New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis

What’s the Story?

When it launched back in 2004 on the GameCube, MARIO POWER TENNIS was designed to be a fun pick-up-and-play title where people weren't necessarily required to master the intricacies of the sport, much like the game's Nintendo cousins Mario Kart and Mario Golf. Thanks to a re-release for the Wii as part of the "New Play Control" series, which introduces motion-sensitive controls (and support for widescreen TVs), controlling the game is even easier and more intuitive.

Now, returning the ball is as simple as waving the Wii remote at the right time. Depending on the speed and tilt of the remote, players can perform forehands, backhands, lobs, smashes, and shots with spin. Optionally, players can also use the Nunchuk to move their character around the court, but this feature can be made automatic as well. Pressing A or B unleashes two unique power shots (either offensive or defensive) that either overpowers the other player by knocking them backwards, or miraculously returning a ball that would otherwise be out of reach – again, this can also be automated.

Is It Any Good?

There's plenty to do in Mario Power Tennis, from tournaments and exhibition matches to gimmick courts and item battle (where the court is strewn with item boxes that contain red and green shells, mushrooms, stars, and other power-ups). It will take a player a while to experience all of the various modes, and there's also plenty to unlock. Players can participate in either singles or doubles tennis in any combination of one to four human players.

The additional motion sensitive controls and the ability to automate certain actions makes the game even more accessible but comes at the sacrifice of a small amount of precision. Smash shots especially seem harder to execute. Nevertheless, Mario Power Tennis demonstrates once again Nintendo's knack for creating a fun party game that can be enjoyed by a broad range of gamers.