Mario Tennis (GBC)

Mister Militia · Jul 24th, 2009, 4:17:06 AM

Mario Tennis (GBC)

While I am sure many people have played the different versions of this game, Mario Tennis for the GBC has a much different feel to it. While the N64, NGC, and Wii versions all have you playing as your favorite Mario characters in intense tennis duels, the GBC version has you play as a male or female character and play your way RPG style through the game, complete with level ups ect.

Story

Check out your badass dorm. Also, they're co-ed ;)

After you pick and name both your character and your roommates/ doubles partner, you go on a quick guided tour of the Academy. You learn you are somewhat of a tennis prodigy, being the first student to be admitted to the Academy mid-term. From there, you work your way through the ranks, with the hope of defeating the grand master of tennis, Mario himself!

Gameplay and Mechanics

Like any good RPG there is an EXP and lvl system. You can train 4 stats, Power, Control, Spin and Speed. Each Stat has sub categories that change when you level them up, for example, the speed stat has Dash, Reaction, and Stop. If you neglect certain stats, they will begin to decrease and it is harder to level them up. Additionally you have to level your doubles partner as well.

Time your serve to get a "Nice!"

As far as controls and in match game play, its similar to that of all the other Mario Tennis games, with A being top spin and B being slice. There are all the same button combos for lob shots, drop shots and smashes as well. The control is good, and you can especially feel the effects of your stats as you can't smash hard, or place the ball well or at a hard angle, or even stop your players momentum if you don't adjust your stats properly.

Graphics

Being a GBC game, the graphics, especially in match are very good. While a bit flat, you have a good perception of depth. Additionally it isn't very pixelly. Each character sprite (there are about 5-6 generic sprites that only vary in color as well as about 10-12 unique ones for the main characters/ opponents) has their own signature celebration and defeat animation after each point.

Thats right. cry for me.

The over world screen is a bit generic with different parts of the academy, When you are on the over world screen you are like the size of 1/4 of the entire court, but hey whatever. There are many different areas, most of which don't do anything, but it isn't a complete eyesore or anything.

Features and Compatibility

There are a few other game modes. 1 is simply an exhibition match where you can play as Mario characters just like the console versions. There is also a link play option which should be self explanatory. Additionally there are a bunch of mini games you can play, most of which involve hitting floating objects over the net with your ball.

Gooooo random generic guy!

Additionally you can use the N64 transfer pack (aka the pokemon stadium pack) to play with your character (including your doubles partner) on the N64 version of Mario Tennis. This is pritty cool because IIRC you can actually gain EXP from it (barely any though).

Hai Guiz!

Additionally some characters like Bowser can only be unlocked on the GBC by transferring over.

Not everything is perfect

This game has its flaws. 1st off, if you don't build your character in certain ways its very hard to beat the game in doubles and singles. Speaking of doubles, yours partners AI is often very bad, when you are in the back, he wont take a side, but rather stay in the middle and run back and forth 3 feet on either side. Often you think he'll miss it and you go to cover the back on that side, he'll make a diving save, just enough for the opposing net player to smash it the other way. Or they have a high enough angle rating for them to simply put it out or reach because your partner wont just play the angle, or the line, but tries to play both.

Also the computer AI gets predictable, especially on serves. I can tell after they fault exactly what the next serve will be. Other than that, the AI is pritty good and has a different style for each character.

Additionally there are parts of the game that serve NO purpose. The Cafe, doesn't have any use, besides a bunch of dialog about eating food you can't interact with or Mario. This isn't a huge deal but meh.

Look at all this food I can't interact with!

Lastly the replay value (for some people) can be kinda lowish. My brother beat the game like 5 times in a few days he was so addicted, but other people it may get old for.

Overall

This is a very fun game. If you like Mario Tennis's gameplay, this will probably occupy you for a while. I don't even touch the other game modes like the mini games and I've probably logged over 60 hours on this game since I rediscovered it. Its replay value gets higher still after you haven't played it in a while.
Overall 8/10

Mister Militia · Jul 24th, 2009, 5:56:53 PM

Why'd you split this up.

I'd like to make a proposal we make this a series.

the title could be something like "Underrated Gems: Mario Tennis (GBC)"

Firestorm · Jul 25th, 2009, 1:48:40 AM

I didn't think a good idea for highlighting games people thought were underrated would be to bury them in one thread. Not to mention Mario Tennis (GBC) is hardly something I'd call "underrated".

Mister Militia · Jul 25th, 2009, 3:57:12 PM

I had never heard many people rave about it compared to its console brethren, maybe I was mistaken?

CardsOfTheHeart · Jul 25th, 2009, 4:00:09 PM

Four words: drop shot is broken.

That is all.

