Mario Tennis Advance

Written by John Carswell  on August 18, 2005

First Impressions: For such a sports enthusiast, Mario sure does have trouble losing those pounds.

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The GBA may be winding down to make way for the DS but Nintendo still has a few treats for owners of its aging handheld. Somewhere near the top of that list is Mario Tennis Advance, the fourth entry in Nintendo's successful Mario Tennis series. A highly addictive game, Mario Tennis is known for providing more than just straightforward tennis and ultimately delivers a far more diverse experience than its contemporaries.

As much a tennis-themed party game/RPG as an actual sports title, Mario Tennis is known for its sizable story mode and brilliant multiplayer gameplay. Featuring Nintendo's most popular characters such as Donkey Kong, Peach, and Waluigi, Mario Tennis Advance will include a statistics menu to ensure each player is different while still maintaining a balance. Much like in a fighting or racing game where player-controlled units have numerically defined attributes such as speed, maneuverability and so forth, Mario Tennis will let you browse each character's strengths.

In story mode, players will be able to adjust these stats. As the player climbs towards the top of the ladder in Mario Tennis Advance's story, the game will make new stars available. Investing these stars into various attributes should ensure that the player will be in a control of a character the best compliments his or her playing style.

As with previous titles, Mario Tennis Advance will be overflowing with Nintendo's unique attitude. Expect to see themed courts, catchy tunes, and Nintendo-esque charm to pervade every aspect of the game. Personal touches will be present for each character as well, not only in audio/visual terms, but also in the form of special moves. Both offensive and defensive bonus moves will be available so look forward to Mario introducing the ball to his legendary mallet from time to time.

Supporting the GBA's wireless module, up to four players will engage in multiplayer mayhem. Allowing for one on one or doubles matches, it is hard not to imagine anyone exposed to Mario Tennis Advance not getting addicted this lively and charisma-filled multiplayer experience. Of course, with the use of the wireless adapter, your friends can make total spazzes of themselves without ruining the game with yanked out cords.