Mario Tennis - Strategy Guide (Page 01)
Below are the cheat codes, hints and help for Mario Tennis - Strategy Guide (Page 01).
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A FAQ written and created by Paul Schlabach, a.k.a. sndgarden69 on 8/22/00
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Thanks for checking out my FAQ. If you liked Mario Golf, play this game.
It features some of the same features that made it fun, and a better
multiplayer mode. This is my first FAQ, so don’t critique me too harshly.
Version History
8/22/00 V1.0-Created FAQ
8/24/00 V1.1-Created Title art and few minor corrections
8/25/00 V1.11-Fixed title art ‘cause of screwy spacing things
8/28/00 V1.2-Created players ranks and a team
8/31/00 V1.8-Added a few teams and courts and fixed small things
9/12/00 V2.2-Created numbered stats and teams and logos
10/2/00 V2.5-Added my logo and fixed minor things people have been
griping about
11/7/00 V2.6-Added a few doubles teams after a major break-mostly for
writing Fallout 2 FAQ
12/10/00 V2.99-Finished everything except whenever I find time to beat the
star tournaments to confirm max difficulty cheat
12/29/00 VFinal-Finished everything in this thing! I have freed myself
from the shackles of the beast!
Contents
I. Disclaimer
II. How to Contact Me
III. Modes of Play
IV. Court Design
V. Court Surfaces
VI. Controls
VII. Basic Strategies
VIII. Tournaments
IX. Bowser Stage Items
X. Original Characters
XI. Hidden Characters
XII. Good Doubles Teams
XIII. Ranking List
XIV. Cheats
XV. Special Thanks
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Disclaimer
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Do not attempt to copy or recreate this document for anything. So far this
FAQ has been posted on:
www.gamefaqs.com
www.cheatcc.com
www.gameadvice.com (linked from gamewinners.com)
www.gamingplanet.com
www.cheatplanet.com
www.cheatcity.com
www.gamecenter.com
www.mariotennisFAQ.homestead.com/index.html
If you see this on any other web sites, let me know, and it will be greatly
appreciated. This FAQ is copyright 2000 by Paul Schlabach.
How to Contact Me
Please e-mail your constructive criticism, corrections (yes, even I can be
wrong from time to time!) and/or suggestions to sndgarden69@hotmail.com. If
I include something from you in this FAQ, it will be noted at the bottom.
Please put a subject name on it and I will respond as fast as I can.
Also, I would like to present this one quote to you: ‘great guide it helped
me at this game when I rented it I liked it so much I am gonna buy the game
thanks 4 making such a wicked guide!’ (By the way, this was emailed to me
from PatG758@aol.com. Thanks!) I was just pointing that out because all
good emails that aren’t about corrections or problems should be like that.
Time for the FAQ!
*************
Modes of Play
*************
There are a couple different modes of play in Mario Tennis, all of which I
will explain.
Singles Matches- A one on one match between you and your opponent.
Doubles Matches- A two on two match between 2 teams of players.
Tournaments- There are three tournaments available when you start the game.
You proceed through the rankings, in either doubles or singles matches. If
you win, you get a trophy and move on to the next highest tournament.
Piranha Challenge- Several piranha plants spit balls at you and you must hit
them past your rival more often than the plants spit them past you.
Ring Shot- While volleying with your opponent, you must hit the ball through
target rings and win the point to get credit for the rings.
Bowser Stage- While playing on Bowser’s court, aim for the power-up boxes
which can be used by hitting R. These items can stun your opponent, which
usually wins a point. However, the court also tips where the most weight is
located, so don’t run too far.
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Court Design
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4 4
NOTE: Numbers represent the line above them except 3,5, and 6 which all have
an arrow
1-Service return line
Don’t go past this before the opponent’s serve gets returned, or they get
the point. Behind these lines is what is known as the backcourt.
2-Net
Hit it over this every time. If you hit the net when serving, it’s known
as a fault unless it dribbles onto your opponents court in which case it’s a
let, which has no penalty. After two faults, your opponent wins the point.
