Though Bowser seems to be in the midst of a kidnapping or world domination on a regular basis, the Mario sports franchises show that the Mushroom Kingdom is a pretty friendly place. Even the villains are invited to compete in a pick-up game of basketball, or to hit the links in golf. At the same time, Mario’s sports franchises across the Switch lifespan have been notably lackluster, offering slick presentation but very straightforward mechanics. Mario Tennis Fever, the first sports game as part of the Switch 2 generation, suggests that Nintendo has learned its lesson, offering a great new hook that is flexible enough to make for a wild party game atmosphere while also rewarding skilled players with another layer of substance.
The core mechanics of Mario Tennis have remained unchanged across several games–different buttons are assigned to shots like topspins and flats, while quick two-button combos exist for some of the more specialized shots like drops and lobs. You can press a button slightly early to start charging your next shot, or double-tap for a power-shot. Choosing which shot to use and where to aim it, along with where you position yourself on the court to be prepared for the return, creates the essential rock-paper-scissors loop that makes these games a lightly skill-based experience. It’s approachable, but with a higher skill ceiling than you may expect.
But for the last several iterations, Mario Tennis has also been experimenting with new gimmicks and special powers, inching ever closer to making Mario Tennis more like Mario Kart–a game with effects so big and impactful that you really shouldn’t take the competitive part too seriously. This time, the major new component is Fever rackets, a wide selection of special rackets with their own wild, game-altering effects. While you can play with standard rackets for a purer tennis experience, the Fever rackets help to elevate this into an arcade sports experience while still demanding skilled play. It’s just a different kind of skill, as you’re required to juggle your own special effects and avoid your opponent’s while also planning your next shots.
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