Running of the Bulb

Running of the Bulb is a 4-player mini-game in Mario Party. In this game, all four players must team up to transport a giant light bulb through a hallway full of Boos. While one player holds the bulb, the other three must act as bodyguards for him/her. A Big Boo makes things difficult by slowly chasing all the players down the hallway, consuming those who fall behind. Meanwhile, smaller Boos attempt to engulf and hypnotize the players. They can be eliminated by punching them when they get close enough, but if they get too close to the player, they will become possessed by the Boo. Players under the control of the Boos will usually attempt to retrieve the key from its current holder. Alternatively, if the possessed has the light bulb, they will walk into the Big Boo, forfeiting the game for all the players. Either situation is easily remedied, however, as a punch from an ally will snap a hypnotized player back to reality. Players must also be aware of Thwomps, who dot the hall and will attempt to fall on players, stunning them and opening them up to attack from a Boo. If the player with the bulb reaches the end, all the remaining players win. However, if the Big Boo consumes the player with the bulb, everyone loses.

Trivia

 * This is one of only two mini games from the original Mario Party in which all four players cooperate towards one goal. The other is Key-pa-Way.
 * The name is most likely derived from the traditional Spanish Running of the Bulls event.