3-Center Line
This line represents the center of the court. Stay at the T of the
service return line and center line while waiting for a return unless you’re
rushing the net.
4-Serving Line
You have to serve from behind this line. Also, if you hit past this line,
it is out of play and your opponent gets the point.
5-Baseline
Alternate hitting to these to keep your opponent on the run, but if you
hit it over them, it is also out in singles play.
6-Sideline
When playing a doubles match, this is out from side to side.
**************
Court Surfaces
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There are many different court surfaces in Mario Tennis, offering a great
variety of gameplay. These courts are rated by the ball speed and amount of
bounce on each court. Try to use a slice on a weak bounce court, as it will
hardly bounce at all, while you should try to use a topspin on a strong
bounce court to force your foe to hurry a shot.
Open Ball Speed Normal
Bounce Strong
This is the most neutral court you’ll play on, it is only available for
special matches.
Hard Ball Speed Normal
Bounce Strong
The surface used in the Mushroom Cup, this court has a higher bounce than
most courts. This court favors all-around players.
Clay Ball Speed Slow
Bounce Weak
The surface used in the Flower Cup, the clay court favors technique players
with a shallow bounce and a slower ball speed.
Grass Ball Speed Fast
Bounce Weak
The surface used in the Star Cup, this is Mario Tennis’ Wimbledon. This
court will slightly favor power players.
Composition Ball Speed Fastest
Bounce Normal
This surface is not available in any tournament. The ball speed being so
high, technique players will have a field day.
Mario Brothers Court Ball Speed Fast
Bounce Weak
A grass court with Mario and Luigi on it, the Mario Brothers Court will
slightly favor the famous plumber brothers themselves.
Donkey Kong Court Ball Speed Fast
Bounce Strongest
This court favors apes like DK or other power players. Watch out for wide
shots, as they are harder than ever to return on this court.
Wario and Waluigi Court Ball Speed Slow
Bounce Strongest
This court benefits quicker and taller players like Waluigi and Peach.
Birdo and Yoshi Court Ball Speed Slow
Bounce Strong
Again, being a slow and bouncy court, it favors players such as Waluigi.
Mario and Luigi Court Ball Speed Fast
Bounce Normal
This court is great for a match against friends, with fast paced action
being the standard. Use all-around or power players to your advantage.
Baby Mario and Yoshi Court Ball Speed Fastest
Bounce Weak
Like the mascots themselves, this is a fast court with weak bounce, favoring
the speedy players who can get to mostly everything.
Pirahna Court Ball Speed Normal
Bounce Normal
Only available in Pirahna Plant Challenge, it serves to remind you of the
test you passed by getting a perfect.
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Controls
********
Alright, thankfully these controls are easy to learn and not numerous in
count, but also take a degree of talent to master.
A Topspin shot
B Slice
A, then B Lob
B, then A Drop Shot
A, then A Topspin power shot (orange trail)
B, then B Slice power shot (blue trail)
A or B, then A+B power smash (purple trail)
On the power shots, get in place and tap the button and you’ll start to
charge up your shot. When the ball comes to you hit the desired shot
combination and it will be powered up. However, placement comes before
power, so be careful.
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Basic Strategies
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Serving
When serving, you can serve it down the middle or ram it up the corner.
Hitting it to the corner almost guarantees a point when you send the return
to the opposite side. However, this is risky, as your serve may go out or
it will go right to the opponent and they’ll blast one down the line. By
hitting it to the middle, your going to be in for a longer volley than if
you hit wide. Basically, high risk, high return. There is one shot that
will almost guarantee you an ace, though. If you hit a power serve (A+B) at
the point of the T of the serving line and center line. This is the hardest
serve to accomplish, so it’s really up to you.
Baseline
Without baseline play, you won’t have a successful net game, and without a
net or baseline game, you’ll lose. If you stay in the center of the court
your opponent will have a hard time hitting it by you. Also, mix it up when
hitting to the baseline to keep your opponent guessing. Sometimes, it helps
to hit one right back at an opponent in the corner when they’ve been on the
run, because they’ll be scrambling to get to the other side of the court.
