`Mario Tennis' challenges novices and pros alike
By MATT ORENCHUK
Scene Video Game Reviewer
Throughout the years, Nintendo has given its fans some great games. From the original "Super Mario Brothers" all the way up to "Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," Nintendo puts out high quality games year after year.
One of the latest installments for Nintendo's N-64 platform is "Mario Tennis." This game is exactly as it sounds. Just like "Mario Kart," this game uses the "Mario" characters in a tennis game.
But this game is far more than just Mario and Luigi running around on a tennis court. Mario Tennis is a superb tennis game.
Just what is it that makes Mario Tennis so great? The game can be picked up very easily, yet it is hard to master. Anyone can pick up a controller and press the A button to hit the ball back to your opponent. Nonetheless, the mastering of drop shots, lobs and volleys will take time and keep this game interesting.
One drawback of "Mario Tennis" is that the game is very frustrating. For example, even though you lose a set 6-0, you still feel like you were one or two shots away from being in the set.
Players may feel like they aren't getting any better at the game, especially if they are playing against someone who has played the sport in real life.
For those who have never played tennis before, it may be difficult to get the hang of the different shots and the instinct needed to play the game well.
Yet the game is frighteningly addicting and will keep you coming back for more.
"Mario Tennis" has everything that a great tennis game should have. Characters play different types of games. Some are speedy, some play a technique game and some have a power game.
In addition to Mario, Luigi, Toad and the Princess, "Mario Tennis" introduces new characters like Waluigi. Waluigi is an evil version of Luigi, basically a counterpart to Wario, who is also in the game.
There are also several other options besides singles for "Mario Tennis." There is a tournament mode, with different cups played on grass, clay and artificial surfaces. There are two mystery players that are revealed when you win one of the tournaments. There is also a skill tester on the game.
One game mode has rings on the court, and players try to hit so many of the rings in a certain amount of time. Another game fires tennis balls at you, and you have to try to return as many as possible out of 50.
"Mario Tennis" ranks up there with "007 Goldeneye" and "NFL Blitz." These games could be called "dorm games," as many a college student has spent late nights with their roommates playing "Blitz" and "007," competing and trying to master techniques. "Mario Tennis" looks to be the same type of game.
One game of "Mario Tennis" takes only 15 minutes, which means that the game can be played to relax after class without a huge time commitment. At the same time, you can also play "Mario Tennis" for several hours and not even realize it.
One of the most interesting things about the "Mario Tennis" phenomenon is that it is not limited to just guys. Not many girls seem to play "Goldeneye" or sports games like "Blitz" and "NHL Hockey." But "Mario Tennis" seems to have caught the attention of guys and girls alike.
This makes "Mario Tennis" a fun game for everyone to play, as it is not just an after parietals guys' game.
Nintendo seems to have done no wrong with "Mario Tennis." It is fun, entertaining, and best of all, a high quality tennis game.
So fire up the Nintendo-64, because "Mario Tennis" is a keeper.
All Scene Stories for Wednesday, February 7, 2001
