E3 2006 First Look Preview
When Mario jumped on the court and
showed off his talent in the GameCube version of NBA Street V3, many wondered if
this was Mario’s first step into the realm of sports games. Then he appeared in
the latest SSX, kicking as much butt on the slopes as he does in the Mushroom
Kingdom.
Six months later and E3 2006 has
come. Nintendo confirmed what many had been hoping for: Mario would star in his
own basketball game – Mario Hoops 3 On 3. Join Mario, Peach, Wario, Bowser,
Luigi, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Diddy Kong, Yoshi, Waluigi, Shy Guy and Birdo
for a b-ball experience on par with his other sports adventures.
Mario Hoops looks great with plenty
of cool court environments and at least a couple of special moves inspired by
the Mario universe.
Following the trend set by The
Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Mario Hoops throws traditional D-pad
controls off the court in favor of the touch screen and stylus combo. Light
touching, dragging, and consecutive tapping influence the way that Mario and co.
function. Tapping adjusts the speed of the ballers, while dragging the stylus
moves the character along the court. Furthermore, players may execute special
passes, super shots, complex dribbles and other fancy moves by manipulating the
screen with the stylus. It’s a match made in hoops Heaven.
Three characters are allowed on each
team (hence the subtitle, “3 On 3”). As expected, power-ups are going to be a
part of the Mushroom Kingdom-inspired courts. Red shells and Bob-ombs (and who
knows what else) will give the players who have them the edge. Meanwhile, the
team that’s on the receiving end of these power-ups will be dealt a blast they
won’t soon forget.
The Nintendo DS has been a great
source of graphical pleasure this year, and Mario Hoops is no exception. The
effects, animations, and solid flow of the game have that classic Mario Bros.
feel. It’s an impressive title to watch that had many people lining up behind it
to take a peak. Do I even have to question how great it will play? Doubtful.
Look at the track record: Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, and Super Mario Strikers.
I’m ready to add Mario Hoops to that list.
