Mario Hoops 3 on 3 has had so much hype that we were ready for a game full of more fun than a circus. But from the sound of it, all we got were peanuts.
Having played the game ourselves, we see where the review is coming from and we are 100% catching what they are throwing -- something Mario and his pals seem to fail at.
The review basically states that the controls are good in theory, but iffy on paper. Stealing is difficult and passing is okay, when it works. Your teammates are pretty much useless. They never try to steal or use items to help you out. They are especially difficult to work with against perfect AI on harder levels.
Good luck on unlocking all your favorite Final Fantasy characters. The levels are difficult and your opponents ruthless. While it sounds like a challenge, it lacks an important element -- fun. Mario Hoops 3 on 3 received a 6 out of 10 -- a passable grade and rightful score for an average sports title.
Check out the rest of the review to see what else 1up found wrong with the game. Or, pipe up and let us know that we and everyone else is completely wrong (we know you like doing that anyway) and Mario Hoops is zomg teh best game evah kthxbye!
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Another 
The pre-launch extravaganza for Mario Hoops: 3 on 3 continues with the latest video update centering around another simian slam-dunker in Dixie. The video, which shows Dixie's Barrel Drop maneuver, allows us to enjoy the carnage resulting from the massive alley-oop as Dixie sits atop the giant wooden barrel, blasting the ball to Peach, who then rocks the rim with the kind of authority that could put Shaq to shame.
Nintendo has realized that 
The Japanese web site for Mario Hoops: 3 on 3 has put up some videos depicting various characters laying the smack down with their specialized shots. The available videos of Mario, Luigi, Peach, Wario, and Diddy Kong getting nasty on the court may take a bit to load, but they are very much worth the wait.
We already know of the 
A French gaming site recently posted some new screens which show off some of the game's courts, along with other "hoopers" in action. One screen shows Luigi rocking the rim, while taking time to bathe in the shower of coins that follow such a vicious dunk. Courts present are the mansion from Luigi's solo effort Luigi's Mansion, the Boo house from Mario 64, and an icey rink.
Siliconera has a nice breakdown on how the touchscreen-exclusive controls will work on the DS. By tapping on the screen, you'll be able to make Mario dribble, with the faster you tap naturally causing him to up the speed of his dribble. While in possession of the ball, swiping the stylus across the touchscreen in the direction of the basket will cause Mario (or whichever subsequent character is holding the ball) to shoot the ball. On the opposite side of the ball, swiping the stylus across the touchscreen in the direction of your opponent will cause your character to attempt a steal on the ball.