Aquamentus · Jul 25th, 2009, 4:15:35 PM

This game is a lot like Game Boy Mario Golf, with RPG stats that drop when ignored, generic but somehow likable characters, Mario as the ultimate champion, Transfer Pak support... The graphics outside of the matches are similar, too.

Mister Militia · Jul 25th, 2009, 5:06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat CardsOfTheHeart

Four words: drop shot is broken.

That is all.

Its not broken against the younger Coz brother. He gets it almost everytime.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Aquamentus

This game is a lot like Game Boy Mario Golf, with RPG stats that drop when ignored, generic but somehow likeable characters, Mario as the ultimate champion, Transfer Pak support... The graphics outside the matches are similar, too.

Indeed. I actually own both games and think they are both very very good.

CardsOfTheHeart · Jul 25th, 2009, 5:21:23 PM

It doesn't matter that he gets it if I can just smash the next shot cross-court. The drop shot trivializes the entire Singles Mode; if it doesn't plain fall in front of the opponent, then it just leads to an overhead smash. Either way, it makes for easy points.

It's nowhere near as bad on the GBA version.

Mister Militia · Jul 26th, 2009, 5:34:07 PM

I do agree the Drop Shots are a little bit overpowered, I have seen the A Coz (younger one) and Mario recover from a Drop Shot/ Smash. But it is still easy if you get them going one way for long enough, go the other way with a drop, then back with a Power Shot.

On the other hand, serving is nearly impossible to hit an Ace on the upper classes.

Bran · Jul 28th, 2009, 8:23:21 PM

Wow, I thought I was one of the only people that ever played this game! I loved this game when I was a teenager! The feature of transferring your character to the N64 version was awesome, but it seemed to me that those characters were a LOT better than the rest of them.

Snorlaxe · Aug 5th, 2009, 5:08:14 PM

This game has been out forever, why write a review now?

Anyway, I loved this game, but it has gotten very tiring for me. Unlike Pokemon, there really isnt much to do once you have beaten the main game and what not.

Jul 24th, 2009, 4:17:06 AM	#1
Mister Militia Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 338 Behind a Substitute	Underrated Gems: Mario Tennis (GBC) Mario Tennis (GBC) While I am sure many people have played the different versions of this game, Mario Tennis for the GBC has a much different feel to it. While the N64, NGC, and Wii versions all have you playing as your favorite Mario characters in intense tennis duels, the GBC version has you play as a male or female character and play your way RPG style through the game, complete with level ups ect. Story Check out your badass dorm. Also, they're co-ed ;) After you pick and name both your character and your roommates/ doubles partner, you go on a quick guided tour of the Academy. You learn you are somewhat of a tennis prodigy, being the first student to be admitted to the Academy mid-term. From there, you work your way through the ranks, with the hope of defeating the grand master of tennis, Mario himself! Gameplay and Mechanics Like any good RPG there is an EXP and lvl system. You can train 4 stats, Power, Control, Spin and Speed. Each Stat has sub categories that change when you level them up, for example, the speed stat has Dash, Reaction, and Stop. If you neglect certain stats, they will begin to decrease and it is harder to level them up. Additionally you have to level your doubles partner as well. Time your serve to get a "Nice!" As far as controls and in match game play, its similar to that of all the other Mario Tennis games, with A being top spin and B being slice. There are all the same button combos for lob shots, drop shots and smashes as well. The control is good, and you can especially feel the effects of your stats as you can't smash hard, or place the ball well or at a hard angle, or even stop your players momentum if you don't adjust your stats properly. Graphics Being a GBC game, the graphics, especially in match are very good. While a bit flat, you have a good perception of depth. Additionally it isn't very pixelly. Each character sprite (there are about 5-6 generic sprites that only vary in color as well as about 10-12 unique ones for the main characters/ opponents) has their own signature celebration and defeat animation after each point. Thats right. cry for me. The over world screen is a bit generic with different parts of the academy, When you are on the over world screen you are like the size of 1/4 of the entire court, but hey whatever. There are many different areas, most of which don't do anything, but it isn't a complete eyesore or anything. Features and Compatibility There are a few other game modes. 1 is simply an exhibition match where you can play as Mario characters just like the console versions. There is also a link play option which should be self explanatory. Additionally there are a bunch of mini games you can play, most of which involve hitting floating objects over the net with your ball. Gooooo random generic guy! Additionally you can use the N64 transfer pack (aka the pokemon stadium pack) to play with your character (including your doubles partner) on the N64 version of Mario Tennis. This is pritty cool because IIRC you can actually gain EXP from it (barely any though). Hai Guiz! Additionally some characters like Bowser can only be unlocked on the GBC by transferring over. Not everything is perfect This game has its flaws. 1st off, if you don't build your character in certain ways its very hard to beat the game in doubles and singles. Speaking of doubles, yours partners AI is often very bad, when you are in the back, he wont take a side, but rather stay in the middle and run back and forth 3 feet on either side. Often you think he'll miss it and you go to cover the back on that side, he'll make a diving save, just enough for the opposing net player to smash it the other way. Or they have a high enough angle rating for them to simply put it out or reach because your partner wont just play the angle, or the line, but tries to play both. Also the computer AI gets predictable, especially on serves. I can tell after they fault exactly what the next serve will be. Other than that, the AI is pritty good and has a different style for each character. Additionally there are parts of the game that serve NO purpose. The Cafe, doesn't have any use, besides a bunch of dialog about eating food you can't interact with or Mario. This isn't a huge deal but meh. Look at all this food I can't interact with! Lastly the replay value (for some people) can be kinda lowish. My brother beat the game like 5 times in a few days he was so addicted, but other people it may get old for. Overall This is a very fun game. If you like Mario Tennis's gameplay, this will probably occupy you for a while. I don't even touch the other game modes like the mini games and I've probably logged over 60 hours on this game since I rediscovered it. Its replay value gets higher still after you haven't played it in a while. Overall 8/10 __________________ Check out my reviews on underrated games! Mario Tennis (GBA) Shadowrun (Xbox360/PC) Last edited by Mister Militia; Jul 24th, 2009 at 10:31:44 PM.

