Game review: Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV (Switch 2)
With the Switch 2 now out, Nintendo decided to increase the console's library with enhanced Switch 1 games. The two Zelda games also received re-releases, as did Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Another noticeable enhancement is the Switch 2 release of Super Mario Party + Jamboree TV. Is this upgrade worth another visit for original buyers? Let's dive in and find out.
Visuals
Much like other Switch 2 enhanced games, Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV has upgraded graphics compared to its original version. The original game only ran at 720p via handheld mode and 1080p when docked.
As for the Switch 2 version of the game, it gets a significant resolution bump. The game now runs at 1080p when it's in handheld mode and can output a 1440p resolution when it's docked.
Owners will also notice the game has much better lighting and reflections than ever before. Not to mention, the Switch 2 screen is nicer and bigger when playing the game in handheld mode. The Switch 1 screen looks small and tight in comparison.
New Content
The Switch 2 version of Super Mario Party Jamboree isn't just a visual upgrade, either, because original owners of the game will also notice a lot of new content has been added. In total, the game has 20 new minigames that take advantage of the new hardware features of the Switch 2 console.
14 of these minigames make use of the Switch 2's mouse controls. As I have said before in previous reviews, the new Joy-Cons have mouse controls that you can use on a flat surface or even on your lap.
One of my favourite new minigames is called Shell Hockey, which is pretty much air hockey. You use the mouse to control the paddles and guide the hockey puck into the goal. It's very responsive and very fun to play.
Another mouse minigame is called Pull-Back-Attack. This is where you have to pull back a toy car and make it to the other side of a bridge. This one was hard because I kept falling into the water! However, it was humorous seeing my characters dying over and over again.
The other six minigames make use of the Switch 2 microphone as well as the all-new Switch 2 camera. Unlike the microphone and mouse controls, the camera is sold separately for an additional $79.00 NZD.
The camera minigames remind me of Sony's Eyetoy accessory from the PS2 days. You use your head or body to interact with the objects that are shown on the screen. If you remember the Eyetoy, you'll probably know what these games are like.
The microphone games have two games where you have to say "go" to move vehicles. One of them requires you to move a car on a scale of 10. If you say it too loudly, you'll reach the end, and Bowser will squash you!
The second voice game requires players to say "go", but you control Bowser Jr's ship to collect coins. The last microphone game is arguably the best because you have to clap your hands at the right time to Bowser's beat.
New Modes
The two new modes in the Switch version include "Bowser Live" and "Carnival Coaster". Bowser Live is pretty much like a TV game show, focusing more on the aforementioned camera and microphone games. It's a blast to play with friends or family members!
The other new mode is called "Carnival Coaster". This is my favourite mode in the game because you ride a rollercoaster and have to shoot at enemies using the mouse controls. Between rides, you can play the mouse minigames to increase your score. It's very fun indeed.
Overall thoughts
Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV isn't just a normal re-release because the game features tons of new content for original players to explore. The mouse minigames are awesome, as well as the two new modes.
The only downside is having to fork extra money for the Switch 2 camera games. The Switch 2 camera isn't really used much in other games, but hopefully, more Nintendo games use it in the future so it doesn't feel like a waste of money.
Verdict: 8.5/10
