Mario Tennis Fever Review: A Grand Slam Return to Form
Nintendo has served up a winner with Mario Tennis Fever, the latest instalment in their long-running sports series, which marks a significant improvement over recent entries. As the Nintendo Switch 2 approaches its first anniversary, the absence of a new mainline Super Mario game remains puzzling, with the company focusing on remasters like Super Mario Galaxy. However, this spin-off title stands out as a highlight, blending nostalgia with modern features to create an engaging experience.
Reviving the Glory Days of Mario Tennis
The series traces its roots back to Mario's Tennis on the Virtual Boy, but for most players, it peaked with the N64 classic. That game offered semi-realistic tennis with Mario Kart-inspired gimmicks kept to side modes. Over the years, developer Camelot Software Planning has maintained consistency, but power-ups often overshadowed skill-based gameplay. Mario Tennis Fever addresses this by allowing players to customise matches, making it easier to enjoy pure tennis without distractions.
Gameplay and Features: A Comprehensive Package
In terms of core mechanics, the controls mirror the N64 original, providing a range of shots like lobs and charged smashes. While not a true simulation, it feels closer to real tennis than Mario Kart does to motorsports. The central gimmick is the fever racket system, which introduces special abilities such as mud pools or lightning bolts. These can be turned off, offering flexibility for those who prefer traditional play.
- Content-Rich Modes: The game includes a lengthy story campaign, single-player tournaments, and Trial Towers for one or two players.
- Robust Online Play: Ranked matches allow options to exclude fever rackets, enhancing competitive fairness.
- Customisation Options: Players can adjust settings like turning off the Talking Flower commentator or using motion controls with Joy-Cons.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
Despite its strengths, Mario Tennis Fever has some caveats. The fever rackets, while amusing, require learning to counter effectively, which may deter casual players. Additionally, character-specific traits, such as Kamek's curve balls, can only be avoided through pre-match agreements, posing a challenge in online play. The game is also priced steeply, with physical copies costing more, which might impact value perception.
- Expensive Pricing: At £58.99 for digital and £66.99 for physical, it's a premium investment.
- Gimmick Reliance: Some fans may find the fever elements overwhelming or unnecessary.
- Accessibility Issues: The learning curve for gimmicks could limit pick-up-and-play appeal.
Final Verdict: A Strong Contender in the Series
Mario Tennis Fever excels as a multiplayer title with ample single-player content, earning praise as the best since the N64 era. It balances fun core gameplay with extensive options, though its gimmicks and cost may not suit everyone. For series veterans, it offers a familiar yet refined experience, potentially becoming a fan favourite over time.
