Mario Hoops: 3 on 3

 DS
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 40
  3. Negative: 1 out of 40
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  1. GameBrink
    95
    With hours and hours of gameplay in the tournament mode alone this is worth a purchase. Then you add on tons of unlockables including Final Fantasy characters and different basketballs and you've got a instant purchase. Oh yeah then you add on the extra mini-games, the WiFi Basketball, and the WiFi Mario Kart-esque game and you've got a no-brainer must have game of the summer. [JPN Import]
  2. Games Master UK
    83
    Unlike normal basketball, even a massive lead can be reversed in the dying seconds - and losing possession at the wrong moment can make a huge difference. Good work, Mazza. [Oct 2006, p.68]
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  3. PGNx Media
    83
    It takes a fun and lighthearted approach to the game. If you plan on playing multiplayer or for some reason really enjoy the Mario brand of sports, Mario Hoops will not disappoint.
  5. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    82
    A fun Mario sports title and the best looking game on the DS. [Dec 2006, p.80]
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  6. NintendoWorldReport
    80
    Mario Hoops is an innovative adaptation of the sport, and the multiplayer is worth trying, even with just two players.
  7. GamePro
    80
    With its light-hearted gameplay and silly graphics, Mario Hoops probably won't win over a diehard basketball fan but it's entertaining enough to keep most gamers glued to the on-court action. Nintendo definitely shoots and scores with this one.
  8. GameSpy
    80
    It's a brilliant-looking game, developed by the artists at Square Enix, and it's great fun to boot. Just be ready for something quite different from the NBA.
  9. Extreme Gamer
    80
    A fun take on basketball which proudly makes use of the Nintendo DS's best feature, the touch screen.
  10. My Gamer
    80
    The game is fun and has lots of replay value. The difficulty keeps it from getting old after a week. Though it could benefit from some more modes of play like other Mario sports games have.
  11. Da Gameboyz
    79
    Although the control is quite innovative the overall gameplay just manages to make it over that average mark.
  12. Console Gameworld
    75
    If you got some competition in your area, you might want to look into getting a copy of Mario Hoops because the game is tailor made for multiplayer. If not, stick with a rental.
  13. Nintendo Power
    75
    With enough practice against human opponents under your belt, you may eventually find play against the AI opponents to be more manageable. [Nov. 2006, p.85]
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  14. Armchair Empire
    75
    Each game barely lasts more than five minutes, making it an ideal pick-up-and-play game, and the arcade feel is likely to impress even sports games haters.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best DS Game of 2006
14
#14 Most Discussed DS Game of 2006
19
#19 Most Shared DS Game of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 65 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 65
  3. Negative: 5 out of 65
  1. Beastprogamer
    Mar 3, 2015
    5
    This game is okay, but the graphics look bad compared to Mario Sports Mix but nice for the DS. I know because I have a broken DS Lite orThis game is okay, but the graphics look bad compared to Mario Sports Mix but nice for the DS. I know because I have a broken DS Lite or dead,DSi,and a 3DS. The DS is the oldest in these 3.… Full Review »
  2. SuperRater
    Dec 17, 2009
    9
    This game is fairly fun. With many different unlockables and super attacks this is a truely fun basketball game. The online aspect of the This game is fairly fun. With many different unlockables and super attacks this is a truely fun basketball game. The online aspect of the game isn't to bad either. The only problem with this game is it doesn't gave enough playable modes. Just some exibition games, tournaments, and a few minigames made this game fun, but it didn't make it awsome. This game is defenitally worth buying if you like a game where you jump around and dunk a lot.… Full Review »
  3. HarryH.
    Oct 10, 2007
    9
    The game is well produced and innovative. also loads of fun.
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