Mario Tennis

A new spin on Mario’s sports legacy

Mario Tennis for the Game Boy Color, released in 2000, brought Mario and his friends to the tennis court in a fun and accessible way. As one of the first portable Mario sports games, it combined simple controls with the charm of the Mario universe. Players could choose from a roster of characters like Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Bowser, each with their own unique abilities and playing styles. The game’s colourful graphics and upbeat music made it a delightful experience for both casual and more competitive players.

Quick matches with deep strategy

The gameplay in Mario Tennis was straightforward, making it easy for newcomers to pick up, but there was a surprising depth to the tennis mechanics. Players could perform different types of shots, such as lobs, slices, and smashes, with strategic timing and positioning. The game also included a variety of modes, including singles, doubles, and a tournament mode, adding replay value. The inclusion of mini-games, like target practice, helped break up the main gameplay, offering light-hearted fun between matches.

A solid portable experience

Despite the limitations of the Game Boy Color, Mario Tennis succeeded in providing a solid portable sports game. The controls were responsive, and the matches were fast-paced yet satisfying, with a good balance between simplicity and depth. Though it wasn’t as complex as its console counterparts, Mario Tennis on the Game Boy Color proved that sports games could thrive on handheld systems, offering a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages.

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