More than just tennis! (Mario Tennis (GB))

Member Name: enragedlamb

Product:	Mario Tennis (GB)
Date:	19/09/01 (66 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: variety of games, very involving , addictive

Disadvantages: addictive! , music can get annoying

The first tennis game I played was on the original game boy and had very little content. This new version of Mario tennis has a lot more variation. After the title screen and short intro you are given the option to choose between 3 different game types:-

- Exhibition: chose your character/s singles or doubles number of game per set and then play a short match.

-Mario mini games: take on a character and complete two levels. You have a choice of 5 characters (some of which have to be unlocked) and the each character has a mini game. For example choose Donkey Kong and hit the ball against a wall of moving bananas to score points. Once you’ve completed this level the next one will open which is slightly harder. After that you open challenge mode where you can compete to get the highest score.


-Mario Tour: This is the main section of the game and it is possible to have up to three saved at once. Basically you chose two characters and the go to tennis school where you compete with other pupils to rise up the ranks from junior to senior and then the varsity level. You can do this in both single or doubles matches. As well as this you can wander round the level (very similar to a role playing game) talk to other people (all though this seems to have very little to do with the actual game and is just to pass those boring moments. You can also go to the training ground where you practice certain games types as well as the indoor training area that has two games similar to those in the "Mario mini games". For each match you win or training exercise you complete you get points, which enables your character to advance in skill levels improving certain aspects of his skills and improving them. At senior level you get the choice of an extra racket and in Varsity level you can choose from more rackets and even change your shoes!

-In all these modes the game controls are the same and well thought out for the obvious limi
tations of the Gameboys lack of buttons (although I find this to work in favour of Gameboy) there are basic hits using A or B buttons and or you can double tap for a power shot and a little colourful streak behind the ball! Or use both for top spin then you can press A then B or B then A in quick succession to do a lob shot or drop shot) If anybody knows any other moves let me know!

-Other functions in the game include a terms dictionary so you can learn some of the tennis language. View stats so you can view the performance of your characters. Linked play so you can battle against other real people. There is also a mode to do with the N64 but since I don’t own one I don’t really know what this is.

Summary: