Nintendo has released a new overview trailer for Mario Tennis Fever that breaks down the game’s few features, modes, and characters.
Clocking in at roughly five minutes, this latest look at Mario Tennis Fever gives us our best look at the plumber’s next sports outing yet. Like previous games in the Mario Tennis series, Fever will feature a reasonably in-depth shot system that allows players to slice, lob, and add topspin hits to try and outplay their opponent. On top of these basic hits, the new Fever Rackets will introduce powerful abilities that will change the ball’s trajectory, alter the court, or otherwise make life harder for you to return your shot. The game will include 30 Fever Rackets to unlock and use, adding some strategic depth to your matches.
A nice little wrinkle that was explained in the video is that Fever Racket shots can be caught and returned, ability effect and all, if you manage to hit the ball before it touches the court, incentivising precise timing rather than just smashing your ultimate move as soon as the meter is filled. This addresses one of the main concerns I’ve always had with power moves in Mario’s sporting games, as the abilities often feel like a silver bullet, so this is a welcome change from where I stand. If you’re not into the Fever Rackets, you can just turn them off and play some straight tennis, too.
We see a bunch of new playable characters, including Gooba, Nabbit, and, of course, Baby Waluigi, joining the 38-character-strong roster this time around. No Monty Mole, however, which is a missed opportunity in this tennis fan’s eyes.
The overview trailer also runs through the glut of match types and modes in the game, and boy oh boy, do we have some bangers on the way. A Tournament mode will likely be where I spend most of my time, and it’s a pretty self-explanatory way to play. Ring Shot ignores the tried and true back and forth rallies in favour of precision shots, asking you to aim for point-providing rings above the net. Forest Court Match has you expanding the court by feeding the ball to Pirhana Plants at courtside. Pinball looks like a fit of rage waiting to happen, as you and your opponent can activate bumpers by landing shots to throw the ball and each other around the court. Racket Factory, Wonder Court Match, and Trial Towers were also detailed here, showing that Fever has a depth of options to choose from. The game’s version of a story mode, known as Adventure, has you playing as Baby Mario as he learns the ins and outs of tennis and the Fever Rackets, all while completing challenges and fighting bosses.
You can watch the full Mario Tennis Fever overview trailer here:
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