Mario Power Tennis

"More like "Mario Cheating Because Im a Bit Rubbish Tennis". Still fun though"

Mario Power Tennis is the third in the Mario Tennis series, and it has improved on them in many ways. The physics are improved, the game is faster and there is much more to do.

However, whilst this game improves on the Mario Tennis formula, at the same time it somewhat defeats the purpose of the game of tennis. For example, you are just about to win, you knock the ball over to the other side... the opponent misses, you have won. But wait a second... since when was the opponent allowed to turn the racket into a boomerang to return the shot you missed?

So we have the Power shots - super techniques unique to each character, and each character has two and are activated when you score enough hits. One hits the ball very hard or very fast making it difficult for the opponent to return it, and the other is used to return balls from far away. While it is cool at first to use Power shots, after a while the 5-second cutscene which always precedes it will start to annoy you, as well as your opponent always returning shots which are supposed to guarantee victory. If you really want the true Tennis experience, turn off the Power shots.

We have a selection of Mario characters to play with, with several of which unlockable. Each character has their own unique Power shots and attributes - Mario is of course the most well-rounded character, and others take a bit more time to use correctly. Yoshi is faster than the other players, Bowser can hit balls much harder, Waluigi has long arms and legs making it easier to defend and Boo has curving shots. The wide variety of characters are suited to every player preference.

The graphics are definitely a massive improvement over than the chunky N64 predecessor. The courts are varied and unique and have a rather busy environment. For the game of regular tennis stick to the Peach Dome court but if you want challenge, try the Gimmick courts. These courts have their own unique features which adds more spice to the tennis formula - slippery goop patches can cover the Isle Delfino court, conveyor belts cover the Warioware court and roving Klaptrap alligators slow you down in the Donkey Kong court. So whilst you are trying to return your shots, you must also keep an eye on the court.

As well as the standard tennis game, there is also a large amount of tennis-based minigames. There are a few that are impressive and incredibly fun, ranging from shooting balls at Mecha-Bowser to collecting coins in a Mario Bros.-esque court, whilst the rest are usually hard and frustrating. I say just stick to the regular Tennis game and only try the minigames when there is nothing else left.

In conclusion, Mario Power Tennis a a fun game to play in both single and multiplayer, and offers something for everyone, and if the Power Shots get on your nerves you can always turn them off.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 03/24/08

Game Release: Mario Power Tennis (EU, 02/25/05)