It has been three years since Mario and his companions last graced the tennis court in Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash for the Wii U, a title that was charming but ultimately somewhat unwieldy. Mario Tennis Aces represents a significant improvement on nearly every front, refining the gameplay mechanics and addressing previous criticisms. However, some imperfections persist.
In Mario Tennis Aces, Nintendo presents a single-player tennis adventure where Mario navigates a game board, reminiscent of Mario Party, and undertakes various tennis-themed challenges. These include target practice and battles against opponents with unique playing styles and signature moves. Developer Camelot’s ingenuity is evident in their efforts to expand the tennis concept into skill-based challenges. While mostly enjoyable, some elements can lead to frustration due to their unnecessary difficulty.
Notably, another Virtua Tennis installment has yet to appear this console generation. Revisiting Virtua Tennis 4, a game that rewarded skill and character development, remains a desirable experience. Mario Tennis Aces incorporates a progression system where Mario’s level and skills improve with each match, regardless of the outcome. However, this system relies heavily on learning special attacks, precise timing for special shots, and physics-defying “skillshots.”
If you hit the plants, they spit the ball back at you…
This emphasis on stylized gameplay motivates continued play and adds variety to the tennis experience. However, it can also be frustrating, as mastering the timing of these unique shots and special powers, such as blocking smashes to protect your racket, requires considerable practice. Conversely, successful smashes can break an opponent’s racket, and if a player runs out of rackets, the match is decided by “Knock Out,” even if they were otherwise leading. This mechanic adds tension and can dramatically alter the course of a seemingly hopeless match. The boss battles are engaging and reasonably challenging; each match and challenge can be overcome with practice and the appropriate strategies. However, be aware that this is a demanding skill-based game, potentially unsuitable for younger players or those unwilling to invest time in mastering its techniques and timing.
The controls present a mixed experience. The game felt significantly more challenging when using the Joy-Cons and gamepad-dummy. The sticks felt somewhat loose, reducing precision and making accurate play more difficult than necessary. Switching to the Controller Pro made a significant difference, resulting in a tighter, more responsive, and ultimately more enjoyable experience in both single-player and multiplayer modes (supporting up to four players, as in Ultra Smash). Players can execute four classic shots (topspin, slice, flat, and lob), as well as utilize special attacks like time-slowing and nearly unreturnable super shots. A “simple rules” mode is available in multiplayer, stripping away the special features for a more traditional tennis experience.
A skilled player can complete the Mario Tennis Aces campaign in approximately 6-8 hours. This unlocks a multiplayer world with new courses, characters, and rackets. Mario Tennis Aces is a fun and diverse tennis game, particularly when played against others, emphasizing arcade-style fun over realistic simulation. This is consistent with Nintendo’s approach to accessibility and broad appeal. While it stands out as the best tennis game of this console generation, largely due to a lack of competition, frustratingly difficult enemies and gameplay elements can be present. Moreover, the Joy-Con controls, while accessible, may not be precise enough to fully realize the game’s skill-based potential. Mario Tennis Aces resembles a tennis-infused Mario Party, but ultimately leans more heavily into tennis than party elements. A greater emphasis on the latter could have elevated the game even further.
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