Mario Power Tennis is a solid update to a great Nintendo 64 game. The fundamental play mechanics are more or less the same, which is in my book just fine given that I liked them to begin with. The selection of playable characters and courts -- both immediately available and ready to be unlocked -- is likewise impressive. Meanwhile, the overall presentation, graphics and audio are all very well done, for the most part. In short, the core is still intact, and it still works.
That said, some of the additions are a mixed bag. The new power moves, while cinematic and certainly pretty, can jar the flow of matches and make it difficult to continually follow the ball. And the new Gimmick Courts, sometimes filled with flashing lights and other obstructing obstacles, share exactly the same problem.
Still, this is a fun game, and especially so if you have two or three friends to play with. If that's the case, don't hesitate to pick it up. It'll keep you busy well through the holidays.
9.0 Presentation
From the gorgeous FMV intro and slick menus to the unlockable characters and courts, the presentation is excellent.
8.0 Graphics
Pretty, but not drop-dead gorgeous. The graphics are clean, colorful and fast. While some of the backgrounds suffer, the models are beautiful, particle effects insane, and it runs at 60 frames.
7.0 Sound
Music is lacking. But the character noises and one-liners are as funny as ever. Runs in Dolby Pro Logic II, too.
9.0 Gameplay
Still fun. Still addictive. Still one of the best tennis games on the market. But the additional power shots and Gimmick Courts are a mixed bag.
10.0 Lasting Appeal
You can spend months with the multiplayer mode alone. The added Special Games are not a necessity, but they don't hurt, either.
OVERALL: 8.5
http://cube.ign.com/articles/564/564517p1.html
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Spykem@n et DarkSamus, les bogoss celibataires [:spykem@n]