Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash is one of the Wii U's key titles coming up in the near future, and now Nintendo has upped its PR offensive for the November release. While it may not necessarily be the sort of big-name game to blow anyone's hair back, it could nevertheless provide some innocent fun over the dark Winter months.
Within a hearty dose of new information a couple of key features stand out. First of all there's amiibo support, in which you can team up with a figure online or in the offline 'Knockout' mode and level them up, earning improved abilities with the more matches they play. This is a relatively rare case of read / write functionality as seen in Super Smash Bros., so you'll need a compatible amiibo without any data on it - those are Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, Yoshi, Rosalina, Wario, Toad and Donkey Kong.
Beyond that there's another character confirmed (which you've probably spotted in the last sentence) - joining the recent announcement of Boo, Waluigi and Daisy we now have Rosalina; don't lie, you're delighted she's in it.
Four modes have also been confirmed, with the press release information below.
- Knockout Challenge: Tense tiebreak matches against increasingly difficult computer-controlled opponents await in this single-player mode. If the going gets too tough, you can call in a supported amiibo as your doubles partner.
- Mega Battle: Your character grows to gigantic proportions after grabbing a Mega Mushroom, dominating the court with their increased power and range. When rivals on both sides of the net are giant-sized, anything can happen!
- Classic Tennis: For those who prefer their tennis a little more traditional, Classic Tennis offers two variations: Standard mode features Chance Shots and Jump Shots but no Mega Mushrooms, while Simple puts competitors between the tramlines with no Chance Shots or power-ups – a real test of tennis prowess.
- Online multiplayer: Go up against distant adversaries from all over the world in competitive ranked play in either Mega Battle or Classic Tennis modes, or quickly jump into more casual matches. Two players on the same console can team up to take on all-comers, or a supported amiibo can join you on as your doubles partner on the online courts.
In a neat extra offer for European gamers it's also confirmed that eShop purchases of the new game - a "limited launch offer" - will receive a free download of the original Mario Tennis, also known as that game everyone played in multiplayer on N64. Apparently it was the first time Waluigi appeared, so there's a fun bit of trivia for you.
There's a trailer for all of this below too, so let us know what you think. Are you pleased with the mode selection outlined, excited about training up an amiibo doubles partner? Itching to play as Rosalina?
Comments 96
looking really good
Curious to see why owning this Tennis game is better than sticking with Wii Sports that 82 million people own. Ninty haven't really given a good reason yet....
Q) Are you pleased with the mode selection outlined, excited about training up an amiibo doubles partner?
A) For now, I am. I'd like for more modes to be detailed in future, but I've been so desperate for information that this amount will suffice for now. The addition of online play is absolutely wonderful, and the amiibo addition is nice; I may have to track down a Luigi amiibo to use for it.
Q) Itching to play as Rosalina?
A) I despise her with every fibre of my being... okay, perhaps a bit too harsh, but I do not care for her at all. I've never played either of the Super Mario Galaxy games, I didn't care much for her inclusion in Super Mario 3D World, and I really disliked her inclusion in Super Smash Bros for Wii U (though I shall avoid ranting about my dislike for SSBU, this post would go on way too long).
Rosalina was an expected inclusion; I'd be more excited for some unexpected newcomers, particularly if they expand outside of the main Mario universe and take advantage of the connected DK, Yoshi, Wario, and RPG series. That, or they could announce the return of Shy Guy. He's been my main in both Mario Tennis 64 and Mario Power Tennis, and it'd make my day to have him playable in the series once again.
So 4 more characters, let's see if they add Shy Guy and...
Larry Koopa!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYmeCpjNg-s
P.S.: no, I am not expecting Larry Koopa, though it would be nice if they referenced Superstar Saga!
Why would anyone be embarrassed about Rosalina?
Anyway, glad online finally got confirmed along with the original (which I own anyway) on VC.
The more Mario games with Rosalina in it, the better
@GLA
For some reason there are people out there that see her as their mortal enemy, it's really hilarious
Nintendo, please make a Daisy and Waluigi Amiibo. Also were's the MP series Rosalina?
@shaneoh Yes!
Glad that there is online, especially for 2v2. Now I'll probably get it so that my wife and I can play together.
Pleased to hear that this game is actually online - unlike the upcoming amiibo-based Animal Crossing, Mario 'Party' and Nintendo Land - yet it also makes me wonder why on earth it took so blooming long for this to be confirmed?!
This will be my last Wii U game this year.
Rosalina is awesome. She is now part of the main mario cast forever and it's great.
I want Waluigi Amiibo...It maybe come now.. and i want Ice Climbers Amiibo.
