Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash

If Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash were a book, it would have the cover of an epic novel and the pages of a children’s book. What was billed as a fun and engaging Mario sports game is lacking in both, and instead presents a shallow game that takes all of twenty minutes to fully experience. In a year where Nintendo seemed to make massive strides, delivering a major new IP and finally showing some understanding of how DLC can make games better, Mario Tennis Ultra Smash serves as an unwanted reminder of how Nintendo used to work.

Nintendo has unveiled its release schedule for the rest of 2015, and there are some surprises in the mix, including Star Fox Zero.

Mario and his pals have always been adept athletes, excelling at basically every sport under the sun. While baseball and golf make for fun gaming experiences, it's always been Mario Tennis that's held a special place in my heart. I can't quite put my finger on it, but ever since the original back in the Nintendo 64 days I just can't get enough of the courtside action. With a new Mario Tennis announced at E3 I'll get my chance to once again deploy my best backhand, but this time things might be a little bit different.

The Mushroom Kingdom's chubby but athletic hero is back on the courts with Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash.