N64 Game Review #4- Mario Tennis

Games of this type often present somewhat of a dilemma when it comes to creating a solid review. The main problem I had when attempting to start this particular article was my inability to stop playing the game. I can’t very well hold the ridiculously shaped N64 controller and attempt to type coherent paragraphs simultaneously. This realization brought me to a crossroads. Should I give up on life and simply continue enjoying match after match of over-the-top tennis action? Or should I get my shit together and follow my life’s passion, which has recently become writing a review for each of the millions of N64 games that I possess? As you can clearly see, I chose the latter. There will be plenty of opportunity for merriment at a later date. For now, we all must continue to grind away and achieve our goals. But enough with the pep-talk. We have cartridges to discuss.

I knew from the second that I reverently lofted the standard gray cartridge that writing a completely unbiased review would be impossible. This game brought me so much joy as a child, and writing a bad review for it would pretty much equate to punching Santa Claus right in his fat face. I did, however, attempt to truly evaluate whether or not this game stood the test of time. If I had never played it before, would I still enjoy its ridiculous tennis action? In a word: YES. I’m really not even certain what to write about this game. It has basically zero flaws, and has stood the test of time admirably. Instead of wasting your time with this nonsense, I encourage all of you to go and play it yourselves. But just in case you haven’t lost interest already, here are a few particulars.

Character Selection


This game has a decent number of characters to choose from, including all of the classics that you’ve no doubt come to expect. Also present is the standard allotment of character bastardizations such as Waluigi. These characters have (unfortunately) come to be expected as well, so there really isn’t any use in complaining about their presence. I do refuse to use them, however, in a futile form of protest.

Gameplay

This game is fun, addicting, and backed by smooth controls. This happens to be a potent combination, and I’m sure that many have found themselves wasting their days away playing match after match.

Game Modes

One of the only things this game lacks is variety. There really aren’t any mini-games to speak of, save for the one where you attempt to guide the ball through golden rings that hover above the court. That isn’t to say that the ring mini-game isn’t fun in its own right. I just think that a few more different types would have added to the overall experience. The basic choices for game modes are the standard exhibition match or a number of tournaments of varying levels, all of which provide a sufficient challenge.


Final Thoughts



I realize that this review is fairly short and to the point, and I think that it comes with the territory. Not every game needs a 1500 word review, particularly a pick-up-and-play Mario sports title. To conclude, I would like to say that I highly recommend this game to everyone who enjoys having a good time. Start looking for more frequent reviews pretty soon, as well as a resurgence of some other content from our other writers.


FINAL SCORE: 9.5/10


This game isn’t perfect, but its damn near close. This is certainly one of the better Mario sports titles ever created, and you would be foolish not to give it a shot.

-Joe