Great news,really happy to see online is confirmed,ranked classic mode too.This game shall be mine day one,no reviews necessary.
Several of us were complaining about the lack of online clarification in the forums nice to see they're starting to actually specify stuff.
How about completing the SMB line amiibo now Nintendo? Rosalina, DK, Waluigi, Wario, Daisy, Toadette and Spyke amiibos? And Boo!
We did not ask for this
Rosalina over Diddy
I was never intending on getting the game anyways but this is otherworldly proportions of bad
Wait...so if Wauigi is in this, and if they treat the game as good as they dd with Smash, and make an Amiibo for each character...WALUIGI AMIIBO CUNFURMED!!!1
YES ROSAWEENIE
Yes, Yoshi! Finally! Also this trailer is much better than the other one released recently. Still wonder what they were thinking with that one.
Interesting thing to be able to pair with an amiibo even online, makes all the "training" it more interesting and valuable.
My Rosalina have no datas in it, so she could be a good partner for this mode (althought to be fair I don't care too much about the SSB datas the other Mario characters' amiibo have).
Oh cool amiibo support! I am curious about the giant mushroom game mode.
Wait, people are excited for this game? When did that happen?
Dat animations tho.
Hope they will include Diddy Kong, Bowser Jr. and Miis.
@IceClimbers This counts. I'll give it a 4.
Almost seems ND worthy. One step closer to no more NDs. This year at least, though maybe they'll have one for NX in early 2016.
@LunaticPandora How about now?
I'm not 'Nintendo' enough to understand the Rosalina issue but to me she represents the most human character in the Marioverse, and she was beast in MK8.
Sold! The multiplayer online is what I was waiting for and that gives me enough reason to buy this game. It will be nice to have around the holidays when friends are around more. I'd like to see Shy Guy back in the game and I'd really like amiibo figurines for WaLuigi, Daisy, Shy Guy and Boo. Those 4 would be awesome! I mean, come on Nintendo....you made Mii's in to amiibo.
@Peek-a-boo Oh, that sucks that you aren't getting Xenoblade Chronicles X
On topic - 2 player vs. online makes this a consideration. My kid just got a Yoshi w/ Wooly World but I'm pretty sure game that is read only. I also haven't used my silver Mario in SSB, only SMM, so that's good to go.
And I like the download offer, giving people incentive to download games, and a free N64 at that, nice bonus. Maybe when Reggie wakes up in a few hours he'll let us in on the action. Hopefully Club Nintendo is out before this, would be a nice opening shot.
Might have to buy this now. Good job Nintendo.
Now how about a amiibo save vault for out SSB data, and a Wii U price drop so people buy the system so my kids have some one to play with online?
And I never thought it would come to this, but I hope this game has DLC, all those courts are so tame for a Mario game. I liked playing Sluggers on the ship, a tennis court could fit anywhere - top of a skyscraper at night, in an underwater dome, on the ISS - playing w/ low gravity in slow motion while wearing space helmets. Mario sports for me are about fun, not about realism.
But this is a step in the right firection. Baby steps, but still steps going forward.
@NintyMan mario tennis open had a playable luma but not rosalina
definitely will get this for my kids. I just wish it wasn't $64.99 here in Canada. Maybe for Christmas I will get this.
This game was completely off my radar; the mega mushroom thing just looks tacky and awful and quite disruptive to the gameplay, but being able to play classic mode and on-line has peeked my interest.
Wario is also confirmed.
Curious to see if there will be some more modes added soon but so far shaping up to being another great game in the Mario sports series. Really hyped for this.
i was dissappointed with the last trailer and less than a few days later BAM new trailer and new modes revealed and 2 player co-op online?!...well played Nintendo. This is on my radar now and its not only cause of the above or of Rosalina its because in one of the trailers you actually see Yoshi trying to do a quick flutter before scoring! its the little details that make me appreciate Nintendo games like the birds in Splatoon.
@Souldin LOL! well said!
@rjejr noticed how i never mentioned this game in our conversations before? it was never on my radar. i didnt care but now with 2 player co-op...well add it to the list my friend
Curious to see if there will be some more modes added soon but so far shaping up to being another great game in the Mario sports series. Really hyped for this.
With all of hte power ups, this doesn't even look like a tennis game in the end lol
Any confirmation been given about whether motion controls are an option?
Including motion controls will put this on my 'get' list, though I'm still tempted anyway now online is confirmed.
This suddenly sounds a lot better. 2v2 online is great to see. Could use a few more modes, though.
If ever there was a case of 'If it ain't broke don't fix it' it's the Mario Tennis series from the N64 onwards.
