GAME OF THE WEEK:MARIO SPORTS MIX, 3 cert, Square Enix, Wii ****

Mario Sports Mix is a contrary beast. There are lots of reasons why you shouldnt like it, yet you do. The game covers four sports: volleyball, hockey, dodgeball and street basketball. Each of these has three tournaments, and can be played as single or multiplayer games on a number of courts that draw inspiration from various Mario worlds.

Sports Mix has some areas that could stand for a little improvement. The AI is a little on the goofy side, which can make the game too easy at times.

Overall it’s a simple, easy- to-pick-up game that doesnt require a massive learning curve or huge investment of time, which are both plus and minus points. At times it can be a little too simple and flat, but depending on the sport you’re playing, the use of the motion controllers can add a little more to the gameplay, instead of mindless button pushing.

But it’s the multiplayer option that really makes it worth having. Once you go head-to-head against real human players, the game becomes more challenging, as your opponents are less likely to make the same ludicrous mistakes that the AI is prone to at times. It’s also about five times more fun. And that’s really what the Wii does best as a platform – makes gaming more social and fun. It’s a great party game.

The graphics are also what youd expect from Mario titles: slick and colourful. And while the different courts make little sense, they never really impact on the game much; they’re just pretty window dressing.

Mario Sports Mix is not one of the best offerings from everyone’s favourite plumber, but the multiplayer element certainly makes up for many of its shortcomings and makes it far more appealing.