Forehand smashing its way onto the Gamecube is Camelot Software Planning’s sequel to its cherished Nintendo 64 little brother. With new game modes, characters - yet still retaining its simple gameplay blueprint - Mario Power Tennis serves a beautiful ace.

The controls are so extremely simple that anyone from an expert gamer to someone who hasn’t picked up a joypad in their lives can mimic Roger Federer from the outset, and definitely achieves Nintendo’s goal of accessibility to all. All the shots that your Wimbledon heroes perform are at your disposal in the game, all executable with simple actions. The “A” button performs a simple Topspin shot, a Slice shot by pressing the “B” button. More intricate shots like Drop shots or Lobs are also tucked away in the game by a straightforward combo system of “A then B” for a Lob shot or “B then A” for a Drop shot. Power shots have also been implemented in an uncomplicated fashion, by just pressing the “X” or “Y” button to do one of the two hilarious moves. Nintendo and Camelot have to be congratulated on executing such an approachable control system, so anyone can have fun instantly.

All your favourite characters from the Mushroom Kingdom are in the game: Mario, Luigi, Wario, Yoshi, Bowser, Donkey Kong and Peach, with many more up for selection. Nintendo and Camelot definitely know that plastering characters in any title will boost sales and the vast quantity of characters in Mario Power Tennis is representative of this ethic. To add more substance to the gameplay, each of the characters have their own personalities out on the court, from Bowser’s intimidating power to Mario’s all rounder abilities. As you travel through the game’s Tournament mode, knowing your opponents’ strengths and weaknesses on any given court type can be a huge asset.

The latest addition to the gameplay is the introduction of the afore-mentioned Power Shots. For each character there are two types of Power Shot: the offensive and defensive shot. During a match, the players’ rackets will glow brightly, if the player holds down the R button and either the A or B button, a comical cut scene will be activated and, according to which type of shot you used, will reveal a different cut scene. For example, Koopa Trooper’s defensive Power Shot will see him jump into his shell and twirl around in a big 360 to make an impossible return.

Unfortunately, the Power Shots occur far to frequently eliminating any strategic implementation. There’s no need to hold onto your stored ability, retaining it just in case your opponent unleashes their Power Shot, as you know another will be available four or five shots later. Another fault of the Power Shots are the cut scenes that accompany them - they spoil the flow of the game, especially if you’re in a long set. Seeing the same cut scene every thirty seconds drives you insane by the end of the rally.

Mario Power Tennis has bags of single player matches to compete in, from your typical Exhibition mode to the bulk of the single player action within the Tournament mode. This is further split into two categories: the standard court mode and the gimmick court mode. If that wasn’t enough for you they’ve packed more action in with the addition of the Special games mode.

The difficulty level within each match is very erratic. During the early stages, you can beat an opponent within a few strokes; during the latter matches, the difficulty is almost impossible. It’s very strange and bewildering that the difficulty varies so much, unlike other games where progression is more regimented.

Mario Power Tennis, offers gamers the chance to play on specially designed “Gimmick” courts, that propel you into a tiny snapshot of various Nintendo games, there’s a wide variety of Gimmick courts from, Luigi’s Mansion, Delfino Plaza, Donkey Kong Jungle and many more. Each one of the courts is designed to look exactly like their full game counterparts. The courts are on a completely different tangent to the main game of tennis, but come as a welcome break from the main game. The courts are bursting with character and many are extremely fun to play on.

The mini games available are, on the whole, entertaining experiences, although some are clearly superior to others. The “Artist on the Court” game sees you having to smash balls of paint onto the wall, to colour in sections of a painting. These games are designed to be played for a quick fix of something different: any long time spent playing them will leave a sour taste in your mouth as they’re quite superficial and basic.

Camelot Software Planning have done a fabulous job conveying the Mario universe with this title. The models in motion move exceptionally well, and the characters are brought to life in a striking, cartoon-like fashion. As with most titles the crowds could use some work, as the all-too-common flat and repeated animated model has found its way into the stunning Peach Dome. This is a shame as the Tournament and Gimmick arenas are pleasing on the eye.

After getting all excited over the brilliant visuals of the game, Camelot Software Planning have given gamers an anti climax in the sound department. The music is average at best; there’s not one memorable track in Mario Power Tennis, and the tracks aren’t going to win a Mercury music award for production implementation either. Although hats off to the sound department for the characters’ one liners, which are amusing (especially Wario’s moans and groans).

Mario Power Tennis improves on the N64 version, and with its vast array of courts and characters you’ll instantly have fun with this title. It encapsulates everything Nintendo, a mixture of charming and non-offensive gameplay that leaves you with a big smile on your face, and the environments and characters are beautifully depicted, enhancing the experience. Of course it’s got its niggling faults but you’ll over look them once you jump onto the court on your own or (particularly) with some friends.