@StarDust4Ever If we get a Waluigi and Daisy amiibo, then I want a Big Boo amiibo as well
@WanderingPB My kid really wanted the last Mario Tennis game on 3DS. He was very excited when he got it and played it for a few days. Then he was bored and that was it. When I showed him the previous trailer he said - "That looks like Mario tennis on 3DS." Then he just walked away.
This went from looking like just a tennis game to a fun tennis game. We don't eve have anyone to play online with as you know, but watching my wife adnher Princs Daisy amiibo playing against me and my Mario, or my son and is Yoshi, could be a lot of fun. Not just to play but even to watch. I was never a big fan of amiibo in SSB b/c even though you could fiht w/ them on your team, it's still really any individual fighting game, not tag team like I thought it would be when they first showed the trailer - tapping out to your amiibo partner - but w/ this, playing an actual team sport w/ an amiibo partner, that seems like fun. I like fun.
I wouldn't buy an amiibo just to play tennis, not a huge tennis fan, but since we have them sitting around doing nothing anyway - and more importantly some of them don't have SSB data stored, which this game would overwrite - might as well pick this up. Maybe I'll buy it for my wife for her birthday so she could get some exercise. Wait, now that I think about it there was no motion controls in that video. Man, that was a quick downer, who wants to play tennis w/o motion controls holding Wiimotes on their sides? Oh well, maybe they'll patch it in later.
@MrGawain Mario characters >>>>>> Ugly Miis.
Great idea for amiibo support! If we get a big roster, I hope the Koopalings won't take 1/4 of it.
What would be really cool is if they added DLC characters, courts and/or modes. That would certainly make me more interested.
I'll buy this game, just not at launch. Wait for the price to go done about $10 - $15 dollars...
@WaddleDeeWeegee Since there are only 4 characters to be revealed and the Koopalings are 7/8, unless they do a random selection this is mathematically impossible, at most I think they could announce Bowser Koopa Jr. and Larry Koopa who are the only ones who would make sense to have.
I want this game but don't have the money to afford it. Looks great!!!
By the way, the Bowser and Toad Wii Remotes will be available the 20th of November as well:
http://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2015/October/Mario-Tennis-Ultra-Smash-for-Wii-U-serves-up-mega-multiplayer-fun-on-November-20th-1061991.html
@Smoo Yeah, online has sold it to me, I will pre-order now. I hope owning the physical disc still gets me a free Mario Tennis N64 download.
I still probably won't get this, but maybe a decent review would change my mind. It's still currently a no.
Why does this game have a plain boo but not King Boo? Can the art department not be bothered to add a crown? This plus the fact Waluigi is in this game makes this automatic no buy.
Seriously tho, if the price point is right I may pick this up. $39.99 seems about right. Reading these comments tho, I wonder what kind of tennis games people play anymore what with the ridiculous expectations.
I still probably won't get this, but maybe a decent review would change my mind. It's still currently a no.
It's looking much better than I thought it was gonna be. Got some good modes online play amiibo support and lower price makes it a worth while purchase.
Finally, some good amiibo support!
Much more likely to buy this game now.
Why does Rosalina have to be in every game now. She was ok in mario kart 8, not 7 because no Waluigi. Smash she was a terrible inclusion. Shes taking up a spot on the roster. All she is is Blue Peach. This Mario Tennis better have all the classic characters instead of three Princess Peaches
Nice, I'm liking the amiibo integration
@NintyMan my guess ,assuming colours ARE relevant. Green = yarn yoshi......surprised you didn't think that too look at your avatar
@NintyMan Green could be Bowser Jr., he's in Mario Power Tennis and Mario Tennis Open.
Would've preferred Toadette, but her popularity is very low compared to Rosalina lol. I guess I should really pick up that Luigi amiibo soon once I get more money because being able to play online with your amiibo is something I wanted ever since the functionality was first introduced.
The more females in Nintendo games the better. Kreygasm
I will be honest, this trailer piqued my interest in this game, which was nearly nonexistent before.
Like the amiibo, like short dress Rosalina, like that it has online, like the fact that amiibo makes up for not having a local partner. I will like if NOA copies NOE and adds the Mario Tennis download.
Amiibo online? That's super awesome. The controls for this confuse me, WiiU Pro only for P2? Gamepad locked for P1? What about controller switching? Are we still able to use waggle controls or did we lose that? Well no worries, I'll probably delve into this, it's one of the few sports games I'm actually interested in.
@shaneoh That's something I can agree on
Rosalina deserves her own game at this point, which I hope turns into series like Luigi's Mansion or Yoshi's Island.
