Mario Tennis Aces launched yesterday, and some of those who were excited enough to buy the game day one or even preorder it (I'll admit I was tempted to) are getting upset that the game does not allow players to play with actual tennis scoring rules. In real life tennis, you play sets until one of you wins at least 6 sets with a lead of 2, but in MTA it works a bit different. you dont need to win 6 sets, you just need to be ahead of the other player by 2, meaning it could be over in as little as 2 matches, or with a tiebreaker round, a maximum of 5. A select few have gone to lengths to try and get Nintendo to refund the game (they said no of course) and I think its a bit ridiculous. So now Im just going to address all the negative criticism the game has received in not even 24 hours.
"Previous Mario Tennis games have allowed players to change the number of sets needed to win"
fair point
"This makes the game far shorter than regular tennis matches, which eliminates some of the strategy" Direct quote: "It erases the incredible comeback victories you can have after being down 90% of the match"
I havent picked up the full game yet but from what Ive played of the Online Tournament Demo, its a good thing that these matches are shortened. If someone is skilled enough to wipe the floor with me and send me packing in just 8 shots, I would honestly prefer not to have to play 6 games with them in a row and move on to someone I can actual have a fair match against. also vice-versa, i dont want to waste my time with a new player who couldnt bother to even skim the instructions for any longer than i have to.
"the game is not sold as advertised. imagine buying an NFL game with matches that only lasted a few minutes"
im not going to tell you to go play an actual tennis video game, because unless youre able to dig up an old Wii and play Wii Sports, im pretty sure there are none. but this isnt just "tennis" its "Mario Tennis Aces" meaning of course there is going to be some deviation from the real thing. you cant compare it to an actual sports game which goes to lengths to simulate the exact game its based on
overall, there are definitely some fair criticisms people can make about this game. i know i personally ripped into this game during the demo but now im looking forward to picking it up. so i'll leave it off at this - dont buy this game expecting tennis. expect a fast-paced, highly-strategic, competitive arcade-style action game with a significant skill curve
