Individuals’ excitement towards Mario Tennis Fever is likely influenced by their familiarity with the previous installments of this enduring sports series.
Since 2000, Nintendo’s iconic plumber has been showcasing his tennis skills in this offshoot developed by the Japanese third-party studio Camelot. The ninth iteration, Fever, is now available for the Switch 2. (Mario has had a passion for tennis almost as long as he’s been a plumber, with a cameo appearance as the referee in 1984’s Tennis for Game Boy.)
The game’s core features remain solid: intense and thrilling tennis matches, offering a wide range of options and imaginative elements. However, veteran players may be let down by the lackluster single-player Adventure mode.
Nevertheless, it serves as a valuable addition to the exclusive games lineup of the Switch 2, which has shown mixed outcomes during its initial year on the market.
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.
The gameplay of running around the court and hitting a tennis ball remains as enjoyable as ever. The controls are precise and responsive, provided that players are familiar with their character’s strengths and weaknesses. Hitting the ball with a racket feels as impactful as a major shot at a Grand Slam, but amplified with rocket-like speed. The vibrant colors adorn the arenas in typical Mario fashion, while the court surfaces, whether clay or grass, offer a realistic and tactile sensation.
Each character fits into several basic styles — such as speedy, powerful, or technical.
For instance, Mario is versatile and welcoming to novices. Heavyweights like Donkey Kong and Bowser possess potent overhead smashes but are slower in moving and reacting to returns.
Some characters present unique challenges, requiring players to make skillful adjustments. Rosalina, the mystical figure from Super Mario Galaxy (set to be portrayed by Brie Larson in the upcoming movie), gracefully floats above the court without being hindered by surface types. The diminutive Koopa Troopa glides and maneuvers on its turtle shell, resembling a hockey puck on ice.
Slice, smash … fireball?
The highlight of 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 introduce stage hazards for opponents, such as setting part of their court on fire or scattering slippery banana peels on the ground. Some shots enhance speed, create a clone for temporary assistance, or offer other strategic advantages.
Matches often become a competition to unleash as many fever shots as possible due to their potency. Interestingly, their effects only trigger upon the ball bouncing on the court, allowing opponents to counteract their influence.
Rallies can escalate into delightful chaos as players hurriedly return the ball to avoid succumbing to the effects of the fever shots.