Nintendo’s beloved character, Mario, has been engaging in thrilling tennis matches since the year 2000 with the release of the first Mario Tennis game by Japanese studio Camelot. The newest installment, Mario Tennis Fever, marks the ninth entry in the series and is now available for the popular Switch 2 console. While the game maintains its strong foundation of exciting tennis gameplay with various options and fantastical elements, some longtime fans may find the single-player Adventure mode to be lacking.

Mario Tennis Fever offers accessible gameplay suitable for players of all skill levels, where participants can select characters from the Mario universe for singles or doubles matches. The joy of running around the court and hitting tennis balls is enhanced by responsive controls and vibrant visuals typical of Mario games. Each character in the game possesses unique traits, such as speed, power, or technical skills, affecting their gameplay style.

One of the standout features of Mario Tennis Fever is the introduction of Fever rackets, which can trigger special shots during gameplay. These shots range from setting the opponent’s side of the court on fire to creating clones or enhancing player speed. The intense matches often revolve around utilizing these powerful shots strategically, adding a dynamic element to the gameplay.

In addition to the standard gameplay, Mix It Up modes provide players with novel experiences, such as playing on a giant pinball table or facing reality-bending effects reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. For a more casual and interactive gameplay option, Swing mode allows players to use the Joy-Con controllers as virtual rackets.

The game’s single-player Adventure mode offers a brief yet quirky storyline, featuring tutorials and mini-games akin to Mario Party. However, the mode’s limited duration and repetitive gameplay may not appeal to all players. Despite its shortcomings, Mario Tennis Fever remains a solid choice for local multiplayer sessions, though the high price tag of $100 Cdn may deter some potential buyers.

Overall, Mario Tennis Fever captures the essence of the classic Nintendo tennis games, providing enjoyable gameplay experiences best shared with friends. While the game excels in delivering fun and engaging matches, the lackluster Adventure mode and limited Mix It Up options may leave some players wanting more.