Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mario Hoops 3 on 3 delivers a fresh, stylus-driven basketball experience that stands out on the Nintendo DS. Almost every move—from dribbling and passing to shooting and dunking—is executed with a simple tap, swipe, or stroke of the stylus. This control scheme makes the title immediately accessible to newcomers, while offering a surprising depth of skill for veterans who want to master crossovers, no-look passes, and gravity-defying dunks.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Rather than use traditional shot charts, Mario Hoops 3 on 3 mixes things up by scattering coins across the court. Each coin collected before scoring boosts your point total, so a single hoop can yield well over ten points if you’ve scooped up enough coins. Matches often climb into the hundreds, making every possession feel high-stakes and every hustle play rewarding. On defense, you can time stylus taps to block shots, swipe to steal the ball, or even goaltend—turning typical basketball conventions on their head.

The game’s structure also encourages experimentation across multiple modes. In Tournament Mode, you build your dream three-player squad from the roster of Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Square’s heroes like Final Fantasy VII’s Cloud. Winning cups unlocks new courts, characters, and special balls with unique effects. Challenge Mode tasks players with a series of skill drills—perfect for refining your dribbling and shooting. And with local DS Download Play support, up to four friends can jump into the frantic “race to 100” dribble challenge or a classic head-to-head 3 on 3 showdown.

Graphics

Visually, Mario Hoops 3 on 3 embraces the colorful, cartoonish style Nintendo fans expect, while delivering crisp character models that pop on the DS’s dual screens. Courts range from a standard outdoor asphalt setting to more imaginative locales like Bowser’s Castle courtyard and a futuristic High-Tech Arena, each rendered with vibrant textures and playful animations.

Character animations shine during highlight plays—a fast break, a dramatic dunk, or a perfectly timed block all trigger smooth cut-ins and slow-motion effects that heighten the excitement. The coins scattered across the floor glint convincingly when your stylus nears them, making it visually satisfying to clear lanes at high speed and watch your point tally soar.

The user interface is equally polished. On the bottom screen, clear icons show each teammate’s energy level and coin count, while overhead positions help you orchestrate passes and screens. Menus are intuitive: selecting tournament cups or multiplayer options is as easy as tapping the DS touchscreen, so you spend less time navigating menus and more time on the court.

Story

While Mario Hoops 3 on 3 isn’t driven by a deep narrative, it crafts a charming sports-tournament backdrop that Mario fans will appreciate. You start as an underdog team, earning your stripes in local cups before challenging high-stakes tournaments that draw the series’ most iconic faces. The progression from humble pick-up games to championship finals mirrors classic underdog sports stories.

Characters boast their own personalities, even in minimal story beats. Yoshi’s playful dribbling style contrasts with Donkey Kong’s brute-force dunks. Bowser’s team brings an aggressive edge—perfectly fitting his role as the ultimate rival. Unlocking each character feels like completing a chapter, encouraging you to replay tournaments to see how different abilities mesh on the court.

Special event matches sprinkle in lighthearted humor, including cameo appearances by Square’s heroes and playful taunts from Mario’s friends. These small narrative flourishes add flavor and make each unlocked court or ball feel like more than just another cosmetic reward—they’re milestones in your journey through the Mushroom Kingdom’s basketball scene.

Overall Experience

Mario Hoops 3 on 3 is a delightful fusion of arcade basketball and Mario-themed whimsy. Its unique coin-collection scoring system keeps matches unpredictable, while the stylus controls offer both instant pick-up-and-play appeal and depth for mastery. Even long after you unlock every character and court, there’s a strong incentive to perfect your timing and outmaneuver friends.

Singles players will appreciate the robust Tournament and Challenge modes, which provide hours of content and a satisfying progression loop. Multiplayer adds a social edge—whether you’re racing friends to 100 points or staging a classic 3-on-3 duel, each match feels energized by the DS’s wireless capabilities. The variety of courts, unlockable balls, and character abilities ensures no two games play exactly the same.

Overall, Mario Hoops 3 on 3 stands as a testament to creative collaboration between Nintendo and Square. It’s not just another sports spin-off—it’s a unique, engaging, and thoroughly replayable experience that basketball enthusiasts and Mario fans alike will enjoy. If you’re looking for a portable game that combines fast-paced sports action with charming Mario flair, this title is a slam dunk.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10