Mario Sports Mix user review

Has the plumber finally gone downhill?

Review written by
Novastorm52

February 10th, 2011

Super Mario Galaxy 2 on the Wii was an amazing game in 2010, it was even better than the first one, and everything about the level design, soundtrack, and the game play was near perfect. So I was excited to hear what Nintendo had in store for the plumber in the upcoming months. So then Super Mario All-Stars, or Anniversary as some would call it arrived and I was pretty disappointed due to the fact that it didn't have the classic super Mario bros. on the NES, despite him popping up all over the place. So after being slightly disappointed, but assuming it was just a hiccup of a flaw, I awaited for Mario Sports Mix. Now let me be honest, I was pretty disappointed when I heard about this game since, I was so hyped up to see another plat former with Mario. But sucking it up aside, the game arrived and I finally manage to play it. Did it live up to its hype?

Unfortunately, No. Let me start by saying Mario Sports Mix is not a bad game, it's just the fact that it's far too simplistic and it just feels like I'm playing a collection of mini games rather than playing an actual sports game.

Gameplay

For starters there are 4 types of sports games to be played on Mario Sports Mix. Volleyball, Hockey, Dodge ball, and Basketball. The problem with this is that the games controls almost exactly the same and it doesn't really mix things up. While the controls do work well, I just couldn't help but feel like I was playing the same game for the most part.

Unfortunately, the AI in this game is massively stupid. I swear, I left the room while playing tournament mode on volleyball when it was 19-0 and came back and it was still 19-0... wow.

If there was one thing I liked about the gameplay it would definitely have to be the online. The people in online are actually challenging and can give you a run for your money. But other than that the game is far to easy for its own good. There are a few gimmicks that try to mix the game play up but it still comes off as simple.

Graphics

Visually, it looks great. The animations are smooth and has plenty of detail. I felt like I was actually playing a Mario game. Everything is cheery and colorful, and there's a pretty good variety in the courts. Also online didn't have any lag which I was pretty impressed by.

Sound

Music wise, it's a mixed bag. At times the music can sound great while at others forgettable, also the music can be repetitive. The characters can also make annoying smirks and sounds.

Lifespan

You can collect all the trophies in a matter of 2-3 hours, because there are only 4 really. Plus the mini games, don't really keep you playing for long. The online might have you distracted for a good amount of time. But the game will get old pretty quick. Another stupid thing I realized is that whenever I unlock something, I have to unlock the same thing in a different sports game. Which was downright stupid. So for example, if I unlock a secret character in dodge ball such as the red ninja, I have to unlock him again in the other 4 sports. Why?

Final Verdict

Overall Mario Sports Mix is not a bad game, but it doesn't really do much to differ from the other sports titles. If you are a huge Mario fan then I recommend you wait for a price drop. Because $50 just isn't worth it.