Also, It's swelltastic that I can play online with my amiibos, since my sisters hardly play video games with me anymore (one is obsessed with minecraft, another won't play new Pokemon games with me, because genwunner, and one plays sometimes with me, the one that's an demotic apple for some of you, so uh.....YEE).
If they made amiibos of some of the characters, I would get Waluigi of course, and would get a character I already have the SM4SH version of so I don't lose their SM4SH data, or because I like the character and would like a figure of them, like Yoshi and Rosalina.
@MrGawain have you not played Wii U Tennis? It's infinitely deeper and more skilful than Wii Tennis but has nobody playing. If this game has decent online, a decent community and a better selection of playing options, it will be worth it. There's every chance it won't have all those things though
Amiibo support looks good. Just wish this was a Mario Golf game instead. Maybe it's coming?
Rosalina seems to be appearing everywhere :v
Can't wait for her to get a game, like how it happened with Peach on the DS :>
Also, perhaps it needs more characters too. Not surprised by the roster, because it seems predictable.
Bring Petey Piranha back :v
My interest in this game is expanding.
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
There's the details that i wanted, would have been nice if they share us this in there earlier trailer
now i'm looking forward to getting this game later
@MrGawain Really, though? I mean Mario for one. This one is not even motion controlled as far as I can tell. Very different experience even if you think the Wii one is better for many. (Though as someone else stated the Wii U Sports version of tennis is far, far better than the Wii version)
So, this only looks good to me. Has enough. It has Mario and his worlds so why not go a bit deeper with campaign, like a little RPG? Something more adventurous like @rjejr mentioned with the DLC.
Not having motion controls is very interesting, too (though that's how the Mario Tennis games go).
I found the SSBU amiibo thing rather uninteresting ultimately but that's because that game franchise just doesn't do much for me, so I'm hopeful but skeptical about the amiibo support in this. Just having something is always cool for adding value, but since this requires a data overwrite, the details really, really matter.
Tough sell for me, but I like that it seems solid enough to at least not be Amiibo festival as far as public perception and the Wii U goes.
Wow, nice to see people opinion changing. I watched some AC: Amiibo Festival gameplay and some comments seems to change their opinion too. I think Metroid Prime: Federation Force could do that too when more detail comes. TriForce Heroes did that to me, I never thought I'll get it day one and here I am have it preloaded. Despite E3 disappointment, it looks like their games shape up very well. I don't expect any of these to have 9 or 10 scores, but they all seems to be averaged 7-ish easy.
Online? And a big character roster? Sold.
@Peek-a-boo Your last game this year? Don't forget Xenoblade X!!!
@aaronsullivan "to at least not be Amiibo festival "
I was thinking today they may push Mario Tennis enough that 1st week of Nov they have an ND to announce the Wii U price cut starting Nov 15th. amiibo, online, family - good enough for holiday sales marketing. $199 Wii U w/ no games, $249 for the MK8 and Spaltoon bundle. Now or never, 1 last time.
@NintyMan The only green character I can think of is Spike. He's playable in Mario Party 10, so it's possible. I'm not sure how many people would actually want Spike instead of Diddy or Bowser Jr... the more I think about it, I hope it's not Spike! They should get more of the "main" Mario characters in the game before going for the more minor ones. I LOVE Shy Guy though, so I hope your prediction for the red block is right!
@Souldin I know that's you, mariotehplumber
Can't wait! The fact that it has online makes me extremely happy.
Also yes, I can't wait to play as Rosalina...
...I may get this if the Amiibo support is taking the Smash route (and even better, they can go online with you). Already have Yoshi and DK, was thinking of attempting to get Rosalina, but I can never find her.
@NintyMan Probably Bowser Jr.
...Crap I just realized that the Amiibo can only hold one file or whatever...and I don't wanna erase my Smash DK. TwT
Wiimote plus please or i skip.
This definitely seems more appealing. The gameplay looks great and I appreciate the ability to turn mega mushrooms and power-ups off. The amiibo support seems interesting too, just a shame I don't have any for it. Hopefully the Yarn Yoshi one will work for this game. I wish there was a bit more single-player content, but I have to say, local multiplayer and online seem like a lot of fun. Not exactly a must buy, but I am highly considering picking this up when I go home for fall break.
EDIT: I did my research, and turns out the Yarn Yoshi amiibo is compatible with this game! I'll probably pick this up with Yarn Yoshi!
What in the world is up with Nintendo fans and Rosalina? People either uncomfortably obsess over her or absolutely renounce her existence and games she dares enter. Is it cause she is a female character and gamers are intolerant and/or creepy?
