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Mario Hoops 3-on-3

(2006, Video Games - Sports, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Mario delivers another innovative sports title.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Hand-eye coordination skills and some strategic thinking required.
  • Messages:

    Promotes competition, sportsmanship, and using your characters as a team.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Characters karate chop to steal the ball, some power-ups involve fire or explosions.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Mario Hoops 3-on-3 was written by Andrew Bub

Parents need to know that Mario and the gang tend to cartoon-up sports titles, making them fun for fans of the sport and people who've never played a sports game before. This game is colorful and challenging and using the stylus will only make kids feel more involved with the game, and more responsible for the results (win or lose) than games using standard control schemes. This game teaches the importance of teamwork.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about basketball! The game doesn't teach basketball fundamentals, but reflects the joy of the game with honest enthusiasm. Families can also discuss how different characters bring different skills to the game and about team play in general.
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More on Mario Hoops 3-on-3

What’s the Story?

MARIO HOOPS 3-ON-3 is a real step forward for the new Nintendo DS system. It uses both screens: The upper one shows the action and the lower touch screen gives an overhead, icon-based view. Each basket scored is worth 20 points, but there are hidden coins all over the court and you can net extra coins on a good slam dunk. This means some baskets can be worth over 125 points, if you've taken the time to collect the coins.

Controlling the players means using the direction pad to move and the stylus for everything else. Tap the screen to dribble away from grabby opponents. Dribbling onto randomly appearing pads will net you coins, while if the defense can run over a pad, it gains a handy turtle shell or other goody that can be used to disrupt the offense and steal the ball. Shooting means rubbing the screen upward with the stylus. Rub it up for a lay-up, up and around for a dunk, swipe it toward a player for a pass.

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Is It Any Good?

Most of the time the stylus-play works effectively, but occasionally players will stroke with the stylus, trying to pass, and find themselves shooting instead. It isn't perfect, and there's a bit of a learning curve, but the result is surprisingly fun and innovative. The full 3D graphics are colorful and impressive, and the presentation is whimsical -- there are ice courts, and one even takes place in a volcano. Tournament play is available, as well as plenty of creative Mini games based on basketball.

Wi-Fi is available for multiplayer action, and that's where the game really shines. Taking it to another player, in a game like this where skill matters, is multiplayer nirvana on the basketball court. Mario Hoops 3-on-3 is a terrific take on the sport of basketball, and it will appeal to fans of the game as well as kids and parents who've never had the pleasure of lacing up the high tops to take the ball to the hoop.

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Publisher’s Details

Released on 11/07/2006, price $29.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for mild cartoon violence)

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See all 15 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    t

    not bad

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    awesome

    one of the best mario games

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    awesome

    one of the best mario games

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    This is a fun game for mario fans

    This game is so fun!! I like playing yoshi a lot. The bad thing about it is there courts or teams are not hard to face.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0

    Fun and addictive

    This game is fun and addictive. You can choose who you want to be on your team and the opposing team. Then, you face off in basketball. You can also unlock new characters. Plus, if you play multiplayer, you can face off against the other person. It's pretty fun.

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