Mario Party 4

Game review by Sarah Stockton, Common Sense Media
Mario Party 4 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Great game to have for a mixed group of kids.

Nintendo GameCube 2002
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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 10 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 25 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is a great game to bring out when you have a mixed group of kids because both boys and girls enjoy this game, and it can be played by everyone from second-graders to teens (even parents enjoy it.) Games can be "handicapped" for more even play between age groups, and the variety of Mini games guarantees lots of choices.

Community Reviews

kid_lover45
kid_lover45 Adult
October 22, 2019
age 18+

violet very young kids nightmare 5 year

too big scared kid for years 5 ;(9

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
301TheAmazingSomething
301TheAmazingSomething Adult
April 2, 2011
age 2+

Amazing!

My second favorite Mario Party game (original N64 game in first). Wonderful for slumber parties. I'm a relaxed parent, but some of my kid's friend's parents aren't, so when they come over they can play this without concern. A must-have for those who have slumber parties a lot, along with all other MP games.
See all 10 parent reviews

What’s It About?

The popular characters of Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi were introduced in the original Mario Party and have been faithfully brought back in every version since. The game is based on the board game model of play, and you compete by forming teams with other players to compete in a series of Mini games, with 50 games in all to choose from.

Styles of games vary from racing to games of chance, where each player moves across a 3D \"board\" with game pieces. The ultimate goal of the Mini games is to win each contest in order to collect the \"birthday prize\".

Is It Any Good?

None of the games is particularly difficult to figure out in terms of how to play, but they are challenging enough in terms of skill to keep even teenagers happy, especially if they are competing with another player or, better yet, three other players. Even though there's little complexity involved in terms of character or skill acquisition, the fun of playing in groups, either as teams or in a free-for-all, more than makes up for the rather simplistic story line and characters.

This is not a game for serious thinkers who like lots of interesting visuals and story line, but as far as having fun with other players goes, it's unbeatable. If you are looking for a way out of the often isolating routine of role-playing games, MARIO PARTY 4 is the way to go.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the playing games alone or in groups. Which do you enjoy more? How does this virtual game compare with real board games?

Game Details

Our Editors Recommend

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