Whether you’re excited about Mario Tennis Fever largely depends on your familiarity with previous titles in the enduring sports game series.
Since 2000, Nintendo’s iconic mustachioed plumber has been engaging in thrilling tennis matches in this offshoot created by Japanese third-party developer Camelot. The latest installment, Fever, released this week for the Switch 2, marks the ninth entry in the series. (Mario’s passion for tennis dates back to 1984 when he appeared as an official in the Game Boy’s Tennis.)
The core of the game remains robust with intense and exhilarating tennis gameplay, offering a wide range of options and imaginative features. However, longtime fans might find the single-player Adventure mode somewhat lackluster.
Nonetheless, Mario Tennis Fever fills a gap in the Switch 2’s exclusive game lineup, which has had mixed success since its launch.
The fundamentals of Mario Tennis Fever are accessible to almost anyone who understands the game’s scoring system. Players can select one or two characters from the expansive Mario universe to compete in singles or doubles matches.
Navigating the court and hitting the tennis ball remains as enjoyable as ever. The controls are precise and responsive, provided players are aware of their characters’ strengths and weaknesses. Striking the ball with a racket feels impactful, echoing the excitement of a major tournament but heightened with an extra burst of energy. The vibrant colors of the arenas, reminiscent of typical Mario games, coupled with realistic clay or grass court textures, create an immersive experience.
Each character is categorized into basic styles such as speed, power, and technical abilities.
For instance, Mario is a versatile character suitable for newcomers. Heavyweights like Donkey Kong and Bowser boast powerful overhead smashes but are slower in their movements compared to lighter characters.
Some characters introduce unique gameplay mechanics that demand skillful adaptation from players. Rosalina, a mystical figure from Super Mario Galaxy (to be portrayed by Brie Larson in an upcoming movie), gracefully floats above the court, unaffected by surface variations. On the other hand, Koopa Troopa slides and maneuvers on its turtle shell, resembling a hockey puck on ice.
Slice, smash … fireball?
Fever rackets take center stage in this installment: Players select a racket that can trigger special fever shots during gameplay.
These shots often introduce hazards for opponents, such as igniting part of their court or scattering banana peels. Additionally, some shots enhance player speed or summon a clone to act as an extra computer-controlled participant temporarily.
Matches often become a competition to unleash as many fever shots as possible, adding a strategic element as opponents can turn these powerful shots against each other.
This dynamic can lead to chaotic rallies where players strive to outmaneuver the effects of fever shots.