In 2021, Nintendo released the latest mainlineMario Partytitle for Switch,Mario Party Superstars, and then quickly abandoned it. It was supposed to be a return to form for the franchise while also celebrating the original Nintendo 64 trilogy, and it did both pretty successfully. However, it seems like Nintendo currently has no plans for any DLC, Just likeSuper Mario Partybefore it,Mario Party Superstars' DLC potential has been left untapped.
There are so manyboards that could shine again onMario Party Superstars, but the game could also do wonders with a forgottenMario Partymode. The popularMario Party: Star Rushfor Nintendo 3DS is probably one of the most unique entries in the series, and its concepts should be carried over to a mainline entry. It would be a fantastic additional mode inMario Party Superstars, and could start off theMario PartyDLC train on strong footing.
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Mario Party Superstar Needs DLC
WhileSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate,Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, andAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsgot DLC, it seems like Nintendo has little interest in doing the same forMario Party. The Nintendo Switch has now seen two differentMario Partytitles in the span of three years, and neither of them have gotten any additional content.Super Mario Partywas released on the console in 2018, became one of the top ten best-selling games on the system, and was then dropped in favor ofMario Party Superstars. Two years after hitting store shelves,it seemsSuperstarswill suffer the same fate.
Mario Partyseems like the perfect fit for DLC packs, but Nintendo does not seem to think so. The studio could churn out additional boards, new characters, and an assortment of wild mini-games if it wanted. The games could benefit immensely from the additional content, and the fanbase would likely buy it in droves. These packs would also be ideal for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, but for some reason Nintendo has chosen not to deliver on this potential. Instead, the studio just wants to move onto whatever comes next.
Star Rush is the Perfect DLC Candidate
IfMario Party Superstarsever gets DLC, it should come in many forms. Not only should there be additional boards and mini-games, but the studio should also expand upon theMario Party: Star Rushconcept.Star Rushwas unlike anyMario Partythat came before it, and noMario Partyhas emulated it since. It was a pretty unique and wild concept that would be perfect for an alternate DLC game mode.
Mario Party: Star Rushreplaced the classic turn-based gameplay of its predecessors with a new mode called Toad Scramble. Every playercontrolled a variation of Toadon a game board with no set paths. Players would roll their dice simultaneously, and then move wherever they wanted around the board. They had to collect coins strewn about the map which could be used to purchase allies and items. Stars were earned through boss battles, and mini-games were played throughout. The player with the most stars and coins after every boss had been defeated would be the winner.
Mario Party: Star Rushmay not have been perfect, but it did introduce some interesting new mechanics to the series that should not be forgotten. Toad Scramble should not replace theclassic Party Mode thatMario Partyis known for, but it should be added as an alternative game mode. Nintendo could expand the concept through DLC, and it would giveMario Party Superstarsfans a reason to boot the game up again. Fans may not want to hold their breath for potential DLC, but hopefully Nintendo delivers.
Mario Party Superstarsis available now on Nintendo Switch.
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