Mario Tennis Ultra Smash Has Online Multiplayer After All
When Nintendo dropped the Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash release date, there was some worry about the seemingly lack of online multiplayer in a title that seemed ready-made for such a feature. Fortunately, Nintendo has quelled those rumors with a news release today revealing several excellent featured tied to the game, along with some characters we can expect to see.
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash has four game modes, described by Nintendo’s press release as follows:
"Knockout Challenge: Tiebreak matches against increasingly difficult AI opponents.Mega Battle: Grabbing a Mega Mushroom increases the size of your character, giving them more power and a better range.Classic Tennis: A traditional mode where you can choose whether to allow Chance Shots, Jump Shots and power-ups.Online Multiplayer: Go online for Mega Battle, Classic Tennis, or casual matches. Two players on the same console can team up online, or you can use a supported amiibo as a partner."
Two players being able to team up to play online is one of the best things about this, perhaps, after Splatoon did not allow such teamwork. Online Multiplayer is divided into Casual and Ranked Play, too, so you can play for fun or prove your skill against opponents worldwide. You can also tap an amiibo to play beside you in online doubles, or in Knockout Challenge. Experience in matches is saved to your amiibo, and it will become a better player as a result (similar to Super Smash Bros). Currently only a few amiibo are compatible, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, Yoshi, Yarn Yoshi, Rosalina, Wario, Toad, and Donkey Kong.
Familiar faces such as Mario, Peach, and Bowser will be joined on the court by Luigi, Waluigi, Boo, Rosalina, Daisy, and several more. The characters will be able to use several new moves to their advantage, such as the Ultra Smash, allowing a character to jump up high and smash the ball mightily at the opposing team.
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash releases on November 20 for the Wii U. For the first four weeks of its release you will receive a download code for Mario Tennis (N64) on Virtual Console, just for purchasing Ultra Smash. In the meantime, check out our preview of the game.
Source: IGN