While it's not deep, Mario Sports Mix is a great complation of sports at a great value.
Ok, let's start this with the sports:
Basketball: As I said before, Mario Hoops 3 on 3 wasn't that great. The Wii version is much, much better. It's rather similar to NBA Jam, EA's sweet arcade-style basketball game for Wii released late last year (based on the arcade hit). It's a regular game of basketball (with adjustable length of quarters played), so you can figure that out easily. It's one of the best sports because of its fast pace, sweet controls, and addictive multiplayer (don't be surprised if the guy your playing bumps you if you're losing). A lack of fundamental rules (like goaltending and regular fouls) are a little disappointing, but it intensifies the gameplay greatly. Dunks, layups, and three-pointers are pretty satisfying.
Hockey: This is the most fast paced sport. A coin replaces the normal rubber hockey puck, but everything else is there. Many points can be scored because of its fast pace meaning more than enough room for error if you're falling behind. Scuffles can break out, too, though they're father underwhelming. Goalies are mostly controlled by the computer, by you can make the shy guy dive with a press of a button. It's pretty fun addition, although could use some more involvement.
Dodgeball: The wildest, and craziest, sport out of all four. Throwing the ball at the opponents, and depleting their health until they can't throw no more, is the goal. It's a lot different than the other sports, but it's probably the most fun you can get out, with some really cool slow motion moves when you get a big hit. Its intense action and gameplay will definitely keep you busy.
Volleyball: This sport, I believe, is the most methodical part of the package, not to say it's bad. It has the most motion controls in the game, which work great. It's really slow-paced (that ball is slow) and its number of sets can't be adjusted, but it's a great sport, and can be a lot of fun with some practice and some friends.
Controls work pretty well, too. Explaining all of them at one time is really long, so I'll just leave it at that. The items in the game involve the usual Mario getup (bananas, green and red shells, and bom-ombs) that either help you win or keep you from winning. Coins will add your score in each sport (except dodgeball). These gimmicks can be found in item boxes or at random times depending on the stage you're playing. Speaking of stages, each one is different and has different elements on it that are described when deciding where to play. Characters also have different characteristics (All-Around, Speed, Power, Technical) fitting anyone's personality. It's the same gimmick from the other Mario sports games, and it never gets old.
Besides the sports, everything turns out a-okay. There are plenty of tournaments for each sport (24 including all difficulties as a matter of fact). The first half isn't too hard at all, however. You could expect that, though, since many Mario sports titles have pushover computer-powered players. As the tournaments go on they get tougher and tougher and can seem almost unbeatable at times. And it'll take some time to beat all 24 tournaments, so that'll keep you busy. Another mode involves four party party minigames. Throw fruit into Petey's mouth, knock players off a large, icey platform with hockey sticks, avoid bom-ombs and stay healthy, and even hit volleyballs of your color to the rhythm of the music. All four are fun (though short) games that stray away from the actual sports. Record books also keep track of your progress in each sport, which is another nice addition. Wi-fi is also available so you can take on anyone (or you registered friends) in any sport.
As for graphics, everything looks great (and slightly different because of Square's involvement).
The animations are nice and fluid, the stages are very well-designed and all of the characters look just fine. It can old at times, but it's a pretty game. The sound is also pretty good, too. Movement sound effects (especially in basketball and hockey) are very impressive and classic. Mario effects are still nice and smooth, but the music is nothing special. As a whole, the game is a fun mix of sports that don't have to be deep to be fun. It's great as it is (although it could be a lot better) and is worth $50. It will keep you quite busy for a long time.
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 8/10
Story: NA/10
Sound/Music: 8/10
Replay Value: 8.5/10
Fun: 9/10
Overall: 8/10
+ All four sports are a lot of fun
+ Some nice animations and graphics
+ Lot of content, you'll get more for your money.
+ Smart inclusion of Wi-fi
- The gameplay is not very deep
- AI big pushovers at times.
FINAL WORDS: Wario is such a fatty.