@krakensoup Boo Amiibo? LOL, the more the merrier!
Always happy to see Rosalina*. =)
*When she doesn't overthrow Daisy I mean how dare she.
@amiiboacid My gosh; how did you know!?
Sorry to disappoint, but I am not Mariotehplumber. I may dislike Rosalina a bit (and really it's only her inclusion in SSB I'm not fond of), but his dislike of Rosalina, now that's just crazy. I'm also not ludicrously rich enough to buy and destroy that many Rosalina amiibo's.
In other news, I think I've been spotting the character select screen for this game online. The locked character's silhouettes can be seen in it and honestly... if the roster is true, then I'm hoping for DLC. It doesn't seem all too impressive, but I cannot tell if such screenshots are legit at this point.
@waluigifan1 At least in Smash she had a unique move-set and isn't a clone like Ganondorf or Lucina. She's quite a fun character to use, besides her air-attacks not bring great.
Smashing decision to include Rosalina! Just leave out Birdo.
@waluigifan1 Rosalina at this point is a major Mario universe character: she is even a playable character in Super Mario 3D World, a game that doesn't feature Yoshi, another supposedly major character in the Mario universe. So I'm expecting her to appear in almost every Mario-related games. I personally don't think this is bad at all, expanding the major characters roster a little can create more interesting stories or gameplay.
@Souldin well, the yet to be revealed characters have been actually revealed: Toadette, Bowser Jr., Dry Bowser and the green Sprixie Princess. At this point I too am expecting at least Diddy Kong and Shy Guy, along with Birdo, as DLC characters.
@Mister_Wu I was actually trying to avoid outright saying who I thought the characters were... in case anyone didn't want to be spoiled.
I also did not find out until a little while after my comment here, that there was a gameplay video showing the roster screen, confirming that the earlier roster screenshot I saw was correct.
I too hope for there to be DLC, if only so I can actually use my main Mario Tennis character; Shy Guy. Until he pops up it seems I'll be sticking with Luigi or Daisy... maybe using a Mii if what that bottom icon on the roster select screen is supposed to be.
@aaronsullivan You may already have this covered, but Toybox Takeover is currently $14 on Amazon. That just dropped today according to my daily "Cart" update. I always keep 5 or 6 things in my cart, mostly "saved for later" and not a day goes by w/o an increase or decrease. And I'd say it's decrease 3-1. My free year of Prime has me buying more than I should.
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YZ3V1EW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Hanukkah starts Dec 6th this year, it's hard to find 16 presents under $10 for the 2 boys, may have to average this one in w/ a $3.49 Wario or Waluigi.
Can't wait for this. Yay Toad amiibo can play 😀
@rjejr Ordered. lol. Thanks for the tip. The more I buy the more I save right?!
See, Disney? You put much more effort and money into DI 3.0 and you got me as a (ridiculous) customer again even though I found DI 2.0 to be pretty lame overall. Plus, buying SW for 4 billion helped, too.
I'm going to give a few of these things out before Xmas, myself. Too many gifts end up being DI otherwise.
@rjejr
At least there is some news trickling out of Nintendo here and there now. Such a dry spell.
I'm beginning to wonder if Nintendo won't drop the price until NX launches. I mean, they can't do that can they? Can they?
@aaronsullivan Glad you got a new job or I'd feel bad about all the money I'm helping you save. I bought 2 SMM Rubiks cubes at Target today for $2.50 each, stocking stuffers. I coudln't find Wario and Waluigi though, have to go back to the other Target I guess.
I don't know what's up w/ the Wii U price cut. It literally gives me a headache that they haven't done it yet as it's such an obvious thing to do. And seeing that $99 Wii Mini on the shelf in Target yesterday. It's like Nintendo doesn't know the 3 year old Wii U is backwards compatible. And the Nintendo aisle seems so small all squished together, not even sure where NX will go. They did have about 25 Dr. Mario amiibo. And 1 Pac-Man.
My wife looked at me last night and said - "You know, I think Nintedo's head office really is in trouble." And she said it sympathetically. She may have followed up w/ the word "dysfunctional". I haven't seen anything the past 5 months to argue otherwise.
@rjejr How long will that PS4 price cut stand next to a non-cut from Nintendo? So odd. At least the retailers seem to understand.
Does this game happen (is it happening)?
Nintendo: We will drop the price on the next shipment of Wii Us dramatically.
Target: We want the margins on the new ones so we'll clear these out at a loss.
I will say this about Nintendo. The vacuum of information and Nintendo Directs is sure making me see the great value they added and how important it was for Iwata to institute what was there.
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