Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core of Mario Tennis on Game Boy Color lies in its blend of arcade-style tennis action with light RPG progression. At its heart, each match plays similarly to its N64 counterpart—fast-paced rallies, charged shots, and character-specific strengths come into play—but the addition of the Mario Tour mode gives each bout a tangible sense of advancement. Rather than unlocking characters outright, you begin as a rookie student at the Royal Tennis Academy, armed with modest stats and basic serves.

As you complete training programs, defeat fellow academy students, and tackle special challenges, you earn experience points. These points can be allocated into attributes such as speed, power, and technique. This stat-boosting mechanic provides a clear sense of accomplishment: winning matches isn’t just for trophies but directly improves your on-court performance. You’ll soon notice your serves grow faster, your volleys more precise, and your stamina lasting deeper into tournament brackets.

Between matches, the game lets you wander the Academy grounds in an overworld map reminiscent of classic RPGs. You can chat with NPCs—sometimes gleaning tennis tips, other times uncovering hidden mini-quests—and explore hidden corners of the campus. These interludes break up match after match, making Mario Tennis feel more like an adventure than a simple sports title.

For players seeking quick action, the Exhibition Mode offers singles or doubles matches against the CPU or, via the Game Link Cable, a human opponent. This flexibility ensures that whether you have ten minutes or ten hours, there’s always a way to jump into a match. Multiplayer skirmishes especially shine on the GBC, turning any link cable into your personal tennis court.

Graphics

Mario Tennis on the Game Boy Color makes clever use of the system’s limited palette. Characters are rendered as small but expressive sprites, each sporting the iconic attire and exaggerated expressions fans expect from the Mario universe. Courts are colorful yet distinct, from classic clay to grass surfaces, and even the Academy’s grounds feature lush scenery that pops on the GBC screen.

Animation frames are surprisingly smooth for a handheld title of its era. Serves, volleys, and power shots all have visual flair—players lean into their swings, tennis balls blur when smashed, and the occasional starburst effect punctuates special shots. While you won’t see the 3D polygons of the N64 version, the crisp 2D artistry has a charm all its own.

Menus and UI elements are clean and intuitive. Stat screens for your character show boostable attributes at a glance, and navigational icons guide you through the Academy’s hallways without getting lost. In multiplayer, the link-up screen and match setup flow smoothly, making it easy to connect with friends and dive straight into doubles!

Story

Mario Tennis for GBC is notable for its RPG-lite framing: you’re not just entering tournaments, you’re enrolling in the Royal Tennis Academy. The “story” is light and driven by progression rather than cutscenes. As you rise through the ranks—from Rookie to Champion—you’ll encounter increasingly formidable opponents and unlock new areas of the academy grounds.

NPC interactions pepper the Academy courtyard: some students challenge you to friendly drills, others offer hints about secret training spots or tips on specific opponents’ weaknesses. While these exchanges are brief, they lend a sense of community to the world and make each corner of the campus feel lived-in.

Although there’s no dramatic narrative arc or villain to face down, the gradual climb through league tiers and the thrill of finally earning a top-rank status provides its own motivational storyline. By the time you best the academy’s elite, you’ve experienced a compact but rewarding tale of growth and triumph.

Overall Experience

Mario Tennis on Game Boy Color offers a surprisingly deep handheld sports experience. Its marriage of arcade tennis mechanics with RPG progression keeps you invested match after match. Rather than just chasing wins, you’re striving to boost stats, explore campus secrets, and unlock the Academy’s top tier.

Replay value is high: Exhibition Mode lets you swap characters, experiment with doubles pairings, and challenge friends via the Game Link Cable. The portable format means you can hone your serve on the bus, farm experience points during breaks, or jump into a quick head-to-head with a pal.

For prospective buyers seeking a tennis title with more than just scorekeeping, Mario Tennis on the GBC delivers. It stands on its own merits—distinct from the N64 version—offering portable RPG elements, accessible yet engaging gameplay, and enough charm to keep you coming back for one more set.

Retro Replay Score

8.4/10