Net
If you’re at the net, you have a good chance to win the point, or you’re in
a defensive mode attempting to stay alive. There isn’t much strategy once
you get to the net, unless there is a star on your side of the net near the
net. Use an overhead smash (A+B) to bash it down. You must time the hit
right, or you’ll tap it in the net and the neighbors will wonder why you’re
yelling at your controller.
Serve Returning
You have to be able to react quickly when players like Bowser are bashing
serves at you at speeds up to 108 mph! Also Boo’s tricky serve will leave
you on your ass if you’re not careful, as he can steer it through the air.
This part is VERY important! DO NOT CHEAT! Do not take a step to the
middle if that’s where Bowser has been serving all game because chances are
he’ll serve it wide and ace you.
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Tournaments
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NORMAL TOURNAMENTS
Mushroom Cup
Court: Hard Court
Description: Way too easy. I certainly hope this is an easy one, as I’m
afraid I can’t help you if you can’t get past this tourney. My grandmother
can beat this one in her sleep.
Flower Cup
Court: Clay Court
Description: A bit tougher than Mushroom, Flower is still pretty easy.
Don’t be fooled when charging up shots as the clay court can force less
bounce and speed, throwing off your timing. Again, shouldn’t be a tough
one.
Star Cup
Court: Grass Court
Description: This is the toughest of the Normal Tournaments, this can be a
killer with the crappy players. For example, if you wish to proceed to the
Star Tournaments, this is where you may get stuck. The last one is
especially tough, as it will occasionally be Bowser, a pain in the ace
(That’s a pun, get it? It’s funny) anyways.
STAR TOURNAMENTS
Rainbow Cup
Court: Hard Court
Description: This is again an easy one. Much like the Mushroom Cup, but
with the Handicap/Star feature enabled. Hopefully, this will not be a
challenge to those who can reach the Star Tournaments.
Moonlight Cup
Court: Clay Court
Description: Be careful with the charging up again. Also, the second match
is a 3 set match as well as the final, I believe.
Planet Cup
Court: Grass Court
Description: The highly prestigous Planet Cup is coveted by all those who
obtain it. Or I think so, anyway. This is definitely the hardest Mario
Tennis tournament. The final match is a grueling five sets!
******************
Bowser Stage Items
******************
Much like in Mariokart games, items can be used in the Bowser stage to
hobble your opponents.
Banana
When a player steps on a banana peel, they will slip on their butts and be
stunned for 4-5 seconds. However, with my luck, they dodge through five
bananas and return everything I hit at them and then I’ll smoke it by them
and they’ll take out a couple even though they won’t get there.
Koopa Shell
Three green shells shoot out in three trajectories: straight ahead, and to
45 degrees to either side. They stun players for 4-5 seconds and are
stunningly easy to dodge.
Paratroopa Shell
The red shell curves toward its target and stuns them for the standard 4-5
seconds. These are also remarkably easy to dodge, althought the CPU
occasionally has problems with it.
Lightning
This bolt of lightning weakens everyone but you. This can be good or bad,
depending on the situation, as it also hurts you partner. Just be careful
when using this, and you’ll be okay.
Star
While you are glowing, your character will hit harder and more powerful
shots. This is a good thing and is probably one of the best items.
Mushroom
Supposedly this item speeds up your character for a short amount of time,
although a great speed increase is only evident in the chubby characters,
DK, Wario, and Bowser.
*******************
Original Characters
*******************
In this section, I will explain the character’s playing style, and
strategies to use when using the character or playing against the character.
I will also rate the players in different categories with 1 being the best
and 10 the worst. I will also attempt to recreate the logo on the players
racket.
Mario
Style: All-Around
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Like always, Mario is one of the well rounded characters in the game. Use
baseline shots to make your opponent mess up. When playing against Mario,
he usually won’t hit with much power, so rush the net and smash it in his
face.
Speed: 6
He’s not too slow but he often gets caught off balance.
Power: 4
His serve can get in triple digits, but he can’t power it past speedy
players.
Accuracy: 5
It’s hard to hit the baselines with Mario, and I hit it out more than with
most people.
