Whether you’re excited for the new game Mario Tennis Fever largely depends on your familiarity with the series’ previous installments.
Since 2000, Nintendo’s iconic character Mario has been engaging in intense tennis matches in this spinoff created by the Japanese studio Camelot. The latest installment, Fever, has been released on the Switch 2, marking the ninth game in the series. Mario has been a tennis enthusiast for a long time, even appearing as an official in the 1984 Game Boy title, Tennis.
While the core gameplay of Mario Tennis Fever remains solid with its thrilling matches and diverse features, some longtime players may be disappointed by the lackluster single-player Adventure mode. However, it adds value to the Switch 2’s exclusive game lineup, which has had mixed results since its launch.
The game mechanics of Mario Tennis Fever are accessible to players of all skill levels who can understand the scoring system. Players can select one or two characters from the expansive Mario universe for singles or doubles matches.
Playing tennis in the game is as enjoyable as ever, with responsive controls and a variety of character strengths and weaknesses to master. The vibrant visuals and realistic court surfaces enhance the gaming experience, staying true to the Mario franchise’s colorful style.
Each character in the game falls into specific play styles such as speedy, powerful, or technical. For instance, Mario is a versatile character suitable for beginners, while heavyweights like Donkey Kong and Bowser excel in power but lack agility.
Some characters, like Rosalina and Koopa Troopa, introduce unique gameplay mechanics that require players to adapt their strategies accordingly.
Slice, smash … fireball?
In Mario Tennis Fever, the focus is on the new Fever rackets, which can trigger special shots during gameplay. These shots introduce various effects like setting the opponent’s court on fire or creating obstacles to challenge the players.
The intense matches often revolve around utilizing these powerful shots strategically, as their impact only activates upon the ball’s bounce on the court, allowing opponents to counteract their effects.
Additionally, Mix It Up modes provide unique variations to the gameplay, such as a pinball table setting and reality-bending scenarios, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability.
The single-player Adventure mode in the game offers a brief story experience with mini-games resembling Mario Party. However, the mode’s storyline, involving unusual events like Princess Daisy falling ill and Mario turning into a baby, may feel disconnected and less engaging.
Mario Tennis Fever showcases the enduring appeal of the series, best enjoyed with friends in local multiplayer mode. Despite its strengths, the game’s high price tag and limited content compared to previous entries may pose challenges for some players.