Mario Power Tennis

"Another smash hit!"

I've never been one too crazy about sports games, or sports for that matter. They never really sparked my interest, unless you consider Mario Kart to be a sports game. One day I remember hearing about a new Mario sports title for the Nintendo 64 titled "Mario Tennis". Now, I wasn't a tennis fan and I had never even played tennis, so naturally the game didn't interest me all that much. Then one day at Wal*Mart I saw the game available at the demo stand and gave it a try. Surprisingly, I quite enjoyed myself! And so when Christmas came that year, I got “Mario Tennis” and loved the game very dearly. Fast forward to today, “Mario Power Tennis” has been released from the same people who gave us the first. I was a bit concerned when I heard about the Power Shots and Gimmick Courts, but they thankfully do not make the game any less enjoyable.

Gameplay 9/10

There are several different players to choose from in “Mario Power Tennis”. Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Peach, Wario, Diddy Kong, Koopa Troopa… to name a few. There are of course the traditional style courts, like the ones in “Mario Tennis” for the Nintendo 64, but there are also brand new types of courts called Gimmick Courts, which take a creative spin on tennis.

One of these include the Luigi's Mansion court, in which ghosts will come out on the court and scare the player making it more difficult for him or her to play. Another court is the Gooper Booper Stage, where the floor boards will move when the ball bounces, in the direction of the arrow. If the ball hits an area that isn't covered by a board, it is considered an out.

The controls are similar to the original “Mario Tennis”, and you can basically learn them on your own. Each characters also has two types of Power Shots, an offensive and defensive. The Power Shots are as the name implies, powered-up shots. Mario can slam the ball with his trusty hammer, Donkey Kong can bring the ball to him with his banana boomerang and Bowser can use his fire breath to send the ball flying on fire.

Story 5/10

The game doesn't really need a story. Basically, it's a big tennis tournament that people from all over the Mushroom Kingdom are participating in.

Graphics 9/10

These may very well be some of the best models of Mario and friends we have ever seen. They're bright and colorful, and sure the game looks like it has an air of “cuteness” to it, but the graphics are wonderful. The animation is fluent and clear, and each of the characters all have different facial expressions to boot.

At the beginning of the game you are treated to a wonderful opening movie that involves Wario and Waluigi loosing to Mario and Luigi in the tournament. I won't get into detail, but the movie looks great and it's a hoot too.

Sound 8/10

The characters all make their little noises, and they don't get too annoying really. The music is enjoyable, too. Not all of it is memorable, but it fits with the mood of the game. The Gimmick Courses, however, have music we've all grown to love. Luigi's Mansion Court has the theme from Luigi's Mansion, Delfino Plaza has the music from Delfino Plaza in Super Mario Sunshine and the Classic Mario Court has a remix of music from the original Mario Bros.

Overall the music is enjoyable, but it won't make you really want to import any soundtracks.

Replayability 8/10

The game is just as addictive as the first one. But it's more fun if you have some friends to play with, it makes the game more enjoyable.

Rent or Buy?

Buy it. If you loved the first “Mario Tennis”, you're going to love this one. If you've never played the original “Mario Tennis”, then pick up a copy of “Mario Power Tennis”. Even if you aren't into tennis at all, give the game a rent. You may end up loving it.

Overall 9/10

So overall, “Mario Power Tennis” is a stellar sports title worthy of the Mario name.

Game, Set & Match.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/28/04