Mario Party 2 - N64

Originally, party games were a difficult task to accomplish for developers, mainly due to the lack of multi-player functions on older formats. As the console industry progressed, the desire for multi-player games was recognised and taken into consideration for later hardware developments. Multi-tap equipment was developed for PlayStation, and Nintendo 64 went the whole hog and put four sockets on the machine to begin with. Nintendo’s Mario Party was one of the later games to utilise the hardware features of the Nintendo 64. The success of multi-player then fuelled Nintendo into creating a sequel, cleverly named Mario Party 2.

Mario Party 2 features a number of individually themed board games, ranging from the Pirate Board to the Haunted Board. Each table includes varying levels of difficulty, since the game's goal (to collect stars) becomes increasingly harder. As with any Mario game, Bowser is always on your back, tying to prevent or stall your progress. There is a hefty element of luck needed in the games, since moves are controlled by the dice, creating a totally random outcome. On each board, there are many spots where a mini game must be played, be it three on one, or every man for himself. There are so many factors influencing the winner of the game, meaning skill is not the most important playing asset.

Mario Party 2 is in fact designed for more than one person. Find yourself a few friends, get hold a couple of extra pads, and get ready for some late night competitions.
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