There are other essential things needed to play the game. you can read about those in the mini guide that comes with the game. That just helps you with things like, the different spaces, the many items, landmarks on the board, and much, much more.(Every game has it's own special mini gudie that comes with it.) I reccomend this game to ages 6 and older.
The thing with Mario Party 2, is it didn't do much to improve on the first. It detracted, in fact. The games this time around aren't half as great, and that's when you're playing them. The board play is slower than ever with all the crapola they've loaded on to them this time. I'm sorry, themes and getups worn by characters don't count as innovative, or new.
Another little thing. The different minigame that's played is decided based on the colour square you land on. More often than not, my brother and I found ourselves stuck in a 3vs1 minigame, which, cooincidentally, has the least amount of games in it. I can't tell you how many times I've played Look Away.
Hopefully, Nintendo will do something to improve on the game, when they're making Mario Party 3. If they're going to go at it like they did 2, then they'd best not even bother.
Rental only. If you feel the need to buy a Party game, get the first Mario Party, Goldeneye, or Conker's BFD.