Happy trails: Ten best Wii games remaining

09. Mario Party 9 (Nintendo)

I never thought I’d write these particular words in this particular order.

It’s been a while since Mario’s last party.

In fact, four years have passed since Nintendo last published a Mario Party game. For some franchises, four years isn’t an extraordinary gap between releases. For a franchise that once spawned eight over a nine-year period, it’s as shocking as the first time you were told your princess is in another castle.

Spoiler alert’she’s in the eighth one.

As unprecedented as the Great Mario Party Drought has been, it’s been even more interesting given its timing. If there’s ever been a console perfectly suited for a Mario Party, it’s the motion-controlled, online-enabled and family-friendly Wii. And that’s potential Mario Party 9 could finally fulfill.

A surprise unveiling at this year’s E3, details on Mario Party 9 are scarce. We do know, however, that the game is coming to Wii this year. Watch Nintendo’s E3 trailer to check out some of the minigames.

Spoiler alert’yes, it has minigames.