Mario Party Advance

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 27
  3. Negative: 7 out of 27
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  1. eToychest
    94
    If you own a GBA or SP, there is absolutely no reason not to own Mario Party Advance. Heck, even if you don't own one yet, this is the perfect excuse-a true, must-own killer app.
  2. WHAM! Gaming
    76
    Had it made use of the wireless adapter it might have been able to duplicate the traditional Mario Party feel.
  3. Total Video Games
    70
    The focus on creating a "game" out of the franchise is commendable and makes for a worthwhile purchase if you're a GBA owner looking for something to keep you busy on the bus.
  5. GameCube Advanced
    70
    Taking Mario Party on the go is a great idea, it just wasn't implemented in the best fashion possible this time around.
  6. Inside Gamer Online
    70
    If there were ever a Mario Party on the DS, then that would be perfect; sadly, this is far from perfect.
  7. Weekly Famitsu
    68
    7 / 7 / 7 / 6 - 27 [Jan 2005]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Nintendojo
    68
    Besides being on the dull side, the game unquestionably offers the player quite a bit of unlockable items, extras, and mini-games to mess around with.
  9. GameSpot
    65
    The GBA game's multiplayer features are fairly limited and poorly organized. Its single-player component, on the other hand, is very nicely organized and offers a great deal of variety.
  10. Nintendo Power
    64
    The Shroom City board game is a single-player adventure that will capture the imaginations of young players, but may be a little elementary for others. [May 2005, p.92]
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  11. Da Gameboyz
    60
    Having the board game only available as a single player option is kind of disheartening and takes away from the charm of this game. Add to this a lack exciting graphics and sound and somewhat negative feelings for some of the multiplayer games and it starts to look bad.
  12. IGN
    60
    The GBA version features a whole slew of different things to do and play, but it all seems just a bit uncreative for the first outing on the handheld system.
  13. Armchair Empire
    60
    Squeezing the fun out of Mario Party Advance is a tough slog.
  14. G4 TV
    60
    A cute idea with limited appeal thanks to the spotty quality of the minigames and the watered down multiplayer.
  15. GameSpy
    60
    While there's some fun to be had with Mario Party Advance, and quite a few great game-playing aspects, it's a bit tedious and tired when you look at the slew of other excellent multiplayer games have been released for the GBA.
  16. Modojo
    60
    A nice batch of cheap thrills for what it is, even though the core aspects that have made past versions so popular aren't as prominent.
  17. Console Gameworld
    58
    It was an absolute mistake to create a Mario Party game that didn't follow the same mechanics and style as the rest of the franchise.
  18. Siliconera
    55
    A single player Mario Party isn't really a party and there aren't enough mini games to even put this title in competition with games like "Wario Ware Twisted."
  19. AceGamez
    50
    The GBA just isn't suitable for a party game the nature of how Mario Party is supposed to be, however the DS, equipped with wireless and forthcoming online play, is a whole different story.
    All this publication's reviews
  20. 1UP
    50
    Though I'm open to new possibilities and reinterpretations of Mario Party, playing this game made me want to just jump on my Gamecube and play the original console versions -- even if I have to play against 3 CPU players because frankly, being the only player on a board game that's advertised as a party is just disheartening.
  21. Detroit Free Press
    50
    In this game, there are more decisions to make, a stronger plot and the game is better for solo play.
  22. Games Radar
    40
    If not for the board game pain, this would have been OK. But as it is, it's just another lifeless Mario Party to sling on to the slowly growing pile. [NGC Pocket]
  23. Cheat Code Central
    40
    The entire presentation is flat and uninspired. With the exception of color, this game looks like it was destined for a watch.
    All this publication's reviews
  24. Pelaaja (Finland)
    40
    Due to its colorful graphics and kid-friendly atmosphere this could have been an entertaining game for kids, but the lacking production and the language-barrier (if you don't know English that is) are problems. [July 2005, p.75]
    All this publication's reviews
  25. games(TM)
    30
    With daft mini-games and Gadgets designed for four players to huddle around a single GBA, it's stupidity of the highest order that Nintendo should invent the 'one man party'. [July 2005, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews
  26. Play Magazine
    30
    Worse still are the "Gaddgets" that are your rewards - completely boring and devoid of any enjoyment. [May 2005, p.73]
    All this publication's reviews
  27. PALGN
    15
    Lazy, downright idiotic design coupled with a staggering lack of ideas. Awful.
  28. Eurogamer
    10
    Possibly the worst videogame Nintendo has had the misfortune to publish. Avoid at all costs; this is disgracefully bad.

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
5
#5 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
27
#27 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
4.9

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 59 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 59
  3. Negative: 26 out of 59
  1. Beastprogamer
    May 23, 2015
    4
    This game is mediocre at best. The first portable Mario Party game. It is also my least favourite in the series. The graphics are okay. TheThis game is mediocre at best. The first portable Mario Party game. It is also my least favourite in the series. The graphics are okay. The character selection is fine. The quality is terrible. The boards are okay. This is a mediocre game and I recommend you stay away from it. You can buy this if you like the gameplay. If not, buy Mario Party 9 instead.… Full Review »
  2. CheM
    Aug 10, 2013
    8
    This is simply a drug, mini-games are hilarious, varied and never dull, Besides, it's enough replay value after finishing the main story.
    MPA    This is simply a drug, mini-games are hilarious, varied and never dull, Besides, it's enough replay value after finishing the main story.
    MPA is one of the few brave and special games for GBA.    … Full Review »
  3. SonicKlonoa216
    May 17, 2011
    3
    Mario Party Advance was the first Portable Mario Party game to be released and it fails. Reasons are because repetitive Mini games, stupidMario Party Advance was the first Portable Mario Party game to be released and it fails. Reasons are because repetitive Mini games, stupid questions to answer and a horrible single player mode Plus there is no Multiplayer mode whatsoever. In the single player mode to move it costs one of your lives. Really? If you want a better Mario Party on the go. PLEASE get Mario Party DS instead.… Full Review »
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