Game: Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash
Reviewer: Jason, Age 12
Nintendo just sent me the new Mario tennis game, Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash. This game mostly plays like other Mario Tennis games. You hit a ball back and forth, either in singles or doubles. Chance shots return from Mario Tennis Open.
If you haven’t played Mario Tennis Open, I’ll fill you in. Chance shots appear on the ground where the ball is going to land and you have to perform the type of shot labeled on it. The shot you use gets more powerful, slices have a much bigger curve, lobs are much higher, drop shots are very close to the net and so on.
One of the main new feature of this game is Mega Battles. In this mode, Toads randomly throw mega mushrooms onto the court. Whoever grabs one of these, turns giant increasing their reach and strength. After awhile, they shrink down to normal size.
Also new to the series, are jump shots. They appear when the opponent has a bad return. When you use one of them, you jump into the air and slam the ball down on the opponent.
There are 14 characters, 10 starting and 4 unlockable. There are five types of characters: all-around, speed, technical, power and defensive. My favorite type is speed.
Sadly the Tournament Mode doesn’t return which is a major flaw. In replace of it, though, there is the Knockout Challenge, where you or an amiibo (I’ll talk about that later), try to beat computer players that get progressively harder. In my opinion, I’d rather have a Tournament Mode. There are many unlockables in the game and if you find some too hard you can buy them with coins.
This game’s amiibo support is a lot like Super Smash Brothers for Wii U’s. You can tap a supporting amiibo on to the gamepad to use them in online battles or the Knockout Challenge. When an amiibo levels up, it gains a new attribute. I haven’t done this yet so I can’t say anything about it.
I give it 4/5 stars!
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I am always amazed by what Mario can come up with next. He really is a very beloved character! I see he isnt in a tennis outfit perse 🙂 I think it would have been funny if he was. It looks as always like a good Nintendo time.
Playing tennis or any sport on a game system is fun. I always felt these versions gave a better understanding of how the game is played. Not considering the impossible or can only happen in a game stuff. ^_^ I’ve always loved playing character based sport games.^_^
Never been a real big fan of Mario Tennis, but this looks fun! I’ll definitely consider trying it!
Mario is one of my all time favorite games, This looks like an interesting game. I’d never think of playing a tennis video game, but this one I think I’m willing to try.
what a racket!
Mario tennis looks fun! Great layout of the site!
My first Mario Tennis game was on the GBA. This one looks like a fun new addition, although I wish there was a returning story mode.
I love this fun take on tennis. This looks great.
I have always loved playing the Mario Tennis games.
I would love to play this game. It looks fun, and the animation is always so great for Mario.
I love Mario. I think the games are so cute. I wish they still had games coming out like this.
This game looks great! I was into a lot of games as a kid and my son would love this!
It’s amazing to see how much Mario has entered into so many different genres of games! All seem so lovable and addicting!!
This looks and sounds like a fun game for children and adults too 🙂 Not sure if my grandchildren even have it, but I’m sure they’d love it.
Mario is such a fun game series! I love them but have been without for years due to no nintendo devices (save for my Gameboy Colour). Good to see a review for it.
This is great. I play it with Alysia (aged 7); she loves the figures and can really play!
I really love Tennis so I’m going to have to give this game a go. 🙂
This looks like a really fun game thanks!!
I will miss the tournament mode…. but the knockout challenge sounds fun too. You really can’t go wrong with a Mario game! 😀