Nintendo really has found so many ways to really make Mario a real household name again the past few years for the Nintendo Gamecube. He has been in so many wonderful video games including the vigorous racing game Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, the challenging and strategic Mario Party games 4, 5, & now 6, and the golf game that isn't just like any ordinary game, Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour. Those games have all done well, and yet from another Nintendo 64 classic, Mario Tennis, the game proved so well as one of the final games for the N64 system. Yet, the people at Camelot and Nintendo knew there had to be a sequel that was even more challenging, and yet it has happened.

Mario Power Tennis, follows through very well in the same path that Mario Tennis had for the Nintendo 64 in 2000. The game features Mario, Luigi, Bowser and company through several different and challenging courses including the traditional courses, as well as themed courses just like the Nintendo 64 version. The game also fatures new games and challenges like Artist On The Court, Mecha-Bowser Challenge, Ring Shot, and many more. The tournaments also range into differnt patterns as well, with a Gimmick version that has obstacles all over the tennis court, on themed courses for Donkey Kong, Wario Ware, and the original Mario Brothers games. The graphics are outstanding and improved the detail of each of the characters nicely in detail beyond the N64 version, and the gameplay is very challenging.

There are some downsides however: one of them is the overused motions for the power shots during the game. In exhibition mode, they can not be available if optional, but in tournament mode that is another story. Another is the control, on some of the characters which can be frustrating in certain cases including Yoshi who is very weak, but gets a power-up bonus later on, before he is as skilled as the other players. Yet, with a lot of practice, anyone can be the ace.

Mario Power Tennis happens to be a very well put Gamecube game, since there really isn't anyone out there for the Gamecube, unlike the other systems. This is a very enjoyable game for all gamers alike. It is exciting playing it alone, but better with a partner against you. I really know that his game is a must for any part of your Gamecube library.