Mario Hoops 3-on-3

A slam dunk for the DS

Released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS, Mario Hoops 3-on-3 brought arcade-style basketball to the Mario universe with a unique control scheme that took full advantage of the touchscreen. Developed by Square Enix in collaboration with Nintendo, the game blended fast-paced sports action with classic Mario charm, featuring a roster of Mushroom Kingdom favourites alongside some unexpected guest characters.

Touchscreen-driven gameplay

Unlike traditional basketball games, Mario Hoops 3-on-3 had players dribbling, passing, and shooting by tapping and swiping the DS touchscreen. This control scheme made for a unique and engaging experience, allowing for smooth, stylised moves and power shots. Each character also had their own special ability, adding a layer of strategy to the game.

A crossover with Final Fantasy

One of the game’s biggest surprises was the inclusion of characters from Final Fantasy, a rare crossover in a Mario sports title. Players could unlock characters like Ninja, Black Mage, and Moogle, making for an unusual but fun mix of franchises. The courts also featured classic Mario elements, from question blocks to banana peels, keeping the gameplay lively and unpredictable.

A fast-paced Mario sports classic

While it never received a direct sequel, Mario Hoops 3-on-3 remains a unique entry in the Mario sports lineup. Its touchscreen mechanics made it stand out from other basketball games, and its mix of Mario and Final Fantasy characters gave it a distinct identity. For DS owners looking for an arcade-style sports game with a Nintendo twist, this was an easy slam dunk.

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