Mario, Donkey Kong, Yoshi, and all your favourite characters are back in
Mario Party 3, a game which features 70 mini-games that will have you using your N64 controller in ways you never thought imaginable. Like its predecessors, up to four people can participate in five areas in board-game-style play. As you traverse the board, you'll have your chances to compete in the aforementioned mini-games--then it's all about button mashing and analog stick twisting. The gamepad techniques are easily explained, but some of them are tougher than they look.
Multiplayer modes include Party, Battle Royal, and Duel. The first two are the basic free-for-alls found in previous games, while Duel Mode is an interesting addition that combines elements from Othello and Monopoly with the mini-games. The various modes help shorten multiplayer game time, which was a problem in previous versions. The single-player story mode, however, is an absolute chore filled with as much watching as playing; this game isn't meant to be played alone--hence the word "party" in the title.
Mario Party 3 continues the series' tradition of being the top dog in party games; it's perfect for when you and your friends are looking for quick, mindless fun. --Raymond M. Padilla
