One of the most impressive facets of this game is how varied the characters are. There are six basic character types: all-around, technique, power, speed, defense, and tricky. Each type feels distinct and even characters of the same type have subtle differences to further differentiate them. Each character has unique power shots as well. Offensive power shots range from powerful blasts that immobilize your opponent for a few seconds to electrified lobs to shots with wicked curves. Defensive shots range from a flower-powered dive across the court to a lovely swim to faraway balls to summoning a spear that reaches any ball. When you put it all together, you have a broad cast of characters, each of whom offers a different feel.

On a purely personal note, I'm a bit annoyed at Mario Power Tennis' version of Shy Guy. He was my main man in Mario Tennis 64. My lefty Shy Guy was simply unstoppable. Although this iteration of Shy Guy has a nice defensive power shot, I absolutely can't stand his stupid electrified lob -- a pitiful excuse for an offensive power shot. Sure it comes in handy during doubles matches, but it's not very good in a singles match. I was so put off by Shy Guy's offensive power shot that I had to find a new character and was dismayed when I discovered that Daisy is the character best suited to my playing style. Oy.

It's hammer time with Mario.
If you're going solo, Mario Power Tennis is a very good game. You can choose from exhibition matches, singles tournaments, doubles tournaments, and mini-games. The default difficulty level is a bit too forgiving, but there are more challenging levels to enjoy, including one unlockable level. As you progress, you'll unlock secret players, additional courts, additional modes, more tournaments, and more mini-games. At first, it might not seem like there's a lot of content but you'll playing at least 15 to 20 hours if you want to unlock everything in the game and win all the tournaments.

The only quibbles I had with the game's single-player offerings were in regards to doubles partner AI and the mini-games. Your computer-controlled partner in doubles matches hogs the ball at net way too much, often getting in bad positions and places a doubles player should not go. It's unusual because the opponent AI in singles is pretty good, particularly at the higher difficulty levels. I wasn't too big on the mini-games, but I can see the appeal; though they didn't work for me, I acknowledge the variety they add to the game.

Multiplayer is where the game really shines. Playing with one to three of your friends is an absolute blast. Mixing and matching the different players, courts, and mini-games gives you and your pals an almost limitless permutation of tennis fun. The game is very good on its own, but it excels when you bring friends into the mix.

Though Mario Power Tennis is quite different from the previous version, it's a superior product in almost every way. It's based on excellent gameplay mechanics that are taken in really interesting directions through gimmick courts. Mastering each player will take dozens and dozens of hours. Multiplayer games are a total riot. Though it doesn't look or sound as good as other games on the market, there's no denying the sheer amount of fun this game offers … even if Camelot ruined Shy Guy for me.