Net play: 3
This is where Mario is better than the average player, so he can reach a
good amount of balls and hit it with respectable power.
Overall: 4
His net play is what boosts him slightly above average.
Wario
Style: Power
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As Mario’s stronger and chubbier other half, Wario has the strength but not
the speed. If you can anticipate shots, then truck Wario into position and
charge for a power shot, but always return to the center ‘T’ of the court.
Watch Wario cheating to one side or the other and blast a shot to the other
side of the court to smoke it by him.
Speed: 8
Obviously, Wario isn’t speedy, because he is a power player.
Power: 2
Now, I’m not the master at getting high speed serves, but I’ve got Wario’s
serves up to 108 mph, second only to Bowser.
Accuracy: 3
Wario is a good baseline player, but doesn’t have the speed necessary to be
the best.
Net play: 5
Obviously, the power gives Wario and advantage in this category, however, it
takes a while to actually GET to the net, so use caution.
Overall: 3
Wario’s a good baseline hitter and a great power player, however he is not
the best in either category.
Luigi
Style: All-Around
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Of course he’s practically the same as Mario, with their being brothers and
all, although he has a bit more of a reach and a tad slower. However, since
he is good at everything, he is a good beginners choice and easy to win
with. Just keep your foes on their toes and they’ll eventually be worn down
to the point where they hit a crappy shot. However, he can also be a very
challenging opponent, so choose your strong shots wisely.
Speed: 5
Luigi is just as speedy as Mario, but he has better balance, so he can get
to more. Plus he has a reach advantange.
Power: 5
Not the most powerful, but just a smidge less than Mario.
Accuracy: 4
Luigi isn’t bad at anything, nor is he great at anything.
Net play: 4
Decent reach gives Luigi an okay net game.
Overall: 4
Sensing a recurring theme with Luigi? Again, not the worst nor the best.
Waluigi
Style: Technique
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The newest addition to the Mario family is Waluigi, Luigi’s evil cousin.
Because of his long reach, technical skills, and his speed, he is one of my
favorite characters. When using him, force the baseline shots and rush the
net. With Waluigi’s long reach, it’s easy to smash one down the opposing
player’s throat. Speed is of the essence when playing against Waluigi. The
key to beating him is keeping him away from the net, so use your character’s
strong suit.
Speed: 3
Waluigi isn’t the speediest character, but one of the fastest technique
players, and also he has a great reach.
Power: 9
Waluigi is definitely NOT powerful, but if you rush the net, it isn’t a
problem. However, I have heard from flawless73@hotmail.com that Waluigi can
serve up to speeds of 117 (Perhaps this was in Star Mode)! I have only
gotten it up to like 101, so it goes to show how much I suck at serving.
Accuracy: 2
Waluigi IS a technique player, and does not lack in this category.
Net play: 1
Definitely the best net player in the game, rush the net ALWAYS!!!
Overall: 2
Awesome accuracy, net play, and better than average speed, lack of power is
what holds Waluigi down from being rated a one.
Peach
Style: Technique
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Peach is better than you might think in this game. With good speed, decent
power, and good net play, she rocks the party. Head for the net, because
not much will get by Peach. This also means she is a challenging opponent.
She lacks the aggressiveness most players have, though, so counter with a
lob if she pins you in the corners.
Speed: 3
Peach is another speedy technique player.
Power: 9
Peach is very lacking in the power department.
Accuracy: 1
Peach can rock the baselines like you wouldn’t believe.
Net play: 6
She can get to the net, but doesn’t have enough power to get it by most
people.
Overall: 4
Peach is great if you’re a baseline maniac, however, if you’re not, don’t
use her unless forced.
Toad
Style: Technique
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Finally, Toad is playable again! Anyway, Toad’s serve is better than most
technique players, so use that to your advantage. Toad is easily taken care
of with plenty of topspin shots and a rush to the net. One kiss from the
net and this Toad will dead in the water.
Speed: 5
Not fast, not slow is a perfect description of Toad.
Power: 4
Pretty average, but a much better serve than other technique players.
Accuracy: 4
Being a technique player, Toad is accurate, but not as much as other
technique players.
