New Mario Tennis Game Has Fun New Powers, But Costs a Lot

A new Mario Tennis game is here for the Nintendo Switch 2. It has special 'Fever Rackets' that change how you play, like making the ball invisible. Some players enjoy it a lot, but others wonder if it's worth the high price.
By Newsroom | Video Games, Nintendo |

The latest installment in the Mario sports franchise, Mario Tennis Fever, has arrived on the Nintendo Switch 2, aiming to blend familiar tennis gameplay with the over-the-top flair of the Mario universe. Early reviews indicate a game that successfully incorporates unique mechanics, drawing comparisons to its kart-racing counterpart, Mario Kart. However, questions remain regarding the game's depth and overall longevity, particularly concerning its pricing and the balance between its arcade elements and traditional sports simulation.

Mario Tennis Fever review: Mario Kart power-ups reinvent a sports classic - 1

Core Mechanics and Gameplay Evolution

Mario Tennis Fever introduces "Fever Rackets" as its central new feature. These rackets are designed to fundamentally alter how points are played out, offering players distinct advantages and strategic options.

Mario Tennis Fever review: Mario Kart power-ups reinvent a sports classic - 2

  • Fever Rackets: These are described as a "core mechanic that hugely transforms the way each point plays out." They are themed after various Mario power-ups and items, adding a layer of thematic depth. Examples include:

  • The Ghost Racket: Renders both the player and the ball invisible to the opponent.

  • The Swerve Racket: Allows for shots that curve around the court in "impossible parabolas."

  • The Shadow Racket: Summons a computer-controlled duplicate to cover a portion of the court.

  • Fever Meter: Players build up a "Fever meter" which can hold up to two charges. These charges are then used to activate the special abilities of the Fever Rackets. The meter is said to fill automatically over time, a mechanic that simplifies its use for players.

  • Progression: The game appears to offer a sense of progression through unlocking characters, color swaps, courts, and these Fever Rackets, contributing to a "nice sense of progression."

The "Mario" Versus "Tennis" Debate

A recurring theme in reviews is the extent to which Mario Tennis Fever leans into its "Mario" identity versus its "Tennis" simulation. Some reviewers suggest the game prioritizes its arcade and party game aspects, potentially at the expense of a more robust tennis experience.

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  • Party Game Appeal: Several reviews highlight its success as a party game, suggesting it's enjoyable for casual play with friends, similar to the appeal of Mario Kart.

  • Depth Concerns: Questions arise about the game's long-term appeal for those seeking a more traditional tennis simulation. While the Fever Rackets add variety, one review notes that it "won't be long until we see how the rest of Mario Tennis Fever shakes out," implying a need for more extensive playtime to assess its lasting impact.

  • Balancing Act: The game is described as "a Mario game with tennis," but also "underneath it all, Mario Tennis Fever is a tennis game." This suggests a core tennis foundation augmented by Mario-themed additions.

Content and Value Proposition

The amount of content and its perceived value are points of discussion, particularly in relation to the game's premium price point.

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  • Court Count: The inclusion of 7 unique tennis courts has been contrasted with Mario Kart World's 30 unique race tracks, suggesting a potential deficit in variety for the court environments.

  • Game Modes: Multiple gameplay modes are available, each offering a "different twist on the tennis formula." However, "Special Matches are hit-or-miss," indicating an uneven distribution of quality across these modes.

  • Price Point: The game is noted as being $70, a price that some reviewers find substantial, especially when considering the overall content offered. This has led to a verdict of "best sports spin-off in years, but it's still $70."

Player Experience and Technical Aspects

Reviews generally suggest a positive player experience with the core tennis mechanics, though some modes and pacing aspects are less favorably received.

  • Gameplay Feel: The "Tennis gameplay feels better than ever," with developer Camelot credited with honing "the technical aspects of tennis, especially shot types."

  • Adventure Mode: The "Adventure Mode is poorly paced," detracting from the overall experience for some players.

  • Consequences: A consequence of "empty[ing] your bar" (presumably the Fever meter) is that "you’ll suffer," and in doubles, a player might face a "ten-second timeout," leaving their partner to manage alone.

Expert Perspectives

Early critical reception paints Mario Tennis Fever as a strong entry in the Mario sports genre, yet one that navigates the fine line between innovation and established formulas.

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"Mario Tennis Fever may not be remarkable, but that's fine. Mario Tennis Fever makes a good argument that less can be more in the context of family-friendly sports games." - Mashable

"Mario Tennis Fever is easily the best game in the series to date. As it stands, Mario Tennis Fever is a really solid sports game." - ComicBook.com

"While I didn’t get to try it myself, it appears you can play without Fever Rackets as an option too if you’re looking for more classic tennis competition." - IGN

Conclusion and Future Considerations

Mario Tennis Fever presents a compelling evolution of the Mario Tennis series, successfully integrating a novel "Fever Racket" mechanic that injects arcade-style excitement into tennis matches. The game's focus on accessibility and party play seems well-received, offering a solid foundation for family-friendly fun. However, the comparatively limited number of courts and the pacing issues in Adventure Mode are points of contention, particularly given the game's $70 price tag. Whether the game's unique Racket abilities provide enough enduring novelty to justify its cost and satisfy both casual and more dedicated players will likely be determined by ongoing player engagement and long-term reviews. The option to play without Fever Rackets is noted, suggesting a potential pathway for players seeking a more traditional tennis experience.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is new in Mario Tennis Fever?
It has special 'Fever Rackets' that give players unique powers, like making the ball invisible or creating a shadow player.
Q: Is the game fun?
Many people find it fun, especially as a party game with friends. The basic tennis play is good.
Q: Is it worth the price?
The game costs $70. Some reviewers think it has good ideas but maybe not enough content for that price.
Q: Can I play without the special powers?
Yes, it seems you can choose to play without the Fever Rackets for a more normal tennis game.