Mario Tennis: Power Tour

"Another flawed game?"

Introduction -

No, this game is anything but flawed. Mario Tennis:Power Tour is basically the continued story of "Mario Tennis" game for the GB. This game also has new things added such as power shots, the ideal of them first originated from the the game on the GC titled "Mario Power Tennis". There is a huge similarity between this game, and the GB version "Mario Tennis", such as some characters, the areas, and other things. This game seems as if its an upgrade to some already great Mario Tennis games. The originals were such great games that this title is just too good to pass up!


Gameplay - 8

The gameplay of this game are magnificent, they are similar to other titles of the Mario tennis series but this game is just the best lf them all, for what I have seen. Before playing story mode you get to chose to be either a boy named "Clay" or the girl named "Ace" (Though you can change their names if you want), giving you a few more personal choices in the game. You also get to chose between being a "righty" or a "lefty" before beginning the game. This game will very amusing to play and even more if you have played the GB version of it. Something that makes the game even more exiting is that there are ranks for you in the game both in "singles" and "doubles" going through junior, senior, and varsity to make your way to the Island Open. While the AI is better in this game then the GB version, its not quite as good as the one in the GC version (Mario Power Tennis). In addition to the main story mode, there is also a training court, that helps you learn the game basics along with more complicated techniques, not only that, but while you do the training, you get experience if you successfully complete it. There is a training center with two different areas, one is a place where you play to get experience and level up, and the other is to earn PS (Power Shot) points, which are very helpful in the game. Something that makes this game better is the multiplayer, if one of your friends has this game, and either of you have a link cable, get this game and prepare to play an outstanding multiplayer match!


Sound - 9

For a GBA game, this game has great themes and songs to listen to while playing in the a game on the courts (especially because most GBA games have annoying music), and it seems as if the farther you are in the story mode, the better the music is for the courts, so don't turn the sound off or turn the music feature off when you just start the match, you have to work for your reward and keep your eyes on the prize.


Controls - 8

The game pretty much has the same basic controls as the other Mario tennis titles, having the power shots added makes it all the more exiting. The controls get easier as you raise your characters stats, but remember, never forget about your partners stats because if you do, in a harder match later on you will regret it. The training Court also helps you learn the controls, so make sure to make a visit there when you need some help.


Graphics - 9

I was simply amazed at the awesome graphics of this game, especially for a GBA game, the pictures are very detailed, and as realistic as you will ever see on the GBA! The Power Shots also look great in this game, with a big variety a power shots you will want to see all of them with how good they look. If you want a game with good GBA graphics, this is the game you want!


Replayability/Game length 8.5

The first time you go through the story mode it may take awhile, as the games detailed story often grabs you into thinking what will happen next before you actually press the A-button. But after you finish the game for the first time, don't think its over, Because its not! Now you have the choice to go to a new harder difficulty. Now will be able to play through the great story again with an even better challenge! On top of that there is still mini games you can play, Multiplayer, and the exhibition mode that will keep you into the game! I got this game close to its release date and even now, I still play it often!


Overall game - 9

This is an overall great game that is very addictive to play, you literally will not want to stop playing it once you have started. If you are a fan of Mario games get this, if you are a fan of Tennis get this, if you aren't a fan of either of them, get this anyway, give it a chance and you will really enjoy it. Though it isn't quite the newest GBA game, its still a fun game that should be respected for its great overall potential. This is a game with only a few cons, but its countless pros make up for it. This is a game you simply can't ignore.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/10/07

Game Release: Mario Tennis: Power Tour (US, 12/05/05)