What’s the difference between Mario Party 8 and 9?

The main difference between Mario Party 8 and Mario Party 9 lies in their gameplay mechanics, with Mario Party 9 introducing a new vehicle-based system where all players move together as a group, whereas Mario Party 8 features traditional individual character movement. This change significantly alters the gameplay dynamic, making Mario Party 9 feel distinct from its predecessor, with Mario Party 8 offering a more classic Mario Party experience with a larger character roster and a variety of minigames.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Is Mario Party 8 better than 9?: Mario Party 8 is considered the weakest in the series prior to Mario Party 9, but Mario Party 9 still has its strengths, particularly in its minigames, which are superior to those in Mario Party 8.
2. Why is Mario Party 9 different?: Mario Party 9 is distinct because it was the first Mario Party game not developed by Hudson Soft, and it introduced new elements such as Mini Stars and Mini Ztars, replacing traditional Coins and Stars.
3. Is Mario Party 9 a good game?: While Mario Party 9 has its fans, it is often criticized for its item system, which some consider a downgrade from previous games, and its dice block mechanic, which can make the game feel longer and more boring.

Gameplay and Features

4. What do you do in Mario Party 9?: In Mario Party 9, players move around a virtual board in a vehicle, playing minigames and competing to collect Mini Stars, with the goal of being the first to reach the end of the board.
5. Can you play Mario Party 9 with one controller?: The game supports multiplayer with one Joy-Con controller per player, requiring additional controllers for more than one player.
6. How long does a game of Mario Party 9 take?: The length of a Mario Party 9 game can vary, but focusing on the main objectives, it typically takes around 5 Hours to complete.

Character and Game Modes

7. Who is the fastest character in Mario Party 8?: Wario is considered the fastest character in Mario Party 8, particularly when equipped with the Circuit Special Kart, Metal Tires, and Wario Wing.
8. Is Waluigi in Mario Party 8?: Yes, Waluigi is a playable character in Mario Party 8, and players can choose him for their games.
9. Can you play teams in Mario Party 9?: Unlike previous Mario Party games, Mario Party 9 does not feature a traditional team mode, where players can be on the same team, although this option is available in Mario Party 10 through the Bowser Party mode.

Comparison with Other Games

10. What’s the difference between Super Mario Party and Mario Party Superstars?: Super Mario Party introduced new boards and mechanics, while Mario Party Superstars is a collection of remastered classic boards and minigames from older Mario Party games, with enhanced online and multiplayer features.
11. Is Mario Party Superstars just a remake?: Mario Party Superstars can be considered a remaster, offering a collection of classic content with modernized controls and graphics, unlike the original Mario Party games available through Switch Online.
12. Why is Mario Party Superstars so good?: Mario Party Superstars stands out for its all-star selection of minigames, providing a variety that appeals to a wide range of players and enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Specific Game Inquiries

13. Is Mario Party 8 a good game?: Mario Party 8 has its drawbacks but is still enjoyable, especially for its use of the Wii Remote in minigames and the variety of boards and characters available.
14. Can you play Mario Party 8 alone?: Yes, Mario Party 8 offers a single-player mode, known as Challenge Road, where players can journey through 80 minigame challenges without the need for multiplayer.
15. Is Mario Party 9 rare?: Mario Party 9 can be considered rare, as it was the last Mario Party game released for the Wii, making it a collector’s item, with used copies selling for around $70.