There’s one mode inSuper Mario Party Jamboreethat doesn’t hold a candle to the rest of the game. It’s no secret thatJamboree’s best quality is the sheer amount of contenton offer for players to delve into. Beyond the typical Party Mode, players can engage in a variety of other modes with their own unique stages, minigames, and objectives that make each aspect ofJamboreedistinct. All of these modes were heavily showcased by Nintendo prior toJamboree’s release - all except for one.
Party-Planner Trek’s lack of promotion is initially surprising to see.AsJamboree’s only dedicated single-player mode, it would be a no-brainer for Nintendo to showcasewhat the game can offer those unable to take full advantage of the multiplayer. However, delve a little deeper into Party-Planner Trek itself and the reasons for its exclusion become all the more clear. Playing through this single-player experience shows not all aspects ofJamboreewere created equally, and it makes for a disappointing addition to an otherwise perfectMario Partygame.
Super Mario Party Jamboree’s Party-Planner Trek Mode, Explained
There’s Not A Whole Lot Going On
Jamboree’s Party-Planner Trek mode sees the player assisting Kamek in setting up the party for Mario and friends. The player traverses through each ofJamboree’s five new boardshelping a range of Toads, Goombas, and Koopa Troopas with a multitude of preparation tasks. Most of these tasks usually boil down to playing one ofJamboree’s many minigames. Other tasks ask the player to find and deliver certain items, answer a series of questions, or gain the help of various allies for the Boss minigames at the end of each board.
The primary issue with Party-Planner Trek is that the gameplay quickly becomes stale.The constant fetch quests become very repetitiveasJamboreeoffers no variation between these tasks across the boards. Trek’s main appeal comes in the opportunity for the player to partake in minigames. However, these minigames are already accessible at anytime throughJamboree’s Minigame Bay, rendering this mode essentially pointless. The unlockable decorations for the Party Plaza serve as little justification for the Party-Planner Trek’s inclusion, and the mode pales in comparison to the rest of whatJamboreehas to offer.
Playing Party-Planner Trek can also help unlock more boards for Party Mode, but it’s arguably better to unlock these by playing the more interesting game modes.
Party-Planner Trek Mode Doesn’t Compare To Older Games
The Mode Feels Empty As A Result
Jamboree’s lackluster solo campaign is made even more disappointing when considering the series' history of fun and engaging single-player modes. PreviousMario Partyentries offer far more content and variety for players who choose to go solo. For example,Mario Party DShas players join a party on each board against CPUs, culminating with boss minigames that must be won in order to progress.This campaign allows players to get a complete experiencein the same way they would have playing with friends.
OtherMario Partytitles took this a step further, offering something wholly unique for their single-player modes.Mario Party 7’s Solo Cruise sees the player going toe-to-toe with another character across slightly altered boards from the typical Party Mode, asking the player to complete certain objectives to win. Solo Cruise shakes up the typical party gameplay to adapt to a single-player experience while still offering plenty for said player to accomplish.The solo content on offer from a title likeMario Party 7simply outshinesJamboree’sown Party-Planner Trek mode.
It’s clear thatSuper Mario PartyJamboree’s dedicated single-player experience leaves a lot to be desired. Party-Planner Trek’s boring gameplay of meandering across boards simply has the player question why they don’t just partake in Party Mode, proving the solo mode fails at justifying its own existence. It makes for a pretty noticeable afterthought in an otherwise perfectMario Partygame.
Source:Nintendo of America/YouTube
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Mario and friends head to a sprawling island resort, competing across seven vibrant game boards, including the fan-favorite Western Land. Packed with over 110 minigames, the action ranges from wild races to motion-controlled challenges. Players can team up or face off online, with up to 20 participants battling in Koopathlon mode.
