Mario Party Superstars collects together classic moments from across the Mario Party series as well as creates a roster of Nintendo characters that are sure to please fans. There are ten heroes and villains to play as, and all of them are excellent in some way or another.
There’s definitely no wrong answer when it comes to selecting a playable character, although all these options are great in their visual design, perfect for the games involved in Mario Party or perhaps bring with them a nostalgic factor that long-term Nintendo fans will appreciate. There are definitely some fun and unpredictable figures amongst these iconic faces but it’s important to note that none of the characters actually impact gameplay.
Mario
Is there a more iconic Nintendo character than Mario? Players are sure to be fighting over the leader of the group in regards to who they want to play as in Mario Party Superstars. The plumber’s design is, of course, instantly recognizable and there’s something so fun about completing these minigames as the star character.
In addition, Mario is about to have yet another movie based upon his adventures and is certainly in the limelight right now. He’s usually a perfect all-rounder in the majority of the Mario titles and boasts some great catchphrases that really resonate through Superstars.
Luigi
There’s something quite nostalgic about Luigi. Fans, of course, know plenty about Mario’s brother but he is still a little overlooked as the sidekick. Underrated and unappreciated, Luigi is a great choice for any fan of the character’s ghostly titles.
There are actually boards based upon Luigi’s solo adventures and within mini-games, Luigi’s slim frame definitely comes in handy when dodging obstacles. The green uniform stands out amongst the chaos of Mario Party Superstars and it doesn’t feel right to leave the character on the sidelines.
Peach
Princess Peach started off life as the damsel in distress, with Mario and Luigi rescuing her from her tower. Over the years Peach’s role has transformed and the character is now rarely captured. Mario Party Superstars gives fans the opportunity to unleash Peach’s full potential.
The character is graceful and fierce throughout the mini-games and arguably boasts a few better lines than Mario himself. She’s an integral part of the franchise, although one that isn’t often appreciated as such. Her dress design continues to remain one of the best examples of costuming and character visuals within the game series.
Yoshi
Yoshi is completely loveable. There’s something quite cute about the strange dinosaur-esque creature and the character really shines in these ensemble titles. Yoshi is certainly not one to shy away into the background and it’s a lot of fun having him amongst the action.
Some of the character’s animations lean into the comedic elements associated with Yoshi. In comparison to the other playable heroes and villains, kids are sure to love Yoshi’s antics as the game has really built him up to feel like a major source of comic relief.
Donkey Kong
There’s a physical presence to Donkey Kong that doesn’t come with any other character, besides perhaps Bowzer who is not playable on this specific title. Although his size can be an issue in some mini-games, it’s also great to use as intimidation.
Donkey Kong is an icon unto himself and has moved out of Mario’s shadow as a leading man in his own Donkey Kong games. For any fan of these solo adventures, Donkey Kong is a must-pick in Mario Party Superstars and a reminder of just how diverse this universe is. Plus, there are some DK-themed boards to explore as well.
Wario
Everyone loves to play as the villain and Wario is certainly special in his own unique way. WarioWare fans are sure to love controlling the famous antagonist who is far from agile but once again adds intimidation to the playing field that only Donkey Kong can match.
He’s wacky but effective and brings with him a whole host of mustache-twirling animations that feel as if they have been taken from a black and white film. Wario’s antics bring a lot to the table and he really is one of the best playable characters for those that enjoy chaos.
Daisy
Daisy is so often compared to Peach. Many view her as a rip-off of the character because of their similar visual designs. Mario Party Superstars ensures that Daisy really is her own woman though, boasting different animations and lots of fun dialogue.
There’s a joyful nature to Daisy and a playfulness that’s not always brought to Peach, who can sometimes be portrayed as slightly more stoic. Daisy demonstrates here that she has every right to be the leading lady and is fast-footed across the boards.
Waluigi
This character holds an interesting position in the Mario universe. Waluigi really ought to be in more games, as he’s not really even present in the mainline series of Mario titles. Nonetheless, he makes his screentime as fun as possible in his appearance in Superstars.
His design is completely ridiculous and as a paradox of Luigi, he is perhaps even more sensationalized than that of Mario and Wario. His animations are over the top and brash, with the villainy shining through well here. As one of the only other antagonists in the title, he’s definitely someone everyone should have a go playing as.
Birdo
The small dinosaur-like creature Birdo has been comparable to Yoshi in the past. She actually started off life as an antagonist but across her various appearances in Mario titles has continued to evolve. Yet, she is still a much lesser-known character to audiences.
For those who want to pick the unpredictable choice, Birdo is definitely a great place to start. She has a cute exterior but she shouldn’t be underestimated considering her strong spirit. Birdo’s design is a little bizarre but somehow endearing to players who will appreciate the characterization of her here.
Rosalina
Rosalina is another character that has had a strong presence throughout many Mario titles but has somehow been largely forgotten about. She’s perhaps one of the most powerful characters in the franchise though, considering she is linked to the stars of strength.
Her costume feels almost as if it’s taken directly from Frozen but the gliding nature of the character confirms there’s something ethereal about Rosalina. She is absolutely the kind of character that players will be fighting over by the end.
