Mario Tennis (GB) (Mario Tennis (GB))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Mario Tennis (GB)
Date:	18/04/09 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gameplay, Sound

Disadvantages: Some graphics

"Mario Tennis" is a video game released for the Gameboy Color console in 2001 by Nintendo. It features popular characters from the "Super Mario Brothers" series of video games. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

In video game chronology, Mario Tennis follows on from the well received "Mario Golf" title for the Gameboy. The idea of featuring Mario in sports related games is not a new one but was only really developed after the millennium. Mario Tennis was originally released as a Nintendo 64 title and due to its wide success was brought to the Gameboy Color. In the game, the player has access to numerous gameplay modes such as quick exhibition matches with singles or doubles, or a more full fledged career mode. The career mode, otherwise known as the "Mario Tour", sees the player select a character and develop his or her skills in a roleplaying style setting. As the player progresses he or she will be able to apply attributes for better play such as increased swing power. There is also a second player option via optional game link cable. Generally speaking, Mario Tennis is not a difficult game to complete as many swings by the various computer opponents will send the ball in the same direction. This can become very easy to predict where the ball is going to land allowing the player to quickly and effortlessly respond to the play.

The graphics of this title are very good. The game is presented from an isometric perspective which sees the player's character occupying the bottom of the screen and the computer opponent on top. The colouring is quite good and remains accurate to a real tennis scenario. I also found the detailing of the characters to be good and was able to differentiate clearly between them. The audio is of a comparably good standard. Some pixelation was obvious in the tennis court but is quickly overlooked during areas of faster play. There are numerous well composed musical scores which feature higher quality tones and other sounds to create an excellent soundtrack. The sound effects are also appropriate with various "pops" after each ball strike.

I would recommend Mario Tennis to prospective buyers. While it may lack the advanced technology of the Nintendo 64 version, the Gameboy Color release is of an excellent standard and remains an enjoyable play through use of the second player option.

Summary: Thumbs up