Whether you’re excited about Mario Tennis Fever depends on your history with the series. Mario, Nintendo’s iconic character, has been playing tennis since 2000 in games developed by Camelot. The latest installment, Fever, is the ninth in the series. Although Mario has been a fan of tennis for a long time, making appearances in games like 1984’s Tennis for Game Boy, this new release brings a mix of old and new elements.
The core gameplay of Mario Tennis Fever remains strong, offering intense matches with various options and fantastical elements. However, long-time fans might be let down by the single-player Adventure mode. Nevertheless, the game adds value to the exclusive games lineup of the Switch 2, which has had a mixed reception since its launch.
The game mechanics of Mario Tennis Fever are easy to grasp for players familiar with tennis scoring systems. Players can select characters from the Mario universe for singles or doubles matches, enjoying the vibrant visuals and responsive controls.
Each character in the game has unique attributes, falling into categories like speedy, powerful, or technical. For instance, Mario is a versatile character suitable for beginners, while others like Donkey Kong and Bowser have strengths and weaknesses that affect their gameplay.
Some characters, such as Rosalina and Koopa Troopa, introduce unconventional playing styles, requiring players to adapt their strategies accordingly.
Unique Features and Challenges
One of the standout features in Mario Tennis Fever is the introduction of Fever rackets, which can trigger special shots during gameplay. These shots range from setting the court on fire to creating clones or enhancing player speed, adding a strategic element to matches.
The game introduces Mix It Up modes that offer diverse and unconventional challenges, like playing tennis on a giant pinball table or facing floating hippos instead of tennis balls.
For a more casual experience, players can engage in Swing mode using Joy-Con controllers to mimic racket swings, reminiscent of the gameplay style seen in Wii Sports.
An Adventure Worth Exploring
The single-player Adventure mode in Mario Tennis Fever provides a brief but entertaining experience, blending tutorials with mini-games inspired by the Mario Party series. However, the mode’s story may seem nonsensical to some players, featuring bizarre plot twists that add a humorous touch to the gameplay.
Overall, Mario Tennis Fever offers a solid gaming experience, especially for local multiplayer sessions. While the game provides online play options, its true charm shines during couch gaming sessions with friends.
Despite its strengths, the game’s high price tag may deter some players, especially considering the limited content in Adventure mode and Mix It Up modes. Nevertheless, for fans of the series and tennis enthusiasts, Mario Tennis Fever remains a compelling addition to the Switch 2 library.
