SYSTEM: 3DS

PRICE: R451

AGE RESTRICTION: ALL AGES

I say mostly because Mario Tennis is not fun, or at least not for long.

Aesthetically the game is beautiful, with bright colours and the same cartoonish sensibility that is characteristic of all Mario games. It also contains many beloved Nintendo characters.

Each character plays differently, and they are well-tailored to different play styles. The major problem with the game is that it is too easy. Once you get the hang of hitting the right tile on the touch screen, you will win most games without the AI scoring a single point.

This is because the game includes a feature for trick shots where you hit the correct coloured tile on your touch pad and it launches the corresponding shot. It takes 20 seconds to get the hang of it.

You don't have to go with the trick shot recommended by the system, and there is more fun to be had by ignoring them as you make your opponent run from one end of the court to the other, but this just underscores how easy the game is.

On the plus side the online multiplayer option does give the game longevity, but often games are down to who gets to the trick shot area first.

The game comes with three modes - and relies on unlockable items which you can use to customise your Mii in order to keep things interesting.

Gamers often suffer from an obsessive, compulsive need to get everything in a given game, so this could add some longevity, but it quickly becomes tedious because it is so easy.

Without the new trick shot feature the game still would have been easy, but more fun.

THE GOOD

It is attractive and easy to pick up, with a lot of unlocks for you to edit your Mii.

THE BAD

No challenge whatsoever.

RATING: 5/10