Posted on 23rd Jan 2024 @ 3:18 AM

In 2005, the Mario Party series took its first leap into handheld gaming with "Mario Party Advance" for the Game Boy Advance. This title offered a unique spin on the beloved party formula, tailored to fit the portable platform. Unlike its console predecessors, Mario Party Advance focused more on single-player experiences, offering a plethora of mini-games, challenges, and a quest-driven gameplay that was a departure from the multiplayer-centric nature of previous entries.  There are several homebrew games that are similar to Mario Party Advance if you have one of our EZ Flash Omega or EZ Flash Omega Definitive Edition cartridges.

Game Features and Structure

Mario Party Advance introduced a quest-like structure set in Shroom City. Instead of the traditional board game format, players embarked on various missions and quests across the city, interacting with classic Mario characters and solving their problems. Each character, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Yoshi, had a unique vehicle to traverse the city, such as a car or a cloud.

The game utilized a turn-based system using "Mushroom Condo," where players rolled dice to move around the city, and the number of moves was limited, making strategic planning essential. The quests varied from simple item deliveries to more complex puzzles, each offering unique challenges and storylines.

Mini-Games Galore

Mario Party Advance boasted a rich collection of mini-games, which were the core of the Mario Party experience. These games ranged from quick reaction challenges to puzzle-solving tasks. Some notable mini-games included:

• Bob-omb X-ing: A timing-based game where players helped Bob-ombs cross a busy street.
• Chicken!: A daring game of chicken against a Koopa Troopa.
• Fish 'n' Drips: A mini-game where players had to fill a tank to lift a Cheep Cheep fish.
• Floor It!: A race to the finish line while avoiding obstacles.

These mini-games were not only entertaining but also pivotal in progressing through quests and unlocking new areas of the city.

Challenges and Extras

Mario Party Advance was unique in its approach to challenges. The game featured a Gaddget Mode, where players could unlock various gadgets and mini-games by completing quests and challenges. These gadgets ranged from quirky toys to useful tools, adding an extra layer of collectible fun to the game.

The challenges in Mario Party Advance were diverse, offering something for every type of player. From racing against time to strategizing the best route through the city, the challenges kept the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Highlights of the Handheld Version

One of the most significant highlights of Mario Party Advance was its adaptability to the handheld format. The game successfully transitioned the party spirit of the Mario series into a format that suited solo play, without losing the essence of fun and excitement. The game's vibrant graphics and cheerful soundtrack encapsulated the Mario universe's charm, making it a delightful experience on the Game Boy Advance.

Mario Party Advance was a bold and successful venture into handheld gaming for the Mario Party series. It offered a unique take on the party genre, focusing on solo play while maintaining the series' playful spirit. With its plethora of mini-games, challenges, and a new quest-driven approach, Mario Party Advance proved to be a pocket-sized party extravaganza, bringing the joy of Mario's party games to fans anytime, anywhere.