One of the titles I was really looking forward to playing on the Nintendo DS was Mario Hoops 3 on 3. Not because it was a Nintendo franchise sports game, or because I like basketball. Just for the simple fact of the control mechanic. How you dribble, pass and shoot, all curtsey of the Nintendo DS own touch screen.
Before I get too ahead of myself, Mario Hoops 3 on 3 is as the name states a 3 person team basketball game. Characters like Yoshi, Mario, Bowser, and Wario all make an appearance, plus many more from the numerous Mario titles. As with most Mario sports titles, there will be power ups, and super moves characteristic of this franchise. You will be able to make a flaming slamdunk as Mario, which is great, but not a real surprise to anyone. There are question blocks located on the basketball stadium, when you walk over these they will naturally give you special abilities.
Now this game would fall apart if it didn’t have excellent control, and I am happy to report that Mario Hoops 3 on 3 has surpassed my expectations in all areas especially control. You have to tap the screen to dribble. If you want to dribble on the right, and then switch left, no problem. Just start tapping on the right side of the screen, and then start tapping on the left. Passing the ball is just as easy, just draw a line in the direction of your teammate you want to give the ball too. If you want to shoot a basket, simply draw a line from the bottom of the screen to the top. The same is true if you want to dunk, but you have to be in the dunk area to pull this maneuver off. If you don’t have the ball, and you are on defense, simply draw a line downwards in the direction of where the ball is located. You control the actual movement of your characters with the digital pad, which syncs almost perfectly with the touch screen input. The control is so seamless that it blends perfectly with this title.
The graphics are no slouch either. The game is in full 3D, but uses a forced forward perspective behind the player character. Specifically you are always facing your side of the court. So this coupled with the control scheme makes Mario Hoops 3 on 3 far more intuitive, and easy to play.
Mario Hoops 3 on 3 is looking to be one of the must have games this year. Advanced Media will have more info on this title as we near its September 11, release date.
