Mario Hoops: 3 on 3

 DS
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
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  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 or dead,DSi,and a 3DS. The DS is the oldest in these 3.
  2. DrewF.
    Oct 11, 2006
    7
    Solid title that would have REALLY benefited from WiFi. I mean, this game is TAILORMADE for online multiplayer. It's a sin that it doesn't have it, and lowers the score by a full 2 points. Hoops is simply not long enough to warrant a purchase as-is.
  3. DeVr33z
    Dec 24, 2010
    7
    It's pretty fun, but no Wi-Fi connection feels like a missed opportunity. Also, it can be frustratingly difficult to beat the higher level tourneys. Still a pretty fun basketball game though.
  4. ashketchum
    Jul 30, 2017
    6
    Mario Hoops: 3 on 3 is a game that looks great at first glance. It has a lot of colorful stages, that give great variety in stage designs, though they are all essentially the same. There is a lot of characters to choose from, some even from the Final Fantasy series, which is a nice touch, as it allows for different ways to play games. This can be done as each character has a unique specialMario Hoops: 3 on 3 is a game that looks great at first glance. It has a lot of colorful stages, that give great variety in stage designs, though they are all essentially the same. There is a lot of characters to choose from, some even from the Final Fantasy series, which is a nice touch, as it allows for different ways to play games. This can be done as each character has a unique special move shot, which somewhat reflects their traits in the other games. This allows the game to feel a lot less boring than it is, due to it's extremely repetitive gameplay. Later on, though, the execution of the special shots feels tedious, as some take a while to complete, even though they are required on higher difficulties. Also, the game's difficulty is unbalanced. The CPU characters are generally overpowered, and this can lead to frustrating gameplay. And though the game does well in partly making up for it's repetitive gameplay, it can't cover up all of it. All in all, though, it is a good game that performs well, espescially for a spin-off sports game.… Expand
  5. MarioBrax
    Nov 18, 2017
    7
    Decent game. Multiplayer is fun, Final Fantasy characters are playable, and the art-style is neat. It's not great, but it's certainly fun for fans of both basketball and Mario.
  6. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 5, 2023
    5
    AKA Mario Slam Basketball. An attempt to do for basketball what Mario Kart did for racing but it's all a little too simplistic for veteran gamers. Younger players might get some kicks out of the multiplayer mode but as a solo game it gets old fast.

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  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]
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  2. NintendoWorldReport
    80
    Mario Hoops is an innovative adaptation of the sport, and the multiplayer is worth trying, even with just two players.
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  3. 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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