When news of Mario Tennis Open 3DS broke there was a lot of excitement about the prospect of taking the classic thrill of acing Bowser on the road. However, despite being a fun sport game, it doesn’t quite smash it in the way that it was hoped.
Everything is there in general, but it’s all just a bit too easy to really set the races pumping. The ability to play as your Mii character adds a bit extra to the fun of the game, but because there are few nail biting games on your route to finishing the game, the progress to Star Cup glory feels a bit like going through the motions.
The extra games don’t really veer too far from that reality either, so it’s left to the multi-player to reprieve the excitement of Mario Tennis 3DS. Battling your mates or the randoms online makes for a much more interesting game, especially if the person you’re playing is a have decent shot.
The advanced, super smash Chance Shots makes for a welcome new addition, but it also adds to the ease of the single player game. However, in multi-player this new functionality really comes into its own bringing a new angle of intensity to the game.
Where Mario Kart 7 is a stunning recreation of the high octane playability of its bigger Wii cousin, Super Mario Tennis 3DS isn’t quite at the same level, unless you’ve got a thriller of a four player game on the go. With little impact of the 3D effects you find it hard to see how the game has been adapted to the little powerhouse.
Super Mario Tennis 3DS review: 3.9/5
