When Nintendo released the original Mario Tennis for the N64 a few years back, the company complimented that game with a handheld tennis title for the Game Boy Color. Also starring Mario and a full cast of Nintendo characters, this portable game differed from the console version by not only being a sports title, but also a (believe it or not) RPG.

The GameCube has already seen the release of Mario Power Tennis, so it's only natural that a new game comes to the GBA as well. Mario Tennis Power Tour serves as a direct sequel to the original handheld RPG, with a new quest to rise up the ranks and become a tennis champion.

During the RPG mode (the titular Power Tour), you don't actually control a character from the Mario universe. Instead, you become a relatively nondescript boy or girl and being your career at the tennis academy. Your adventure begins with several training missions where you are taught the skills of the sport by various people scattered around the campus. You can strike up conversations with other characters along the way and challenge them to matches. Just be sure to note your opponent's skill level - it's not wise to take on someone who is much more advanced than you.


By slowly working your way up the tennis ladder, you improve your character's abilities. You will be able to run faster and control your shots better. The skills you learn will serve you well in the Exhibition Mode, where you can take control of the Mario universe characters (as well as the Power Tour kids) in a singles or doubles match. The characters available from the start are Mario, Luigi, Peach, Donkey Kong, Waluigi, and Bowser. Nothing has been confirmed, but we wouldn't be surprised if there were some hidden characters.

If you want to boost your skills even more, there are wide variety of mini-games to unlock that teach you even more about the intricacies of the gameplay. One area that you'll definitely want to master is the power shot, which is an extremely strong shot that was featured in the GameCube Power Tennis title. These shots are accompanies by special character animation and if your opponent gets lucky and is able to return it, it'll take them a minute to recover from it.

In addition to the extensive single player mode, you can also play multiplayer matches with up to four people. This can be done via the Game Link cable, of course, but the game also supports the GBA's wireless adapter. This feature alone is enough to get our attention, and the full-on RPG mode is an outstanding bonus.