Publisher: Nintendo
Ages: six and up.
Parental
Advisory:
Cartoon violence
Daytrum Editor's Choice
After dominating the worlds of side-scrolling and 3D arcade games, as well as virtual golf and other various endeavors, Mario once again burns the court in Nintendo's entertaining Mario Power Tennis. The game has all of the characters and outrageous situations that kids love, but offers lots of depth and nuance to appeal to everyone in the family. And best of all, up to four may play at a time.
A hit on the old Nintendo 64, the tennis simulation returns with powerful shots and fun new, character-specific power-ups. At its core, the game offers first rate virtual tennis that requires players to be fast on their feet and execute consistent and powerful shots. Players get to choose from four difficulty levels, three ball speeds and three modes: exhibition, tournament and special games.
Beyond the solid tennis basics, players can execute whimsical power shots that include Mario's iron hammer, Luigi's squeaky mallet and Peach's super peach spin. Each of the 14 characters has its own special strength. Peach, Daisy and Shy Guy are master technicians; Waluigi specializes in defense; Wario, Donkey Kong and Bowser rely on brute force; Koopa Troopa, Diddy Kong and Yoshi are speed demons; and arch-tricksters Boo and Bowser Jr. can apply outrageous spin on their shots.
There are power-ups, a Mario staple. And beyond traditional court surfaces, the game offers bizarre courts that were inspired by Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario Sunshine, Donkey Kong, Bowser's Castle and Wario. Some courts tilt while others make players slog through sludge, and these are just the beginning of some amazingly creative and outrageous variations.
Purists may play standard games without the fancy trick moves and the title offers a series of mini-games and special modes that let players hone their tennis skills. The game is easy to learn and lets casual players have fun whacking tennis balls around, but the game is challenging enough to allow players to build their skills and improve their play by controlling the direction and power of shots and applying spin. Best of all, up to four can have fun competing on a single screen.
The graphics are detailed and colorful. While the game features mild cartoon violence, the ability for up to four to play makes Mario Power Tennis an excellent family title that everyone will enjoy. In this regard, Mario Power Tennis is a smash hit for the family.
11/29/04 www.daytrum.com
Editorial Staff
