Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash arrives on Wii U with a promise: big, bold, and full of spectacle. The game wants to be a major Mario sports outing, packed with characters, modes, and a roster that stretches far beyond the usual tennis cast. It mostly delivers on spectacle, but the spectacle often comes at the cost of depth, and the result is a game that feels more like a toy box than a serious competition.
The core loop is simple. Players hit balls, smash them, and try to force opponents into errors. The game adds a layer of character-specific moves, a shot system that lets players build power over time, and a mode that turns matches into a free-for-all battle royale. That sounds great on paper. In practice, it means the game spends a lot of time telling players what it can do, and less time letting them master what they already know.
Trailer, via Nintendo of America.
The Shot System
The shot system is the game’s main hook. Players charge a meter by hitting the ball, and once it fills, they can unleash a powerful shot that can break through an opponent’s defense. It’s a clever idea, but it’s also a system that rewards patience over skill. A player who charges the meter to max gets a massive advantage, even if they’re not the better player. This makes early matches feel more like a lottery than a test of ability.
The mode that turns matches into a free-for-all battle royale is a separate experiment, and it’s a mixed bag. It removes the standard rules entirely, turning the court into a chaotic arena where players fight for control of the ball. It’s fun for a few matches, but it doesn’t offer much beyond novelty. It’s a mode that feels more like a bonus than a central pillar.
Character Variety
The roster is the game’s biggest draw. Characters from across the Mario universe show up, each with their own set of moves and animations. Some characters are fast and nimble, while others are slow but powerful. The variety is impressive, and it gives the game a distinct identity compared to other sports outings in the series.
The downside is that the controls don’t always match the characters’ personalities. A slow, heavy character might move just as quickly as a small, light one, and that disconnect takes some getting used to. It’s a small complaint, but it’s one that surfaces repeatedly as players switch between characters mid-match.
Presentation
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash looks great. The courts are bright, the characters are expressive, and the animations are smooth. The game runs at a steady frame rate, and there’s no noticeable slowdown during matches. It’s a polished product visually, and that polish carries over into the menus and the presentation of each match.
The music is energetic and cheerful, which fits the tone of the game. It doesn’t stand out as a standout score, but it does its job. The sound effects are punchy, and the announcer’s calls are frequent and loud, which can be overwhelming in a multiplayer setting.
Multiplayer Modes
The game supports local play, both split-screen and online. Local play is where Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash shines brightest. Split-screen matches are easy to set up, and the game handles the transition between screens smoothly. Online play is a mixed bag, with matchmaking that can be slow and connections that occasionally drop. It’s playable, but it’s not the best way to experience the game.
The modes are varied enough to keep players engaged for a while. There’s a story mode, a tournament mode, and a mode that lets players customize their own teams. The mode that turns matches into a free-for-all battle royale is a separate mode, and it’s a good addition, even if it’s not deep. It’s a mode that rewards chaos over strategy, and it’s best enjoyed with friends who aren’t too serious about winning.
Depth Issues
Where Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash stumbles is in its depth. The shot system, while clever, rewards patience over skill. A player who charges the meter to max gets a massive advantage, even if they’re not the better player. This makes early matches feel more like a lottery than a test of ability. The game tries to balance this with a mode that turns matches into a free-for-all battle royale, but that mode doesn’t solve the underlying issue. It’s a fun novelty, not a fix.
The modes are varied enough to keep players engaged for a while, but they don’t offer much in the way of long-term replay value. Once the novelty wears off, the game starts to feel repetitive. The story mode is thin, and the tournament mode is a straightforward grind. There’s nothing here that pushes players to keep coming back.
Technical Performance
The game runs smoothly on Wii U. There’s no noticeable slowdown during matches, and the frame rate holds steady even during busy moments. The game handles the transition between screens smoothly, which is a relief given how demanding split-screen games can be. There are no major technical issues that would keep players from enjoying the game, though the online matchmaking can be slow and connections can occasionally drop.
The presentation is polished, and that polish carries over into the menus and the presentation of each match. The music is energetic and cheerful, which fits the tone of the game. The sound effects are punchy, and the announcer’s calls are frequent and loud, which can be overwhelming in a multiplayer setting.
What Works
- The roster of characters is impressively large, drawing from across the Mario universe.
- The shot system is a clever idea, even if it rewards patience over skill.
- The presentation is polished, with bright courts and expressive animations.
- The local play is easy to set up, with split-screen matches that work well.
- The mode that turns matches into a free-for-all battle royale is a fun novelty.
What Doesn’t Work
- The shot system rewards patience over skill, making early matches feel like a lottery.
- The modes are varied but lack long-term replay value.
- Online play is slow to connect and can drop connections.
- The controls don’t always match the characters’ personalities.
- The story mode is thin, and the tournament mode is a straightforward grind.
Final Word
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash is a solid, if uneven, entry in the series. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up and play, thanks to its polished presentation and large roster. The shot system is a clever idea, and the mode that turns matches into a free-for-all battle royale is a fun novelty. But the game’s lack of depth and its reward of patience over skill hold it back from greatness.
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash is a solid, if uneven, entry in the series.
It’s a game that’s best enjoyed with friends who share its love of spectacle over precision. For solo players, the modes don’t offer much in the way of long-term replay value, and the game starts to feel repetitive after a while. It’s a game that’s worth playing, but it’s not a game that demands attention for long.
The game scores 6 of 10.
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