 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Mario Hoops 3-on-3
- Nintendo DS
- Price: $29.99
- Genre: Sports
Common Sense Media says
Mario delivers another innovative sports title.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's it about?
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.
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.
What families can talk about
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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AGE
If u want to sharpen your stylus skills this is perfect but...
The game in quality just isn't amazing!!! Its mostly annoying! Its way too stylus controlled. The game itself is preety standard. Game is sorta the disciption of average. No content is possibly disturbing though.
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AGE
3 on 3
Best game ever to play if you love mario. If you love to play street basketball games. Well come down to gamestop and buy it. It is a very good game but there is some hurting each other. But all toghter i give it 5 stars out of 5
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AGE
I lost six
but I lilk videogames i hop you bring one to me.
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AGE
Action!
This is action-packed sports fun! The only thing to worry about are explosions to send opponents flying. Anyone can have fun with this! Ages 6 and up.
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AGE
Great
This game is a good game. You have to have some "video game talent" to play this game.
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AGE
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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| Topics: | sports and martial arts |
| Platforms: | Nintendo DS |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Sports |
| Developer: | Nintendo |
| Release date: | November 7, 2006 |
| Price: | $29.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E for mild cartoon violence |
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