Review
The New Play Control! range returns with a special update of the GameCube's hit tennis game. Starring the whole of the Mushroom Kingdom pantheon, there's much more to this sports sim than it first appears.
Not only can you play as Bowser but you can also pick-up Mario Kart style items |
 Mario uses his power shot to bring on a rather unorthodox piece of tennis equipment |
 It may not look like it, but at heart this is a surprisingly deep sports sim |
 Boss battles aren't a normal part of most tennis games, but they are in this one! |
At the heart of the game though is a traditional tennis sim with controls that have just that little bit more depth than Wii Sports, for a slightly more realistic feel. To start with though all you do is use the remote to hit the ball and, if you want, the Nunchuk's analogue stick to move around the court.
That's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to other options though, with everything from the crazy power shots to special gimmick courts filled with obstacles and situations from previous Mario games. With 18 different characters to choose from and an excellent four-player mode this is one of the Wii's best new/old sports games.
Key Features - Ace shot: Each character has its own unique power shots for both attack and defence, from wielding a mallet to hit the ball to using an extending arm to return an incoming ball.
- Mario sports: Special game modes including Ring Shot where you score extra points by hitting the ball through hoops or Item Battle where you use Mario Kart style power-ups.
- Wimbledon uncommon: Optional gimmick courts bring bizarre obstacles and rules to the game as you play in haunted houses and gunge filled courts.
- Games within games: Huge selection of mini-games to test your skills, from painting a mural on a wall to playing noughts and crosses for hidden Star Shines.
- Celebrity sports: Play as everyone from Mario and Bowser to Donkey Kong and Waluigi -- each with their own unique abilities and different styles of play.
About the Developer: Camelot Software Planning One of Japan's most experienced sports developers, Camelot have been responsible for kick-starting the
Everybody's Golf, Mario Golf and
Mario Tennis series. They're also known for their role-playing games, including the original
Shining Force games and the
Golden Sun series on GBA.
