Common Sense Note
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 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 teamplay in general.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Andrew Bub
Nintendo has done a great job leveraging their cartoon cast of loveable characters into sports titles. Mario's proven himself to be much more than a mere plumber. Slugger, tennis pro, soccer star, and duffer; there's nothing Mario and the gang can't do. Now he's taking to the court to show off his fancy moves, mad skills, and slam-dunking prowess.
MARIO HOOPS 3-ON-3 is also 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.
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. Slash with it to attack the ball-handler and take the ball, or block a shot.
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.
Like other Mario sports games, this is not the professional version of round ball. As the title suggests, this is 3-on-3 action, and the scoring system isn't the same as real basketball (where a basket is worth 1-3 points, depending on where the shooter is standing). Instead, each basket scored is worth 20 points. The result should be the same as televised basketball, except that 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. It's an interesting strategic dilemma -- do you go for the quick points or run the risk of having the ball stolen by collecting coins between baskets?
And of course, each Mario character plays a bit differently. From Mario's and Luigi's balanced attacks, to the devastating slap-steal of the massive Wario, each character combination makes for a different game.
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.
WiFi 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.
Families looking for other basketball games might enjoy NBA Live '07. For another fun Mario title on the DS, check out New Super Mario Bros..
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ViolenceCharacters karate chop to steal the ball, some power-ups involve fire or explosions. |
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Social BehaviorPromotes competition, sportsmanship, and using your characters as a team. |
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Educational ValueHand-eye coordination skills and some strategic thinking required. |
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