Is There a Solo Mode in Mario Party Superstars?
Yes, Mario Party Superstars definitely offers a solo mode! While the core experience of Mario Party is undeniably enhanced by playing with friends (or frenemies!), the game recognizes that sometimes you just want to challenge yourself or practice your minigame skills without relying on (or being sabotaged by!) others. You can absolutely play Mario Party Superstars alone, against computer-controlled opponents, across all of the game boards and in a dedicated minigame mode. It’s a great way to hone your skills before your next multiplayer showdown!
Diving Deeper into Solo Play
Mario Party Superstars caters to the solo player in two primary ways: the standard Mario Party board game mode and the Mt. Minigames mode.
Board Game Mode (Solo)
You can select the Mario Party mode and play through any of the available boards against AI opponents. You get to choose the difficulty of these opponents, allowing you to tailor the challenge to your skill level. This is an excellent way to learn the layouts of the boards, understand the strategic nuances of each space, and master the minigames without the pressure of human players. It is worth mentioning that the fun will definitely be greater with friends.
Mt. Minigames
This mode is a dream come true for minigame enthusiasts. Mt. Minigames allows you to play any minigame of your choosing. You can practice individual games to improve your performance, or you can participate in challenges. This mode provides a focused and streamlined way to experience the minigame aspect of Mario Party Superstars without the board game elements. Some of the challenges allow you to compete against others online for the best score, and there are friend invite systems, so you can always play with your friends or family!
Why Play Solo?
Playing Mario Party Superstars solo isn’t just a fallback option; it can actually be a valuable and enjoyable experience in its own right. Here are a few reasons why you might consider diving in alone:
- Practice and Learning: As mentioned earlier, solo play offers an excellent opportunity to learn the boards, master the minigames, and develop your overall Mario Party strategy.
- Relaxation: Sometimes, you just want to unwind without the competitive intensity of multiplayer. Playing against AI opponents can be a more relaxed and less stressful way to enjoy the game.
- Achievement Hunting: Mario Party Superstars features a range of achievements and unlockables. Playing solo can be an effective way to focus on specific goals and earn those rewards.
- Overcoming Boredom: The game has its perks with single players, more so than the last couple of games. It can be great for those days that you have some free time and are bored.
Solo vs. Multiplayer: Which is Better?
While Mario Party Superstars is undoubtedly designed with multiplayer in mind, the solo experience is far from an afterthought. Ultimately, whether solo or multiplayer is “better” depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a gaming experience.
- Multiplayer: Thrives on social interaction, unpredictable moments, and the thrill of competition.
- Solo: Offers a more focused, relaxed, and strategic experience, ideal for learning, practicing, and achievement hunting.
Both modes offer distinct advantages, and the best way to decide which is right for you is to simply try them both! The skills learned from the game can also translate to real life. You can learn more about the intersection of games and learning at the Games Learning Society. Check out their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Mario Party Superstars?
Mario Party Superstars is a Nintendo Switch game that brings together classic boards and minigames from previous Mario Party titles, particularly those from the Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Wii eras. It remasters these elements with enhanced graphics and online functionality, offering a nostalgic yet modern Mario Party experience.
2. How many boards are in Mario Party Superstars?
Mario Party Superstars features 5 boards. The limited number of boards has been a point of criticism for some players, as they desire more variety.
3. How many minigames are in Mario Party Superstars?
Mario Party Superstars boasts a collection of 100 minigames, carefully selected from previous entries in the series.
4. Are all characters equal in Mario Party Superstars?
Yes, unlike some previous Mario Party games, all 10 playable characters in Mario Party Superstars are functionally identical. They have no unique stats or abilities, making the character selection purely cosmetic. The 10 playable characters are available from the start.
5. Can I play Mario Party Superstars online?
Yes, Mario Party Superstars has robust online functionality. You can play with friends or random players online in both the board game mode and Mt. Minigames.
6. Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play online?
Yes, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to access the online features of Mario Party Superstars.
7. How many players can play Mario Party Superstars?
Up to 4 players can play Mario Party Superstars, whether locally or online.
8. Can I play Mario Party Superstars with 2 players?
Yes, you can definitely play Mario Party Superstars with just 2 players. It works perfectly well, though the dynamics and strategies may differ slightly compared to a 4-player game.
9. Is Mario Party Superstars a remake or a new game?
Mario Party Superstars is primarily a remaster of classic content from previous Mario Party games. It takes existing boards and minigames and updates them with modern graphics and online functionality.
10. What is Mt. Minigames mode?
Mt. Minigames is a dedicated minigame mode in Mario Party Superstars. It allows you to play any of the 100 minigames individually or in various challenge modes.
11. Is Mario Party Superstars better than Super Mario Party?
Many players consider Mario Party Superstars to be superior to Super Mario Party. Superstars focuses on classic gameplay and a broader selection of minigames, while Super Mario Party emphasized motion controls, which some found less appealing.
12. How long does it take to beat Mario Party Superstars?
The length of Mario Party Superstars varies greatly depending on how much you play and what you consider “beating” the game. A single board game session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, and completing all boards and unlocking everything will take several hours. Focusing on the main objectives, it takes about 8½ Hours in length.
13. Can you speed up the computer’s turn in Mario Party Superstars?
Yes, there is an option in the settings menu to speed up the CPU’s turn, helping to reduce waiting time when playing solo or with fewer human players.
14. Can you play teams in Mario Party Superstars?
Yes, Mario Party Superstars features a team-based mode called Partner Battle, allowing up to 8 players to compete in teams of two.
15. How do I unlock Eternal Star in Mario Party Superstars?
Eternal Star, the final board, is unlocked by collecting 100 Stars and completing all other boards at least once.
In conclusion, while Mario Party Superstars shines brightest as a multiplayer experience, its solo mode is a perfectly viable and enjoyable option for practice, relaxation, and achievement hunting. So go ahead, grab your Nintendo Switch, and dive into the world of Mario Party Superstars, whether you’re playing with friends or flying solo!