Jul 24th, 2009, 5:56:53 PM	#2
Mister Militia Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 338 Behind a Substitute	Why'd you split this up. I'd like to make a proposal we make this a series. the title could be something like "Underrated Gems: Mario Tennis (GBC)" __________________ Check out my reviews on underrated games! Mario Tennis (GBA) Shadowrun (Xbox360/PC)

Jul 25th, 2009, 3:57:12 PM	#4
Mister Militia Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 338 Behind a Substitute	I had never heard many people rave about it compared to its console brethren, maybe I was mistaken? __________________ Check out my reviews on underrated games! Mario Tennis (GBA) Shadowrun (Xbox360/PC)

Jul 25th, 2009, 4:00:09 PM	#5
CardsOfTheHeart Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,971 My Soul, Your Beats!	Four words: drop shot is broken. That is all. __________________ My Soul, Your Beats! Creator of the DPP Pokemon Resource, the one thing no Trainer should be without! (eventually... maybe) My YouTube Channel My Blog (VERY, VERY small, ATM)

Jul 25th, 2009, 5:21:23 PM	#8
CardsOfTheHeart Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,971 My Soul, Your Beats!	It doesn't matter that he gets it if I can just smash the next shot cross-court. The drop shot trivializes the entire Singles Mode; if it doesn't plain fall in front of the opponent, then it just leads to an overhead smash. Either way, it makes for easy points. It's nowhere near as bad on the GBA version. __________________ My Soul, Your Beats! Creator of the DPP Pokemon Resource, the one thing no Trainer should be without! (eventually... maybe) My YouTube Channel My Blog (VERY, VERY small, ATM)

Jul 25th, 2009, 1:48:40 AM	#3
Firestorm I did my best, I have no regrets! Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 7,262 Vancouver, BC	I didn't think a good idea for highlighting games people thought were underrated would be to bury them in one thread. Not to mention Mario Tennis (GBC) is hardly something I'd call "underrated".

Jul 25th, 2009, 4:15:35 PM	#6
Aquamentus Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 186	This game is a lot like Game Boy Mario Golf, with RPG stats that drop when ignored, generic but somehow likable characters, Mario as the ultimate champion, Transfer Pak support... The graphics outside of the matches are similar, too.

Jul 26th, 2009, 5:34:07 PM	#9
Mister Militia Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 338 Behind a Substitute	I do agree the Drop Shots are a little bit overpowered, I have seen the A Coz (younger one) and Mario recover from a Drop Shot/ Smash. But it is still easy if you get them going one way for long enough, go the other way with a drop, then back with a Power Shot. On the other hand, serving is nearly impossible to hit an Ace on the upper classes. __________________ Check out my reviews on underrated games! Mario Tennis (GBA) Shadowrun (Xbox360/PC)

Jul 28th, 2009, 8:23:21 PM	#10
Bran Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,086 middle of nowhere, West Virginia	Wow, I thought I was one of the only people that ever played this game! I loved this game when I was a teenager! The feature of transferring your character to the N64 version was awesome, but it seemed to me that those characters were a LOT better than the rest of them. __________________ † I am a Christian and proud of it! Copy and paste this if you are too.† Bran's Pokemon FC: 4253 1084 3763 B & T Trades (closed) Now playing Super Smash Brothers on-line!! Smash FC: 1118 5221 3715

Aug 5th, 2009, 5:08:14 PM	#11
Snorlaxe #bossniggaprobs Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,232	This game has been out forever, why write a review now? Anyway, I loved this game, but it has gotten very tiring for me. Unlike Pokemon, there really isnt much to do once you have beaten the main game and what not.