While everyone expected more Mario sports games, I'm sure no one expected a new console Mario sports game from Square Enix. The latest chapter in Mario's sports career features, as of now, four sports: basketball, volleyball, ice hockey, and dodgeball. The controls don't make use of MotionPlus, but from what we've seen, they're ok despite the fact.

Each game uses the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, and feature motion controls that work with the game. You can slam dunk with a downward strike of the Wii Remote, or spike the ball in volleyball the same way. The games can be played cooperatively or competitively with two-to-four players. Like past Mario sports titles, it will feature themed courts that are inspired by Mario's history, such as DK Dock which slides left and right during play.

It is unknown whether or not more games will be added, but there will be more depth to each game in the final product, which is scheduled to launch in 2011. You can read my impressions or Andy's preview for more information. -Neal Ronaghan

The Wii line of games has primarily been known for its family-friendly nature and pick-up-and-play feel, and as helped contribute to the massive sales of almost every title in the line released worldwide to date. Nintendo’s latest entry into the line, entitled Wii Party, takes the family-friendly nature of the past games and turns it up a notch in what is easily one of the most accessible titles in the line to date.

Wii Party has clearly taken some influence from Nintendo’s Wii Play, as not only is the game bundled with a Wii Remote in some areas of the world, but it also relies heavily on minigames. With more than 13 different party game modes and over 70 minigames, it’s no wonder why Wii Party looks to be even more fun that gamers have enjoyed from playing with their Miis in games such as Wii Sports and Wii Play.

One of the unique elements of Wii Party is that it takes the emphasis off of the television and into the living room. In one of the game’s modes, players must place their Wii Remotes on a table, and each one makes a sound. Players win the round by grabbing the Wii Remote that is emitting the sound being made by the television.

Another great mode that takes place in the living room is hide and seek. One player is faced with the task of hiding a Wii Remote around the room while everyone else leaves. WHen the other players return, they have to find it by listening to the sound that it creates.

Wii Party has clearly been inspired by Nintendo’s own Mario Party franchise, as there is even two board game modes available in which players travel around either an island or the world, playing minigames and collecting coins.

Wii Party is shaping up to be one of Nintendo’s best party titles in ages. You can check out our preview of the game here or see what Jared thought of the game at E3 here. -Matthew Blundon