Can You Play Mario Party 10 with the GamePad? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: yes and no. The Wii U GamePad is not used as a standard controller for regular Party Mode in Mario Party 10. However, it’s a crucial component for a unique and exciting mode: Bowser Party. In Bowser Party, one player uses the GamePad to control Bowser, engaging in unique, asymmetrical gameplay, while the other players use Wii Remotes. This dual usage is an essential aspect of the game, distinguishing it from other titles in the series.
The Role of the Wii U GamePad
In Mario Party 10, the GamePad’s primary function isn’t as a traditional controller. Instead, it transforms into a powerful tool for the player controlling Bowser. This player views the action from a different perspective, using the touch screen to activate special abilities, deploy traps, and generally wreak havoc on the other players, who are working as a team to progress across the board. This innovative approach to gameplay provides an engaging and unique twist on the typical Mario Party formula.
Bowser Party Mode
The core interaction with the GamePad in Mario Party 10 occurs within Bowser Party Mode. This asymmetrical mode pits one player, as Bowser, using the GamePad against up to four other players, who use Wii Remotes. Bowser has unique minigames that utilize the GamePad’s features, such as the touch screen and gyroscope, to perform actions like breathing fire, pounding the ground, or tilting to launch a wrecking ball. These minigames are designed to be chaotic and fun, emphasizing the unique dynamic of 1-vs-4 gameplay.
Why Not the GamePad for Traditional Party Mode?
The decision to exclude the GamePad from regular Party Mode was likely a design choice to streamline the core gameplay experience. Instead of trying to balance multiple controller types, Mario Party 10 focuses on the simplicity of the Wii Remote for all players during Party Mode. This makes it easier for families and casual players to jump into the game without needing additional complicated setup. By having everyone on Wii Remotes in the traditional mode, the focus remains on the simple fun that is at the heart of the Mario Party series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you play the main Party Mode with the GamePad?
No, the GamePad cannot be used to play as a regular player in the standard Party Mode. Everyone besides Bowser in the Bowser Party Mode needs a Wii Remote.
2. Do you need Wii Remotes to play Mario Party 10?
Yes, you absolutely need Wii Remotes for each player, except for the player controlling Bowser, who uses the Wii U GamePad in Bowser Party.
3. Can you play Mario Party 10 with a Wii Pro Controller?
No, Mario Party 10 does not support the Wii Pro Controller. Only Wii Remotes are used for the players in Party Mode.
4. What is Bowser Party in Mario Party 10?
Bowser Party is a unique 1-vs-4 mode where one player uses the Wii U GamePad to control Bowser, while up to four other players use Wii Remotes to cooperate and try to win against Bowser.
5. What role does the GamePad play in Bowser Party?
The GamePad gives the player controlling Bowser access to a unique set of mini-games and actions that leverage the touch screen, gyro, and other features of the Gamepad to make life tough for the other players.
6. Can five people play Mario Party 10?
Yes, up to five people can play Mario Party 10. Four players use Wii Remotes and one uses the Wii U GamePad in Bowser Party Mode. There is a 1-5 player mode as well.
7. Can you play Mario Party 10 alone?
Yes, there are ways to play it solo. The game includes various modes that can be played solo.
8. Is Mario Party 10 on Nintendo Switch?
No, Mario Party 10 is exclusively on the Wii U. While there are Mario Party games on the Nintendo Switch, they are separate games from the mainline series.
9. What controllers do you need for Super Mario Party on Switch?
For Super Mario Party on the Nintendo Switch, you need single Joy-Con controllers for each player. You cannot use the Pro Controller or two Joy-Cons paired.
10. What is the amiibo Party in Mario Party 10?
amiibo Party is a mode where players can use their amiibo to play the game. You scan the amiibo on the GamePad to play each turn.
11. Why is Mario Party 10 considered one of the worst in the series?
Some consider it one of the “worst” because it deviates from traditional gameplay and may not be as popular as earlier entries. The car mechanic that it used was not as popular as the classic free board and was a large departure for the franchise.
12. How long does it take to beat Mario Party 10?
On average, the main objectives of Mario Party 10 take around 3 ½ hours to complete. Completionists may spend around 34 ½ hours to see everything.
13. Can you play Mario Party 10 on Switch Lite?
No, you cannot play Mario Party 10 on the Nintendo Switch Lite because it is a Wii U game. However you also can’t play Super Mario Party on the Switch Lite because it doesn’t support Tabletop mode or docked mode which is required to play the game.
14. Is Waluigi playable in Mario Party 10?
Yes, Waluigi is playable in Mario Party 10, except in the amiibo Party mode.
15. Is Mario Party Superstars better than Super Mario Party?
The “better” game depends on personal preference. Super Mario Party offers fresh content while Mario Party Superstars provides nostalgia with classic boards and gameplay.