Mario Tennis Aces

If you want something more game-like than just a straight tennis simulation, this might be the game for you. Mario Tennis Aces gives players much more than a standard career mode where they master skills and climb ranks. Its adventure mode expertly melds the sort of things kids tend to love about Mario games -- colorful graphics, boss battles, puzzles, and a quirky story -- with a surprisingly strong tennis simulation. The best part is that the adventure challenges are crafted to teach players to master the game's more intricate strategies. Many events focus on learning how to direct shots to specific zones, power up special shots, block incoming power shots from opponents without damaging the racket, and pull off risky trick shots. Other challenges introduce inventive play ideas not seen in other tennis games, like portals that gobble up balls before spitting them out again on the other side of the court, and people who run across the court serving as ball-deflecting obstacles. Some puzzle-like levels and boss fights can be frustrating and tricky -- there are no hints, so you may need to look up solutions online -- but taken as a whole, the adventure mode keeps things fresh and fun throughout.

Nintendo's game smiths could've put a little more into some of the other modes, though. Skilled kids will be able to blast through all of the tournaments in a single night. And while the ability to set up your own matches and play with authentic swing controls is appreciated, there aren't a lot of options or game types to tinker with. Players who simply love tennis for the sake of tennis -- and who want to play the game socially with friends or family -- will have fun here, but others may lose interest. Thankfully, the lengthy and varied adventure mode makes up for these shortcomings. Taken as a whole, there's an awful lot to do, making Mario Tennis Aces one of the best and most satisfying Mario sports games in some time.