Alright! We finally have a Mario Tennis game on the GCN. Understanding the fact that the previous installment rocked like a hardcore Metallica concert on acid, I'm sure everyone expects great things from this upgraded and renovated sequel. I'd rather not explain the minimal (if not meaningless) story in Mario Power Tennis, so I'll just get right to the good stuff.

Gameplay - (10/10)

Ok. There isn't really alot to say about the gameplay. However, I will admit that this game COULD have been scored lower if I had never had the opportunity to play with up to 3 other people. And I must say, what an OPPORTUNITY it was. The game features amazingly and hilariously frantic multiplayer with power moves flying left and right, a variety of beautifully crafted courts and "gimmick" courts, and numerous playable characters, each with their own special moves and advantages (the learning curve, by the way, is top notch....even if you don't know how to play tennis; it's easy to learn and rather challenging to master). This just could be the very next Mario Kart.....if it ever gets that popular. Nevertheless, this game rocks in too many areas when it comes to the core of any game, the gameplay (and Nintendo has that in spades). There is a bounty of different game options as well, including minigames, event matches, a Mario Kart-like tennis mode, and more. Even though the tournament modes as well as exhibition, with only one player that is, do satisfy for a while, this game does not cease to deliver in quality because with every other player added, the fun is increased exponentially. And no, I will not subtract from the overall score in gameplay for the lack of having siblings or friends to play with. I truly feel this is the highest potential of the game, and damn what a potential it is. The multiplayer action of this fast-paced tennis goodness serves hella plenty, and it makes up for anything else that could be wrong with the single player experience. Period.

Graphics - (8/10)

Camelot knows what they're doing. The game features a unique display of colors, lighting, shadows, and special effects, that all contribute to this game's overall beauty. Some of the "less important" characters, however (the crowd for instance), don't look quite as "loved" by the rainbow of graphics the rest of the game received (playable characters actually look great and are rendered perfectly). Otherwise, besides some plain looking environments, the graphics are solid, round, and quite decent for a game with a huge focus on gameplay.

Sound - (9/10)

For a tennis game, especially, there really isn't anything that sets this game apart from any other game like it: it does its job of providing necessary sounds for the tennis thwacks, bounces, slams, and other sound motifs. The character grunts and remarks (or the voices) are good as well, which is actually something one may not expect from a tennis game. This can be a very good thing, for example, as it lights up the court with taunts and shouts from opposing players as they continue to volley the ball back and forth. On the other hand, this can get a tad annoying with some characters (for example, Wiggler or Daisy). Music composition excels thanks to Camelot's "dream team" on the music department. Unfortunately, even in high quality MIDI, it just doesn't match up to other experiences in gaming where orchestration (or whatever else) is used. I will have to praise the sound as a whole, though, in this game rather than ragging on what could've been or minor defects instead.

Control – (10/10)

Extremely easy and simple controls with Nintendo’s wonderful controller makes for the perfect tennis control configuration. I don’t even need to go into an explanation of which buttons do what or anything. This also makes for an immensely high learning curve, which in turn, could grab just about anyone into playing this game with anyone else.

Replay Value – (10/10)

Just like SSBM or Mario Kart: Double Dash, it can always be a party favorite if enough people are interested. Every court match delivers with unexpected twists and hilarities that exemplify the true and endless playability in Mario Power Tennis. Just make sure you provide the right drinks and snacks, and then you’re set for the night.

Overall Score – (10/10)

Buy or Rent:

Depending upon if you should ever play with friends or not, this is a must have or rental. Purchase this title immediately if you have pals that are willing to play a game this grand in the tennis genre (and believe me…..they won’t regret it). Unfortunately, I cannot tell you if buying this game is right for you if you, sadly, don’t plan on playing with anyone else. If you are familiar with the series and enjoyed the last one, then by all means you will love this one. A truly great sports/ action/ party game that re-defines fun…..Nintendo style.