Mario Party 5

 GameCube
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 33
  3. Negative: 3 out of 33
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  1. Inside Gamer Online
    72
    The control scheme changes during each minigame, so unless you know already know how to play it, you should read the directions and the controls that go with it.
  2. GameBiz
    71
    If you don’t intend to play with friends or family that much don’t bother with the title unless you haven’t played a Mario Party title before.
  3. games(TM)
    70
    The biggest enhancements come in the single-player experience - always the worst part of the previous games. This time, Nintendo has clearly put some thought into it and come up with a story mode that actiually has a point, rather than being a player-vs-computer rehash of Party mode. [Jan 2004, p.113]
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  5. GamePro
    70
    There’s nothing wrong with Mario Party 5 as it stands, but the next installment sure could use an overhaul to freshen the formula.
  6. GameSpot
    69
    The new single-player story mode and bonus games add a little more longevity to the game, the fundamental experience is still largely the same as that offered in previous Mario Party games. If you bought "Mario Party 4" last year, Mario Party 5 is hard to recommend.
  7. NintendoWorldReport
    65
    If you just got your GameCube at the reduced price and demand Mario Party action, please buy this game instead of "Mario Party 4." Otherwise, stick with the Party you’ve got.
  8. netjak
    62
    If you’ve already played Mario Party in any of its other incarnations, there’s really nothing new for you here. The mini-games and boards may be different, but the game’s the same.
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  9. 1UP
    60
    What "Made in Wario" makes drastically evident is just how slow-paced Mario Party 5 is.
  10. GameSpot AU
    60
    Mario Party 5 isn't badly made or put together, but it also doesn't offer all that much that hasn't been seen before, and certainly it isn't a game for you if you don't have a ready supply of other human players on hand.
  11. Ferrago
    60
    Put simply Mario Party 5 is nowhere near as good as either of the "Super Monkey Ball" games for single or multiplayer. It's not even in the same league.
  12. Yahoo!
    60
    Gamers who tend to fly solo won't find much to appeal to them in Mario Party 5, nor will the hardcore crowd.
  13. G4 TV
    60
    And on a rare personal note, this is the only game other than "Dance Dance Revolution" and "Animal Crossing" my wife has wanted to play. That has to count for something.
  14. Edge Magazine
    50
    Were spirits to play a game while they waited in Purgatory, surely it would be Mario Party. It can take an age to get to the end, and the minigames are interspersed with a turgid board game section that tests the patience to its limits. [Jan 2004, p.109]
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  15. NTSC-uk
    50
    And so Mario Party 5 continues the series’ yearly update without breaking the mould. A few extras here, a lick of paint there, a fresh repertoire of minigames and that’s about it.
  16. Eurogamer
    50
    In my mind, said mixed bag, when emptied onto the table, would yield all manner of mostly shiny looking baubles, most of which have some redeeming features but very few of which are worth pursuing for longer than a couple of minutes.

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best GameCube Game of 2003
14
#14 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2003
37
#37 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 110 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 110
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 110
  3. Negative: 9 out of 110
  1. nintendofan721
    May 30, 2023
    9
    Here is when the GameCube era of the Mario Party series really started to come along! We have some new characters this time around. While DKHere is when the GameCube era of the Mario Party series really started to come along! We have some new characters this time around. While DK has been relegated to a space on the board, Toad, Boo and Koopa Kid make their playable debut in the series. It’s too bad DK isn’t playable but it was an interesting experimental concept that worked well. The boards look much more different from each other and are a big step up from the previous game. They’re all very fun and interesting, such as Sweet Dream, Toy Dream and Pirate Dream. Team matches return from Mario Party 4 and every pair of characters has their own custom team name which was pretty funny. Items are replaced with capsules but they essentially work the same way. The difference is that you get them randomly, but they are free. I’d rather be able to choose which capsule I want sometimes but they don’t cost any coins which evens it out. Either way they are fun to use for messing up others! There are some extra modes which spice things up as always. The minigame selection is very good with some great stand out ones such as Coney Island, Pushy Penguins and Hotel Goomba. This was a great entry to the series, and it, along with Mario Parties 6 and 7, are what truly define the awesomeness of Mario Party to me!… Full Review »
  2. RonaldJohnson
    Feb 25, 2023
    9
    In my personal Opinion One of the best Mario Party's but not the best due to the fact that it's just not as good as Mario Party 7
  3. Webosxdxdxddd
    Dec 18, 2022
    10
    This Mario Party is way too overhated IMO, the soundtrack is amazing and the mini games are varied. The boards, well, they could've beenThis Mario Party is way too overhated IMO, the soundtrack is amazing and the mini games are varied. The boards, well, they could've been meter, but it's still a great game.… Full Review »
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