Family Party: 30 Great Games - Obstacle Arcade (Video Game Review)

Nintendo's launch of the Wii U console has been highly criticized for its lack of innovative titles and the few titles that have been released post launch. Nintendo fans will surely be looking for something new to play on their console this Summer, and with the kids off on Summer Break, Family Party: 30 Great Games - Obstacle Arcade may be just the title you're looking for. The game isn't the highest of quality, but it does manage to pack a high volume of family content into a value package that can be picked up at your local gaming store for $10-$20.

Like its name suggests, Family Party: 30 Great Games - Obstacle Arcade offers up 30 unique games for up to four players each. Each game has utilizes different control schemes that can range from wiggling a Wii Nunchuk back and forth to precisely aiming crosshairs, but some of the controls can be terribly frustrating to rely on consistently making the game a lot less fun than it could be. The characters on screen are represented by Mii characters or customized characters in-game that perform the actual stunts such as jumping safely from one platform to another, riding on horseback or shooting projectiles at moving targets.



All of the in-game action is narrated by the game's friendly teddy bear host who will chime in with a quick remark or joke based on what is happening during each match. Players can be awarded trophies to display along with their new high scores in each game mode, and new characters can be unlocked for performing well in events as well. The game manages to squeeze in a nice variety of locations and arenas into the game, which is necessary given one match will require jumping over a lake full of alligators, while the next will have players heading into an arcade arena for an air hockey match.

Family Party: 30 Great Games - Obstacle Arcade offers Wii U Gamepad support by allowing the host to communicate with the player over the controller's screen. The Wii U Gamepad is also used to spin a roulette wheel and determine the final game mode in the bonus round of each session. There are a few different ways to play the game including quickplay and longer sessions with customizable options. Each game begins with a tutorial to ensure every player fully understands the objective and how to play the game.

Family Party: 30 Great Games - Obstacle Arcade is far from perfect, but it offers a great alternative to hit games such as Nintendo Land at a bargain price. The game has some clunky control issues and other minor annoyances, but there is a good variety of content here that is fun for the whole family. Few games offer up the same type of experiences players can expect in Family Party: 30 Great Games - Obstacle Arcade, making it a great game to pick up and play with the family in Summer 2013!

Game Features:
Multiplayer 1-4
30 Unique Obstacles
Wii U Gamepad Support

Game Information:
Developer: Art Co., Ltd.
Publisher: D3Publisher
Platforms: Wii & Wii U (reviewed)
Release Date: December 4, 2012

Score: 5 out of 10