Mario Party 4

The latest in the best multiplayer game series ever.

The Mario Party games popularized the trend of board game bonanzas with an assortment of varied activities. Each shindig was like having dozens of games in one, and Mario Party 4 is the wildest multiplayer get-together Nintendo has ever thrown. Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and an all-star cast of Mushroom Kingdom regulars have been invited, and there's never a dull moment as one to four players compete in 50 all-new minigames. With varied styles of play including racing, target shooting and games of chance, Mario Party 4 gives partygoers more reasons -- and ways -- to celebrate.

The history of Mario Party began in 1998, when the inaugural title was released for the Nintendo 64, launching a series that would redefine multiplayer gaming in the Mario universe. Developed by Hudson Soft and later by NDcube, under the supervision of Nintendo, Mario Party took the concept of a board game and digitized it, adding in mini-games featuring beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Yoshi. The central idea was simple yet captivating: players would move their characters around a game board, collecting coins and stars, while participating in various mini-games at the end of each turn. These mini-games ranged from quick reflex tests to puzzle-solving challenges, providing a fun and unpredictable element to the gameplay. The game was designed with social interaction in mind, making it a popular choice for parties and gatherings.

Subsequent releases expanded the series across various Nintendo consoles, including the GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and Nintendo Switch, each time adding new layers of complexity and variety. Innovations have included new types of boards, a wider array of mini-games, and additional characters from the expansive Mario universe. Special editions like 'Mario Party DS' for the Nintendo DS and 'Mario Party: Island Tour' for the 3DS also took advantage of the unique capabilities of handheld consoles. The franchise also embraced technological advancements, incorporating motion controls in 'Mario Party 8' for the Wii and integrating a unique two-screen experience in 'Mario Party 10' for the Wii U. By 2021, the series had sold over 50 million copies worldwide and had amassed a dedicated fan base. Despite its lighthearted nature, Mario Party has been the battleground for many a fierce competition among friends and family, solidifying its status as a beloved staple in the world of multiplayer video games.