a stream of rapid minigames, while World 2 and World 5 add variety to the locations.
Strategy and Tactics
Victory in Super Mario Party often hinges on strategic choices, from deciding when to use an item to picking the right dice block for the situation. Players must weigh risks and rewards, anticipate opponents’ moves, and adapt to the changing dynamics of both the boards and minigames.
Mario Party Series Evolution
The Mario Party series has seen a significant evolution since its inception, with each title introducing new characters, modes, and gameplay mechanics. Let’s take a look at how the series has developed over the years.
Previous Installments
The original Mario Party launched in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, establishing the multiplayer board game format with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Yoshi as staple characters. Subsequent games, including Mario Party 2 and Mario Party 3, built on this foundation by adding new boards and minigames. Over time, titles like Mario Party 4 through Mario Party 7 expanded the playable roster and introduced new concepts, such as the microphone feature in Mario Party 6 and 8-player mode in Mario Party 7.
Spin-offs and Crossovers
Mario Party has branched into various spin-offs, including Mario Party Advance, Mario Party DS, and handheld editions like Mario Party: Island Tour. Alongside these, the franchise has dipped into crossover territory. The series shares many characters with other Nintendo franchises, such as the Super Mario Bros series, Mario Kart, and even Super Mario RPG. These crossovers have allowed Mario Party to bring in elements from different games while maintaining its unique party style.
Super Mario Party Novelties
Super Mario Party for the Nintendo Switch brought fresh innovation to the series. Highlighting the console’s capabilities, it introduced features like character-specific dice blocks and new minigames that utilize the Joy-Con controllers. The game also came with a variety of modes, such as the cooperative “River Survival” and the competitive “Partner Party”. Additionally, Super Mario Party embraced the legacy of the series while pushing forward with modern updates, keeping it a favorite among fans.
This evolution of the Mario Party series shows Nintendo’s commitment to growing the franchise while staying true to its roots, ensuring that each party is as fun as the last.
Cultural Impact
Super Mario has influenced more than just the gaming industry; its reach extends into family homes and various forms of media, shaping both financial landscapes and pop culture perceptions.
Party Games and Family Entertainment
Super Mario Party and its predecessors in the Mario Party series are landmarks in family-oriented entertainment. These games are known to bring together players of all ages, emphasizing fun competition and cooperative play. Since debuting on the Nintendo 64, the series has excelled in creating interactive experiences that are both accessible and enjoyable, contributing to the broader acceptance of video games as mainstream family entertainment.
Influence in Other Media
Beyond the confines of gaming, the characters and iconography of Super Mario have left their mark. Shows, merchandise, and even theme park attractions have drawn inspiration from Mario’s signature look and feel. Super Mario Bros., for example, not only pioneered the platformer genre but also led to animated TV shows and films, embedding itself in global pop culture.
Financial and Critical Reception
Financially, the Super Mario Party games, along with titles like Super Mario Odyssey and the Paper Mario series, represent Nintendo’s strong performance in the industry. Critics consistently laud these games for their innovation, quality, and ability to engage players, often resulting in strong sales numbers. The financial success and critical acclaim underscore Nintendo’s expertise in developing games that resonate with a broad audience, while also achieving artistic recognition.
Technical and Community Aspects
The technical expertise of Nintendo in developing Super Mario Party and the enthusiastic support of the fan community have played crucial roles in the game’s popularity on the Nintendo Switch.
Game Development
Nintendo has a history of creating inviting gaming experiences, and Super Mario Party is no exception. The developers have harnessed the technical capabilities of the Nintendo Switch to create a party game that brings to life a colorful cast of characters known to fans worldwide. The game takes advantage of the console’s unique Joy-Con controllers for varied mini-game designs, showcasing Nintendo’s innovative approach to gaming.
Fan Community and Support
The fan community for Super Mario Party is vibrant and continuously active. They not only gather to play and share their experiences but also to support each other with tips on how to unlock characters or to discuss the performance of specific dice. They create forums, social media groups, and attend events, strengthening the communal feel of the Nintendo fan base. This support from the fan community has helped maintain the game’s popularity and encouraged the sharing of gameplay experiences across a wide audience.
FAQs
Super Mario Party spices up game nights with its collection of bright characters and unique gameplay. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about the game’s characters.
How can I unlock characters in Super Mario Party?
Players unlock characters by progressing through the game’s different modes. For instance, Donkey Kong becomes available after completing the River Survival mode. Other characters, like Dry Bones, appear randomly on the party pad and can be unlocked just by talking to them.
Who are considered the top-tier characters in Super Mario Party?
Characters like Boo, Bowser, and Bowser Jr. are frequently cited as strong choices because of their special dice that allow for high-risk, high-reward gameplay. These dice have higher numbers or unique coin bonuses.
What is the total number of playable characters in Super Mario Party?
Super Mario Party features a roster of 20 playable characters, each bringing their own flair to the game board.
Can you list all the playable characters in Super Mario Party?
Playable characters in Super Mario Party include Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Wario, Waluigi, Yoshi, Rosalina, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Bowser, Goomba, Shy Guy, Koopa, Monty Mole, Bowser Jr., Boo, Hammer Bro, Dry Bones, and Pom Pom.
What unique dice do each of the characters have in Super Mario Party?
Each character comes with a special dice block. For example, Shy Guy’s dice offers four fours, a zero, and an eight, providing a consistent but limited range of motion. Meanwhile, Bowser’s dice has high numbers and a chance to lose coins, giving players a chance at a big move at the risk of some setback.
How does Partner Party differ from other modes in Super Mario Party?
Partner Party is a team-based mode where players move freely across the board rather than following a set track. This mode requires a different strategic approach, as teammates can land on spaces separately or work together to reach particular spots on the board faster.