Net play: 7
Lack of reach keeps Toad from being good at the net.
Overall: 6
Don’t like him much, but he’s decent.
Baby Mario
Style: Speed
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Thanks to a convenient rip in the fabric of time and space, Baby Mario can
actually be on the same court as Mario. Baby Mario is a speed demon, and he
is one of the few characters who can play well between the baseline and the
net. With this advantage, you can easily out-hit your opponents with quick
returns. Thankfully, he has weaknesses, and they are his reach and stature.
A cross-court lob should rock this baby to sleep.
Speed: 2
Holy cow Baby Mario is fast. However, on a grass court, Yoshi is faster, so
no number one for him.
Power: 4
Speed players are consistently lacking in this department, and Baby Mario is
no exception. However, if you are perceptive, he is more powerful than DK
Jr., who is a power player. Hmmm... how fishy
Accuracy: 4
Baby Mario is rather accurate, although he is by far not the best.
Net play: 6
Baby Mario has NO reach, yet has developed jumping skills rather early in
life. However, Baby Mario is better suited to wait for a star and charge up
behind it rather than rushing the net.
Overall: 3
My appreciation for Baby Mario rapidly increases. The only major problem I
have with him is in Star mode he will consistently serve faults by not
getting it over the net.
Daisy
Style: Technique
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Who the hell is Daisy, you ask? Well, she is Luigi’s mixed doubles partner
and the damsel in distress in Super Mario Land (Thanks MAR10@aol.com). She
also makes a partner comparable to Peach, so follow the strategies to take
out the trash. Her reach is shorter than most characters, so it is
relatively easy to hit one past her, though.
Speed: 3
Rather speedy, but not the best.
Power: 6
Daisy is the best technique player with power, but that’s still not saying
much.
Accuracy: 2
Daisy is second only to Peach in accuracy.
Net play: 2
Second only to Waluigi, Daisy is speedy enough to get to the net in time to
hit it hard.
Overall: 3
Daisy is one of the better players, being in higher than average in almost
everything.
Yoshi
Style: Speed
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Yoshi has speed like no other when playing on grass. He lacks in the power
department, though, so make sure your hits count. To get Yoshi to bite the
big one, get him going back and forth and he will eventually commit to the
net. Give him a lob or topspin shot to take him out.
Speed: 1
On grass courts, Yoshi is the fastest, bar none.
Power: 8
Yoshi cannot hit it with any type of velocity at all.
Accuracy: 3
He can hit the baselines with regularity, but not the extreme baseline shots
like Peach.
Net play: 7
Generally speaking, Yoshi is good at the net because he can get there fast,
but I usually go to far and miss completely. Also he has and extreme lack
of power.
Overall: 4
Yoshi’s good, but not powerful enough to get it by opponents. However, his
speed helps him get to most shots.
Birdo
Style: Speed
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Speedy dinosaurs must be the rage at tennis courts, because their ranks have
doubled from previous games. As with all speedy characters, chase down
every ball, and opponents will start to get sloppy. Once Birdo gives you a
lollipop serve, smash it down the opposite line. Once she gets to that, you
should have time to get to the net and slap it to the court.
Speed: 2
Obviously, there are a few speedy players, and Birdo is more of the same.
Power: 7
Slightly more powerful than Yoshi, Birdo still is no good with power.
Accuracy: 3
Birdo is quite accurate, but doesn’t hit it hard enough to be effective.
Net play: 4
Can get to the net in a hurry, but won’t do much when she gets there.
Overall: 5
Birdo is just not good for me. Speed, but no power, like the rest of them.
Bowser
Style: Power
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Bowser packs quite the wallop, but is somewhat slow, so you’ll have to
anticipate shot placement. Once he gets set, charge up, and smash it back
over the net. Just stay in the center of the court when playing Bowser, and
wait for his first mediocre shot to blast it by him.
Speed: 10
Bowser is the slowest guy in the game and it shows.
Power: 1
Bowser is also the most powerful player, so it balances out. I’m not the
best server ever, but I’ve gotten his up to 109 mph!
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