This is the first in the series to utilize a new gameplay element Nintendo introduced where all four players move around together in one vehicle. And instead of trying to collect coins to buy stars, players receive Mini Stars if they pass by them. While doing that, players must also try to avoid Mini Ztars, which deduct their current amount of Mini Stars. Nintendo explained they did this to keep players engaged and constantly involved with the flow of the game. This received mixed responses from players, with a majority being mostly negative.
The reason why the car mechanic was introduced is because the previous Mario Party games received negative reception from critics due to the repetitive gameplay. To fix that issue, HD Cube (the company that was involved in Wii Party and Animal crossing: Amiibo festival) introduced the car mechanic without the consent of the fans of the Mario Party series.
The last Mario game to release on the Wii.
The backgrounds of many of the mini games are from New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009).