Whether you’re excited about Mario Tennis Fever largely depends on your familiarity with the previous installments of this enduring sports series.
Since 2000, Nintendo’s iconic plumber character has been showcasing his tennis skills in this offshoot created by the Japanese third-party studio Camelot. The newly released Fever for the Switch 2 marks the ninth installment. (Mario’s love for tennis dates back almost as far as his plumbing days; he even appeared as the referee in 1984’s Tennis for Game Boy.)
The core of the game remains robust: intense and thrilling tennis matches, offering a wide range of options and imaginative touches. However, veteran players may find the single-player Adventure mode lacking in excitement.
Nevertheless, the game is a valuable addition to the exclusive games lineup of the Switch 2, which has had mixed success since its launch last year.
The fundamentals of Mario Tennis Fever are accessible to almost anyone who understands the game’s scoring system. Players can select one or two characters from the expansive Mario universe for singles or doubles matches.
Engaging in on-court action and hitting a tennis ball remains as satisfying as ever. The controls are precise and responsive, provided you are familiar with your character’s attributes. Striking the ball with a racket produces a sound akin to a powerful shot at a Grand Slam, but with an added burst of speed. The vibrant colors of the arenas reflect the typical Mario game aesthetics, while the court surfaces, whether clay or grass, feel realistic and tactile.
Each character falls into a few basic styles such as speedy, powerful, and technical.
Mario serves as a versatile all-around player, welcoming to newcomers. Heavyweights like Donkey Kong and Bowser boast mighty overhead smashes but are slower in maneuvering and reacting to shots.
Some characters introduce unique gameplay dynamics, requiring players to adapt skillfully. For instance, Rosalina, the mystical figure from Super Mario Galaxy (to be portrayed by Brie Larson in the upcoming film), gracefully floats above the court, unaffected by surface conditions. Meanwhile, the diminutive Koopa Troopa glides and spins around on its turtle shell, resembling a hockey puck on ice.
Slice, smash … fireball?
The star feature in Fever rackets this time around is the ability to trigger special fever shots occasionally when returning the ball after selecting your character.
These shots often manifest as stage hazards for opponents, setting parts of their court on fire or scattering slippery banana peels. Some shots enhance your speed, create a temporary clone for additional player support, or offer other bonuses.
Matches often turn into a competition to unleash as many fever shots as possible, creating an exhilarating rush. Interestingly, the effects of these shots only activate upon the ball bouncing on the court, allowing opponents to counter your power.
Rallies can descend into delightful mayhem as players frantically exchange shots to avoid succ