Mario Hoops 3 on 3
SCORE: 90
I was a little bit
skeptical when I first heard about Mario, and the rest of the Mushroom
Kingdom playing some basketball with their typical style of sports
action (translation: not realistic, with use of coins and items to
determine the outcome). Nintendo has done enough in other sports with
Mario that I kept my mind open. There are three characters from the
Mushroom Kingdom on your team, and you play against three other
characters. There are item boxes which can grant power ups, or coins.
Passing is done via drawing line in the direction of the teammate.
Shooting is done by drawing a line upwards, and stealing is done via
drawing a line downwards. Even though this is more of a cartoon party
game style of basketball, many of the same concepts apply. A good
defense, and strong offense will win the day. Score more points than the
opposition to win. The NBA players don’t need to worry about an
exploding bomb on the court though. The points scored can be rather high
with one shot (20 to 100+ points per basket).
Graphically Mario Hoops 3
on 3 is very bright and colorful. The details follow the different
basketball courts, which mimic certain areas of other Mario games. The
female characters wear sports gear, but it is not provocative in any way
shape or form. The graphics show quite a bit of polish as well.
I was expecting many of
the same Mario sounds in this game (which are present), but was
surprised to hear some rather pleasant singing in different areas of the
game. This music is a welcome addition that was not expected. The sounds
are very crisp and clear on this Nintendo DS cartridge. I found that
music to be very cheerful, and encouraging. All of the sounds work well.
When one of your slam dunks gets rejected, you will know it. When the
other team scores, you will know it.
Nintendo has the unlocking of additional material down pat, and Mario
Hoops 3 on 3 is no exception. There are characters, courts, modes,
difficulties, etc. Awaiting to be unearthed. All four of the tournaments
can be beaten in about four hours on the easiest setting, but there are
other modes, and challenges awaiting the player. Up to four people can
play each other locally across DS to DS wireless connections. It is
unclear why Wifi was not included, since this would be a great game for
it. This is the kind of game that is totally worth your hard earned
dollars in this reviewers humble opinion.
The game gives quite a
nice little tutorial that teaches the controls. They are actually pretty
simple, and work extremely well. The level design of the
courts is an added strategy to the game. Playing defense on ice is more
difficult, slower play underwater, and avoiding cannon balls on another
court can make or break your game. None of these are overbearing, just
require the player to adapt to the situation. I found this to be a
really fun video game to play on the Nintendo DS.
Teamwork is a good thing,
and a good lesson to be learned. I wish there was more of that in this
game, since the player can easily stay the same character and not use
their team at all. The players show disappointment when the other team
scores, and celebrate when they score. Mario Hoops 3 on 3 is safe for
the entire family. A sequel on the Nintendo Wii would be a very good
idea (hint, hint). It was my pleasure to play, and review this game.
-Paul
Graphics: 89%
Sound: 90%
Replay/Extras: 95%
Gameplay: 94%
Family Friendly Factor: 83%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
{Mild Cartoon Violence}
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