Back with another release is Nintendo’s Mario Tennis Aces. Premiering at the Nintendo Direct presentation, a new way to play tennis has been brought to the Switch. Although this is another installment in the series, Camelot Software Planning has added some twists for the competitive players out there. Here are some of the new additions to the game.
One of the most exciting announcements to Mario Tennis Aces is the ability to play against many characters, at least 16 to be exact and play as them as well. Along with this are the abilities that were added to this installment. Like the other games, matches will have different techniques to use. For this one, the “topspin”, the “lob” and the “slice.” This just mean the ball will either curve, go upwards or go parallel. All of these techniques can be used against your opponent to try and win.
Some new mechanics have been added as well. Players get a set number of rackets to use in each game. If a “zone shot” is used and the opposing player’s racket is hit three times then the racket breaks. This forces the player to forfeit the match, but only if their last racket breaks. Luckily however the “zone shot” can block the shot by using a “block” but the ball has to hit at the perfect time for this to work. “Zone speed” also plays a big part in matches as well. This just means that time slows down while your character moves normally. Usually this is used to get to shots that are far away. Beware however, the energy gauge will drop when these moves are utilized. To keep the energy gauge up, players must keep the match going or use a risky trick shot.
Trick shots can be great if done well and on time. However, this is easy to mess up by misjudging time and distance. Sadly though, using a trick shot can severely deplete your energy meter. The benefit however is that you land exactly where the ball will be. A special shot requires a full energy gauge and can be blocked but the shot is almost garunteed to break the opponent’s racket if you’re in a pinch.
In true Mario fashion, the game is brightly colored, fast moving and fun. The Joy Con controller can be used by themselves or with the new racket that was released. This is very similar to the WiiU but the racket is not required. Additionally, there is a tournament mode and player versus player. So there is fun to be had no matter what level you play at or what adventure you want to get in to. Overall, I highly suggest Mario Tennis Aces. This is a fun way to challenge others in a familiar place.
9/10
Available now on the Switch.
