Mario Party 7 (with microphone)

A party like never before

Mario Party 7 for the Nintendo GameCube, released in 2005, is the seventh instalment in the beloved series and brought with it a number of fresh ideas, including the introduction of a microphone accessory. This microphone allowed players to interact with certain mini-games through voice commands, adding a layer of immersion and fun that was previously unseen in the franchise. It wasn’t just a gimmick either—several mini-games used the microphone effectively to add new challenges, where blowing, shouting, or even singing could impact your performance. Though the microphone wasn’t mandatory, it definitely gave the game a quirky edge that helped differentiate it from earlier titles.

New mini-games and features

The game followed the familiar Mario Party formula, featuring a variety of themed boards and a roster of playable characters. The main game mode was the board game itself, where players roll dice and move around, aiming to collect stars. The twist in Mario Party 7 was the ability to use a “party cruise,” which allowed players to move between different themed islands throughout the course of the game, keeping things fresh and adding some variety to the classic Mario Party mechanics. The game’s boards included imaginative settings like the “Pirate Dream” board and “Bowser’s Enchanted Inferno,” each one offering its own set of challenges and surprises to keep players engaged.

Expanding multiplayer fun

In addition to the mini-games that the series is known for, Mario Party 7 continued to deliver the frantic, competitive multiplayer action that Mario Party fans loved, with up to eight players being able to join in, making it one of the most social entries in the franchise. Whether you were playing with friends or family, the game offered a variety of fun modes, from free-for-alls to teams, which guaranteed no two playthroughs were the same. Though not as highly regarded as some other entries, Mario Party 7 stands out for its inventive use of the microphone and the lively, entertaining boards, making it a fan-favourite in the series, especially for those who enjoyed the GameCube’s unique accessory features.

---