Super Mario Party Jamboree comes with an impressive cast of 20 to choose from, including top tier picks like Mario and Luigi themselves, hangers on like Donkey Kong and Shy Guy, and a few weirder picks like Monty Mole and Spike. But there are also two unlockable character you won't have access to when you first start the game: Pauline and Ninji. At first, it can be tough to see how you actually unlock this pair, but thankfully, it's easier when you know how. Thakfully-er, this guide will tell you how, so then you'll know.

Pauline and Ninji both represent opposites in Mario. Aesthetically, sure. Pauline is a tall, beautiful human. Ninja is a fat little stubby... thing. Ninja, I guess. But Pauline is also a virtuous character, while Ninji is a villain. But they share a similarity of being perpetual background characters. Pauline arrived in the original Donkey Kong game, but it wasn't until Super Mario Odyssey that she fully established herself. She's since showed up for tennis, soccer, golf, kart racing, and now party time. Ninji, meanwhile, has been around since Super Mario Bros. 2, but has rarely had the spotlight like this. Maybe it's his big break.

How To Unlock Ninji In Super Mario Party Jamboree

Initially, I tried a few different methods to unlock Jamboree's secret characters. Maybe you have too, and are here as a last refuge. I raced through the most attainable achievements, hoping that maxing out at Rank 50 would reward me with the characters, but instead I was met with new boards. Fun, but not what I was looking for. I ploughed through the story mode, thinking I might rescue either character in the last map, or in the final boss battle. Again, no dice. Like Phileas Fogg, all I needed was my trusty balloon.

When you leave the Party Plaza, you hop in a hot air balloon which takes you to a variety of islands. This includes a photography minigame, where you can zoom in and snap pictures of randomly occurring events, like a Goomba sunbathing, for a minimal amount of Party Points. To the right of Rhythm Kitchen, you will find two island columns out to see, where Ninji is stranded. Zoom in, take a picture, and Ninji is yours.

How To Unlock Pauline In Super Mario Party Jamboree

Pauline is unlocked in much the same way as Ninji, although she has a slightly more spacious island to be stranded on. You'll find her to the left of Minigame Bay, on a desert island complete with palm tree, sun lounger, and parasol. Once again, you just zoom in and take a picture to finally add Pauline to your roster.

Once you get them, you can play as them on any boards or in any minigames, or any other modes for that matter. The only exception is Paratroopa Flight School, which is locked to Mario only. You also can't change characters midway through the story mode, so if you've already started and really want to take Pauline and Ninji through the saga, you'll need to start over. Since characters don't have unique dice in Jamboree, there's little difference between who you choose, and neither character is a Jamboree buddy so no new minigames. Still, your 22 strong roster is complete, and it's time to get this party started.

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Super Mario Party Jamboree

Party Game 4.0/5 8.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 81/100 Critics Rec: 89% Released October 17, 2024 ESRB E For Everyone Developer(s) Nintendo Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine NintendoWare Bezel

Super Mario Party Jamboree is a bumper edition of the popular party game series from Nintendo, with over 100 minigames and seven boards. It also features online play for up to 20 players.

Platform(s) Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 Powered by Expand Collapse