Mario Party 8 invites groups of players to perform such tasks as shaking up cola cans or rowing a boat through white rapids as they navigate a virtual board game. Up to eight players must use the Wii-Remote and Nunchuk to complete each task before their opponent. A ringmaster has invited the Nintendo crew to enjoy his carnival. This environment is where players will maneuver their character through six different boards as they attempt to earn coins and stars. However, power-ups are available including special spaces in the board that activate certain scenarios and candy that can transform a character into a variety of coin-stealing entities.