Summary
- Release Year: 2010
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Wii, Wii U
- Developers: Nintendo SPD Production Group No. 4, Square Enix
- Publishers: Nintendo
Mario Sports Mix: A Wii Sports Clone That’s Actually Good
Mario Sports Mix is a party game developed by Square Enix and published by Nintendo for the Wii. It was released in North America on November 7, 2010, and in Europe and Australia on November 12, 2010. The game is a compilation of five different sports: volleyball, hockey (both field and ice), dodgeball, and basketball.
Mario Sports Mix is similar to the Wii Sports series in that it is a collection of sports games that are designed to be easy to pick up and play. However, Mario Sports Mix sets itself apart from Wii Sports with its unique blend of Mario characters and power-ups.
Each of the five sports in Mario Sports Mix can be played with up to four players. There are two main modes of play: Exhibition mode and Tournament mode. In Exhibition mode, players can compete in individual matches against each other or against computer-controlled opponents. In Tournament mode, players can compete in a tournament structure, with modes of difficulty named Mushroom, Flower, and Star.
Mario Sports Mix also includes several party games based on the mechanics of each sport. Smash Skate is based on Hockey, Bob-omb Dodge is based on Dodgeball, Feed Petey is based on Basketball, and Harmony Hustle is based on Volleyball.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Mario Sports Mix is simple and straightforward. Each sport is played with a combination of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. The Wii Remote is used to control the character’s movement, while the Nunchuk is used to control the character’s actions.
The controls are easy to learn and use, and the game does a good job of teaching players the basics of each sport. However, the gameplay can be somewhat repetitive, especially if you’re playing the same sport over and over again.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Mario Sports Mix are colorful and vibrant. The characters are well-animated, and the environments are detailed and varied. The sound effects are also well-done, and the music is catchy and upbeat.
Overall
Mario Sports Mix is a fun and frantic party game that combines the best of Mario and sports. With five different sports to play, there’s something for everyone. The power-up items add an extra layer of excitement, and the party games are a blast. Whether you’re a seasoned Mario fan or a newcomer to the series, Mario Sports Mix is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
Review Scores
- IGN: 8/10
- GameSpot: 7/10
- Nintendo World Report: 8.5/10
- Destructoid: 7/10
- Eurogamer: 7/10
Pros
- Fun and frantic gameplay
- Five different sports to play
- Power-up items add an extra layer of excitement
- Party games are a blast
Cons
- Gameplay can be somewhat repetitive
- Not as deep as some other sports games
Overall Score: 8/10
Review Score
8/10
