Mario Party 8 for Nintendo's Wii console proclaims itself to be "The wildest party ever." Rated "E," for everyone it can't be the wildest party ever, but it is typical of the Mario Party franchise.

Mario Party 8 features Mario and a host of familiar characters that give the game old-school appeal. However, game content is best suited for casual gamers and kids. In my opinion, opening the gaming market for kids is one of the best things about the Wii. Many Wii games meet the interests and skill levels of kids. As a parent, you may read that with dread, but at least Wii puts on-your-feet action into video gaming.

Mario Party 8 is another of Wii's games designed for fun and friendly competition. Players compete in mini games, collecting coins and stars in their quest to become the Superstar. Compared to Mario Party on other systems, players say there isn't much new to Wii's Mario Party game. The twist on the Wii system is the use of controllers to accomplish goals within each mini game.

The game takes place on a board game format which makes it easy for kids to follow. Players select a character, roll the virtual dice, and begin play on the board in which they encounter mini-games and challenges. Candy picked up along the way earns characters special abilities.

Wii Mario Party 8 includes new game boards like DK's Treetop Temple, Boo's Haunted Hideaway, and Goomba's Booty Boardwalk. Kids are less likely to get bored with the game than hard-core gamers, as they enjoy and learn to master 65 different mini-games.

Character antics and animation appeal to young players. Another bonus for kids is that mastering the controller for this game is much easier than games like Mario & Sonic at the Olympics.

Wii Mario Party 8 deserves a five out of five stars for young players. More discerning players will find Mario Party 8 redundant of previous Mario Party games and will quickly grow weary of it. More advanced gamers should consider it 2 out of five.