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Mario Hoops 3-on-3
(2006, Video Games - Sports, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Mario delivers another innovative sports title.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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
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- 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.
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.
CloseIs 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.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 11/07/2006, price $29.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for mild cartoon violence)
ESRB rating: E (for mild cartoon violence)
Our Members Say
See all 15 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
t
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
awesome
one of the best mario games
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
awesome
one of the best mario games
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
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.
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
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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